In working with web applications since 1999, we have discovered truisms that have greatly impacted our business and our thinking. Let us share some of our hard won wisdom with you:

People say they like change. But when it comes right down to it, human nature puts a stick in the spokes.

Using web technology is inviting change and there is learning curve for those who undertake it. Some take on the challenge of learning a newer and better way; others may try and give up. It takes strong leadership, time, training, and ongoing support.

The "new way" needs to be obviously better than the "old way" and the "old way" needs to step aside in order for the "new way" to take hold.

We are creatures of habit. If the old way is within reach, it's easier to take. It takes strong leadership to guide people through using new online business systems. An example of parallel thinking is when the "horseless carriage" (aka car) was introduced, horses were doing just fine in getting people around.

Success and leadership go hand in hand.

Have we mentioned how important strong leadership is in implementing an effective online system? We have learned that what the leadership in a business makes important IS what becomes important. If using the new online system for business processes IS the way business is done, then that's what will be.

"Easy" for me isn't the same as "easy" for you.

Web applications must be intuitive, of course. But just because I get it doesn't mean you will. Training and support are necessary and ongoing.

Strategy leaders of an online system are not the same people as the drivers of the system.

Just as there are multiple positions in a company, there are visionaries in regards to technology as well as hands-on tactical administrators who drive the system. They aren't the same people and they don't think alike and they need each other. Identify who each of these people are in your company in order for implementation of your web application to succeed. You need both.

The world of technology — even though it's been around for years and is used daily by many — is still relatively new to most.

The really smart business people begin to tackle technology initiatives by thinking about the outcomes they desire. From there, a technology expert (ahem...that's us) can advise you on the technology infrastructure needed to achieve those goals.