This book provides guidance on how organizations can respond effectively to a rapidly converging collection of advanced technologies, methods, and models often referred to as "the metaverse." The arrival of the metaverse will likely lead to one of the most disruptive eras in modern history. We will see our personal, social, professional, and business lives change just as dramatically as we experienced with the arrival of the personal computer, Internet, and smart phone. The book also discusses some of the most important metaverse technologies, concepts, and methods which are needed by organizational leaders to understand as they begin to map out their metaverse transformation plans. These discussions are followed by detailed chapters on the main elements of an effective enterprise transformation initiative, concluding with a detailed hypothetical case study that describes how such a transformation can be accomplished. The central purpose of the book is to help executives and other professionals in charting an effective course to the Metaverse.
Metaverse technologies are emerging much more rapidly than most of us expected. Organizations around the world are being caught by surprise and are not sure how to react. We can see this clearly when we look at just one component of the Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence (AI). The explosive emergence in 2022 of generative AI capabilities, like ChatGPT, provides a stark preview of what lies ahead for organizations. AI could, within a decade, transform most processes used within companies, as well as the products and services they provide. Most workers, from executive management to the learned professional ranks, to the shop floor, will be affected.
There’s more. Quantum Computing is another rapidly emerging Metaverse technology that could be just as disruptive as AI, if not more so. The combination of AI and quantum computing is awesome to contemplate and will have to be seen to be believed.
Features:
Discusses the most important metaverse technologies, concepts, and methods organizational leaders need to understand as they begin to map out their metaverse transformation plans
Features detailed chapters on the main elements of an effective enterprise transformation initiative
Covers machine learning, AI, augmented reality, quantum computing, enterprise architecture, robotics, platforms, ChatGPT, holograms, organizational structure for the metaverse era, and more
Concludes with a detailed hypothetical case study that describes how such a transformation can be accomplished
Author(s): W. Kimmerly
Publisher: Mercury Learning and Information
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 296
Front Cover
Half-Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part 1 Book Overview and Key Concepts
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 The Metaverse is Closer than We Might Think
More to Come
1.2 The Metaverse: An Overview
No Consensus Definition
Two Important Attributes
Current Status of the Metaverse
Not Without Its Challenges
History of Changing User Relationships to Technology: From Remote to Immersive
1.3 The Power of Technological Convergence and Synthesis
1.4 An Important New Phase of the Digital Age
1.5 Enterprise Transformations in the Metaverse Era
Enterprise Digital Transformations Have a Poor Record of Success
Timing is Vital
1.6 Increased Nimbleness at All Organizational Levels
1.7 The Pivotal Role of a New-Era Enterprise Architecture
1.8 How This Book Can Help
1.9 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 2 Structure Of The Book And Key Definitions
2.1 Important Definitions and Concepts
Board of Directors
Executive Management or C-Suite
Enterprise Architecture (EA)
“Nimble” Enterprise
2.2 Key Takeaways
Part 2 Background and Context
Chapter 3 Evolution of IT Governance Frameworks
3.1 Introduction
The Early Days of Computing
Gaining Control of Computer Proliferation
Existing Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and Tools
Suggested Approach to Enterprise Architecture
3.2 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 4 Slow Responses To Disruptive Technologies
4.1 Tech Industry – A History Defined by Eras
4.2 Digging Deeper: Innovation Diffusion and Chasm Crossing
4.3 Focus on One Industry: Healthcare
4.4 Accelerating Technology Acceptance
Ensure Familiarity with the Incoming Wave
Build a Coalition
Find Attractive Use Cases
Declare Yourself Competent and Then Become So
4.5 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 5 Nimbleness In The Animal Kingdom
5.1 Raw, Primal, Physical Nimbleness – The Gazelle
5.2 Subtle Nimbleness – The Chameleon (and Reverse Chameleon)
Blending In (Less Common)
Reverse Chameleon Effect (More Common)
5.3 Key Takeaways
Part 3 Key Technologies That Will Enable Organizational Nimbleness in the Metaverse Era
Prelude to Part 3
Chapter 6 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The Growing Importance of AI in Business
ChatGPT as an AI Example
6.3 What is Artificial Intelligence?
6.4 What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning in History
Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning
6.5 AI and Software Development in the Metaverse
6.6 AI and the Singularity
6.7 AI / ML – Cost Considerations and AIaaS
6.8 The Time to Act is Now
6.9 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 7 Blockchain
7.1 Blockchain and Smoother Enterprise Information Flow
7.2 What is Blockchain?
Different Kinds of Blockchains
Traditional Databases versus Blockchain
Other Uses of Blockchain
Blockchain and Cybersecurity
An Example of Blockchain Use in the Enterprise
7.3 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 8 Platforms
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Discussion of Business Platforms
