The news of Amazon's new AI, 'Kiro,' taking center stage and the tech giant vetoing third-party tools truly brings a sense of déjà vu. It's a powerful illustration of a dynamic I've observed and written about for decades: the relentless march of innovation and the stark choice it presents – adapt or become obsolete.
I recall vividly the words of marketing guru Ted Levitt, who wrote in his seminal essay, "Marketing Myopia," some 40 years ago: "If you don't make yourself obsolete, someone else will." This wisdom has never felt more pertinent than it does today with Amazon's latest move.
This isn't just about a new product; it's a strategic power play that reshapes an entire ecosystem. For countless third-party developers and businesses that have thrived on Amazon's platform, this shift to 'Kiro' represents a direct challenge, forcing them to re-evaluate their strategies and perhaps, their very existence.
It makes me think back to my own blog from 2015, titled "WHO WILL OBSOLETE WHOM?" [http://emailothers.blogspot.com/2015/08/who-will-obsolete-whom.html]. In that post, I highlighted how Information Technology and Digitization were driving monumental changes, creating scenarios where traditional models were being challenged by agile, tech-driven alternatives. From brick-and-mortar retail against e-commerce portals to recruitment agencies against job portals, the pattern was clear. Now, we see it playing out on an even grander scale within the AI realm, with a behemoth like Amazon actively consolidating its power and pushing out competitors with its internal advancements.
The core idea I wanted to convey then, and which rings true now, is this: take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time—a continuous mindset of innovation and anticipation. Now, seeing how things have unfolded with Amazon's 'Kiro,' it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
This rapid shift underscores the importance of foresight and the need for businesses to constantly ask: "Who is about to make me obsolete? From where does my threat come?" In today's AI-driven world, the answer is often found within the very technology meant to empower us.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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