Endings are part of life. When one door closes another opens. In order to grow, one must gather the strength to go against the grain and pursue what is in their best interest.
It is up to each individual to take charge of their career. Do not allow yourself to get trapped in a position where you are not growing. As we all know, programmers need to keep their skills sharp at all costs because that is the life line and how we earn a living. If you want to learn a new skill, go learn it yourself. Do not wait for your employer to get around to training you as it may never happen. One must be assertive and take control of their destiny because no one wants to get caught flat footed when downsizing come around.
So do yourself a favor. Learn a new skill. Find your passion. Do not get lazy by showing up for work day in and day out doing as little as possible. Take on challenges. Take on all the applications that no one else wants. Learn the business. Become indispensable.
You can't go wrong.
1/27/2011
1/26/2011
Television makes you stupid
I'm a firm believer "Television makes you stupid".
I guess that would be true, if in fact you are relatively smart. If you are stupid to begin with, I doubt it could really make you more stupid, so in that sense, my statement is false.
However, we do not watch television in our house. That allows me to focus on my part time job. So basically I work 7:30-4 on my day job. Then work from 5-10 on my part time job. These hours are not written in stone but fairly consistent.
I work for a health care company using Citrix. I really like this as it allows me to work from my home office. I don't need to purchase software as the company provides it. I get to work in some of the latest Microsoft technology.
The project they originally hired me for was completed in December 2010 to convert 175 Crystal Reports to SSRS. Starting in January 2011, we've been resolving bug fixes and cleanup as well as creating SSIS packages.
So you can see, I really have no time to watch TV, nor desire. I like to read and listen to music after a long day of programming. Then start the next day off with a swim and off to work again. Been doing this schedule since May 2010 and starting to get in the groove.
Maybe down the road the opportunity will present itself to do more independent contracting so I could exit the full time arena. That's the goal anyway!!!
You never know, stranger things have happened...but you won't catch me in front of the boob tube anytime soon.
I guess that would be true, if in fact you are relatively smart. If you are stupid to begin with, I doubt it could really make you more stupid, so in that sense, my statement is false.
However, we do not watch television in our house. That allows me to focus on my part time job. So basically I work 7:30-4 on my day job. Then work from 5-10 on my part time job. These hours are not written in stone but fairly consistent.
I work for a health care company using Citrix. I really like this as it allows me to work from my home office. I don't need to purchase software as the company provides it. I get to work in some of the latest Microsoft technology.
The project they originally hired me for was completed in December 2010 to convert 175 Crystal Reports to SSRS. Starting in January 2011, we've been resolving bug fixes and cleanup as well as creating SSIS packages.
So you can see, I really have no time to watch TV, nor desire. I like to read and listen to music after a long day of programming. Then start the next day off with a swim and off to work again. Been doing this schedule since May 2010 and starting to get in the groove.
Maybe down the road the opportunity will present itself to do more independent contracting so I could exit the full time arena. That's the goal anyway!!!
You never know, stranger things have happened...but you won't catch me in front of the boob tube anytime soon.
#46-SQL Azure – Cloud Database Coolness
Just watched the SQL Lunch by Scott Kein
This session will first provide a very quick introduction into SQL Azure to those who are new to SQL Azure, but then dive into lessons we have learned from our projects, and things you can expect and should know when working with SQL Azure. We will discuss deployment practices, what to know from the application side, and how to get the best out of SQL Azure.
Patrick LeBlanc and Adam Jorgensen
I thought the demo was great. I like the fact that SQL Server can now be accessed in the "Cloud" thereby transferring the support to Microsoft.
You get one main database and then two replicated databases automatically, for free. If your main server goes down, the next server in line becomes the primary and a third database (replicated) is added.
It has a feature called "Federation Sharding" which is an advanced topic but deals with separating out your database into mini databases for speed and efficiency and its all handled on the database side.
With the new Azure database, if you have a somewhat simple application in let's say .net, Java or PHP, it is possible to re-point your database to the cloud with a change to the connection string only. Quite powerful if you ask me.
But with anything there is always a price. And that price is pay for what you use, like a garden hose, use a little, pay a little, use a lot, pay a lot.
It's the future of database. And it supports Reporting Services. Nice product. Great demo.
