by Christopher Janoch
When I logged in to my iPad this morning, I was greeted with the alert that several of my applications had available updates for me to download and apply. As many of you know, this is not unusual—rarely a day goes by without a new version, update or patch being made available.
Software development cycles have been rapidly increasing in the end-user environment, as vendors race to release smaller, incremental enhancements to their products and services. The fact is, the pace of this progress is expected—even demanded—as users clamor for the newest functionality, greatest advantage, and hottest technology. I even have some clients that have deployed beta ware into their production environment; eager to embrace a product’s newest features at the risk of stability and supportability.
This fervor has caused me to reflect however, upon how my choices of software acquisitions have changed over the past decade. Previously, the decision to purchase an application (personal or enterprise) was a comparative process of static, point solutions. Did the application or service have all of the functionality I required? Were all of the integration points in place? Line by line, feature by feature, how did it compare to the leading competitors’ products?
Increasingly I realize that my purchases resemble investments in a strategic direction rather than a simple product purchase. The app in question may not have everything I desire, but with update releases following so rapidly is the product developing the way I wish? Were the previous releases acceptable? Based upon reviews and comments, has the vendor shown a trend of successful products that were well-supported? I believe very seriously in “voting with my feet,” a strategy where good behavior is rewarded with my patronage, and unacceptable service prompts me to seek elsewhere. My application purchases (or vendor investments) have the power to shape the development strategy of future products and services.
The next time you prepare to purchase an application or enterprise service, first ask yourself if you have considered the proven history of the vendor, supplier or developer. If your purchase can be considered an investment, is the vendor worthy of your investment? And is the vendor embracing the same future vision as you are?
VMware Accelerate Advisory Services can help you define your end-user computing strategy through balanced transformation plans across people, process and technology. Visit our Web site to learn more about our offerings, or reach out to us today at: [email protected] for more information.
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Christopher Janoch is a business solutions architect for VMware Accelerate Advisory Services. Follow him on Twitter @cjanoch
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