YOUR BUSINESS IS A MESH
Enabled by “water-like” technology, it’s easier than ever for organizations to join forces, even it’s just for one day, for one occasion, or for one customer
Caught in a mesh? With a cloud-based infrastructure platform, agile application microservices, data sharing capabilities, intelligent automation, and hyper-connectivity as technology enablers, it’s easier than ever to collaborate with others – even if they come from unexpected sides. These thriving, always changing ecosystem-based business models can drive unique products, services and customer experiences that were deemed unlikely or impossible before, crossing the barriers of sectors, industries, and regions. Not only that, but Mesh Collaboration can also be key to address joint sustainability goals as well. Exactly the rumble organizations may be looking for.
Neha Punater Expert in Residence
WHAT
- “Water-like” technologies – such as cloud-native infrastructure, microservices-based APIs, secure data sharing platforms, intelligent process automation, and 5G connectivity – make it easier for organizations to partner and collaborate, even if it is in a loosely coupled “mesh,” which may be ad hoc, opportunistic, or unplanned.
- Organizations navigate increasingly complex social, environmental, and supply chain challenges, which they can no longer address alone. While governments rely on market forces, private sector innovation, and the economic opportunity created by companies to improve people’s lives – the success of each sector is inextricably intertwined with another.
- Creating an integrated, end-to-end consumer experience (see also Experience2) that wins over and retains client loyalty may require operating far beyond the edges of the organization; possibly in other sectors, or in “co-opetitive” partnerships with competitors that benefit all stakeholders involved.
- Climate change, poverty, and inequality are some of the more critical issues of our time. Cross-sector collaboration leverages the strengths of companies, governments, and sponsors to accelerate progress on these and many other complex issues in a way that can benefit everyone.
USE
- Challenger Banks in the UK and Europe have built financial marketplaces and superstores for consumers with fintech partnerships across investments, pensions, bill switching, and insurance, etc.
- India Stack launched the “Open Credit Enablement Network” to enable data sharing, distribution, and real-time monitoring of loans on digital marketplaces.
- Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Prada have jointly formed the Aura Blockchain Consortium to provide customers with a token-backed seal of authenticity for their products.
- Major technology and automotive corporations partner to develop state-of-the-art technology for autonomous vehicles, forming the basis for safety standardization and mass autonomous vehicle production. This unique, cross-industry approach marks a starting point for a change of mindset, partnership, and collaborative competition.
- Through collaboration and a mutual desire in sustainability, clothes retailer Timberland partnered with tire manufacturer, Omni United to find a new source of rubber for their shoes using recycled tires, ensuring no tire rubber goes to waste and setting them aside for reuse under the new brand, Timberland Tires.
IMPACT
- Successful partnerships leverage combined resources to increase scale, reach more people, and amplify both impact and results. They can also help companies develop relationships in new markets.
- Sharing expertise and knowledge can spark more innovation and unlock many new, unexpected opportunities and networks.
- Coordination improves alignment and efficiency while reducing individual funding commitments.
- A unified, end-to-end user experience that joins all players for a product or service delivery lifecycle results in a vastly improved customer experience.
- Committed private sector partnerships can transform otherwise time-bound development investments into replicable and sustainable long-term, market-driven, scalable initiatives.
TECH
- Data Sharing: 5G Network Automation, AWS Data Exchange, Snowflake
- Blockchain and API: Blockchain, APIfication, Hyperledger, Ethereum
- Identity and access management: Kong, Ping
- Artificial intelligence and Internet of Things: AI, Google AI Platform IOT, Microsoft Azure IoT Platform, Google Cloud IoT Core, AWS IoT
- Other technologies: Hyperledger, Codefi, Ethereum, IBM Watson, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft HoloLens, PTC ThingWorx, MindSphere, OpenAI, TensorFlow