31 May 2011

Do you really need a software?

Think hard before you make a decision to go for a custom made software.

The first question you should ask is "Do you really need a software at all?"

If your business can go on without any software, it's the best case. Get it only after your life becomes miserable without one.

Let's say your life has become miserable without software and you really want to get one.

Now ask this question,

"Can I solve the problem with an off-the-shelf software?"

Yes you will have to change your processes to suit such software but sometimes it is a better choice. 

And even if this is not possible then think about building a custom software.

Identifying requirements, Creating documents, Finding the right vendor, Budgeting, Implementation, Deployment can be a long and painful process. Most software projects fail in any one of the above stages.

You might be wondering why a person who is in creating custom software business giving this advice?

Well, I really want clients who are 100% sure what they are getting into. Life becomes so much easier after that.

Don't forget to check this post once you decide to go for a custom software.
24 May 2011

Recommended books for Software Product Management and Team Building

My colleague Kuntal wanted to read some books related to software product development and team building. Just to give you a little background, he is heading a team of around 10 super cool developers in our company. His team is building arguably the best product so far developed by us for client.

I did some quick "Stack Overflowing" instead of Googling and found two related links. 

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3150259/recommendation-for-software-based-product-management-books-resources

Apart from some good books, above link has some good online resources too for a software product manager.

The following link is about team building

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/33496/recommended-reading-for-new-team-lead

Go ahead and see if you find something interesting in above two links.

But I still go with tried and tested ones (in no particular order)

Let me know if you have read any other interesting books related to Software Product Management and Team Building.

If you are a software developer or a project manager or a QA or a designer and have not read any of the above books yet, you should have them in your wishlist now!!
17 May 2011

iPad - Nirvana for Small Businesses?

I can say, I am really lucky to be alive in this era. An era where Apple is dominating the tech world. Love it or hate it, you have to accept, Apple (and Google too) has changed the way we see technology.  

"Gadgets too can be sleek, smart, stylish and usable now!!", Apple has proved that.

We all are seeing lot of changes around us because of iPhones and iPads (Android, Blackberry are also included!). 

But for this post I am interested in thinking how iPad can change the small businesses around us.

My view points are purely based on gut feeling (or common sense and observations) and not on numbers so take them with a pinch of salt.

Small businesses (generally factories, industries etc) in and around cities like Ahmedabad could never get completely computerized. They were not willing to spend money on software.

Because there were too many limitations.
  • They had to have a desktop computer somewhere in field
  • They had to put someone to man that computer (so additional training)
  • LAN cabling was required
  • Some times even internet was needed (what a demand?!!)
  • Bosses could see the reports on their computers only, which generally they are not fond of using
  • Software is almost always buggy and expensive
  • And of course Viruses!! (So have to do AMC with a third class vendor)
In short they were in lot of pain.

Couple of major things have changed recently
  • WiFi setup is easy and affordable so no need for LAN cabling
  • Internet connectivity has improved a lot and it has become cheaper too
  • 3G too is available now (in case salesman are required on the fields)
But still a "desktop" or a "laptop" was a major hindrance. iPad has changed that now.
  • It has no viruses
  • It is mobile
  • Long battery life
  • Robust OS
  • WiFi and 3G connectivity
  • No cables
  • Native powerful applications can be built up on it (Yes they too are expensive to build)
  • Bosses like it because it starts instantly and they can show it off!! :)
  • It is much much easier to use (my 1 year old daughter could use it without any training and just by observing)
  • It costs almost same as Desktop computer (and comes without an AMC)
Almost a state of "Nirvana"!!

Based on above simple observations, I believe there is a huge potential for enterprise level iPad apps in small businesses. 

Same thing applies for our homes and education. You can easily see your grand father, mom or child using an iPad but never a desktop computer.

What do you think? Will you buy an iPad instead of a desktop in your home or for your small business?

Abhishek Desai's Space

Co-founder of Digicorp, Sign in Style and Rivals4Ever

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