Apple iOS 7 will be released next month, and it's time
for us to once again declare our allegiance to our feudal technology
overlords. Overlords that are starting
to feel remarkably like those from the popular HBO TV show.
Blackberry is House Stark. Solid, loyal, dependable, secure and
dead. Their only hope are their bastard
offspring.
Android is House Lannister. They have spent many years behind the scenes
manipulating the empire, and have only recently seen the opportunity to show
their power openly. Technologically
dominant, and masters of strategy, they are sure they can think their way to
the top, and then hold it. Security
comes through threat, rapid change and the culling of the weak.
iPhone is House Targaryen. They have come from out of the wilderness and
they have dragons, an ancient mystery that has not been harnessed by anyone in
living memory. They also have a sexy
leader, and everyone emotionally wants to get behind them. But after the initial revelations at the end
of the first season, there really hasn't been anything new for the last two
years. Security comes through central
control and fervent loyalty of the followers.
Windows is House Baratheon. They were once dominant, but time has passed
them by, and internal bickering stops them from really being a force any
more. Because they have ruled in the
past, they believe they have the absolute right to rule in the future. Security isn't a concern, only survival, but
only the most loyal followers expect anything other than a spectacular crash.
The thing to remember is that the only winners in the
Game of Phones are the main houses. If
you are a peasant or vassal - and in reality we all are - then the best we can
do is raise our flag in support of one of the main houses, and hope they don't
sacrifice us for their greater good.
Until then, enjoy the ride.
Phil Kernick Chief Technology Officer
@philkernick www.cqr.com
