what Healthcare IT can Learn from Steve Jobs

Specialties Informatics

Published

Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.

Take note my fellow Geeksters!

----------------------------------------

Essays 2010

My Rage against the Machine (and what Healthcare can Learn from Steve Jobs)

Neil Seeman

"If your computer's noise level is still unbearable after you've re-installed a new fan, then it's a freak of nature." The gentle-voiced technician, a rare live voice from 24/7 customer service (on a Sunday!), told me "it would then be a one in a million machine" if the fan replacement failed. His name was Julius; he gave me his phone number. If he proved correct, I promised I would call to thank him. He said no one ever thanks him.

I didn't call Julius back - mine was that one in a million machine.

I'm a fan of technology that simplifies my life, but I detest gadgets when they malfunction. Apple said it sold more than 1.7 million iPhone 4s within the first three days of the product's launch. A large part of this success is due to the singular personal charm of Steve Jobs, who pulled off a tech-era Phil Donahue phenomenon: The iPhone 4 launch was interrupted by technical glitches during Mr. Jobs's presentation. He had trouble getting Web pages to load. The crowd fell silent for a few seconds but did not snicker.

Evidently, Steve Jobs is not prone to computer rage. With aplomb Mr. Jobs said: "I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to show you much." He then asked the audience to disconnect their gadgets and laptops to give him the wireless-network bandwidth he needed to use his device properly while on stage. The audience roared with applause.

Full Essay at:

http://www.longwoods.com/content/21857?utm_source=Longwoods+Master+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=281282bdf4-Longwoods_eLetter_6_29_2010&utm_medium=email

+ Add a Comment