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By Tony Hallett, 22 November 2006 14:10

COMMENT

I was at an event yesterday for CIOs, IT directors and sundry other heads of IT (in other words, this publication's key constituency) debating the May 2003 thesis by Nicholas Carr that 'IT doesn't matter'.

Yes, it does seem like a while since that tome came out, though the weightier piece - the slightly more mellow 'Does IT Matter?' book - wasn't out until 2004. But has the argument lost any of its relevance?

I was on a panel, nominally there to put Carr's side of things, sitting alongside some users (FT newspaper, London Stock Exchange) and a couple of individuals from the supply-side of the IT and comms industry. I couldn't help but think there are two constituencies involved in this debate and by now both can probably claim victory.

Those outside IT - and remember, there are more out than in - can still point to lack of hard evidence proving consistent benefits of IT, that it is still safer to lead than follow and that IT is still, as Carr put it, "the source of frustration and disappointment".

Those inside IT, and that was the room I addressed yesterday, can show how the technology they apply makes a difference. Sure, they now rely on 'me too' tech approaches such as software as a service, SOA and even outsourcing but they have their areas where they give their organisation an edge or do something no one else can replicate.

I still wonder how much of that isn't about IT, or at least the technology part of IT, but about innovation in processes or people. But that's a lengthier debate.

At an unrelated CIO dinner last night I heard, from our chief reporter, of an enlightened user who spoke of the lack of competitive advantage IT affords in his vertical.

Darrell Stein, IT director at Marks & Spencer, said: "Technology doesn't give you competitive advantage in retail. You can certainly make a step ahead [through technology] but someone is going to catch up pretty quickly."

Very honest of him to say so. I'd be interested to hear any other retailers who disagree.

However, he contrasted that with his previous role as UK IT director at mobile giant Vodafone where technology was core to the business and the IT organisation worked to rigid, five-year investment strategies regardless of how the business fluctuated. (For a catch up with Vodafone's CIO see this video interview and written Q&A.)

At M&S he said the business just expects IT to work and if it's been a bad day for takings at the weekend then on Monday morning everyone wants to know why the tills weren't working.

I wonder how innovative certain types of business really have to be.

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The subject of innovation - and invention - is very close to the heart of the lunch-time speaker at yesterday's IT Futures event with the 'IT doesn't matter' panel. Trevor Baylis is best known as the man who brought the wind-up radio to the world, especially the Third World where lack of communication has profound effects on health.

He was a fascinating speaker, equally encouraging about past and upcoming work and cutting about past lack of backing for good ideas by the UK government and established businesses. He has set up trevorbaylisbrands.com for aspiring inventors.

Asked about his next big idea, many chuckled at the last 'big one that got away'. He spoke of a device that allowed a cell to be charged from the simple act of walking, as it sat in the heel of a shoe. What went wrong? Apparently 9/11 put paid to anything like that getting anywhere near airport security, so it was throttled at birth.

He continues a long line of great and somewhat eccentric British inventors who look to what can be done rather than always point out what can't.