Google and Its Handset Management Challenges
May 5, 2010
I worked at a couple of reasonably good management and technology consulting outfits. One was a unit of Halliburton, yes, that Halliburton, and at a blue chip consulting firm. I learned from the git-go that management was not an instinctive skill. I suppose there is a Mozart of management playing gigs at big companies, but most managers struggle with management. Need I mention Enron or Tyco? What is the difference between John Deere and Komatsu? I suggest management.
When a company is growing, the method of management is often chaotic. When a company gets some miles on its chassis, management takes a different turn. People have to hired. Bills paid. Laws and regulations followed. The excitement of reacting to rapid growth and unexpected challenges wanes. Meetings have to be held. Priorities set and hooked to a budget. Resources deployed and monitored.
In short, management is hard work. If a company lacks management skill, little problems can become big problems. In other cases, opportunities can be overlooked or ignored. Pals can become non-pals. You probably have first hand experience in your own work career when management ceases to solve problems and starts to cause problems.
I read “Why Google’s Open Handset Alliance Has Been A Disappointment” and thought about management. The write up sent some warning flares my way. You may read the article and have a different impression. In my opinion, this passage points out some issues with Google’s open handset alliance:
In fact, the OHA is already showing signs of strain, reports Bloomberg. OEMs are continuing to fragment the user experience for Android by swapping out applications and creating various combinations of pre-loaded applications for purpose-built devices. The report suggests that Google is struggling to maintain partner interest in the loosely structured Alliance, citing the recent decision by Verizon Wireless to back out of the decision to sell the Nexus One. Verizon Wireless is perhaps a prime example of the Alliance’s struggles. While Verizon has launched a handful of Android devices, and has backed them large marketing campaigns, it is not a member at all.
Good management can convert the implosion of this type of group. Bad management can create some consequences that are difficult to pin down. In general, non pals can do unexpected things. Can Google keep this alliance on track? Does Google want to keep it intact?
Only Google management can answer these questions. With Google saddled with its one trick revenue pony, excursions outside of advertising may be secondary or tertiary concerns. Nevertheless, management, not technology, will be needed to handle these non algorithmic, very subjective situations.
The pivot point for Google is now management, not technology in my opinion.
Stephen E Arnold, May 5, 2010
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