Who was the SECOND man to walk on the Moon?

August 4, 2010

Ok, it’s July 20th, 1969 and America had finally realized JFK’s dream and commitment that we would land a man on the moon and return him safely within the decade of the 60s. Everybody remembers Neil Armstrong’s first few steps, and his famous first few words. (Although there is still some controversy as to the actual words he used, even when listening to the audio tape). Neil was pioneering the manned lunar exploration era. He became synonymous with the space program and his role became one of leadership and understanding.

Eighteen minutes later, Buzz Aldrin walked down the same ladder and walked on the same landscape, ultimately uttering the words, “Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation.”  Buzz was walking the exact same steps but was doing so in the context of Neil’s 18-minute old path.  Who remembers this detail about Buzz (not just his fun name, but the fact that he was the second person to walk on the moon)? 

Very few people do. In fact, in every new adventure mankind has embarked upon, it is the pioneers that are remembered. The first one to do something. The leaders who take ownership and set direction. Ultimately these pioneers are the leaders who set the tone in which all others must operate.

The world of IT is looking for Pioneers. Enterprises across the planet are looking for leaders to stand up and be noticed. These new pioneers will understand that the previous rules in IT have changed in the past four years (due primarily to the costs of energy) and are actively looking for ways to navigate these new challenges of the Data Center.  Most importantly, Enterprise IT MUST change in the context of energy, accountability, and capital cost structures… and it must do so now! Entire organizations like The Green Grid® have formed as a way of bringing together 1000 or so pioneers who strive to make a difference in the world of IT. These pioneers share their thoughts and hone their ideas.

No surprise, there are a ton of new technologies (hardware and software) that have been created recently to address the challenges of Data Center Management, Power Management, and Asset Management. The next generation of pioneers will be those that survey the landscape and carefully consider business processes in place today. These pioneers will have enough passion and vision to select which new technologies make sense in the context of their organization today and in the future.  These pioneers will take their views and tell everyone they know. They will say it loud and proud. Status Quo will be a thing of the past for these pioneers.

Take a step, be a pioneer, be the first!