1988 I joined a UK company expanding in the USA. We were at war with mainframe and mini computer vendors and entrenched programmer administrators. Our 8086 PC fileserver often sat on top of the existing system, with lots of space to spare!
The applications broadened from point solutions into multi-module systems often named MRP systems. MRP evolved into ERP (where standalone accounting seamlessly joined operations and logistics), CRM came with the Internet. Y2K passed and the dot-com bubble burst. Innovation switched to consolidation, apparently customers were satisfied, like they were when they had mainframe and mini-computers.
But the cravings for productivity hadn't stopped. New mutant systems emerged in the Web 2.0 consumer Internet space. The iPhone liberated people from there office and PC.
This 2.0 wave of innovation started gradually infusing itself into businesses, just like the PC "crept" into business via spreadsheet applications, eventually replacing the mini's. I remember a pissed of IT administrator slamming a door in my face. We'd just replaced his IBM system 36. Soon, more door-slamming!
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