This session will first provide a very quick introduction into SQL Azure to those who are new to SQL Azure, but then dive into lessons we have learned from our projects, and things you can expect and should know when working with SQL Azure. We will discuss deployment practices, what to know from the application side, and how to get the best out of SQL Azure.
Patrick LeBlanc and Adam Jorgensen
I thought the demo was great. I like the fact that SQL Server can now be accessed in the "Cloud" thereby transferring the support to Microsoft.
You get one main database and then two replicated databases automatically, for free. If your main server goes down, the next server in line becomes the primary and a third database (replicated) is added.
It has a feature called "Federation Sharding" which is an advanced topic but deals with separating out your database into mini databases for speed and efficiency and its all handled on the database side.
With the new Azure database, if you have a somewhat simple application in let's say .net, Java or PHP, it is possible to re-point your database to the cloud with a change to the connection string only. Quite powerful if you ask me.
But with anything there is always a price. And that price is pay for what you use, like a garden hose, use a little, pay a little, use a lot, pay a lot.
It's the future of database. And it supports Reporting Services. Nice product. Great demo.
1/25/2011
Timesheets
Have you been in a full time position where you were required to fill out time sheets? Basically account for the time spent on a project so you can charge back to the internal client(s). Kind of a money generating department instead of a cost to the company.
In filling out time sheets, you choose the correct bucket and apply the appropriate hours. And don't go over the allotted time as the customer has not agreed to pay for that time.
It's a fine line and requires a lot of planning and juggling. Because you have to account for 40 hours no matter what. And don't wait until Friday to try and remember that 10 minute phone call on Tuesday who to charge for it?
In looking back on some previous full time jobs, I can say with confidence I felt more productive without having to complete time sheets and worrying if it would get approved or not. Maybe it limits the creativity, who knows.
It's a difficult but necessary part of IT, perhaps...
In filling out time sheets, you choose the correct bucket and apply the appropriate hours. And don't go over the allotted time as the customer has not agreed to pay for that time.
It's a fine line and requires a lot of planning and juggling. Because you have to account for 40 hours no matter what. And don't wait until Friday to try and remember that 10 minute phone call on Tuesday who to charge for it?
In looking back on some previous full time jobs, I can say with confidence I felt more productive without having to complete time sheets and worrying if it would get approved or not. Maybe it limits the creativity, who knows.
It's a difficult but necessary part of IT, perhaps...
1/24/2011
Knowledge Transfer
Have you ever had to do a knowledge transfer. I just did. All the work for the past 4 years compressed into a couple hour meetings.
Sure I've tried to document most of my work, but there are so many things one picks up over the years which you know but you don't think of at the time.
That is why, going forward, I'm going to try a little bit harder on documenting things.
And always have a backup person for what you do. Because as the old saying goes, you could get hit by a beer truck.
And make sure your supervisor knows what exactly it is you do, even if they are not technical.
Because once that resource is gone, that's when the mystery begins.
Sure I've tried to document most of my work, but there are so many things one picks up over the years which you know but you don't think of at the time.
That is why, going forward, I'm going to try a little bit harder on documenting things.
And always have a backup person for what you do. Because as the old saying goes, you could get hit by a beer truck.
And make sure your supervisor knows what exactly it is you do, even if they are not technical.
Because once that resource is gone, that's when the mystery begins.
1/21/2011
Report Definition Language
Here's a link from Microsoft on Report Definition Language.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa237626%28v=sql.80%29.aspx
The concept is quite good. You take a non proprietary XML standard for reporting and it doesn't matter which company / tool you can use to produce the XML document or consume the document.
This concept is quite powerful if you ask me.
Enjoy!
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa237626%28v=sql.80%29.aspx
The concept is quite good. You take a non proprietary XML standard for reporting and it doesn't matter which company / tool you can use to produce the XML document or consume the document.
This concept is quite powerful if you ask me.
Enjoy!
Reporting Services Tutorials Link
Here's a posting from Microsoft on getting started with SQL Server Reporting Services.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170246%28v=sql.90%29.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170246%28v=sql.90%29.aspx
1/19/2011
$100 an Hour - Wow!
Here's a posting on Craigslist from today. Highest rate I've seen for SQL Server. Catching up with Oracle perhaps...?
We are looking for a consultant to assist us in implementing SQL Server Replication over the Internet.
