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.