In an unusually mellow "Ballmeresque" demeanor, Steve Ballmer headlined the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) event last Friday in Charlotte. Mr. Ballmer offered interesting insight into the role of technology and proclaimed now is the time for technology to lead us forward. He reminded us that nearly half of the fortune 500 were formed during the depression and other serious economic downturns. For more coverage see the Charlotte Observer article.
In a shameless effort to solicit insight from the current top dawg in the world of software, I could not pass up the open mike... So I asked..."Given the elevation of cyber security as a national priority by President Obama, what advise would you give him?"
In response, Mr. Ballmer first deftly couched his response and role saying "I don't do that - advise presidents." Not to be left in the cold, he repositioned his repsonse as if he were advising a CEO and had these three comments.
1. The President should use his position as a "Bully Pulpit" to keep cyber security a top concern and make an effort to raise and maintain awareness. He noted that his information reflects a reduction in corporate spending on security - not a good thing.
2. The President should focus on getting his "own house" in order. In other words, the President should undertake a focused effort on securing the government's cyber infrastructure.
3. As for the commercial sector, he offered no specific guidance. He noted that he did not think further regulation was necessary - but that he would deal with whatever comes his way. I am guessing he might have more insight on this front given the nearly $9 million spent on lobying each year. See here for details.
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