Consultant must have a full understanding of SQL Replication and be able to help us determine the best replication model for our business needs.
Consultant must also have real world experience in implementing SQL Server Replication and references available.
We are looking for a consultant to assist us in implementing SQL Server Replication over the Internet.
Consultant must have a full understanding of SQL Replication and be able to help us determine the best replication model for our business needs.
Consultant must also have real world experience in implementing SQL Server Replication and references available.
- Compensation: $100/hour
1/17/2011
SSRS - Move reports to new folders through SQL
On my part time job, I was requested to find a way to move current reports with existing Subscriptions to new folder locations and maintain the existing subscriptions.
At the SQL Saturday this past weekend I was lucky enough to speak with Brian Knight, owner of Pragmatic Works. He was kind enough to clue me on a great trick.
In the ReportServer database, there is a table: [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
The two fields to be updated are PATH which contains the folder structure and PARENTID which contains the guid for the parent folder.
We would create the new folder structure manually and move the reports into those new folders based on SQL Update statements.
update [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
set ParentId='2B004818-C6C2-4348-9C45-87CF6A0FFCDB',
Path = '/Reports/Internal Reports/NewReportFolder/ExtraFastSQLCleanReport/'
where Name = 'ExtraFastSQLCleanReport'
And here's the SQL statement to view the update report in it's new location:
SELECT [ItemID]
,[Path]
,[Name]
,[ParentID]
,[Type]
,[Content]
,[Intermediate]
,[SnapshotDataID]
,[LinkSourceID]
,[Property]
,[Description]
,[Hidden]
,[CreatedByID]
,[CreationDate]
,[ModifiedByID]
,[ModifiedDate]
,[MimeType]
,[SnapshotLimit]
,[Parameter]
,[PolicyID]
,[PolicyRoot]
,[ExecutionFlag]
,[ExecutionTime]
FROM [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
WHERE Name = 'ExtraFastSQLCleanReport'
That's what I like most about programming with the Microsoft Stack. The community is extensive and people are willing to share information.
Thanks!
At the SQL Saturday this past weekend I was lucky enough to speak with Brian Knight, owner of Pragmatic Works. He was kind enough to clue me on a great trick.
In the ReportServer database, there is a table: [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
The two fields to be updated are PATH which contains the folder structure and PARENTID which contains the guid for the parent folder.
We would create the new folder structure manually and move the reports into those new folders based on SQL Update statements.
update [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
set ParentId='2B004818-C6C2-4348-9C45-87CF6A0FFCDB',
Path = '/Reports/Internal Reports/NewReportFolder/ExtraFastSQLCleanReport/'
where Name = 'ExtraFastSQLCleanReport'
And here's the SQL statement to view the update report in it's new location:
SELECT [ItemID]
,[Path]
,[Name]
,[ParentID]
,[Type]
,[Content]
,[Intermediate]
,[SnapshotDataID]
,[LinkSourceID]
,[Property]
,[Description]
,[Hidden]
,[CreatedByID]
,[CreationDate]
,[ModifiedByID]
,[ModifiedDate]
,[MimeType]
,[SnapshotLimit]
,[Parameter]
,[PolicyID]
,[PolicyRoot]
,[ExecutionFlag]
,[ExecutionTime]
FROM [ReportServer].[dbo].[Catalog]
WHERE Name = 'ExtraFastSQLCleanReport'
That's what I like most about programming with the Microsoft Stack. The community is extensive and people are willing to share information.
Thanks!
SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (Step by Step)
Well, I decided to go out and spend some money to help fuel the economy and improve my SQL Server Reporting skills.
Because I just attended a conference with Stacia Misner at the SQL Saturday pre-conference, I decided to purchase the book she authored: SQL server 2005 Reporting Services (Step by Step)
Read the first three chapters so far. It gives a good overview and then discusses installation practices.
I read somewhat fast, as I scan over the topics and then slow down for some of the details. For non technical books I sometimes read just the right hand pages to breeze through books fast.
Good stuff for an SSRS Administrator, which by the way, will be my new job description going forward. Yep, you heard it here first, out with the Java development and Oracle, in with Microsoft Business Intelligence. Things are definitely looking up!!!
