The BOX. (information systems professionals' preoccupation with technology)

This column has pretty much lambasted the technology freaks in the world. It's as good a time as any to explain why. First, we have to determine exactly what the "BOX" is. For purposes of this column, the "BOX" is anything and everything except application software. You may not agree with that wide ranging definition; but about the only thing that you can really control is the applications. Operating systems, netware, database managers - all that stuff is pretty much static once you've made a choice.

So what's my problem? I simply do not understand why so much time and effort are given to things that are out of your control. Most of the "BOX" components are "gotta haves;" and there are only marginal differences in capability from one manufacturer to another. Cost is still an overall factor; but, once again, the marginal cost of one configuration vs. another (same capabilities) is relatively slim. Why all the fuss? Why is there so much techno-babble? Why …