My review on book 'Secrets of Software Success'
Review on book Secrets of Software Success by Detlev, Cyriac, Gert and Sandro published by Harvard University Press.
As we are all aware that software industry played significant role in creating millionaires, creating millions of jobs, improving economy of many countries and etc. Authors discussed the secrets, techniques behind the success of software industry. Authors surveyed more than 100 software companies worldwide to study the facts and methods followed by successful companies and top executives.
This book discusses the evolution of software as a separate business from hardware business and foundations for formation of early software companies like CUC, CSC and etc. Authors divided this evaluation into five eras viz., independent programming services, software products, enterprise solutions, packaged software for the masses and the software industry today (with internet).
I like the chapter ‘Exceptional software leaders are the rule’ in which authors presented comprehensive characteristics of great software leaders. Below are some of the characters of prominent software leaders,
- They are technology visionaries thriving on uncertainty.
- They are extreme risk takers and hope for immense returns.
- They aim high.
- They bet on multiple options.
- They are builders of highly dynamic organizations.
- They build extremely flat, team-based organizations.
- They create a culture that attracts and retains talent.
Authors discussed the recruiting and retaining techniques followed by top software firms. Based on their study individual work styles, stock options, strong corporate cultures are most important motivators of software workers.
In other chapters, authors discussed the reasons behind the failure of most of the software projects, top processes followed by top software companies, role of marketing in selling the products and importance of partners. Authors name software development phase as ‘Completing a Mission Impossible.’
In my view, it’s a good book. Your comments are welcome on this review.
Kiran
posted by Anonymous @ 8:08 AM
2 Comments:
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the industry is still very new. The information is solving people's problems. So the money flows. Quick, fast turnovers doesnt necessarily mean the best techniques are being used. There has to be a method to this madness.
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