And according to Metcalfe's Law, networks grow in value by the square of the number of their users. And where IT meets business, there are some other lessons we've learned, too. Automation can do only so much. When users' brains control the machines, they're immensely more powerful. Hardware keeps getting cheaper.
Software keeps getting more expensive.
The cheapest way to speed up the machine is with faster hardware. But the only way to make it more effective is with better software. It's measured in dollars saved, sales gained and user effectiveness improved. Garbage in still produces garbage out. Even the best IT idea doesn't stand a chance against corporate politics.