Category Archives: Tech Advisor/Advocate

Posts relating to the services provided by a Tech Advisor / Advocate.

Software Decisions: The Chicken and Egg Problem

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Patrick Russell

Businesses are often faced with the purchase or development of major software systems. We often refer to major business systems as “enterprise software” or “workflow” or “process automation.” There are many varieties of these big systems, but what they all … Continue reading →

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Software Upgrades: A Mixed Bag

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Patrick Russell

Software upgrades often leave computer users disgruntled.  Upgrades are designed to fix bugs and add new features.  However, adding features typically adds complexity, which can obfuscate work that had been comfortable.  A common complaint is that it now takes 5 … Continue reading →

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The Reputable Salesperson Versus the Tech Advisor

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Patrick Russell

Vendors and consulting companies selling systems or projects are there to win the sale.  Reputable salespeople do adhere to ethical standards.  They won’t sell you an $80,000 system when they know that one for $15,000 will do the job.  They … Continue reading →

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Are You Really Getting Your Money’s Worth?

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Patrick Russell

In software systems, as in many other areas of business and life, there is the old maxim, “You get what you pay for.”  This maxim wisely advises us not to “cheap out” – to try to get by with less … Continue reading →

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Bill Swanson and Predictive Analytics

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Patrick Russell

I met Bill Swanson in October, 2009, when he gave a presentation entitled Predictive Analytics at Confab — the annual international conference for the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).  For me, his was the most exciting presentation at the conference.  Why?  Because it … Continue reading →

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