http://cakebysadiesmith.co.uk/2017/07/05/chocolate-drip-wedding-cake/ I have profiles defined on Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo, and several others. In each case, I have a list of connections/relationships/friends, and it is up to me to remember the social context of that relationship, a context that is “in my head” and not saved in the system. What we need is a way to classify […]
“Client” Roles and Virtualization
In a recent discussion, my team has touched on strategies available to deliver, quickly and efficiently, a standard client/desktop to users, based on their role in the organization. I see four different ways to deliver this capability : use a “remote desktop” product like Tivoli Remote Control to access standard installations on the server side […]
Data Center Automation patent — finally issued
It took six years, but here it is : Method and system for managing resources in a data center When we started in 2001, we were hoping to revolutionize the industry… The jury is still deliberating…
Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Employees
I have changed jobs many times in my career, from very large like Alcatel and BMO, to startups. I’ve joined IBM through an acquisition, and have constantly told everyone that what is required to succeed in the software business is (almost) the same, regardless of the size of the company or the team. And don’t […]
Patience with new ideas
When moving innovations/new ideas to the implementation stage, it pays to be patient. In one of my early startup experiences, we achieved $6 million/year revenue, no profit (but no loss either), painfully acquired 4800 on-line customers, and built quite a solid web-based solution. All in 18 months, with more than $10 million left in the […]
Seven Excuses to Avoid Going Through an Internal Beta Program
There are many benefits to an internal beta — a (mostly) forgiving audience, a simple distribution mechanism, easy to get feedback (you got their email address already…), etc. However, if you do not believe in early feedback and incremental development, here is my free advice on what you can say to avoid going through it […]
Do we need beta programs?
I see it again and again — some developers are so focused on delivering the software that they forget to get an early prototype out for people to check and provide feedback. It is almost like in one of the classic Dilbert cartoons, where a developer was complaining about “evil-spawned users”… There are a couple […]
The Outcome Bias and Management Assessment
I am reading a trading book – The Way of the Turtle – talking, among other things, about the behavioural basis of trader actions and thoughts. One of the ideas that caught my attention is the “outcome bias”. In a nutshell, we tend to judge a decision made three months ago (when people making the decision knew […]
Who knows “the requirements”?
One of the senior software developers that I know used to ask me on a regular basis about “the requirements”. He would insist on having a “document” that would tell him what he needs to implement. I would always tell him to talk to users/customers to find out — and he would move to the […]
Getting close to customers
I have worked in many corners of the industry — on the receiving end of “new” technology where the vendor pretty much camped in front of our office and worked with us until everything worked fine, on the delivery/producing end. Both in startups and large technology companies. From what I have seen, having direct developer […]