Technology doesn't make a business better. It's how the technology is used that makes the difference in corporate America, author and Ball State graduate John Kaufeld said Monday.
Author of "AOL for Dummies," Kaufeld said if technology does not help improve a corporation, then the corporation probably doesn't need it.
"People get so wired about what's new and cool in technology," Kaufeld said, "but that's so wrong. Technology hasn't helped that much in business."
For example, Kaufeld said that in 1996 he was excited about a new product similar to today's palm pilots.
"I was so pumped," he said. "I can tell you've never heard of it because it was dead when we got it."
The product was too heavy, too big and too slow, he said.
Kaufeld said another problem with business and technology is a lack of communication between "tech folks and nontech folks."
When nontech folks have computer problems, the tech folks need to ask simple questions, he said.
"First, ask some dumb questions," Kaufeld said. "Ask: What's the problem? This sounds stupid, but this is corporate America."
Also, many tech folks encourage their employers to get new technology because they want to advance their careers, he said.
"It's so easy to get carried away with new technology that you can forget the business," Kaufeld said. "It's a good thing to be excited with technology, but you've got to separate yourself from the business."
Kaufeld said he doesn't want to discourage students. However, he said students need to realize that they will be a small piece of the corporate puzzle after college.
"Sometimes technology will have unexpected consequences," he said. "It's like the new picture phones by Sprint."
Sprint did not anticipate that lawyers would not buy the phone because cameras are not allowed in courtrooms, Kaufeld said.
Sophomore Nicole Pierle said he made her look at technology and business differently.
"You normally think technology makes everything better," Pierle said, "but he made you think that sometimes it makes things worse."
Kaufeld is the fourth speaker for the Miller College of Business's Culture of Change speakers' series.
Ray Montagno, associate dean of research and outreach, said the program is designed to bring in diverse speakers.
The next speaker will be on March 24.
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