Everyone at G2G3 is thrilled that industry analysts Gartner have named us one of the eight "Cool Vendors in IT Operations" for 2009.
We've thought it ourselves for a long time (we're so modest...), but now it's confirmed - we're officially cool now!
The “Cool Vendor” report highlights companies who present new techniques and innovative functionality that could aid in cost optimization, operational performance and organizational skill development. These vendors also have to be (according to Gartner) "innovative, impactful and intriguing". (an interesting combination...)
Whilst I know many of you may think that the Gartner use of the word "Cool" may not quite equate to the way this word is used by our kids, this is still a great accolade for us!!
Take a moment and look around your place of work... do you feel bonded with your colleagues, all part of a team working towards a greater goal? Or is this economic climate making you feel nervous about your job and protective about your role ? Or does it annoy you that some of your colleagues have their heads in the sand, walking around the office, muttering “what recession?".
You’re not alone - a recent survey by BT Business revealed that workers are finding it more difficult to work as a team in this economic climate, instead concentrating on safeguarding themselves and their role. This creates an unhealthy and insular working environment, with unnecessary tension and low motivation and morale.
Whilst processes have their place, they’re not going to break down these new walls which are being created. The key to breaking down these walls is communication. People have to understand they are part of a bigger picture, and realize the contribution that they (and also others) make. Someone recently said to me that I should be worried about my job, purely because I am a Marketeer - a narrow-minded comment, which reflects this lack of 'situational awareness' I describe.
If businesses are going to get through the recession unscathed, it’s time to create a culture of ‘we’, not ‘me’. Only by doing this will people appreciate what’s truly at stake and pull together.
G2G3 launches Phoenix - A Business Continuity Simulation
By Linda King, G2G3 G2G3 is pleased to announce the launch of Phoenix, a groundbreaking new Business Continuity simulation.
This exciting simulation brings to life the increasing threats faced by organizations today and addresses significant challenges faced by organizations looking to implement Business Continuity Management (BCM) including gaining buy-in, implementing best practice standards such as BS 25999 and adhering to compliance and corporate governance.
G2G3 developed Phoenix in collaboration with Business Continuity experts, Pracius.
For more information about Phoenix, see the products page on the G2G3 website or email us.
Much excitement in the office this afternoon.... the virtual Service Management simulator which G2G3 developed exclusively for IBM is now featured on the IBM home page
For those of you who simply can't wait and need immediate gratification... Derek has kindly captured a video which is below, showing you the edited highlights!
For the rest of you - check out the IBM home page - roll your mouse over the central feature 'IBM wants you to play a game' to sneak a peak at this ITIL simulation in its full glory. The simulation also stars a number of G2G3 staff members!! (Have a look - you may recognize some of us in there - the names have been changed to protect the innocent!)
There was a post on LinkedIN today asking the following question… ‘I need to draw logos for a couple of businesses , any alternatives 'on line' instead of buying COREL’?
I wonder what the reaction would be if they were handed a pencil and sheet of A4 paper after asking such a question? It seems today with the low cost and ease of use of today’s software, many seem to think that having the correct software ensures a great end result.
Having studied design for five years, and quite a few more working as a designer, it is very frustrating to hear or read these comments. We have scalpels in the office at G2G3 but none of us has yet attempted any complicated surgery due to lack of training! I know brain surgery is a tad more complex than designing a logo but you get the idea. I’m not a trained copywriter but I do have a nice MacBook Pro and iWork…
As business systems and processes become increasing complex, one thing which will not change in these credit crunch days, it is becoming increasing important to clarify your company’s intended message both externally and internally. The correct use of infographics can help both customers and employees see your organization’s 'bigger picture' vision. This use of visualization can provide great benefits whether you are a market, bureaucracy, fief or clan type organization.
Understanding the company culture is vitally important rather than just making pretty pictures which which convey nothing and add to the viewer’s confusion. Many global organizations have benefited from the G2G3 treatment where we study the company’s DNA before/whilst producing a solution which works.
To truly understand ITIL, you have to experience it.
The majority of organizations seeking to understand and adopt ITIL best practices tend to opt for formal, classroom-based ITIL education to Foundation level (or higher). Traditional education communicates theory and provides learners with a valuable industry qualification - but the way people learn has changed significantly over the last decade. The speed of change, the complexity of information, all combined with todays rapid work pace make training courses of a formal ‘classroom’ nature often inappropriate and too slow for many people. People need learning that is immediate, relevant, and in the context of their work. Many people also prefer self-paced elearning, which they can do remotely, and in their own time.
Simulations, or gaming solutions as they are also known, are a high-impact, energetic way to accelerate understanding, involvement, and acceptance of ITSM best practice such as ITIL across organizations. ITIL simulations can be virtual or face-to-face - and in both formats, they bring to life the service management and process issues faced by organisations through a realistic scenario to which participants can directly relate to and have actual experience of.
ITIL simulations are also highly effective enablers of change. A recent report from industry analysts Forrester suggests that in over half of organizations undergoing a change such as an ITIL implementation, internal resistance occurred - to such an extent that 52% of organizations listed it as the most significant negative element of the entire implementation. Transforming an IT organization to successfully implement a best practice framework such as ITIL requires commitment and understanding at every level of the organization - from the CIO, to the Help Desk staff - all the way through to the senior business managers. The problem is - positively influencing the mindset of such a wide spread of staff using traditional education will be virtually impossible - due to time, budgets, availability and other constraints. ITIL simulations can help by practically demonstrating the benefits of best practice to large audiences and fast. Anyone who participates will immediately understand the ITSM terminology and ITIL processes in the context of their roles. So within a day - everyone is talking the same language.
Taking an interactive and contextual approach such as this can help make change irresistible. ITIL simulations create a practical and holistic understanding of the reasoning for implementing ITIL best practice as well as an awareness of the role that individuals play in making that change a success. When it comes to understanding ITIL - experience is the best teacher.
