Lotusphere 2011 as a C-level executive (part 1 of 7) #ls11

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Lotusphere 2011 as a C-level executive (part 1 of 7) #ls11

As I quickly approach eight year of the IdoNotes blog, I look at Lotusphere differently each year. They own presented their own twists, turns, news, events and outcomes. Product evolution coupled with demand for features have made our job of stating what we see enjoyable.

Lotusphere 2011 started with a major twist. A very lacking Opening General Session. Even if I pretend I am an analyst or C-level executive I had my doubts. Let me break down each role starting with this first entry in the series.

C-level executive

As a C-level executive being seated in the front section of an Opening General Session for the software that drives my enterprise, I expect a mixed level of information. I would expect news about growth of Lotus software, types and sizes of enterprises sticking with and moving to Lotus Notes and trends in industries. Lotus focused entirely on trends, and only one of them. There is always a theme at every event. This is one of the first that spoke to me. I was shown the direction IBM will have for some time.

I then want to see a high level overview of new launches and a brief demo I can then tell my staff to get pilots up and running. Lotus lacked severely in the opening, but caught up later in the week. With approximately 20-25 minutes of demos and launches in an over two hour event was a bit concerning. Was there a lack of product demo with focus on theme?

Once I moved beyond the opening session, I also looked at it from the other side. Lotus has presented me a multi-year plan, verifiable customer stories and a few glimpses into some new product. They outlined a goal and main industry trend I need to pay attention to. I heard from peers that spoke about how their business transformed following this path. It gave me something to think about. Did I get enough on the software side to show me it is more than just a sales plan?

I was then able to attend a symposium to understand business direction further, or head to customer case studies and mini-keynotes. Technical sessions are left for my staff and there seems to be a slew of those for them to attend. I made a couple trips through the exhibitor floor and saw some new and familiar vendors. This shows growth and interest by new companies, as well as stability from others. However there was a definite gap in the number of vendors on the floor.

This was productive for my time, even though I only stay two days. I know my staf fis picking up technical information, but I definitely need them to have a big story to tell when they get back. We have been social since our inception, I am talking to you now over a blog right? But how does it help me streamline operations, cut costs, improve productivity and strengthen moral?

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