2009-11-30 16:51:18.198234+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments
I don't need more blog reading. I especially didn't think I needed more software methodology blog reading. However, Dave pointed to Proper Fixation and called out Extreme Programming Explained. I may put this blog in my reading rotation.
[ related topics: Weblogs Software Engineering ]
comments in descending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2009-12-02 00:24:18.820015+00 by: Mars Saxman
That's a really sharp blog. Thanks for the link.
#Comment Re: made: 2009-11-30 20:47:31.208405+00 by: Dan Lyke
I think HBS Cases: Customer Feedback Not on elBulli's Menu's look at fine dining from an MBA's perspective is apropos here.
Another way to phrase the question Eric asked: If manufacturing costs are zero (ie: copies are just bits), is it worth commodifying R&D? Or are you engineering the software for a very specific use, in which case there is no scaling of the R&D costs. Is software development something to be used disposably, in which case Agile/Extreme makes sense, or something to build future infrastructure on. If it's the latter, commodification and even process makes no sense at all.
#Comment Re: made: 2009-11-30 19:24:26.88278+00 by: ebradway
I think the real question is: Is there a need for a "McDonalds-ization" of software development. Basically, McDonald's spends millions of dollars creating processes in the restaurant that allow poorly-trained, unmotivated teenagers to safely, successfully and profitably produce their product. No one will mistake a Big Mac and Fries for the chef's special at a 4-star restaurant. One is the product of a refined process, the other is the creation of a talented individual.
XP tries to create a software development process more like McDonalds. I'd gamble that the majority of software (the stuff that keeps businesses operating) can be produced by such a process.
The truly interesting software remains the realm of the talented individual - and defies significant efforts at standardization.
#Comment Re: made: 2009-11-30 18:07:34.977608+00 by: Chris
excellent blog, this person has a real understanding of people and the process