Developing a Great Business Model

Great business models depend on developing three "green lights," or qualities that help the business succeed: finding high-value customers, offering significant value to customers, and delivering significant margins. Great business models also avoid three "red lights" that can derail a business:

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Ask a Prospective Employer to “Google You”

Ask a Prospective Employer to “Google You”

I imagine you found this article through an RSS feed or maybe an article submission site. This must mean that you are guilty of surfing the Internet for hours on end. But does this have to be such a bad thing? No! It is time to put all that surfing to work for you!

Can your online reputation earn you a job? Not always, but it can make a difference. Hopefully the time you have spent posting to blogs and forums, or even editing your own web page, has left you with a solid reputation when your name comes up in search engines. If it hasn’t, it is time to get started. Here are a few tips:

1- Use good grammar in your posts and on your site. We want others to think we’re smart, don’t we?
2- Be positive! Try not to belittle (especially former and current employers, management or even acquaintances).
3- Keep it modest. You will offend more people than you entertain with lewd or distasteful content.
4- Show off your expertise. Go crazy sharing your knowledge about topics you are passionate about, and then go get a job in a related field.

Put these skills into practice and your online reputation will grow in a positive way. You never know when a prospective employer might ‘Google’ you. In fact, once you are confident, you can suggest they do. Why not put ‘Google Me’ at the top of your resume?

Are Linux Users Just Cheap?

Could it be that Linux users are just cheap? Wait! Before you burn me at the stake for sins against open source, hear me out. Yes, cheap is probably a bit harsh. Perhaps frugal is a softer term. Besides, Linux users are almost always technical gurus with IQ’s that are through the roof. Were it not for my personal bias (I have a strong Microsoft background) I might be a Linux user. I am simply submitting a thought that was sparked by a Linux user’s recent post on a pro-Microsoft blog. This particular user gives us a glimpse at what fuels his purchasing decisions when he/she lists his reasons for using a particular service:

“it doesn't affect my purse.”

Admittedly, this single comment provides little evidence, scientific or otherwise, to support my assertion. However, it is fun to fan the flames in the Microsoft/Open Source battle from time to time.

Opinion: Apple vs. Microsoft

A battle that has raged on for decades appears to be stronger than ever! This rivalry between technology giants has been rekindled with new commercials from Apple, and the release of Windows Vista by Microsoft. Sure, Macintosh systems offer a high level of reliability and are surely a 'best bet' for users with an artistic flair. On the other hand, Microsoft Windows systems are best known for their user-friendly nature and also for a versatility which allows users to select different hardware and software configurations that meet their own computing needs.

Surprisingly, this ongoing battle may be less about the quality of products and more about business models. Macintosh has opted to do just about everything for their systems in house. This rigid business model inhibits consultants, resellers, and others from promoting a very quality product.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has opted to offer its products through channel partners (like Wasatch Software), retailers, and distributors on a very wide scale. What is the result? Huge computer manufacturers like Dell, HP and Gateway ultimately prop up Microsoft and even indirectly market Microsoft's products. The same can be said for the thousands of other smaller system builders, resellers and consultants that exist (in whole or in part) simply because of Microsoft.

When these methods of delivery and marketing are compared, it is no wonder that Microsoft has clearly come out on top over the years, an should continue to dominate for many more.

Opinion: Microsoft Software Assurance

Yes, Software Assurance is great! When kept current it provides a simple way for Microsoft volume license customers to make sure they always have the rights to the latest versions and new releases. Additionally, Microsoft has come a long way in offering additional benefits to Software Assurance customers, including eLearning, support, and even the rights to products they otherwise couldn't use (Windows Vista Enterprise). With this said, should Microsoft commit to a few things for its loyal SA customers?

• New versions in a timely manner: Customers are paying around 25% of the license cost per year for Software Assurance. If a new version would surely be released every 3 to 4 years the math would work out in the customer's favor. However, in the case of some recent products (like SQL Server and even Windows Pro) there were 4 or 5 years between new releases. This makes SA all about timing. Should an Open License or Select Agreement customer buy coverage just after a new version has been released? Probably not, unless you highly value the training and support benefits that become available to you.


• Additional benefits or lower cost: In actuality, most Software Assurance benefits will go unused by the customer. Perhaps Microsoft should consider lowering the cost of SA, or begin offering highly useful benefits like 100% free phone support without limitations. Currently, Open License customers must purchase $20K+ to earn a single phone support incident. If MS would consider lowering the cost, resellers like Wasatch Software would certainly sell more SA, and total sales for Microsoft would surely rise.

No matter how you look at it, Microsoft makes the mose user friendly and productive software. Hopefully their volume licensing programs continue to improve... in the customer's favor!