XML Transformation - Use XSD please...

Whenever organizations share data in XML format they may end up taking the following steps to process the data:

1)      Transform XML to an internal standard

2)      Process the transformed data

Please note that the data sharing strategies, processes and complexity can vary significantly from one organization to another. Therefore, the steps outlined above may not cover all scenarios. Here, I’m just trying to highlight a simple XML driven data exchange scenario.

Rigid vs Flexible SDLC

Most organizations follow some type of methodology for their software development life cycle (SDLC). Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Lean and XP are some of the principals many corporations are trying to utilize to effectively build software products. There are definitely no shortages of books on these methodologies, and the number of great blogs is countless.  I certainly don’t want to try to publish one more blog on promoting a specific software development principal, or discuss the pros and cons. Instead, I feel I need to look at why an organization establishes SDLC to begin with, and what type of methodology we should try to use.

App Law?

Most organizations use some type of home-grown application for one reason or the other. These applications can be as simple as a single user Excel spreadsheet or as complex as interdependent line-of-business software products servicing 100s of users. All these applications, regardless of their complexity (or simplicity), usually run their courses… Sometimes we end up spending a great deal of money to replace the product only to find ourselves in the same situation within a short period of time.

COTS vs. Home-Grown Software

We are at an age where businesses must transform and adapt fast. As a result, organizations, especially the ones in the service sector, must find a way to introduce products and services rapidly. So, increasing number of technology executives, architects and developers are facing a newer challenge – build custom software or purchase commercial of-the-shelf (COTS) software.

System of Engagement?

It is amazing to see how social media has transformed our lives today. Social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube are not only playing a huge part in our personal lives; but are also starting to influence the corporate world in a major way. We all know that many organizations are utilizing social media to promote businesses and expand network. Is that it?? Not at all…

Evolution of Data/Information

Data (or information) is at the heart of most business organizations today. An effective management and utilization of data often sets one company apart from another irrespective of corporate specialization or expertise. Organizations constantly collect, share, and analyze data in many ways in order to improve business operations. Naturally, many companies are investing a great deal on efficient data management strategies. However, data has evolved significantly. Not long ago, collecting terabytes of data seemed a big deal. Now a days, we fill up terabytes of data spaces in a hurry.

My New Employer

I had predicted several weeks ago that I would find a new position by end of October. My prediction has come true. I have started with a new employer named Virtify, Inc. on the 26^th of October as a Solutions Architect. Virtify has been involved in the Life Sciences space with several products and services. The company is growing, and hopefully I can contribute to that trend.

Cool Technologies & Business Values

Those of us who are in IT, love new and cool technologies. We always want to get our hands on the newest technologies, do some exciting projects, and always hope that our employers jump on the coolest technologies ASAP. Sometimes, we get so consumed with our desire that we feel the need to promote the latest technologies every opportunity we get. If we don't get to work with something new, we get disappointed and disheartened.

Visual Studio 2010 - Add Config Transforms

When it comes to deploying applications to various environments such as test and production, we typically need different configuration settings. Those who prefer build/deployment scripts, often utilize their scripts to create configuration files for necessary environments. Visual Studio 2010 has a new feature only for Web Applications to create configurations for various environments.

What is a Message??

Today, I was recalling an event that took place some time ago. I was in a meeting with both technical and non-technical folks. We were discussing a project using Microsoft BizTalk server. Obviously, a lot of discussion surrounding data integration, work flows and XML data. Naturally, all the technical folks were using the term 'Messages' constantly. Suddenly, one of the non-technical person posed a set of questions... “what is a message?”, “it seems you guys are talking about data; so, why not say data?”, “why message?”

Adventure Continues...

When I decided to leave my previous employer Rising Medical Solutions back in June, many people thought that I was crazy. Why? Because I left without a source of income. After quitting my job, we traveled for couple of months. Very active and great time. After travelling to Cyprus, Bangladesh and England, we got back to the States in August. Soon after we came back to Chicago, we decided to make another change.... This time we decided to relocate to Massachusetts after living in Midwest for 21 years. Now we are in Massachusetts, temporary staying with family; but very soon we are moving to a rental place. My daughter has started a new school. Very soon the nomadic life is coming to an end. I still don't have a job; but starting to look with more intensity. Something will come up.