Because I just attended a conference with Stacia Misner at the SQL Saturday pre-conference, I decided to purchase the book she authored: SQL server 2005 Reporting Services (Step by Step)
Read the first three chapters so far. It gives a good overview and then discusses installation practices.
I read somewhat fast, as I scan over the topics and then slow down for some of the details. For non technical books I sometimes read just the right hand pages to breeze through books fast.
Good stuff for an SSRS Administrator, which by the way, will be my new job description going forward. Yep, you heard it here first, out with the Java development and Oracle, in with Microsoft Business Intelligence. Things are definitely looking up!!!
1/15/2011
SQLSaturday #62 - Tampa Event
Today I attended the SQLSaturday #62 - Tampa Event.
There was a lot to see. A lot of people to talk to. A lot of vendors. A lot of good food and snacks.
Overall, it was great! My first event.
Can't wait to work on some SQL-Server BI!!!
Here's the link from today's event:
http://sqlsaturday.com/62/eventhome.aspx
There was a lot to see. A lot of people to talk to. A lot of vendors. A lot of good food and snacks.
Overall, it was great! My first event.
Can't wait to work on some SQL-Server BI!!!
Here's the link from today's event:
http://sqlsaturday.com/62/eventhome.aspx
1/14/2011
Crystal Killer
By Microsoft giving away SQL-Server Reporting Services for FREE with the purchase of SQL-Server, in essence, it is the Crystal Killer.
Crystal Reports has gotten so expensive over the years. In this economy, the last thing business' like to do is spend money. Where do they cut costs, getting rid of Crystal Reports / Server in place of SQL-Server Reporting Services.
I know this first hand. The contract I'm working on is to convert 175 Crystal Reports to SSRS. Took a few months but its completed. They are in the process of shutting down the Crystal Server for good.
And that project allowed us to clean up the stored procedures, using standard naming conventions and document everything.
I see this as a niche business...
Let's see how Crystal competes against the largest software company that gives away their product for free..
Crystal Reports has gotten so expensive over the years. In this economy, the last thing business' like to do is spend money. Where do they cut costs, getting rid of Crystal Reports / Server in place of SQL-Server Reporting Services.
I know this first hand. The contract I'm working on is to convert 175 Crystal Reports to SSRS. Took a few months but its completed. They are in the process of shutting down the Crystal Server for good.
And that project allowed us to clean up the stored procedures, using standard naming conventions and document everything.
I see this as a niche business...
Let's see how Crystal competes against the largest software company that gives away their product for free..
1/13/2011
We lost the source code...Opps!!!
We lost the source code...Opps.!!!
I'm sure we've all done this or had this happen in out IT shop.
First question, how could this happen. We in IT should all be using some Source Control utility. They have Microsoft Visual Source Safe, my preference, CVS, good one for Java. There are many to choose from either to purchase or freeware.
Second question, what do we do now? Well, you can always search the network or your own hard drive to see if maybe, just maybe, you by some chance save a copy along the way. Or maybe they could restore a drive that once had a version of the code.
Third question, who do I tell. That's always the tough one. Because first thing they'll ask, is question #1 above.
If the code is in fact un-retrievable, you better get to work and start re-writing.
And hopefully learned a very valuable lesson.
Save often!!!!. Use Source Control. Make backups of backups.
And so it goes...
I'm sure we've all done this or had this happen in out IT shop.
First question, how could this happen. We in IT should all be using some Source Control utility. They have Microsoft Visual Source Safe, my preference, CVS, good one for Java. There are many to choose from either to purchase or freeware.
Second question, what do we do now? Well, you can always search the network or your own hard drive to see if maybe, just maybe, you by some chance save a copy along the way. Or maybe they could restore a drive that once had a version of the code.
Third question, who do I tell. That's always the tough one. Because first thing they'll ask, is question #1 above.
If the code is in fact un-retrievable, you better get to work and start re-writing.
And hopefully learned a very valuable lesson.
Save often!!!!. Use Source Control. Make backups of backups.
And so it goes...
1/11/2011
OBIEE Training Today
Well, after quite a long down time from shifting my java apps to another developer, today is the first day of OBIEE training. The online instructors are from:
http://www.biconsultinggroup.com/
I know they teach the basics but hopefully will get good understanding of how it works.
It's a two day class.
