Intermediary platforms require a different mindset

I a previous article I discussed Why platforms can be so disruptive as an intermediary in the ecosystem.
In this article, I want to dive a bit deeper into the mindset it takes to think in terms as Platforms, as opposed to thinking in Projects.

Need new paradigm for Authentication and Customer Master Data

Building platforms that enable the automation of processes throughout the ecosystem, requires a different way to authenticate users, manage their master data and access security.  Why is it that?  Why are most cloud service providers not addressing that need?

For that reason are multi-tenant cloud architectures unlikely to become the method of choice for transforming the ecosystem.

Let's take a look at Salesforce.com, as being the most successful cloud based business applications platform today.

Sensor data intermediary : Alohar

Alhohar is another interesting start-up, founded by Sam Liang (ex Google)  in the space of turning sensor measurements from mobile phones into a data platform that will have value to various companies.   For now this is positioned as a value to the end-user, but possibly including Pharmaceutical companies if medical sensor data would become part of the platform.  Technically extending the platform to collect other sensor data seems like peace of cake once you can deal with the in-phone sensors.

Here are some features of the platform: Alhohar features

Sensor data intermediary platform : Scanadu

Scanadu is a start-up that aims at providing a platform to patients and caregivers that will use your smartphone as the communications vehicle, connecting with the "Tricoder" optical medical sensor, (and possibly various other medical sensors) and transferring the data into a huge patient data database.  The business model is to sell that data (I assume anonymized) to the health insurance companies (and probably Pharma companies in search of outcomes data).  It is nowhere mentioned, but I guess the software will be free of charge to use, provided you accept the terms related to the use of the data.

In this video, Walter De Brouwer is presenting for the TEDxSanJose event the concept: TEDxSanJose Walter De Brouwer
They have the ambition to make a 3 $ optical sensor into a medical device equivalent to $ 100 K in an emergency room in a hospital.  If that can be achieved, it will be a true game changer.

Is Google the most innovative company on this planet?

Here is a link to an article that states that Google may be the most innovative company on earth.


Let's take a look at
Google's track record:

Apple has become a phone company.

Asymco makes a nice analysis and visual of Apple's P&L and how it evolves year by year.
Check out this link for all details:

http://www.asymco.com/?s=Apple%27s+income&submit=Go

At the left a detail from their overview for Q22012.
One can immediately see that their gross profit is by far generated by only 2 products, the iPhone and the iPad.  the Mac gross margin is marginal in comparison.
Amazing if you know that Apple doesn't even produce these devices themselves.
Remains the question of course if such gross margins are sustainable.  Time will tell, but I doubt.

Innovation vs Transformation

Over the last 5 years, Nokia lost 82% of its market value, while Apple's value increased with 587%.
Did Nokia fail to innovate?  No.  Apple just transformed the market.