In an Ecosystem, Everything Is Connected

We expect our technologies to be connected. We want them to anticipate our needs. We have become conditioned to tech that will simultaneously keep us entertained, connected, and productive across multiple platforms and devices. We expect that the things we search for or shop for on one device will appear seamlessly on another device. If our cars and refrigerators talk to us we aren’t surprised.

This level of personal connectivity is becoming part of our everyday lives. Apple created a personal ecosystem with devices like the iPhone, Mac, and now Apple Watch, and with services such as iTunes, iCloud, and more. Google has created an ecosystem that started with search and tied is together with Gmail, YouTube, Android, and other services and solutions.

These examples focus mainly on digital ecosystems. Our approach has been a little different. Starting in 1997 with e-commerce, we built an ecosystem that connects our members to daily services such as shopping, travel, banking, insurance, credit card, and of course, digital goods. In fact, we have over 50 services connected to the Rakuten ecosystem, all under the same membership loyalty points program. We find that people like our approach–a lot–and so we are bringing it global.

In nature, ecosystems are fragile. Everything connected to the ecosystem must work together for it to thrive. This is the same for our business. All parts of the Rakuten ecosystem are important to our success.

What ecosystems impress you?

Read my book on revitalizing Japan in the global economy, The Power to Compete. (Find it on Kobo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play).