The purpose of this column is to let all companies know well in advance what I want for Christmas. I don't want it for free; I'm willing to pay a fair market price. I don't believe the product I'm going to describe exists yet -- at least it doesn't exist in an integrated, easy-to-use form.
Imagine the following: A meeting is taking place to figure out a way to increase the performance of a scientific model. It is soon discovered that the key to success is lightweight communication protocols. Unfortunately, no one in the room has expertise in this area. Wait, Rich is an expert. Let's get him over here. But Rich is at a meeting in Washington. Let's call him. We can try, but I think he's giving a presentation right now. Oh well, I guess we can get together when he gets back.
Now imagine this scenario: The same meeting is taking place. We realize we need Rich to help us so we fire up the "Where's Rich" program. It says he's traveling; he's scheduled to give a talk at any time now, but he's still in touch. We pick up the phone and give him a call, but he's not receiving voice calls. No problem: We leave a text message. Three minutes later Rich e-mails us the answer.
If we are to make the second scenario more common, the following are needed:
A personnel-tracking device. This device should know where I am and who is around me. It should also know when I'm in "do not disturb" mode.
A personnel-communication device. This super cell phone should indicate the person's availability and let me freely switch between voice and text messaging. It should also translate voice into text so I don't have to bother with a tiny keyboard.
A real-time calendar. This calendar should know where I'm supposed to be, who should be with me and what my availability status is. If a meeting is running late or breaks up early, the calendar should be updated.
A who's who database. I need a database of people I know or am likely to encounter. The database should indicate how important these folks are to me and when they can interrupt my current activity.
I'd like all the above in a single package. This thing should easily fit into my pocket. If it were small and good looking enough, I'd probably even wear it.
I want it because it will provide huge potential productivity gains for my organization. It will allow my employees the freedom to work wherever they want.
Anyone out there have a clue when I can get one of these things? Please let me know so I can get my order in -- ideally, before Dec. 25.
