A powerful search indexing system, but you use it to create a desktop search panel — we would’ve been deprived of Google. It’s easy to get carried away by the immense capability of the technology you’ve created, without realizing that you haven’t allowed a way for it to be mobilized. When we first created TotalCloud, we developed an extremely powerful cloud graph engine. But we didn’t channel that capability in the best way — we initially used it to create 3D cloud visualization to get better visibility into one’s cloud. Overtime, we realized that the engine enables far more useful applications to benefit a cloud user, and we pivoted.
It’s like having the engine of a millennium falcon that can travel at lightspeed, and using it to power a car, on Earth. Unimaginable capability, wrong application. Bridging that gap between the power of the falcon engine and truly great feature in terms of a solution to his problem, is where the answer lies.
Especially engineering-heavy product management teams (speaking from experience) make these mistakes. They create revolutionary technology, but aren’t adapting it to maximize its value to a user. Engineering-heavy companies tend to harp on the product development aspect and utilize their features in a shallow way. If it’s only about building out great features, there’d be a lot of great companies. But If you’re able to produce a 10x better value for your users, that’s where you win. For instance, 3D printing technology is used for myriad purposes, but its application in healthcare by companies like Organovo & Biobot has enabled a brilliant use of the underlying tech.
Leveraging raw power & core competencies
When Canon entered the market, they leveraged the copier and printer technology to produce low-maintenance personal copiers, instead of the Xerox standard machines. Canon transformed it from an impersonal departmental job to a quick & easy product. They put their technology to use in the best possible way, to match what maximized value for a user.
The lack of this adaptability will lead to a massive waste of potential and a mismatch between your customer’s needs and your offering. You’re sitting in space with a ton of potential energy, but aren’t converting it into the kinetic energy that you need to move forward.

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