Smart Business Networks in the Cloud: from strategy to implementation
On February 12th, 2009 Prof. Eric van Heck (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University) and Herman van der Vaart (VP Philips IT Infrastructure, Innovation, Architecture and Security) presented a seminar on ‘organisational transformations from classic, closed bastions into networks based upon an open digital infrastructure’.
Photo slide show
Eric van Heck showed the dynamics of ‘networked business’ and how it configures its ‘value network' and therefore is able to compete more succesfully in competetive markets. Eric illustrated the experiences of the Smart Business Network Initiative (SBNi), a consortium of universities and business corporations (Delta Lloyd, Cordys and Logica) by showing a number of cases. These research outcomes show companies how to operate within the dynamics of these networks. For more details we refer to the presentations below, and to the book ‘The Network Experience – New Value from Smart Business Networks.’ .
Herman van der Vaart reported on the move Philips is making in this respect: from a company with a closed attitude, towards a ‘Business Eco System’. After years of pleading for more openness in the Philips IT department (while operating within one of its divisions), several years ago Herman was asked to lead this change, proceeding from Corporate IT (‘since you all know it so well, you better execute it too’). The challenge was to change from a closed Infrastructure into an Internet Centric company with an open architecture that enabled the use of Web 2.0 and cloud computing. Herman emphasised the strategic necessity of this transformation and explained the various challenges one meets in its practical implementation (for instance, identity management for non-Philips employees, and the need to incorporate more security into the applications instead of the network).
Hence two stories explaining Smart Business Networks and the impact on architecture and implementation in a large international company.
Afterwards a lively discussion started between participants and speakers. Because of the enthusiasm of the audience, a future gathering will be explored.
The evening was organised by Paul Teeuwen (on behalf of NGI, Dept. of Architecture and GIA) and RSM’s Corporate & Alumni Relations.
Presentations
Presentation Eric van Heck (Pdf file)
Presentation Herman van der Vaart (Pdf file)
Speakers
Eric van Heck holds the Chair of Information Management and Markets at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, where he is conducting research and teaching the strategic and operational use of information technologies for companies and markets. He is also Director of Doctoral Education at the Erasmus Institute of Management (ERIM). He is best known for his work on how companies can create value with online auctions. He has co-authored or co-edited twelve books such as ‘Making Markets’ (Harvard Business School Press, 2002) and ‘Smart Business Networks’ (Springer, 2005).
Herman van der Vaart, VP Philips IT Infrastructure, Innovation, Architecture and Security, has been working at Philips for 35 years and has been involved in IT since the early eighties. He was involved in the introduction of a number of "disruptive" technologies in IT like mini computers and LAN's, CAD/CAM, etc.; and 4 years ago started the Architecture and Technology Competence Centre, which developed the "Internet Centric" vision for Philips. In the new "One Philips IT organisation" he is responsible for Innovation and Cross Program Architecture, working with the different IT Infrastructure Programs to translate vision into reality.
Paul Teeuwen (Labyrint IT Strategy Solutions) is an alumnus of RSM (1982) and works as an independent consultant in IT Strategy and Architecture. He is a member and former chairman of the NGI afdeling Architectuur.
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