Innovation in Software

I have had an awful lot on my plate recently. I think most of us in this sector have.

Right now, I have a few choices to make about what Vagueware does and is involved in over the next 9 months, and I feel the time is ripe for some minor re-invention.

Over the last 15 years I have worked on everything from server administration to strategy, development to training, project management to debugging. One of the reasons Vagueware has struggled to grow at the rate it should have is because I’ve not really chosen one small area and really focused on it. I’ve had my fingers in many, many pies.

It is through being over-committed to so many projects and concerns that has led to me being exhausted and the quality of my work being deeply unsatisfying to myself.

That needs to change, and indeed it already is. I am now moving away from client work and towards internal product development (including a joint venture I’m itching to tell you about, but it’s too early yet), but I’m worried I’ve missed a trick and there is something out there that it’s “obvious” I should be working on but I’m not aware of. You have no idea how often people will start a conversation with me with the phrase “I’m amazed you’re not working on…” and on consideration, I’m usually surprised too.

So, this is last call for input. If there is something you think I should be working on, whether it be a product area you’re surprised I haven’t got stuck into, your own project you think I can help on, or just an interesting idea, speak now (via email or twitter please) or forever hold your peace. If you want to hire me for a project you have until Monday to start the discussion, but after that all client work is being put on hold.

It’s about to go dark on the client front and Kagtum development (amongst others) is going to gear up to a whole new level. See you on the other side.