When Equinix (EQIX) Chief Information Officer Brian Lillie wants new business tools, he seeks advice from a venture capitalist, bypassing sources like IT consultants or the biggest names in enterprise software.
He takes that unusual route because many of the latest innovations in cloud computing and software-as-a-service are coming from startups, not enterprise mainstays like Oracle or International Business Machines. Venture backers who get early looks at emerging companies as they consider cash infusions can be the best guides to the most promising new technology.
BTW, I had the pleasure to work with Lillee when he was one of the main coordinators of the Innovative CIO program at Stanford in March where I was one of the guest presenters
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