Beware the Bleeding Edge

ASSOCIATIONS NOW, November 2012 , Technology

How can today's associations best incorpoate technology tools and trends?

Technology should support the organization. It should stand on its own. It should be a tool or a set of tools that the organization uses to move forward to find new paths, to gain a competitive edge.

What are some things to avoid when adopting new tools or systems?

Organizations need to be on the leading edge, but they need to be careful not to be on the bleeding edge. You want to allow the tool to get fully vetted, and by that I mean make sure it's been in the field long enough that all of the early adopters will have pricked their fingers on whatever thorns exist in the product or tool, and the vendor has already addressed problems.

What tips do you have for IT professionals making decisions about new technologies?

When people come to you and say, "I need this software" or "I need this tablet" or "I need this smartphone"—or whatever it is they're asking for—the next question should be "why?" Ask: How are you planning to use it? What is it you need to accomplish? What are you hoping this tool will allow you to do? As the IT professional at the organization, you should be able to interpret their answer and determine if that tool is the best fit for what they're trying to do.

Katie Bascuas is associate editor at Associations Now in Washington, DC. Email: kbascuas@asaecenter.org