End of the world notes – from Dell World

Posted by Gina Rosenthal in community building | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yes, 12-12-12 is actually “the end of the world” that the Mayans foretold. If you are interested in the end of the world, and the start of the new world on 12/21, check out this post. But basically if you believe the Mayan prophecies, we are leaving an age where people are disconnected and moving into one where we people are connected and collaborative.

So this is not going to be the typical conference update – its more on the over-all theme of the conference. If you want details about the releases and tech, check out this official DellWorld blog.

How weird that that was the message from Dell World this week. The opening party on Tuesday night was all about connecting and sharing the Austin experience – food trucks and live music. And the most amazing concert from Camp Freddy inside the Moody Theater (where Austin City Limits is filmed). My friend Amy took some amazing pictures. Everyone jammed out – the music helped everyone remember how we felt in the late 80s/early 90s. To watch these amazing musicians from so many different bands collaborate to do covers of songs they didn’t do back in the day…it was amazing. I mean — Mark McGrath sang THIS SONG and it freaking ROCKED! Yes, Mark “Sugar Ray” “I Just Wanna Fly” McGrath.

I think that song sticks out because of the stuff I did in the 90s and in college – just reminded me of why internet technologies are so important to me. We have the opportunity to change the world by connecting it – and that is one of the points President Clinton made during his keynote (on the last day of the world!). He talked about how important systems are – which of course for me is a passion! He also talked about how technology can bring the world together. Some quotes from his keynote:

  • In a world that seems full of zero sum games, I believe that the future is networks of collaboration & interdependence
  • Non zero sum games makes sure everyone wins
  • We live in a world where we are compelled to share the future
  • We have to create a new future where we share prosperities and responsibilities
We can use technology to move to a more connected world. It means leaving the old ways in the past, and using tech to look to the future to make things better for everyone. That is one of the messages that Ping Fu had – she was the speaker at the women’s luncheon. She is the CEO of GeoMagic, and just an amazing woman. Looking forward to reading her book Bend, Not Break. She has a really powerful story, but she is incredibly at peace. This is the forward from her book:
Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance. It suggests resilience, meaning that we have the ability to bounce back even from the most difficult times….Your ability to thrive depends, in the end, on your attitude to your life circumstances. Take everything in stride with grace, putting forth energy when it is needed, yet always staying calm inwardly”.
So we have this message that we need to be connected, that we can use technology to connect and help those who are in unfair unequal situations, and then we add the idea that we have to keep ourselves strong to accomplish that mission. In addition to hearing about all the ways Dell is blending the IP they are gaining from acquisitions, we hear this powerful positive message from them about changing the world by connecting. How freaking awesome.
So today starts a transition time to that new world of connectedness (if you believe the Mayans). Lots of announcements from Dell about collaboration with other companies today to start to take advantage of some of the emerging tech. One of the announcements is from my company, Inktank. Dell will partner with them to deliver Ceph services and support. Check out the details here.
Actually, I should say former company. My last day at Inktank is tomorrow, I gave my notice yesterday. I will share more details about my plans soon – but for now I’m going to enjoy this transition time and look forward to that new era of collaboration that will start Dec 21.

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