Speaking of Web 2.0… the only reason I would want to be at that conference is to hear Jeff Bezos speak. I think Amazon Web Services, and their other efforts to re-use their existing infrastructure across the web (and the real world, including shipping centers) is the most impressive change in how business works I’ve seen in years. BusinessWeek’s cover story was called “Jeff Bezos’ Risky Bet.” I’d put my chips on the same number. And I’m not much of a gambler. Only time will tell, but I’m convinced Amazon is both well suited and well positioned to become an even bigger force in both the business of technology and the technology of business. The latter is the big score. I think this is akin to the introduction of eBay in its ability to create new types of businesses, of all sizes, which could not have existed before.
Amazon has already had to build its own “river” of infrastructure; now they are opening it up to all “boats,” from entrepreneurs on inner tubes to businesses with barges. It’s not just about books anymore.