Here at DTS, we’re very focused on consulting-type software development.  As such, we have very direct access to our end users and customers.  Our work is “clearly” defined and prioritized by our customers and we receive direct customer feedback every two weeks.  We do not have a dispersed customer base, it’s usually a single organization.  However, last week I had lunch with a friend who does more “shrink-wrap” development.  His customers and end-users never define or prioritize their needs.  In fact, unless it’s by pure happenstance, the developers never meet or know their customers.  The functionality and feature set for the software is defined by an internal customer proxy who has his “finger on the pulse of the customer”.  Read the rest of this post

OK, don’t be too concerned, I’m not going to break into some bad Bob Seger karaoke.  Here’s the deal:  Today over lunch I planned on doing a quick 20 mile bike ride to refactor my wetware.  Based on my usual average speeds over flat terrain, I figured on about a 1 hour ride.  Before I headed out, I checked the weather and the wind speed was about 2 mph (not much at all).  So, out I go and I’m cranking all the way out toward the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  I get to my turnaround point and I’m right on my usual average velocity.  I’m thinking, I’m getting back to the office right on time.  So, about a mile in on the return leg, the wind decides it’s time to blow.  And it really starts blowing a strong headwind.  I can’t get over 14 mph!  I get back to the office and it took me 75 minutes instead of 60!  Read the rest of this post

In light of the recent news about American Airline’s maintenance problems, I sat down and talked with my Dad about aircraft maintenance.  You see, my Dad was a maintenance Crew Chief for Pan American Airlines for nearly 30 years and I wanted to understand how things got so bad for American.  My Dad explained the inner workings of Pan Am’s maintenance program to me.  The program dated back to late 1960′s and early 1970′s and was remarkably agile-sounding.  Here’s the program in a nutshell.  Read the rest of this post