I enjoy patio11's articles immensely but I wish it would be made more clear that this is one of several paths to building a successful software enterprise. Going in and automating stuff people have been using Excel for is a straightforward way to build software people will be willing to pay for, yes.
But let's not forget the unique privilege we have of living in 2013 where we're just starting to get desktop-class CPU and GPUs with radios in everyone's pockets. Let's not forget that the things computers are capable of now were barely visible even a decade ago and a dream a decade further. I firmly believe in using computers to solve real problems. But I also think that you need to look at the problems you're solving and think about how you can truly leverage the unique capabilities we have now to build transformative things.
I don't think patio11 was suggesting that automating spreadsheets was the only / best way to build a business. For me the thing folk should be taking away from the piece is that understanding your customer, their problems, and the channels you need to have to reach those customers before you build and launch your product is a rather good idea ;-)
Because that's the mistake I see companies make again and again. They build something that nobody wants, or that nobody can use in way that solves their problem, or solves a problem for people they cannot sell to. Find that shit out early - not late.
But let's not forget the unique privilege we have of living in 2013 where we're just starting to get desktop-class CPU and GPUs with radios in everyone's pockets. Let's not forget that the things computers are capable of now were barely visible even a decade ago and a dream a decade further. I firmly believe in using computers to solve real problems. But I also think that you need to look at the problems you're solving and think about how you can truly leverage the unique capabilities we have now to build transformative things.