The History of Knowledge Sharing and the Future of Enterprise Applications

The History of Knowledge Sharing and the Future of Enterprise Applications

In the early days of civilization, knowledge sharing took the form of cave drawings in 15,000 BC, evolving into more sophisticated documentation such as hieroglyphics in 3400 BC and scrolls. The invention of the printing press in 1440 revolutionized knowledge sharing by allowing information to be easily distributed through print material. However, it wasn't until the 1600s that libraries became accessible to the general public, making knowledge more widely available.

The 1900s saw rapid advancements in knowledge sharing, starting with real-time radio broadcasting and culminating in the invention of the internet in the 1980s. As technology improved, consultants were amongst the first professionals to explore the best means of sharing knowledge. It became clear that isolating knowledge was detrimental to its growth and development.

While there are numerous platforms available for storing and sharing knowledge, finding highly searchable ones is rare. Without the ability to easily search for information, knowledge inevitably gets lost. The key driving factor in the development of knowledge sharing is search. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilized to establish contextual similarities between documents and provide users with relevant content suggestions.

Interacting with content, rather than passively viewing it, enhances understanding and provides context. When users can write comments, pose questions, and engage with documents, technology can foster collaboration and deeper knowledge sharing.

Moving on to the future of enterprise applications, a unified theory of low/no code, middleware, and the future of enterprise applications emerges. Enterprise applications provide a data model that offers a structured view of how a particular function or process should be organized. Salesforce, for example, consists of a user interface (app), middleware that connects the application to databases, and a data model.

Investors are increasingly interested in companies that have the potential to become platforms, rather than just tools or products. A platform is an application that provides interfaces for building other applications. Force.com, Salesforce's platform as a service, allows customers to build custom applications tailored to their specific processes and workflows. The Salesforce AppExchange further extends the functionality of Salesforce by offering applications built by third parties.

Salesforce's position as the system of record, where valuable customer data is stored, gives them influence over the systems of engagement, which are the interfaces through which users interact with the data. This decoupling of systems of record and systems of engagement allows for innovation and customization while maintaining Salesforce's hold as the central hub for customer data.

Middleware plays a crucial role in connecting different applications and data sources within a company. As companies use multiple applications, middleware becomes essential for integrating these systems and ensuring they work cohesively. Middleware providers have the opportunity to export their data model from the system of record to other systems, giving them influence over how a customer's business is viewed.

Low/no code development platforms have emerged as a way to customize enterprise applications without relying on external developers. This allows users to build applications that match their specific processes and workflows, providing endless customization possibilities. By empowering users to build their own applications, the need for external consultants or developers is reduced.

Salesforce's position as a system of record and engagement makes it vulnerable to low code vendors who prioritize customer interactions and innovation at the top of the stack. As customer interactions drive business value, the focus shifts away from the underlying database decisions.

In conclusion, the history of knowledge sharing has evolved from cave drawings to the internet, with search being the driving force behind its development. In the realm of enterprise applications, a unified theory of low/no code, middleware, and the future of enterprise applications is emerging. The ability to customize applications, connect different systems, and prioritize customer interactions will shape the future of knowledge sharing and enterprise software.

Actionable Advice:

1. Invest in platforms rather than tools or products. Platforms have the potential for greater scalability and customization.
2. Embrace low/no code development platforms to empower users to build their own applications and customize workflows.
3. Prioritize customer interactions and innovation at the top of the stack to stay ahead of the competition in the evolving landscape of enterprise applications.