If you've ever doubted that the speed of business is on the increase, then doubt no more. I just read an article in the Los Angeles Times that a company by the name of Quadrant 2 has created a new Android smartphone app inspired by the recent Occupy Wall Street protests that are sweeping the nation, and now the world: I'm Getting Arrested. The idea is that before you attend your next protest, you set up the app with a customized message of your choosing (maybe something along the lines of, "If you received this message, it means I'm on the way to jail. Come bail me out!"). You can then enter the text message phone numbers of friends, relatives, and members of your legal team. Finally, if you find yourself in the process of getting arrested, then simply fire up the app and press the bullseye that appears on the screen for two seconds. Voila! Help is on the way.

Technology today enables the development and distribution of new products in near-real time. It's up to you whether your company will lead the market or follow it. Which will you choose?