A few years ago, a technology company gave six of us an all expense paid trip to San Jose for a three day visit of their corporate headquarters. The company was big on internet products but had developed a telephone application for their equipment. And, of course, they wanted us to buy it.

Well, needless to say, we had three days of propaganda. We spoke with the VP of sales, the VP marketing, the VP of operations etc. and they all expounded on the glorious virtues of their product.

We, on the other hand were skeptical. While they were strong on the data side of their product, they were weak in understanding the expectations of the telephony industry as a whole.

Finally, on the last day of our visit, the director of telecommunications made a presentation. And, at the end of his presentation he said “it’s nice but it’s not ready for prime time”.

Being the skeptics that we were, that last remark sealed our decision. We, opted not to buy their product.

I am sure the man lost his job.