Steve Jobs *: “IT Is Playing an Increasingly Crucial Role within Companies.”

*Well, he said that in my recent dream when I interviewed him.

Like many around the globe, I’ve long admired the late Steve Jobs and viewed him as an extraordinary innovator and visionary. Much of what he’s said and his insights on technology have had a major impact on life as we know it and will continue to make a difference for many years to come. I’ve probably read almost every interview ever published with Mr. Jobs and have often wondered what it would have been like to sit down with him and pick his brain on a number of topics.

Below, is an abridged version of a recent dream that I had where I was actually sitting face-to-face with Steve Jobs and was able to ask him whatever I wanted. [It appears that I may be obsessed with IT since I even focus on it in my dreams!]

Joe: Enterprises and SMBs are constantly introducing new devices and technologies into the mix – things like iPads, smartphones, etc. that are easy to use and well received by IT administrators and end users. Do you think there will come a time when IT departments won’t be necessary anymore?

SJ: I don’t see that happening. IT is needed and always will be – if anything, IT is playing an increasingly crucial role within companies. Most organizations cannot conduct business on a daily basis without a strong IT department. I think what will change are the responsibilities of IT. We will see a decrease in IT being occupied with “basic” problems like hardware malfunctions, and more involvement in strategic decision making. I think ITs role will increasingly help make organizations more productive and assist in the seamless transfer of information between all departments.

Joe: You have been extremely successful in predicting major technology trends. What would you tell us, IT people, if you had to predict the future of Enterprise computing?

SJ: Hmmm….definitely an original question! I think that Enterprises are starting to appreciate good design and value user experience. Well, we are seeing many more iPads and Macs in companies today so that’s a good sign (smile). But this is just a start, the significant change will happen after companies can really comprehend the benefits of design and UX – once they will see significant increases in productivity. Businesses are driven by financial considerations and when decision makers will notice what this can do to the bottom line, they will start investing billions in new devices and apps.

Joe: What are your thoughts on BYOD and Consumerization of IT – here to stay or passing fads?

SJ: Is that even a question?! Definitely here to stay! Companies that aren’t paying attention to the change or are too slow to adapt will get hurt, while those embracing the shift will be rewarded. In a way, these things are still being developed – there are no “experts” at this point. There’s a tremendous open possibility here – these ideas haven’t yet been confined or over defined in too many ways and that’s wonderful. We have what Buddhism calls a “beginner’s mind” to look at these things with a fresh perspective.

Joe: You are well-known for your expertise in design. How important do you think design is when it comes to IT – help desk, user interface, etc.?

SJ: It think design is crucial in everything – a washing machine, car, clothes, UI, you name it. Design is an extremely interesting concept. Some people think it means only how something looks. But of course, it’s also how it works. To design something really well, you have to understand it. You have to really get what it’s all about and I think simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. For example, an impressive UI in my mind would be intuitive to the user and easy-to-use. It would have to allow IT people to easily access what they need on one centralized platform.

Joe: What would you say to all of the entrepreneurs out there who are spending countless hours trying to come up with the ‘next big thing’?

SJ: You know, for so long I was fixed on the next big thing, and that was fine. But I think the key is innovation, constant innovation creates an environment for great things to happen without getting bogged down with what will make the most money or grow to be the biggest.