Should be fun!
http://www.biconsultinggroup.com/
I know they teach the basics but hopefully will get good understanding of how it works.
It's a two day class.
Should be fun!
1/10/2011
SSRS Report Models
Report Models in SSRS. I stumbled on them this evening at my part time contract.
Never seen them before. They are basically pre-built queries allowing users to dynamically create reports without having to know about SQL and joins and such. They get created in Microsoft Visual Studio by joining tables and publishing to the server.
I just needed to view the table structure and joins so I could get the code and create the required SQL to shove in an SSIS package.
Well, I wouldn't say I'm an expert at this point but at least I have a better understanding of what they are.
Here's a link to Microsoft Models...
Micrsoft Model Link...
Never seen them before. They are basically pre-built queries allowing users to dynamically create reports without having to know about SQL and joins and such. They get created in Microsoft Visual Studio by joining tables and publishing to the server.
I just needed to view the table structure and joins so I could get the code and create the required SQL to shove in an SSIS package.
Well, I wouldn't say I'm an expert at this point but at least I have a better understanding of what they are.
Here's a link to Microsoft Models...
Micrsoft Model Link...
Business Objects - Guidelines and Best Practices
With lots of Reports to be made, Universes to be designed and in parallel, Processes to followed for QA Analysys, there would be little things to remember that can help to design which in long terms helps for ease of maintenance, readability and helps to avoid rework for simple mistakes.
The document is a compilation of learnings that can be used as Guideline and Best Practices for Report & Universe Design.
Business Objects - Guidelines and Best Practices
1/08/2011
Planet Source Code
Here's a local site (Tampa) which has A LOT of great sample code for just about any language you can think of:
http://www.planetsourcecode.com/
I've been using this site for years now.
Check it out!
http://www.planetsourcecode.com/
I've been using this site for years now.
Check it out!
1/07/2011
Programmer of Code or Supervisor of People
Throughout my career, I've always wanted to stay in the trenches and program code.
It seemed like a natural fit for someone who likes to solve problems and who is analytical.
I've always been able to work independently and be self motivated.
Throughout my IT career, all my managers gave me the space to get the job done. As long as I complied with company policy and met my deadlines.
Sometimes the work load would increase and I needed someone to prioritize my list. Or sometimes I needed them to push back to the customer on deadlines or scope creep.
Sometimes I wonder how many people spend their entire careers as coders? Learning new skills each year trying to keep up with changing technology.
I never contemplated the idea of being on the other side, supervising other programmers.
Perhaps one day I will get to lead a small team of developers. To manage, shape, mold, direct and work together on common goals.
Hmmm. That might not be a bad idea. However, I would still want to create some reports and administer the web servers. And possibly be the source control admin and write some T-SQL.
In the world of IT, one must build on past achievements and skill sets. I think supervision is a great skill for anyone to learn. I guess anything is possible...you never know!
It seemed like a natural fit for someone who likes to solve problems and who is analytical.
I've always been able to work independently and be self motivated.
Throughout my IT career, all my managers gave me the space to get the job done. As long as I complied with company policy and met my deadlines.
Sometimes the work load would increase and I needed someone to prioritize my list. Or sometimes I needed them to push back to the customer on deadlines or scope creep.
Sometimes I wonder how many people spend their entire careers as coders? Learning new skills each year trying to keep up with changing technology.
I never contemplated the idea of being on the other side, supervising other programmers.
Perhaps one day I will get to lead a small team of developers. To manage, shape, mold, direct and work together on common goals.
Hmmm. That might not be a bad idea. However, I would still want to create some reports and administer the web servers. And possibly be the source control admin and write some T-SQL.
In the world of IT, one must build on past achievements and skill sets. I think supervision is a great skill for anyone to learn. I guess anything is possible...you never know!
The Art of SQL
The Art of SQL offers best practices that teach experienced SQL users to focus on strategy rather than specifics. Faroult’s approach takes a page from Sun Tzu’s classic treatise by viewing database design as a military campaign.
You need knowledge, skills, and talent. Talent can’t be taught, but every strategist from Sun Tzu to modern-day generals believed that it can be nurtured through the experience of others.
