Evaluating the Art of the Possible

Abstract

Fear of being left behind can be powerful motivation. Today, many organizations embark on building Big Data and Internet of Things prototypes simply because they fear that their competitors are gaining a head start. Being first to market with differentiated solutions is a common goal among startup companies in order to attract funding from venture capitalists. While many startups fail, some have succeeded spectacularly and established a presence in new markets that, in turn, threatened the established companies in those markets. The significant advantage gained by being early to market with innovative solutions has not been forgotten by CEOs and senior business leaders at mature companies facing new competition.