On a quick jaunt to Chicago a few weeks back for the CompTIA annual member meeting, I started thinking about the word “ecosystem.” It is defined as, “a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment.” In everything there is an ecosystem and in every ecosystem there is a channel.

In the technology world there is an ecosystem; within the channel, there is an ecosystem. Why, if you really keep digging there are little ecosystems within bigger ecosystems everywhere.

What I find most intriguing is how important it is for all of the “organisms or organizations” within the ecosystem to coexist. If one part of the ecosystem fails or dominates, it adversely affects the other parts. In business we see companies try to dominate a sector or vertical, trying to be everything to everyone. Within the technology channels of distribution, you have a robust ecosystem that includes manufacturers, distributors, consultants, solution providers, associations, media and the list and descriptions go on. In order for the ecosystem to operate healthfully, all of the parts must equal the whole.

A critical factor for the success of an “organism or organization” is to understand its place in the ecosystem. Identifying how it affects the overall health of the ecosystem and how best to capitalize on proprietary assets that symbiotically nurture it for the greater whole is the interesting challenge. Time and time again throughout history, we have seen empires come and go, extinction of species, and basically any idea that purports everything to everyone ultimately fails.

We are at our best as individuals when we work, collaborate, play and communicate, together. So I would suggest, figure out where you fit in your ecosystem and utilize it to best achieve success either as an organism or organization.

Am I right or what?  What do you think?