Small Biz Trends on “How to Determine if Small Business Software implementation was Successful”. Businesses are encouraged to evaluate the success of their software implementation by asking critical questions about its effectiveness. With software purchases increasing, understanding how well the new technology resolves existing problems is essential for achieving measurable results. Experts suggest that small businesses should track key performance indicators and gather user feedback to ensure that the software meets their needs. Celebrating small wins and addressing user concerns can foster a more positive work environment and enhance overall adoption rates. According to industry insights, companies that actively involve their teams in the feedback process tend to see better engagement and results from their software investments.
Gartner’s recent guidance emphasizes the importance for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to carefully evaluate the deployment of emerging technologies, balancing potential risks and rewards. Gene Alvarez, a distinguished Vice President analyst at Gartner, outlines a structured three-step process: first, identifying the organizational persona to understand risk appetite; second, evaluating technology use cases based on feasibility and business value; and third, assessing organizational readiness across multiple factors, including technical feasibility and workforce adaptability. Notably, Gartner’s research indicates that 83% of CEOs plan to increase their investment in digital technologies by 2025, underscoring the critical need for informed decision-making in technology adoption.
Dark Reading warns about quantum computing. Quantum computing is no longer a distant concept; it is being integrated into production workflows today, prompting chief information security officers (CISOs) to reassess their security frameworks. As quantum-inspired software is deployed in critical environments, organizations must adapt to the unique challenges posed by these technologies. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Tech Trends report, cryptographically relevant quantum computers could break current encryption standards as early as the 2030s, raising urgent concerns for industries reliant on secrecy, such as defense and aerospace. Security frameworks have not yet evolved to address the complexities introduced by quantum computing, leaving significant gaps in protection. Organizations that proactively develop quantum-aware security frameworks now will be better positioned as the technology matures, while those who delay may struggle to retrofit security measures onto mission-critical systems.
And for fun, GeekWire covered how On December 7, 2025, Microsoft reflects on its pivotal move thirty years ago when co-founder Bill Gates announced the company’s commitment to integrating internet connectivity into its products. This strategy laid the groundwork for significant developments in the tech landscape, including the rise of cloud computing. Today, as Microsoft embarks on a similar journey with artificial intelligence, CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes the transformative impact of AI across all layers of technology, stating, “This generation of AI is radically changing every layer of the tech stack.” In the 1990s, Microsoft faced competition primarily from emerging internet firms like Netscape, whereas today, it contends with established giants such as Amazon, Google, and OpenAI. The scale of investment has also shifted dramatically, with Microsoft allocating over $88 billion last fiscal year towards AI infrastructure, a stark contrast to its $220 million deal for MSNBC in 1995. Industry experts suggest that Microsoft’s success in AI will hinge on delivering tangible value and addressing genuine user needs, echoing concerns from the past about the company’s ability to adapt and compete effectively.
Why do we care?
Which leads me to a series of questions for you to consider.
Are we actually measuring whether technology implementations worked, or are we just declaring success because the project is “done”?
Do our QBRs and vCIO conversations include post-implementation outcomes, or do they stop at adoption and usage?
Are MSPs helping customers say no to emerging tech when readiness isn’t there, or are we incentivized to push adoption anyway?
Do we evaluate AI, automation, and new platforms based on business value — or because leadership feels pressure to “do something”?
Is quantum computing a near-term operational risk for SMBs — or a long-term strategic planning issue that’s being misframed as urgent?
How many MSP security roadmaps explicitly include future cryptographic transitions?
When Microsoft compares AI to the internet moment of the 1990s, what are they really saying: inevitability, or justification?
What happens to MSP differentiation if intelligence, coded as AI, becomes assumed, bundled, and invisible, just like internet connectivity did?