Many of you might know about Software as a Service (SaaS). It is a growing industry within IT, and based around (what might be to some) a simple concept. That is, software isn’t owned, but rented; not installed, but accessed; it’s not paid for upfront, but pay-as-you-go. You could liken it to watching TV rather […]
Can you afford to continue wasting time and resources by re-inventing the wheel and firefighting? This is the question many IT leaders are asking themselves in light of a downturn in financial markets and pressure to get more from less. Recent keynote addresses by companies like IBM and Forrester say that IT must move away
You Must Industrialize IT to Secure your Organization’s Future Read More »
I’ve just come from the Forrester IT Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, and discovered a number of insights that crystallized some thoughts I’d been having for a while. One of these insights that resonated especially was the future of IT Leadership and the potential fork in the road of the IT career path. During the last
Prepare for the Future of IT Organization, or Be Left Behind Read More »
I’ve been mixing with some of the top Execs (CIOs, CTOs, Heads of IT) over the last few days at the Forrester IT Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, and I’ve had a number of conversations about the top issues they face. Not surprisingly, delivery is still the key concern. What I discovered though is that this
Delivery is still the top concern of Execs! Read More »
You might think that Web 2.0 was set to totally disrupt and displace the big players in the IT industry. New players have risen in the last 15 years; Google, Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Myspace, to name but a few. All these new guy’s propositions are based on amassing large volumes of data on individuals and
The Phenomenal Power of Enablement: Implications for Corporates and Individuals Read More »
Have you noticed that when your organization announces something in the press that you begin to receive an unusual number of calls offering consultation and other services? Your company may have just announced a new product launch, division, lay-offs or a serious accountancy error. It can be a pain in the ass, quite frankly. But
How to respond when prospectors call following Press Announcements Read More »
The media continues to report that we’re in the grip of a recession. Whilst this maybe true, I haven’t yet seen a cascade of severance and canceled projects; but that may still come. A little while ago I offered 5 recession beating tips for Technical Professionals which discussed some proactive measures to reduce your personal
Grip of recession (?) Read More »
This is a continuation of this previous article, which looks at the implications of the Product Life-Cycle. In the previous article, I discussed the phases Development, Introduction and Growth. Now onto Maturity. Maturity is the phase where the product is well established in the market in terms of market share and is turning a healthy profit for
The Implications of the Product Life-Cycle (Part Two) Read More »
Everyone, nowadays, in a technical role uses a computer. It saves us a lot of time and energy. I’m not a number crunching expert, a speedy mailman who can travel the world in an instant or a writer using calligraphy, so I let the computer do it. My impression of a computer now is a lot
Do you remember your first impressions of a computer? Read More »
Hi Folks this is a simple request for your help. I feel passionate about helping Technical Professionals realize their career and personal goals, as I wish someone was around, accessible and affordable to me when I was clawing away at the career ladder in my early days. I set simonstapleton.com as the outlet for this,
Help Wanted – apply within Read More »
No this ain’t some odd sexual reference. (If you thought it was, what does that say about you? And what does it say about me for thinking you might?) Fudging in this context is manipulation which goes against standard, e.g. changing a value of something ‘illegitimately’ to see if you get the result you’re looking for.
Are you OK with fudging? Read More »
Did you know that organizational shape and behavior tends to reflect it’s company’s products?
The Implications of the Product Life-Cycle (Part One) Read More »
Nobody has the monopoly on good ideas. You may find yourself in a situation where you have a good idea that can revolutionize your organization, if only ‘management’ could see it. You’re bursting at the seams to speak to someone who can sponsor the idea and make it happen. For the bright technical professionals who
Brilliant Basics: Converting ideas and opportunities in technology to business value Read More »
The Internet has brought unprecedented access to information, and to each other. Using email, we are now able to contact friends, family and colleagues worldwide at the same time and from the same place, at low cost and effort. The trouble is, (for the same reasons) other people can contact us, often unsolicited. Spam is
Brilliant Basics: Getting the Most from Email Communication in Business Read More »
I recently wrote about creating technical innovation in a regimented world. The main thrust of this post covered the issues in building a framework for creativity in organization’s that are very risk-averse and structured around established methods. The framework I discussed is a potential management mechanism for moving ideas from early stages to business initiatives
How to Stimulate Technical Innovation Read More »
This is a continuation of the topic of Lightworkers and Darkworkers currently buzzing around on a few blogs; I wrote about Darkworkers here. Lightworkers, as defined by Steve Pavlina here, believe their primary role is to serve the greater good of humanity, and act in general terms selflessly. This doesn’t mean Lightworkers will starve to
Are there Lightworkers in your department? Read More »
Hi Folks, I apologise for not publishing anything for a week. I am in the middle of a house move and apart from my equipment being packed across several boxes, my internet connection to the office took longer than expected. However, I’m now back into the seat and will be publishing a number of articles
Update May 19 2008 Read More »
I just found this interesting post (below) on the valleywag blog, naming the 10 worst workplaces, according to their own research. I don’t think the research was done scientifically (so read it with a tongue-in-cheek). However, it does raise an interesting subject; does your workspace encourage you to work hard, give 110% and enjoy your work? Numerous
10 Worst Workspaces Read More »
From an early age, I was interested in computers. In the late 70s and early 80s, a revolution was underway – the home computer revolution. Like many spotty kids at that time, we loved to play the games on our Commodore or Spectrum, but I also liked to program games of my own. I think
SimonStapleton.com: Why do I do this? Read More »
The concept of Darkworkers and Lightworkers is buzzing on a couple of blogs I favor at the moment. In essence, Darkworkers align themselves to the needs of themselves, i.e. they are selfish individuals who live only for personal gain. On the flipside, Lightworkers align themselves to the needs of humanity. It’s important at this time
Are there Darkworkers in your department? Read More »
