Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Although projects are executed flawlessly, with good sales and mar-
keting strategies, and there is customer demand for the product, companies
may forget to plan for the right logistical and delivery systems. Online
grocery stores went out of business because they did not sort out their
delivery systems. For example, they had a difficult time managing deliv-
eries on congested roads, to a widespread customer base. Their costs
never came close to their theoretical efficiencies, and they were not able
to maintain promised delivery schedules. Other E-commerce companies
became successful only when they collaborated with local delivery estab-
lishments. Internet shoppers dropped in number after receiving delayed
or poor service from online retailers at the turn of the century. Cases of
customers getting a battery delivered to them on Christmas and the toy
a week later were commonplace.
Natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes, fires) and man-made prob-
lems (e.g., terrorism, war) can cause logistical issues and should be taken
into account in making disaster recovery plans for critical applications.
Most customers understand and are realistic in their needs during such
abnormal times, as long as they see the company has things under control
and is working to provide them with service free of interruptions.
Changing Playing Fields Cause Unprecedented Failure
Sometimes, parameters external to a business can have a detrimental
impact on its products. As a software architect, one should always have
an eye on the changing technology landscape (refer to McLuhan in Chapter
2 on systems). Technology changes can turn an offering obsolete over-
night. When cell phones overran pagers, it took Motorola — the leader
in pagers— a long time to catch up with Nokia in the cell phone market.
Other things, such as economic sanctions between countries, due to
politics, can affect the success of software products, especially if they
have an export-oriented market. All one can do is hope that political
leaders maintain amicable relationships with the rest of the world.
Faulty Leadership Causes Failures
This facet may be out of one's control but leadership is a good indicator
of the future success of a software project. Fickle-minded leaders, lacking
the vision or the mettle to drive their ideas, hold back an otherwise
successful company. Good leaders know when to stand firm and when
to give in. Often, project managers are not strong enough to say “no” to
a customer. Acceptance of changes late in the software development life
Search WWH ::




Custom Search