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| | PHP 4 End of Life
July 02, 2007 | | | | | REJECTION
April 18, 2007 | | | | | How to Manage your Outsourcing Partner
February 08, 2007 | | | | | Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part V
January 29, 2007 | | | | | Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part IV
January 23, 2007 | | | | | Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part III
January 16, 2007 | | | | | Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part II
January 10, 2007 | | | | | Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing
January 09, 2007 | | | | | A New Year, a New Set of Possibilities Part II
January 05, 2007 | | | | | A New Year, A New Set of Possibilities Part I
January 02, 2007 | | | |
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PHP 4 End of Life | | July 02, 2007 |
With PHP 5 having been available for about 3 years now and PHP 6 looming on the horizon, the PHP development team recently announced
that the next will bring the end of life for PHP 4 (http://gophp5.org/). This means that any organization that depends on timely
security patches will have to migrate their installation and code base to PHP 5. With the added functionality provided by PHP 5 and the years of security patches it has already received, I consider this a
good thing.
As far as existing applications and web sites are concerned, there are two possible actions you can take. The first option is to ensure that your PHP 4 code runs on PHP 5. This would typically include a review of the code itself; as well as, the configuration of PHP 5 on the server. For most situations, this option is the quickest and most
cost effective option. The second option would be rewrite parts or all of you code base in PHP 5. This would only be necessary in cases of extreme incompatibility or where the newer features offered by PHP
5 would significantly enhance the product.
Whichever path you choose, VivanTech has tremendous experience in assisting our partners during this transition period. We can assist you with advice and experience or manage the whole process for you.
-D
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REJECTION | | April 18, 2007 |
If you ask people why they don’t try something new and take some risk to improve their chances of success, many times the answer boils down to fear of rejection.
To make a bold move in your career or to close a sale for example, you have to embrace rejection. Rejection is reality and happens every day. You have to learn from each experience and make adjustments for the next try. It is helpful to talk to highly successful people and learn from them regardless of their field. Chances are, they failed many times before they had their break.
Figure out what your proposition is and run with it. Avoid typical approaches and be remarkable. If you are looking for a better job for example, instead of sending your resume, hand-write a letter to the decision maker and introduce yourself. Include some references in your letter. If you are selling, articulate verbally or in writing how you can reduce cost or increase revenue for your prospect but do it in a credible way. In this age of copy-cats, misleading approaches and commoditization, emphasize honesty integrity and hard work in your approach. I think most of us have heard the stories about Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s or Walt Disney and how they kept trying at the beginning, despite many challenges and rejections.
Embrace rejection and you will be rewarded.
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How to Manage your Outsourcing Partner | | February 08, 2007 |
Roughly 52% of the US companies outsource nowadays. Although the benefits of outsourcing have been proven, the way companies manage their outsourcing partners is not always efficient.
Successful companies rethink their IT processes while they work with outsourcing firms. If a process is not efficient at the client company, it will extend into the outsourcing partner’s organization as well which may result in delays and communication issues. Many companies assume that the outsourcing partner knows their business and do not spend enough time discussing their business needs, plans and expectations.
Effective outsourcing relationships require investment of time on the part of the buyer. The client and the outsourcing partner must work together to address problems and plan ahead. At VivanTech , we tell our customers and prospects that offshore outsourcing is not just for saving costs. It can also result in bringing fresh perspectives and expertise if properly managed.
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Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part V | | January 29, 2007 |
Rewards
There are unexpected benefits of establishing a relationship with an offshore services provider. Many of our clients report that by leveraging our relationship, they have been able improve the performance of their own IT organization. There are many reasons behind this benefit such as having to define requirements in a more formal way or developing more thorough specifications and documentation.
While building high performance IT organizations within the constraints of economic realities, today’s corporations must consider offshore IT outsourcing in their mix of services. The relationship with an outsourcing provider is key, and as a result, the corporations of all sizes should give serious consideration to establishing and maintaining a relationship with a vendor with a strong track record in both U.S. based and offshore operations. In the final analysis, the hiring firm should have maximum flexibility in terms of on-site, off-site and offshore, and any combination of these services.
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Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part IV | | January 23, 2007 |
Cultural Issues
There have been a great deal of publicity on the cultural differences that exist when dealing with an offshore provider which has an Offshore Development Center in India. These differences are reflected in communications, work habits, as well as work ethics, approaches to problem solving, bringing up ideas and even challenging ideas.
Since many hiring firms do not have significant experience in managing diverse teams from India, it is crucial that the outsourcing firm provides experienced people to bridge the gap. At VivanTech, we believe that the most important person out of the “bridgers” is the local, US-based, and at times non-Indian, project manager or the liaison.
During team interactions, the successful outsourcing firms leverage their strong project management presence that exist locally. Those “connectors” at VivanTech are usually onsite at the client location. In some cases, they may be part time but nevertheless, they are very sensitive to a client’s culture and business requirements. Walking this fine line, the local rep must enable knowledge transfer and efficient team interaction which are necessary components of intelligent offshoring.
