Here's how you can harness technology to empower your information systems startup.

15 years ago, the entire landscape around computing was different. People had the mindset to own all means of computing, but today, the less responsibility you have, the more it’s being preferred by tech giants. That’s what cloud power is all about: anyone, from anywhere in the world, can fire up a Linux machine in the cloud and host a website for less than the cost of a bag of popcorn. You no longer need expensive servers to bring in data from customers; everything is just a click away for deploying and scaling big data servers.

Using data can be a game-changer for a startup. Imagine you’re launching a new app and you dive into the data: you can track what users love, what they ignore, and how they interact with your features. This insight helps you fine-tune your product, target your marketing better, and make smarter decisions that lead to growth. Now, if you ignore data, you’re kind of flying blind. You might waste time on features nobody wants or spend money on marketing that doesn’t reach your audience. Data-driven startups move faster, adapt better, and are more likely to succeed.

Back in 2014, a well-known retail chain (e-bay) faced a massive data breach that compromised millions of customers' credit card details. The fallout was disastrous, showing the world that security in information systems cannot be an afterthought. This breach taught us that proactive security measures and continuous vigilance are critical to protecting data and maintaining customer trust. Effective security isn’t merely a technical requirement; it’s a vital aspect of an organization’s overall strategy for resilience and success.

Netflix’s success is a great example of how an agile approach can transform a company. Back in 2009, Netflix made a bold move from being a DVD rental service to becoming a streaming giant. This shift was powered by a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement. Their secret? Small, cross-functional teams that have the freedom to make decisions, guided by data and focused on what customers want. They see failures as learning opportunities and keep iterating on their ideas. This agile mindset helps Netflix stay ahead of the competition and deliver new features and content that keep us all coming back for more.