Maintaining computers

Google's VP of Enterprises, Dave Girouard, claims the "complexity" of IT is stunting innovation. He reckons 75% of IT budgets are spent on simply maintaining the systems. If everyone outsourced their apps to Google, all would be better.

While I have a degree of self interest in this, I think this is a load of bull. Computers are machines and machines need to be maintained. Of the cost of a running a car, at least 75% is keeping it running.

The idea that IT should be like electricity is stupid. Sure, in the developed world you normally don't worry about your electricity supply. But electricity is more than just running a cable into your house where it lies on the floor giving passing pets and toddlers the odd shock.

Once you've got electricity, it has to be metered, protected and cabled through the house. Once you've installed the pretty outlets, you then plug stuff into those outlets. That stuff; toasters, fridges, washing machines and hi-fi's need maintenance as well.

Then you've got the cost of electricity. My guess is the average business or home electricity bill dwarfs their annual IT bills.

The people at Google are some of the brightest people on the planet. But it doesn't mean they can't come up with stupid ideas.