My best friend (computer friend that is)

I'm consistently amazed at how many emails I send out each day. Today as I spent time trying out new software and browsers from Google and as I sent out my Christmas emails I started thinking about what a good friend this laptop has been to me.  What a gift it is to have technology that really serves me and helps me to be better at what I do.  To do it more efficiently and with pure enjoyment.  I don't think there are too many manufacturers who make bad equipment today (there are a few).  Mine happens to be an HP but it could just as well be a Lonovo, Dell or an Acer.

So what makes a great friend?  1. They are there for you when you need them.  2. They like to have fun and try new games  3. They can take care of themselves 4.They are fun to interact with  (I know I'm stretching this analogy but bear with me)

Just a few characteristics of my laptop.  Sure I have to take care of it from time to time, but thats all part of the relationship.  This one was not overly expensive.  $1,100.00.

I guess I just wanted to communicate this message.  Computers and software have improved.  They have improved in stability and interoperability.  They are easier to use with wireless and email.  We've all but eliminated the problem of SPAM.  I listen to my favorite music.  I watch the news.  I am constantly trying out new software.  My computer keeps up.  Its fast and its fun.  This is what I love about the IT industry Constant  Never ending Improvement.  I get to experience this.  I love to share it with my customers, prospects and friends.

Merry Christmas to all!  I hope you get a new laptop.....or just have fun with your old one.

Google Changing our world.....Again

I think the main thing I love about Google is that they are changing the way we use technology.  I think that is an obvious statement.  Most people experience it by the fact that they use it every time they do an internet search or use the Picasa application to organize their photos.  I think the main reason I started this blog when I did is that it is so easy with Blogger.  The next big idea from Google is something called Wave.  Check out this video: http://wave.google.com/help/wave/about.html#video.    There is no question that devices like the Iphone from Apple are starting to dominate the way we communicate.  I've also observed how much more time I spend texting and emailing people.  What if there was a product that could bring these elements together.  What if you could seamlessly take people into a conversation? How about easily attaching  documents and photos at any time?  What about breaking off parts of conversations and adding or deleting people?  what about chatting and emailing in the same message?....instantaneously?  That's Wave!  Check it out

Time to make a decision

One of the biggest challenges I see IT professionals facing is that of decision making. One of the main reasons its tough for them is that it involves risk. I can say that in my experience owning a business that making decisions and standing behind them is tough. One of my favorite quotes from the book "the Travelers Gift" is this " God did not give us the ability to always make the right decision. He gave us the ability to make a decision and then make it right". Does this apply to IT decision making? Usually.  The point is that there is no perfect decision.  Even in IT.  There is no absolute, black and white.  The reason is that the target is moving.  The industry and the technology are moving so fast we have a hard time keeping up with the changes and making the right decision.  Thats why I like to focus on strategy and implementation as 2 separate pieces.  The strategy discapline lets you take advantage of the best of what there is to offer right now with keeping an eye focused toward the future.  The implimentation discapline allows you to set timelines and processes in place that you can meet in order to assure what you've designed can actually be used in time so that the company can bennefit from the new technology.