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Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part III | | January 16, 2007 |
The Focus Factor
There has been hundreds of articles written on taking advantage of offshore IT outsourcing. In general, they focus on the selection of projects and/or services to send offshore, the contractual issues, cost control, risk factors, IP protection, security, and scope management. While these are certainly items for careful consideration, it makes sense to first focus on the primary critical element that will have the most impact on the success of any offshore outsourcing charter – the selection of an offshore outsourcing partner. At VivanTech, we routinely turn down business where the prospect is interested in the lowest price or does not want a local liaison/P.M. from VivanTech. Having a local VivanTech representative, even at part-time capacity, has been the winning formula for us. Our clients talk about how we are very unique when it comes to this approach and how customer-intimate VivanTech is as a result.
The potential offshore outsourcing vendor should be viewed as a high-impact partner, a critical extension of the IT or software development organization’s high performance team. In the early days, there was a tendency to isolate a particular project or projects for Offshoring. The idea was to send a project offshore for the lowest price possible, and then correct any problems. While this may solve a company’s short-term issues with cost savings and speed-to-market, it does not position that company to fully leverage a strong relationship with a high-caliber outsourcing firm. VivanTech’s “strong relationship” approach has made a world of difference for our clients and we are truly viewed as an extension of their internal teams.
In the next article, we will touch on cultural issues.
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Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing Part II | | January 10, 2007 |
Reasons
Increased global competition, and economic factors are driving many organizations to re-examine their business models in an effort to enhance performance. Many companies are focusing their attention and resources on their internal core competencies and outsourcing other functions that are not considered core to their business. The typical target services range from application development and maintenance to help desk functions.
IT Offshoring is here to stay. At VivanTech, we tell our customers that Offshoring with us is not just a method of gaining a one-time cost advantage. When done right, especially with an onshore architect or a project manager, IT Offshoring is an effective strategy for gaining and maintaining competitive advantage. It has to be executed as part of an overall strategy to build an efficient software development or an IT or a product organization.
We have demonstrated to our clients such as Akamai that there is an added benefit in addition to reducing cost. By working in the “follow the sun” work shifts, we enable more productive use of IT budgets that continue to be pressured by today’s fast-pace competition. In addition, we improve speed-to-market.
The decision of what and how much of a company s IT services should be outsourced or augmented is a relatively simple one, although it can be fraught with internal political pitfalls. The decision of what to outsource should be based upon the company s assessment of non-core IT services, as well as the IT/software services that need to be augmented. It should also be based on the degree of risk the company is willing to take in order to achieve their desired mixture of cost, quality and speed-to-market.
In the next segment, we will concentrate on the focus factor.
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Intelligent Offshore IT Outsourcing | | January 09, 2007 |
There is no question that offshore outsourcing has become a critical component of smart IT organizations. Over the next few days, we will detail a framework for understanding how offshore IT outsourcing has become a mainstream strategy and should be considered by every software development, engineering or IT organization. Regardless of the nature of the company and the organization, Offshoring compliments your business strategies by optimizing performance, value, and risk.
We will outline how to select the best offshore outsourcing partner for your organization. We will also touch on how to fully leverage a stronger partnership relationship with an offshore services firm.
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A New Year, a New Set of Possibilities Part II | | January 05, 2007 |
Look Back
Take a look at what you wrote down the year before (or remember). Were you successful? If it is a realistic goal, and it is important to you, set it for the current year. You may realize that your situation dictates a different resolution this year.
Change Direction
Understand what needs to change to achieve the results you want.
Don't Get Carried Away
Avoid having too many resolutions at a time.
Plan Ahead
Have a roadmap with quick and achievable successes early on to keep you moving towards the bigger results you desire.
Take Calculated Risks
In some cases, you may have to take risks to achieve what you want. Change often comes with risk.
Ticklers
Reminders, whether online or written, can keep you honest about your milestones and resolutions in general.
Celebrate
Make sure to celebrate your accomplishments at the end of the year!
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A New Year, A New Set of Possibilities Part I | | January 02, 2007 |
Happy New Year!
With every new year, we have assumptions and have certain expectations as we set goals. Your assumptions will obviously rely on your personal experiences. In today’s busy world, our assumptions constantly have to evolve as we observe changes. This process also helps us re-calibrate our expectations.
It is very common for most of us to make new year’s resolutions and set goals. If we are serious about those resolutions, they help us achieve short term, as well as long term goals. If we look at the statistics though, we quickly discover that for most people, this is an exercise without merit. Many people continue in their set ways and expect different results.
Perhaps, there is a better way of doing this so that the results are achievable and we don’t feel discouraged by the end of the year.
Tomorrow, we will touch on ways to have resolutions that have a better chance of coming to fruition.
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Quick Mood Changers | | December 28, 2006 |
Quick changes can be helpful or they can be harmful. It all depends on what they divert you away from and what they guide you toward.
