In the Covid-19 era many upstarts – such as video-conferencing software maker Zoom Video Communications Inc – are emphatically winning even as the tech giants try to squash them. — Pixabay
One of the most feared antagonists in the Star Trek universe is the seemingly unstoppable alien species called the Borg. These cybernetic aliens travel the galaxy, conquering and assimilating everything in their path while greeting each new victim with the catch-phrase, "Resistance is futile.”
In many ways, the prevailing narrative around Big Tech is similar to this sci-fi series villain story line. Pundits often cite how the technology giants’ vast financial resources and R&D budgets will lead to an inexorable march to control more and more of the economy. And sure, on the surface it makes sense. Apple Inc and Google-parent Alphabet Inc sport net cash balances of roughly US$100bil (RM427bil) each and dominate their respective markets, generating vast profit streams from smartphones and search engine. Together with Facebook Inc, Netflix Inc and Microsoft Corp, these behemoths also reign over the stock market with their ballooning valuations. How can any smaller company hope to compete against such power in the current difficult environment?
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