The IT supplier equation
Step Two of winning over IT value skeptics involves IT agency — that is, the capacity of an individual to act independently and make their own free choices. An individual is thought to have agency when they feel they are the one in control, rather than being controlled by external forces or circumstances.
In an ideal world, IT agency features an economic actor — a CEO, COO, or CMO — setting forth a measurable objective or outcome. Optimally, the IT organization thereupon comes up with a set of strategies, programs, and budgets detailing how best to achieve that objective or outcome utilizing the technology portfolio available. I am not certain that anyone on the demand side of the IT value exercise feels they are in control. I am specifically concerned that we may have ceded too much authority to IT suppliers.
In July 2025, there were nine firms with $1 trillion market capitalizations. Eight of them are tech companies. Conclusion being: Tech suppliers, particularly AI tech suppliers, are booming. The question IT value skeptics should be asking is, How much value is being captured by the demand side of the technology economy?
