Can Under Budget/Staffed Projects Succeed?

"I am thinking here, that if I write all the truths on this subject, chances are my phone will stop ringing".   IT projects that are understaffed, under budgeted are the most frustrating jobs for anyone who cares about quality and completeness. This is basically because talented IT developers, architects, project managers, etc. are use to being self motivated and self managing because it includes self-satisfaction for a job well done. Fighting budgets and time constraints is actually a

Part 2 Mainframe Modernization, Realistic Approaches “OOPS! Is a dangerous technical term”

Part 2 Mainframe Modernization, Realistic Approaches “OOPS! Is a dangerous technical term” To carry on concerning mainframe migrations, modernization or conversions, a prior post indicated the “Inventory/Discovery” process phase of doing these types of projects. I have been involved in (1) “Downsizing” machine to machine, OS to OS, (2) Conversions, machine to machine, language to language, DB to DB and (3) Modernizations, Mainframe to web based, Client Server Mainframe both directions and

Mainframe Modernization, Realistic Approaches ADABAS, Natural, COBOL, VSAM, ETC……………….

Mainframe Modernization, Realistic Approaches ADABAS, Natural, COBOL, VSAM, ETC………………. In my latest postings I have been weeding through technologies and terminologies being used to ‘upgrade’ legacy systems.  Upgrade has been renamed “Modernization”.  I like upgrade because it has a feeling of; ‘making better’ and implementing things that make sense for cost, energy and quality. But first I have had a nagging question as to ‘how many organizations know EXACTLY what they have now?’ I know

"RPC? API? RESTful API's in a Legacy Environment"

"RPC? API? RESTful API's in a Legacy Environment"  “The thermos, how does it know ‘hot’ or ‘cold’? ("Give me some data please, without so much overhead, Thank You!") If you, the reader, have read any of my posts, and I do recommend a couple, you will understand that coming from years of development, I get upset over waste and unnecessary overhead.  Of course that could be a post in itself. I have worked with technology that supports the requirements for different systems to talk with each

Bi-Directional Distributed Application Services HOW? Food for thought.

Bi-Directional Distributed Application Services HOW?  BI-Modal Model? (API, RPC, Middleware, COM, SOAP with HTML, XML, JSON……………..)  Food for thought post. Who should read this? If you are with an organization who has already standardize on technical methods to deploy business services or functions, internally and externally, and are satisfied it was the right choice, then this topic is trivia.  If you are not sure, then maybe if you have the time, go ahead and read it.  If you are looking

Streamlining the Application Development Process Regardless of Methodology (Part of common sense)

Streamlining the Application Development Process Regardless of Methodology (Part of common sense) Out of curiosity, I have been scouring the net to research project development.  The reason basically again is finding out how projects are doing in regards to; (1) Failing, (2) Not on time, (3) Budget overrun and (4) Cancelled.  I also look at successes. I have found people talking about streamlining to improve task completions.  I like what I have read. Many ideas came to me, but there was a

White Boards and Flip Charts "Part of Development Methodologies?"

White Boards and Flip Charts "Part of Development Methodologies?" If I had to 'theme' this post, It would be under 'Communications'. Strange? Maybe. I have always found my learning to be visual.  Something I can see, helps me make sense of some of the unknowns. Many design methodologies use Flip Charts, White Boards (Sometimes printable), Index Cards and 'stick up' Flip Charts. The problems with depending on this type of visualization are: 1. Can they get lost?, 2. Can they get erased?, 3.

Where Does AGILE Start?

Where Does Agile Start? I intend this to be a discussion, not a rant. Anyone searching for information about AGILE, it's methods and benefits,may have some questions about where it starts. It surely does have benefits to talented staffs, and user interactions. The idea of a user/client being committed and totally involved in the development is a great one.  The 'team' and the 'partnership' certainly provides the knowledge of what is going on, what is coming up and somewhat of a time to

Technical Facilitation (Scrum?)

Technical Facilitation (SCRUM ?) If you have read any other posts on this site, they reflect observations for 30+ years of Application Development experience.  They also try to drive home a ‘common sense’ approach to any type of technical project effort. Once my career was in full swing, and looking back, I have always been a technical facilitator.  Type ‘A’ personality? Yes.  Type ‘A’ personalities are usually the people who are turned to for indirect leadership without politics. People