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The 6 Stages of Technology

These were originally presented in a talk by Stu Feldman, given at a USENIX conference in approximately 1988 or so…

A "technology" can be anything: software, a technique, a process, a document, a product…

(I think Stu originally had only 5 stages. Either what I have numbered 0 was missing or 2 and 3 were combined. I think this is more accurate.)

I've had this posted on my web site for years, but never put it into my blog. I think it will be easier to locate if it's here.

Stage Description

0

 New / Under Development

Usage:
Only the author/creator and/or a small number of "edge" leaders.
Use may be irregular or ad hoc.

e.g. for software:
Still in planning stage.
Developer makes changes as desired.
Essentially no support.
Documentation is very simple or nonexistent.

1

 Recognized

Usage: More people (e.g. your friends and colleagues).
Use is more frequent, perhaps stil irregular.
Still considered leading edge.

e.g. for software:
"alpha" or "beta" release users make changes and submit them;
send feedback and bug reports.
Still little support or documentation, but these are improving.

example: Voice Over IP

2

 Common

Usage: Friends of friends; frequent and regular.

Standards are being developed.
Books are written.

e.g. for software:
First release.
Less frequent changes.
Minor support; changes are sent out to users; better documentation.

example: Caller ID

3

 Accepted

General distribution

Books, papers, talks, reference material are all more available.
Minor variations cann be found in the marketplace.

Usage: Widespread.
Lots of people are using it (people even your friends don't know)

e.g. for software:
Real support; good documentation; regular release cycle.

example: Call Waiting

4

 Expected

Popular.

Usage:
People do not have to explain to anyone why they are using it.

e.g. for software:
Changes propagated quickly; good support, good documentation.

examples: cell phone

5

 Assumed

Best of Breed.

Usage:
People have to explain why they are not using it.

e.g. for software:
Backward compatibility, maintenance releases, better documentation,
support, new features, user groups…

example: telephone

A friend added:

This reminds me of my "theory" of product stages.

stage criteria for moving to this stage
----- ---------------------------------
Development -- It seemed like a good thing to do.
Alpha -- Your manager keeps bugging you about when it will be done.
Beta -- Marketing keeps bugging your manager about when it will be done.
Final -- Customers keep bugging marketing about when it will be done.

— EV

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