They passed on their experience acquired in the field through basic principles that served as guiding stars amid the sound and fury of battle. This is what Faroult does with SQL.
http://freeprogrammingebooks.com/the-art-of-sql/
You need knowledge, skills, and talent. Talent can’t be taught, but every strategist from Sun Tzu to modern-day generals believed that it can be nurtured through the experience of others.
They passed on their experience acquired in the field through basic principles that served as guiding stars amid the sound and fury of battle. This is what Faroult does with SQL.
http://freeprogrammingebooks.com/the-art-of-sql/
1/06/2011
Day of Data: SQL Saturday # 62 Pre-Conferences Friday, Jan 14th, 2011
SQL Saturday #62 Precon: Storage and Virtualization for the DBA
Admittance to all-day Pre-conference: Storage and Virtualization for the DBA on Friday, January 14th, 2011. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. See more details and notes below for important information.
SQL Saturday #62 Precon: Business Intelligence End-toEnd
Admittance to all-day Pre-conference: Business Intelligence End-to-End on Friday, January 14th, 2011. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. See more details and notes below for important information.
http://sqlsaturday62.eventbrite.com/
Admittance to all-day Pre-conference: Storage and Virtualization for the DBA on Friday, January 14th, 2011. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. See more details and notes below for important information.
SQL Saturday #62 Precon: Business Intelligence End-toEnd
Admittance to all-day Pre-conference: Business Intelligence End-to-End on Friday, January 14th, 2011. Coffee, donuts and lunch will be provided. See more details and notes below for important information.
http://sqlsaturday62.eventbrite.com/
SQLSaturday #62 - Tampa
** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT **
SQLSaturday is a training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server.
Our event will be held January 15th, 2011 at
K-Force
1001 East Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
http://www.sqlsaturday.com/62/eventhome.aspx
** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT **
SQLSaturday is a training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server.
Our event will be held January 15th, 2011 at
K-Force
1001 East Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
http://www.sqlsaturday.com/62/eventhome.aspx
** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT *** *** FREE EVENT **
1/05/2011
1/04/2011
SQL Lunch Video Tutorial - Great Site!
Here's a great site called SQL Lunch:
http://www.sqllunch.com/
Has variety of topics surrounding SQL-Server Business Intelligence.
Video's range between 30-60 minutes very informative!
I recommend highly!
http://www.sqllunch.com/
Has variety of topics surrounding SQL-Server Business Intelligence.
Video's range between 30-60 minutes very informative!
I recommend highly!
A genuine use for a SQL CLR Aggregate
When SQL CLR functions were added to SQL Server 2005 my interest was piqued by the possibility of introducing new aggregate functions. I quickly realised that most of the aggregate activity I wanted to do was better handled by T-SQL and/or extremely dangerous within a CLR function. For example, if we wanted to use an aggregate to work out the median (middle value) from a set you could write a CLR aggregate however on a large data set you would run the risk of consuming a huge amount of memory.
Judging by the examples (the lack of) on the Internet it seems that most people reached the same conclusion. In fact most examples seem entirely academic exercises or face the same problem as my Median example. The CLR aggregate examples I have seen are:
Judging by the examples (the lack of) on the Internet it seems that most people reached the same conclusion. In fact most examples seem entirely academic exercises or face the same problem as my Median example. The CLR aggregate examples I have seen are:
- Concatenate strings (lots of plagiarism for this one)
- A baker's dozen example (when would I ever use it?)
- A weighted average calculation (interesting, but of limited use)
Chart Your Career
Microsoft Learning Career Portal: Chart Your Career
Browse the Career Portal to get the help you need to land the top jobs. Earning Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status opens the doors to great IT and software development jobs. It’s the professional credential recognized by employers around the world, and Microsoft Learning has the career development tools to help you succeed.Take advantage of our special offers, free career guidance, and Learning Plans designed to get you to the next step—whether you are just starting out, changing careers, or looking for professional advancement.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/career/en/us/default.aspx
1/03/2011
Telecommuting More Important Than Higher Salary
http://www.computer.org/portal/web/buildyourcareer/news/-/blogs/telecommuting-more-important-than-higher-salary
Sixty-six percent of workers would choose a lower-paying job with work-from-home options over an opportunity with a higher salary but less flexibility, according to a recent Cisco international study.
