Platformizing client businesses? Better be Consulting-led

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Why consulting-led platform engineering?

By the word 'Platform' we all start thinking in terms of implementing technologies, e.g. the digital tech-stacks, full-stack to APIs, containerized service bundles, plug and play, LCNC etc. The hyperscaler cloud platforms have made the tech talent world capable enough to put all these tech components into good use, in end-user business landscapes. 

But, platformizing end-user businesses (i.e. Banks, Insurance, Manufacturing- factories/ products and so on) requires the tech folks pivot this fundamental thought process: IT HAS TO START FROM THE BUSINESS- the end-user CEO-CXO-CDO priorities (beyond the CIO-CTO teams) and strategic objectives and digital business roadmap.

That's why, any digital platform engineering value proposition for any end-user industry must see that vertical, that business world, through their lens first. Business, domain, functional process consulting services and frameworks are therefore the most crucial and rational starting points. 

What needs to be done: Action items Next Monday Morning

• Verticalize aggressively: EVERY STORYBOARD SHOULD TALK THE LANGUAGE OF THE VERTICAL (NO TECHSPEAK) 
• Establish vertical-specific platform value propositions and market positions, with targeted thought & practice leadership, preferably through ClientSpeaks per vertical
• Personalize by target buying centers e.g. the CEO/ CXO/ CDO of the end-user client enterprise
• Incentivize standardization and adoption of verticalized platform opportunities assessment frameworks ( e.g. verticalized architecture frameworks for platformized businesses by each industry, across horizontal integrated cloud-AI-data-IA tech platforms from hyperscalers) . Collect, analyze and leverage benchmark data by verticals, across multiple business dimensions, for all consulting engagements
• Prioritize consulting IPs over pure-tech/ solution IPs, awards on practice patents
• Make use of frameworks mandatory e.g.  Accenture MyWizard usage practices

5 Steps- How to go about it:

1. Change your storyboarding practice: 
2. Develop effective & innovative marketing communications, e.g. impact-focussed collaterals (not just what tech project implementation success was achieved/ delivered, but what did that platform asset do in terms of impacting clents' business outcomes?
3. Offer more holistic, integrated consulting across digital tech elements, from cloud hyperscalers to AI and automation platforms
4. Partner/ Aqui-hire if necessary e.g. ESG-aligned, regulatory-embedded, multi-hyperscaler 
5. Talent war is fast emerging as the toughest one to win! Broaden your talent catchment/ partner: e.g. Hire/ aquihire/ unusual talent pools e.g. consulting practitioners from end-user practice leadership Business consulting talent: Hire from pure-play business consulting,