Today was not lived in vain - I learnt two new words!
Crowdsourcing - is basically outsourcing to an open crowd of freelancers.
Prosumer - a consumer who's also a producer.
I also found out that
- crowdsourcing helps companies to cut costs on corporate research and get more new ideas
- it makes more sense to crowdsource to intelligence networks that have been created for that particular reason
- freelancers get to work but will have to sacrifice IP rights to their client.
Big Firms Eye "Open Innovation" for Ideas
One more story that proves that IBM is a smart company. They built the world fastest computer - "Blue Gene"- and let it to be used for free. Scientists can apply to use "Blue Gene" to test new ideas. Usually, IBM selects those who suggest the hardest tasks.
By doing so IBM:
- Stays on top of the game. Companies are getting too complex to have all aswers in one place. IBM can get the answers from all over the place now.
- Can share the profits if new things get created during this initiative. Think first-mover-advantage-and-shifting-standards kind of profits...
I really liked the opening to your post - it caught my attention! Your layout makes the post easy to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree that crowdsourcing has a lot of benefits. I think that those who are struggling with the idea of crowdsourcing should respond by developing a unique way to market themselves so that they can "stand out from the crowd"- take the competition to a new level :)
I'd really be surprised if it was actually taking away that many jobs. I wonder if there are any statistics on that anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it's really taking away jobs. If anything it's giving work to the "starving artist" type. Ultimately, those "starving artists" that have some true talent will shine through...maybe even land a full-time job from their work.
ReplyDeleteI think the Blue Gene is a great idea as well. More companies should start similar projects. I agree that the profits can be shared if new ideas emerge from such initiatives.
ReplyDeleteWith Blue Gene, IBM is putting itself in a position to reap in all the benefit$ from other people's work. They can do this because they came up with the technology and put it out there for others to use. Not sure if this falls under great corporate responsibility or great R&D/Marketing tactics. Either way, they've set themselves up for a great outcome.
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