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K-Framework: Tornado Test

A strategic framework for service companies to identify technology tornados and become the dominant Service Gorilla. Based on Geoffrey Moore's 'Inside the Tornado' methodology, adapted for the modern tech services market.

The K-Framework: Tornado Test

A strategic framework for service companies to identify market tornados and become the dominant Service Gorilla. Based on Geoffrey Moore's "Inside the Tornado" methodology.

1

Tornado Test: 5-Phase Validation Framework

0
The Mirror
Know Your DNA

Before analyzing the market, diagnose your strategic DNA. Are you an Architect (technology-obsessed) or a Domain Expert (business-problem-obsessed)?

-Do your best people prefer refactoring code over talking to clients?
-Are you prouder of open-source contributions or CEO recommendation letters?
-Do sales conversations drift toward architecture or business models?
1
Technology Diagnosis
Is the Foundation Steel?
2
Market Diagnosis
Is the Stage Ready?
3
Problem Diagnosis
What Fire Are You Fighting?
4
Potential Diagnosis
Can Your Firm Win?
Quick Verdict Scale
18-24 YES
GO - Full analysis
12-17 YES
MAYBE - Deeper look
<12 YES
STOP - Look elsewhere
Success Formula
DNA Match x Gorilla Tech x Tipping Market x Million-$ Problem x Risk Elimination = Service Gorilla

Use Cases

  • Evaluating new technology opportunities
  • Building a service company strategy
  • Identifying market timing for expansion
  • Assessing competitive positioning

Architectural Patterns

The Architect Path

For firms obsessed with technology and product excellence. Natural target is the Optimization Leader or Platform Guardian. Win through technical authority in elite communities.

Pros:
  • +Deep technical credibility
  • +Open-source community leverage
  • +Technology breakthrough positioning
Cons:
  • -Risk of isolation from business problems
  • -May build perfect solutions nobody pays for

The Domain Expert Path

For firms obsessed with solving customer business problems. Natural target is the Business Change Leader. Win through industry expertise and empathy.

Pros:
  • +Deep client relationships
  • +ROI-based value selling
  • +Business breakthrough positioning
Cons:
  • -Risk of underestimating technical complexity
  • -May choose inadequate technology

Implementations

Open Source

Inside the Tornado

Book
Open Source

Geoffrey Moore's foundational work on technology adoption lifecycle and tornado dynamics.

Crossing the Chasm

Book
Open Source

The prerequisite reading on the technology adoption chasm between early adopters and mainstream market.

Quick Facts

Input
Opportunity
Output
Strategy
Implementations
2 open source, 0 API
Patterns
2 approaches

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