The Role of system integration as a business strategy

System Integration - the word already sounds tech related.
That isn't quite the point but it probably helped you appreciate the choice of this topic.

What is system integration?
If we opted to break down the definition on a word by word basis - System would probably refer to diverse parts working together to achieve a task(s), function(s), goal(s), objective(s) or aim(s) - which may equally be part of a larger system in itself.

We have biological systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, electronic systems etc
This list is positively endless but at this juncture i believe you get the point I am trying to make. Each system is normally a sum of its parts working to deliver a solution via a set of components coupled together.

Integration refers to the "coupling"  - the glue that binds one system to another.
Think Computer controlled intruder alert systems, sprinkler systems etc

In business - this is the means by which income can be generated.
It would be so easy to take a computer and say: hey, look this computer has quad core processors, 16Gb of RAM, 1TB of hard disk space (has Hybrid technology bundled with the hard disk), 256 MB of dedicated memory for its Display adapter and integrated cooling system.

All that's good and fine but the question is: What good is all this if I am NOT using this as a part of a larger system to achieve Does it integrate into a home network and carry out computations used to optimize grain feed in large scale robot controlled farms?

Does it monitor the temperature in 320 hotel rooms of the Hotel Raj and activate the air ventilation system when temperature levels become too high?

Even after such systems have been created - how does one monetize this vast creation and leverage it to earn income in today's business centric economy - where great ideas compete against the scale of economy and a good business plan?

Technology is a business tool and it depends on the creation of a good business proposition to leverage technology and utilize its vast potentials. Technology is not often for the mere beauty of creation but for practical and monetary terms

Innovation is first finding a means to solve a problem (sometimes technology wise and other times through processes - which are equally part of systems) and thus providing a means to generate income.

I am a strong advocate in system integration - I have a fundamental belief that integration is the heart of technology and a major driver of business - without it we would be content to sell one tool for every problem on the face of the earth - that might not be bad for business but it won't be good for other business considerations such as the scale of economy and efficient use of resources and materials.

We will continue this discourse with practical examples.