I disagree with Tom Siebel about information technology

Here's what Tom Siebel just told the BBC.

"I think Silicon Valley has been toppled from its pedestal. I think information technology is much less important in the global picture today than it was even 10-20 years ago. ... I think the areas where people will be making a difference and making important social and economic contributions will be in the area of energy and bio-engineering. While there will be contributions in bio-technology and bio-engineering and energy technology that will come out of the valley, I do not believe it will have the type of global leadership position in those areas that it did in information technology."

I'm no apologist for Silicon Valley.  I'm here because all things technology -- info, bio, nano, energy -- whatever iteration one could name -- are present here.  And despite all the wacky business ideas that get funded and the inept business models around excellent ideas that get funded, all roads still lead to this modern-day Roman empire.

However.  This Rome is not burning, even with all the Neros we have trying to make it happen.  I see no need for current and past leaders to announce the end of a particular aspect of the technology revolution.  Even though technology is now the major force in bioengineering and renewable energy, we are still at the very beginning of what the world can do with information technology.

I understand that Mr Siebel is trying to make a point about the critical importance of technology for improving human health and protecting the environment.  He's invested in those interests because they are the right thing to do and because there's money to be made.  The technology is nascent.  Information technology still is, too, I believe.  It's evolving so quickly that exclusive innovations or applications are never the final curtain.  The real value of the information technology revolution is that it continues lead to reinvention and reapplication of existing standards that the inventors' brains could not have begun to predict.

So, Mr Siebel, there is much more to be done with the information technology revolution you helped to spawn.  Who knows.  Maybe you'll even find a reason to return to it one day. 

Comments

[Michele Ursino]

Well said. I agree 100% with you.

[Elias Bizannes]

Right on Mary - and it's why I am giving up my perfect life in Sydney to move to the Valley.

If I am willing to bet my life and future on it, then that has to say something. Of course, I could be outright stupid as well :)

[Sylvia Paull]

Information technology is so embedded in our business operations that we no longer think of it -- it's become as invisible as the proteins that make our bodies operate. Siebel is being blinded by the latest and greatest in technology breakthroughs while disregarding, as you point out, the advancements still being made in IT.