Positive, quick changes introduce conditions that could improve your mood and effectively reduce stress. Positive quick changes may include coming closer to the nature. Taking a break and walking outside near trees and flowers could change your mood in a hurry. If you are indoors, changing the lighting conditions at your desk or opening a window if possible can also do the trick. Some people may say a prayer which is a quick mood changer. Perhaps having some music for many of us can be a great way of distracting ourselves from conditions that cause a negative mood. You can learn to use quick changes to break yourself free from negative thought patterns. You can also learn to let go of the things that harm positive, productive thoughts and effort.
It's sometimes difficult to live through or work through a negative pattern in a non-stop manner. At VivnTech, we always encourage tackling the most unpleasant task first thing in the morning. This is a great rule to eliminate procrastination. However, a quick mood changer as a break can help you go back to the task at hand with more energy and a fresh perspective. The moment you find yourself in a negative situation and you need to re-energize, do something to break the pattern. After a while, you may even have some favorite mood changers. Try different ones and you will be surprised.
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. Resist the temptation to avoid or delay a negative situation or an unpleasant task. Instead, work through the situation but use quick mood changers in the process.
Distractions in the form of positive, quick mood changers can be very powerful. You can use them to your advantage in your personal life and at work.
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Karma in Business | | December 27, 2006 |
Peace and harmony are always in us. Let it freely flow out of you.
The more peace you offer, the more you will have. Take the time to understand, and you will in turn be better understood. You can be assertive and still offer piece. People that use power-talk are assertive but their approach is usually disarming. Instead of saying “I disagree, they may say “Now that we know your preference, let’s look at an alternative”. Instead of saying “I will do it”, they may say “I will be happy to do it” or “Consider it done”.
Improve your interactions with the people around you by raising your expectations of them. Genuinely respect the diverse cultures, opinions and perspectives of others and you will gain their respect as well. At VivanTech, we operate out of three continents and diversity runs in our blood. Besides the list of obvious countries such as the USA, and India, we have team members from Germany, Equator and Turkey. Working hard and not having any tolerance for lackluster performances is the norm at VivanTech. However, respect is always important.
Keep confrontation as your very last resort rather than your first approach. Set the tone by being respectful and pleasant, and you'll find yourself getting much accomplished.
Just because people disagree with you doesn’t mean they are your enemies. Take the time to listen, and you might even learn something from them.
With such an approach, everyone can win. Karma does exist in the world of business.
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The Secrets of High Caliber Teams | | December 26, 2006 |
In the business of IT oursourcing, whether onshore or offshore, people usually look for certain qualities in a high-performance team. These are qualities such as talent, experience, good work ethic, etc. In any Offshore IT services arrangement, you must also have a combination of ambition and patience. Ambition gives a team the drive and the enthusiasm to get things rolling. Through the US-based project manager we have assigned to our clients, we also encourage our teams to be patient and learn the business of our clients. On the flipside, we tell our clients to be patient with the process since it pays dividends in the long term and not overnight. Without ambition, you would never get going. Without patience, you would never truly learn the business and only focus on the technical aspects of the project. When you choose to develop ambition and your patience in your teams, you create a powerful combination. For not only will you be effective, your value to your clients will be long-lasting.
At VivánTech, we preach ambition and innovation. We train our people to analyze and take prudent risks. If those who assess risk have no ambition, they will see only the pitfalls, and never the opportunities. At the same time, if you don’t try to learn the business drivers and be patient with the process, you will miss out on the big picture. That is why organizations need to cultivate ambition and patience. The only way to create something new and innovative is to have a substantial ambition. With enough ambition, we can make just about anything happen, but not right away. The most effective effort is continuing effort, and that is what patience makes possible. You never have to choose between ambition and patience. Practice them both at the same time, and great things will happen.
Success comes to those who know when to push hard and when to take the time and learn the business of their clients.
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Imagination and Visualization Power | | December 22, 2006 | Imagination is the ability to form a mental image of something that is not perceived through the senses. Opportunities can be turned into reality when you imagine and visualize. Visualization makes it possible to experience a concept inside the mind. It gives the ability to look at any situation from a different point of view, and enables one to mentally explore possibilities. At VivnTech, we conduct regular brain-storming sessions and try to visualize the next wave of hot areas in outsourcing and offshore software development services.
Imagination strengthens your creative abilities, and is a great tool for transforming and improving your business and life. The creative power of imagination and visualization has an important role in the achievement of success in any field. It is the power beyond positive thinking.
Whatever the goal may be, free-form imagination of possibilities is a critical step. Imagination is the starting point in bridging the gap between where we are and where we would like to be. The very act of visualization forces us to accept that certain things are indeed possible for us. Once those possibilities gain a foothold in your subconscious, with follow-through, they can begin to grow into real and tangible achievements.
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Vivantech offers application analysis, testing and migration services for Vista.
We have already identified the top 20 sources of application failures in the
Vista environment.
Vivantech has been preparing this service for over a year. Our director of Vista
services is an ex-Microsoft software architect from the Windows Operating
System Division with over 14 years of Microsoft experience.
Why do companies need to be thinking about Vista now?
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Preserve investments
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Reduce Risk
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Take advantage of Vista Capabilities sooner |
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