Software Does Not Suck

Ok so I have to admit that yesterdays entry cleverly titled "Software Sucks" was a little impulsive and over the top. Software does not suck!

I suppose I over reacted a little bit, but I think the reason I was so upset is because I want people to have positive experiences when working with software that I hand craft for them.

At Subway I love their concept of "Sandwich Artists" where they craft the sandwich right in front of you. You're there for every step of the process, minus the baking of the bread and prepping of the toppings etc etc...

What if software were built in a similar fashion? Do you follow where I'm going.. what if the end user was there for every step of development so that they get the software that they want. Now in an ideal world that would probably amount to bloated budgets and the never complete software. But what if we could get the end user to prioritize and pick the things that are most important to them and guide us as we build the software for them.

You are not doing Agile, you are Agile!

I was a part of an interesting conversation today with Sean and Adam where Sean brought up a great point. (Pardon me Sean if I paraphrase incorrectly!) In the eyes most companies, a software project was successful if it was on time and on budget. Until you can prove to the company how the inefficiencies in software are actually costing them money, you probably wont be heard.

So how does one go about creating change, well start with the all mighty dollar! Perhaps one tactic for introducing Agility into an environment is to discuss how it can save you money. I'm not a big fan of graphs and excel sheets and charts, but I've found that it's usually a good way to communicate with people who have money or are responsible for spending money.

So hit 'em up with a little "Agile vs. Traditional Cost Models" talk. Mr. Joe Ocampo says it best with:

"The quicker you are able to stabilize a production release the more you will increase the value stream for the business." - Joe Ocampo

Sean offers his thoughts on how to introduce change in your shop and why it's necessary. It's definitely worth a read.

With that said... my love of software development continues!