IT Doesn't Matter

I found this article to be very interesting. I think Carr made some very good points and by addressing the questions assigned in the homework, I hope to note these points.

What does Carr mean by IT?
He cites two different definitions. First he states that the core functions of information technology include data storage, data processing, and data transport. He then later states that IT is a transport mechanism and that it carries digital information similar to railroads carrying goods and power grids carrying electricity. This second definition was easy for me to understand and picture.

Why Does Carr say IT doesn't matter?
Carr states that scarcity, not ubiquity, makes a resource truly strategic. He says that IT's core functions have become cheaper, more standardized, and easily replicated. This means that there is no advantage to IT anymore because anyone and everyone can get or have information technologies. Carr sites a study that has proven that the most lavish spenders on IT rarely post the best results. Carr recommends that in order to still be competitive with IT, a business much achieve the necessary levels of IT at the lowest possible cost and risk. He recommends that companies follow instead of lead. This greatly decreases the risk for buying flawed equipment.

Why do his critics disagree?
His critics have many arguments against Carr. One argument against Carr's example of those companies paying the most for IT but not having the best results is that the companies' business practices are at fault rather than IT. Mr. Brown and Mr. Hagel stated that businesses must innovate their business practices along with any new IT purchases in order to benefit from IT. Mr. Strassman disagrees with Carr because he believes that IT still has many advantages because it improves the management of information and collaboration among individuals, groups, and organizations and that this ability is a priceless commodity. Another argument from Mr. Langdon is that while Moore's Law will apply to IT, it will not become obsolete because he predicts a growth in software architecture design which may change IT but will still make it important.

Who is right?
This was the hardest question for me to answer. While I do believe information technology lacks the power and innovation it once had, I disagree with Carr that it will become obsolete. IT has become such an important part of businesses and people's lives that it will always be needed. Businesses and people are also continuously developing new innovations and I do not believe this will ever end. I look forward to hearing what others have to say about this question.