Bridgestone Tires Sues IBM Over Failed System
December 10, 2013
Those of us who have worked in IT have an idea just how complicated and frustrating computing systems are to set up and maintain. To the rest of the world, though, it seems like the process of implementing even a large system should be much more straightforward than it is. Those tasked with having a certain infamous healthcare website built can probably sympathize with the plaintiff in a case Business Insider calls to our attention in, “Bridgestone Sues IBM for $600 Million Over Allegedly ‘Defective’ System that Plunged the Company into ‘Chaos.'”
According to Bridgestone‘s suit, the huge system they paid IBM $75 million to build for them suffered from “system-wide failures” from day one, and has cost the tire company greatly in cash and hassle. For its part, IBM insists the problems resulted from Bridgestone failing to hold up their end. Not only did the company try to implement the system before it was ready, says Big Blue, they were guilty of “repeated failure” to do what IBM told them needed to be done for the system to work properly. (The article does not specify what, exactly.)
Personally, I am inclined to sympathize with IT pros, even those at the biggest firms. However, I think we must acknowledge that the convoluted nature of computing systems sets the tech category up for trouble in a world where consumers expect quick-and-easy service with a smile.
The article reminds us:
“When it comes to massive multimillion custom-built computer systems, problems frequently happen. Half of IT projects with budgets of over $15 million dollars run 45% over budget and are 7% behind schedule, according to research from McKinsey. IBM seems to have its share of troubled projects. In August, Pennsylvania killed a contract with IBM because, as of July, the project was $60 million over budget and over three years late.”
Will IBM find a way to overcome such troubles? Perhaps Watson can help find the answer.
Cynthia Murrell, December 10, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
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