And 60 percent of the respondents feel that they don’t have to be in the office to be productive. A whopping 93 percent of surveyed employees in India said their productivity isn’t limited to office time, which 81 percent of respondents from China and 76 percent of those surveyed from Brazil felt the same.
"Work is not a place anymore. It's a lifestyle, and the IT profession's role is only going to get more strategic as it tries to help businesses stay agile and increase productivity,” said Dave Evans, futurist and chief technologist within Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group.
This desire to work anywhere at anytime poses quite a challenge for IT departments as 45 percent of the respondents said they aren’t prepared (policy- and technology-wise) to support such a workforce.
Two out of three employees surveyed expect IT to allow them to access their work from any device. Looking ahead, employees anticipate using nontraditional work devices such as navigation screens in cars to access network data.
However, the behavior of some employees indicates that security is not top of mind. Nearly three out of five employees surveyed said they’ve allowed others to use their corporate devises without their
supervision.
Cisco surveyed 2,600 workers and IT professionals in 13 countries.
And 60 percent of the respondents feel that they don’t have to be in the office to be productive. A whopping 93 percent of surveyed employees in India said their productivity isn’t limited to office time, which 81 percent of respondents from China and 76 percent of those surveyed from Brazil felt the same.
"Work is not a place anymore. It's a lifestyle, and the IT profession's role is only going to get more strategic as it tries to help businesses stay agile and increase productivity,” said Dave Evans, futurist and chief technologist within Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group.
This desire to work anywhere at anytime poses quite a challenge for IT departments as 45 percent of the respondents said they aren’t prepared (policy- and technology-wise) to support such a workforce.
Two out of three employees surveyed expect IT to allow them to access their work from any device. Looking ahead, employees anticipate using nontraditional work devices such as navigation screens in cars to access network data.
However, the behavior of some employees indicates that security is not top of mind. Nearly three out of five employees surveyed said they’ve allowed others to use their corporate devises without their
supervision.
Cisco surveyed 2,600 workers and IT professionals in 13 countries.
1/02/2011
How to Win Customers (Michael LeBoeuf)
Every company's greatest assets are its customers, because without customers there is no company. Its that simple.
Focus on what customers want and need, hep them to buy what's best for them, and make them feel good about it.
There is absolutely no substitute for an honest, unshakeable, enthusiastic belief that the products and services your business offers are the best available anywhere.
Despite all of the untold millions of products and services for sale in today's market place, customers will exchange their hard-earned money for only two things: Good feelings and Solutions to problems.
Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it. Find a an itch and scratch it.
Be reliable:
Do what you say you are going to do.
Do it when you say you're going to do it.
Do it right the first time.
Get it done on time.
Focus on what customers want and need, hep them to buy what's best for them, and make them feel good about it.
There is absolutely no substitute for an honest, unshakeable, enthusiastic belief that the products and services your business offers are the best available anywhere.
Despite all of the untold millions of products and services for sale in today's market place, customers will exchange their hard-earned money for only two things: Good feelings and Solutions to problems.
Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it. Find a an itch and scratch it.
Be reliable:
Do what you say you are going to do.
Do it when you say you're going to do it.
Do it right the first time.
Get it done on time.
1/01/2011
Customer Service
I'd like to thank my two mentors for teaching me the basics on customer service. They don't have masters degrees or MBAs. They didn't graduate from ivy league school or have 4.0 GPAs.
Nope, they each have a tail, and their names are Maddie and Chloe, my two golden retrievers.
They prove that customers always come first. They install appreciation for all things, including biscuits, walks at the beach and especially belly rubs.
They always have a friendly smile, a good disposition and a wagging tail. They are both loyal. They are protective and care about their surroundings.
They know its a symbiotic relationship, I rub their back, they lick my face.
Everyone's happy. Win-Win situation.
A person can learn a lot from animals. But don't get me started about our 4 cat's.
Nope, they each have a tail, and their names are Maddie and Chloe, my two golden retrievers.
They prove that customers always come first. They install appreciation for all things, including biscuits, walks at the beach and especially belly rubs.
They always have a friendly smile, a good disposition and a wagging tail. They are both loyal. They are protective and care about their surroundings.
They know its a symbiotic relationship, I rub their back, they lick my face.
Everyone's happy. Win-Win situation.
A person can learn a lot from animals. But don't get me started about our 4 cat's.
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