By establishing its Web presence, although belatedly, Barnes and Noble is in effect destroying its traditional value chain. Large companies will have to become far more adept at fending off smaller, more nimble competitors. Instead of waiting for killer apps to hit them over the head, managers need to learn about and experiment with new technologies and emerging killer apps. Unique to each company, the readiness radar is an explicit process that builds the awareness of senior management of innovations and innovators that might upend their market positions. It's important that this task is not relegated to some mid-level monitoring function, but rather targeted at decision makers.
Digital strategy requires fearless leadership.
In the end, the real distinction between winners and losers can always be found in the boardroom. The will to succeed must be communicated and championed by the entire executive team. Their killer apps are not technology initiatives. They're business initiatives. These are companies whose managers understand that there should be no difference.