Platform as a Business Model
The Internal Organizational Platform Model
8.3 Platforms and Deep Tech
8.4 Summary
8.5 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 9 Algorithms
9.1 Introduction
9.2 An Essential Competitive Requirement
9.3 Background and Overview
Algorithms are Myopic and Literal
Special Note on Algorithms and Quantum Computing
9.4 Developing and Managing Algorithms in the Enterprise
Impact of Algorithms on Structure, Employees, and Staffing
Transforming the Production Worker
9.5 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 10 Edge Computing
10.1 Introduction
10.2 What is Edge Computing?
10.3 Setting Up an Edge Computing Solution
Define Edge Computing Objectives
Assess Edge Design and Deployment Options
10.4 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 11 Quantum Computing
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Importance to Metaverse Transformation
11.3 What is Quantum Computing?
11.4 The Science Behind Quantum Computing
Superposition
Entanglement
11.5 Implications for Organizations
11.6 Do Production Quantum Computers Currently Exist?
11.7 Current and Potential Applications of Quantum Computing
11.8 Quantum Computing and Security Issues
11.9 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 12 Immersive Technologies (VR, AR, MR, and XR)
12.1 Definitions
Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality
Mixed Reality
Extended Reality
12.2 Convergence of Immersive Technologies
Focusing on VR and AR
How VR is Currently Being Used in Business
How AR is Being Used in Business
12.3 How to Get Started with AR/VR
12.4 Key Takeaways
12.5 References
Chapter 13 Holographic Technologies
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Background
13.3 How Holographic Technologies Work
A Note on Avatars
13.4 Examples of Hologram Use Cases
Communications
Museums
Military Applications
Information Storage
Medical Applications
Fraud and Security
Art
13.5 3D Holograms in Real Time?
13.6 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 14 Deep Tech
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Deep Tech Overview
Not a New Concept
Comparison With “Shallow” Tech Organizations
Deep Tech Attributes Traditional Firms Should Emulate
Transformation Strategy Recommendation: Align With a Deep Tech Organization
14.3 Key Takeaways
Chapter 15 Other Metaverse-Related Technologies
Robotics
Digital Twins
The Internet of Things
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
3D Reconstruction
Spatial Computing
Web 3.0
Industry 4.0 / Industrial Revolution 4.0
15.1 Key Takeaways
References
Part 4 Putting It All Together
Chapter 16 Organizational Structure for the Metaverse Era
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Alternative Organizational Structures
16.3 Key Takeaways
References
Chapter 17 Governance Framework for the Metaverse Era
17.1 Introduction
Governance Zones of Responsibility
17.2 Overall Enterprise Governance
Strong Governance in a Nimble, Networked Organization?
Summary Notes on General Governance
17.3 Technology Governance
Sample IT Governance Charter
Technology Governance Philosophy – One Size Does Not Fit All
Empowered Technology Governance in Action: An Example
17.4 Key Takeaways
Chapter 18 Enterprise Architecture (EA)
18.1 Enterprise Architecture Layers are Interdependent
Mission and Vision Layer
Business Strategy Layer
Information Flow Layer
Data Architecture Layer
Application Architecture Layer
Technology Architecture Layer
Security Architecture Layer
Metaverse Technologies Layer
Special Consideration – SaaS
18.2 Example of Enterprise Architecture Use by an Organizational Unit
Discussion
18.3 Key Takeaways
Chapter 19 Infusing Nimbleness into the Enterprise Architecture
19.1 Nimbleness Infusion at Important Organizational Layers
Infusing Nimbleness at the Working Level
Infusing Nimbleness at the Middle Level
Infusing Nimbleness at the Top Level
19.2 Infusing Nimbleness into Enterprise Architecture Layers
Mission and Vision Layer
Business Strategy Layer
Information Flow Layer
Data Architecture Layer
Application Architecture Layer
Technology Architecture Layer
Security Architecture Layer
Metaverse Technologies Layer
19.3 Key Takeaways
Chapter 20 Central IT and the Metaverse Enterprise
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Background and Context – A Look Back
The Historic “Toss it Over the Wall” Issue
Shadow IT and “Departmental Cowboys”
Gaining Control Over the Problem Created by Shadow IT
Why the General Concept of Central IT Should Not Be Abandoned
New Roles for Central IT
Moving Central IT Services into the Metaverse Era
20.3 Key Takeaways
Chapter 21 Conclusion And Path Forward
21.1 Introduction
21.2 Phasing the Transformation
Step 1 – Infuse Knowledge of the Metaverse at the Highest Enterprise Levels to Gain Support for Possible Transformation.
Step 2 – Obtain Backing from the Board of Directors.
Step 3 – Perform Due Diligence and Make the Decision.
Step 4 – Establish Transformation Phase One Strategies and Goals.
Step 5 – Assign a Respected, Credible Team.
Step 6 – Launch the Transformation.
Step 7 – Continue the Effort Through Phases 2 and 3.
21.3 Importance of “In the Zone” Leadership for Transformation
21.4 Key Takeaways
Chapter 22 Case Study in Transforming to the Metaverse
22.1 Introduction
22.2 The Metaverse Transformation of Genesis Star Technologies
Company Profile
Realizing a Change in Direction is Essential
Gaining Support from the Board of Directors
Reviewing Progress
Initial Transformation Launch Plan (Phase One)
The Timeline
Results After Six Months
Phase 2 Launch
Results After Two Years
A Moment of Reflection
22.3 Concluding Thoughts on the Case Study
Making the Right Moves
22.4 A Fair Question
The Risks of Doing Nothing
Don’t Get Blindsided
Index
