Think of this as the Cliff’s notes for the SmoothSpan Blog. If you want to understand the underlying thinking that has shaped the blog, you have to follow these themes. For each theme, I have tried to identify a few of the seminal posts that tee’d up the theme.
More and More Computing is Moving Into the Cloud
Software is Too Hard to Write
And it is getting even harder. Writing for Web 2.0 and SaaS projects is harder than creating On-premises software in many ways. 70% of the code you write is wasted. The Multicore Crisis will completely change how you must approach performance. It is here today, it has a shape, and will get worse if you have a Red Shifted Business. Utility Computing will completely change how you approach hosting your solution.
The Web 2.0 is Social Phenomenon
As such, you have to look at it behaviourally. That means understanding how different Learning Styles engage with the web and how one uses the Web to create Tipping Points and Close Sales. It also means you can’t use just one approach to reach all audiences.
The Web 2.0 is becoming the essential tool for social communication and not just an interesting alternative channel.
Marketing and Sales Issues are Tragically Knowable
You have to measure what’s happening and use that data to create feedback that focuses your next move. Never bet everything on a gut feel. Test it and then decide.
Business and Social Web Computing Have Different Requirements
There’s been a lot of excellent work on the Social Web 2.0, but we are just beginning to understand Business Web 2.0. There will be other niches as well, such as Political Web 2.0, because everyone ultimately wants to influence or get help from others.
These Principles Extend Beyond Communication And Into Business Strategy
Programmability and getting the “Meta” Thing helps create platforms which trump all else. When faced with overwhelming odds, the underdog turns to collaboration for help. This is done by opening up, increasing service levels (service is collaboration with your customer), collaborating with potential future competitors to create Asymmetric Marketing, and leveraging the “Meta” thing.