Several recent architecture assignments have brought up what I am starting to think of as a new urban myth: guaranteed delivery of products unequivocally guarantees delivery of messages. This is my chance to rant out this annoyance.

It should come as no surprise that many mergers and acquisitions fail to deliver improved shareholder value. Perhaps the most famous recent example is the Compaq and HP merger and the turmoil that ensued when promised milestones failed to materialize.