Playing Software Developer Hot PotatoBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 12, 2010Software developers with difficult attitudes bounce around from team to team. What happens when they land on your team?
Don't Hire That Developer!By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on August 11, 2010What’s more profitable for a developer: keeping a full-time job or working as a contractor?
Developer Layoffs Are Never FairBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 12, 2010Why are some developers laid off while others keep their job? The difference between them might be essentially nonexistent.
Are Developer Certifications Worthless?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on March 15, 2010Some developers disdain IT certifications, yet in a tight job market they can make all the difference. A veteran project manager talks about his experience with a team of developers.
Dealing with Unaccountable DevelopersBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 15, 2010It's an IT manager's dilemma: Developers who can’t make deadlines can be very nice people, but the fact remains that they cause some very serious problems for the development team.
Are Software Developers Naturally Weird?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on October 18, 2009Looking back at the strange software developer he’s worked with, one veteran coder asks the obvious question.
Why Developers Get FiredBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 20, 2009There are many reasons developers get fired. So take off the ear buds, close down your 20 Skype threads and take some time to think about what you can do to prevent this from happening to you.
Does Quality Software Code Really Matter?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 14, 2009Taking steps to prevent bugs and unnecessary code complexity can sidestep tomorrow's maintenance headache. Why is it such a low priority?
Too Old To Write Software? Or Just the 'Wrong Era'?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on June 29, 2009Rightly or wrongly, age is considered when hiring developers, yet a more important indicator is what micro-era in software history a programmer belongs to.
Where's Your Coding Happy Place?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 20, 2009Developing software code is an activity best done in an optimal environment. Then again, is it more a question of external location, or internal mood?
When Developers Drink On The JobBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 07, 2009When a developer drinks or does drugs on the job, there’s a right way and a wrong way to deal with it.
Are Quirky Developers Brilliant or Dangerous?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on March 16, 2009A story of a highly talented but egocentric developer, the type we all know and dislike. Can we stop enabling these people?
Are Your Developers Goofing Off?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on October 14, 2008If you are a developer that is skating by, be careful how you are managing your time or you may find that you are skating on thin ice.
Are Cocky Developers Worth It?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 16, 2008Sure, he can code circles around the other developers, but that attitude…
Hard-Core Hardware: Green Is the New BlackBy Drew Robb |
Smart IT Article Published on July 28, 2008There's no denying green computing is a hot topic among IT vendors. As the IT messaging chorus grows louder, however, the soundtrack rings hollow and smacks of political correctness. Is green gear really about saving the planet afterall?
Revenge of the IT WorkerBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on June 16, 2008If teenagers are gossiping about friends on cyber-rumor sites like Facebook, what happens when tech-savvy IT workers launch such a site about their managers?
Dealing with An IT BullyBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 14, 2008They’re difficult, nasty and aggressive. But there are tactics that help tame these tech-world bad geeks -- sometimes.
Ten Pet Peeves About Workplace EmailsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on March 24, 2008By using common sense, basic courtesy and just
slowing down before pressing 'send', you will avoid 'peeving' off your co-workers.
24 Hours in the Life of IT ProfessionalsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on March 17, 20085:30 AM: Dragged to consciousness by alarm clock. Pulled out of wonderful dream where Vista desktop upgrade went without a hitch. 3:30 PM: VP of Sales stops in office to show off new iPhone. Wants IT to support it.
Dealing with Idiot VendorsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 15, 2008When that software vendor comes calling, don’t seal the deal until you get everything you want – in writing.
Making The Most of The Holidays in ITBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on December 18, 2007If you are one of the unfortunate souls stuck behind the desk the last week of December, this is your time to make a list and check it twice.
When Just Enough Is Enough To Be FiredBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on November 18, 2007How do you handle an IT professional who under-performs in one critical area, but who’s strong in everything else?
Is a Career In IT Risky?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on October 15, 2007Sure, the competition from H1B workers is real, but there are serious upsides to a tech career that didn’t exist a few years ago. Plus: strategies for making yourself more marketable.
The Telecommuting MythBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 17, 2007A tech manager finds a mixed experience with telecommuting.
What's Your Online Reputation?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on May 16, 2007Reputations of companies and individuals can easily be marred by online postings, including threads from email and IM.
The Evil Status ReportBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 09, 2007My team members had some harsh words for me, but my point remains: the dreaded status report is an effective tool.
Tech Work from Home: A Survival GuideBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on March 12, 2007Doing IT work from a home office has its perks – and major pitfalls. Here’s a guide to staying productive.
How to Deal with Your Idiot Co-workersBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 02, 2007If you want to keep your data center running smoothly, you need to deal effectively with the many types of difficult co-workers.
Understanding Your 'Idiot' ManagerBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on January 15, 2007Sure, your manager may be dysfunctional or just plain weird, but he or she has a job to do. Realizing that will help you do yours.
How Schwab Transformed its On-Call SupportBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on January 04, 2007Using teamwork and incentives, the financial services firm averted serious problems within its support environment.
How to Sell Product Purchases InternallyBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on December 14, 2006A guide to convincing management they need to buy you that shiny new software/hardware toy you’re lusting after.
Easing The Pain of Being On-CallBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on November 07, 2006There are ways to lower the stess level of IT support staff – and provide better on-call help.
The Benefits of Working With Tech StartupsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 07, 2006Using the services of a startup has its pitfalls, but can provide significant price and other competitive advantages.
Managing Vendor DemonstrationsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on June 07, 2006You don't have to leave yourself at the mercy of an unproductive vendor presentation, says our
Smart IT columnist.
Prejudging Talent Can Cost YouBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 11, 2006In the evaluation of IT resumes, preconceived notions can cause you to miss out on hiring talented, qualified candidates. Here are five areas where employers tend to prejudge -- to their detriment.
How to Raise Funds for Your Own StartupBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 16, 2006Considering starting a company of your own to build the next great software product or service? You just have to do your homework and then find a way to fund your venture.
Blogging Your Way Up the Career LadderBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on January 17, 2006Columnist Eric Spiegel says blogging is an opportunity to advance your career. Keep a few of his tips in mind and get going!
It's Time to Start NetworkingBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on December 14, 2005Columnist Eric Spiegel says now is the time to start networking -- before you seriously need to find another job. And it's really not as hard as you think.
What It Means to Be An IT ContractorBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on October 31, 2005Datamation columnist Eric Spiegel takes a look at what it really means to be an IT contractor -- the ups and the downs.
Is The Grass Really Greener?By Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on August 17, 2005Deciding whether to accept another job offer can be a nerve-wracking experience, fraught with unknowns. So how do you decide?
Avoid Common Offshoring PitfallsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on April 08, 2005There is a lot more to consider than cutting costs when planning to offshore software development, our
Datamation columnist writes.
The Not-So-Hidden Value of IT InternsBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 17, 2005A professional sports team uses the college draft to fill immediate needs and build for the future. Likewise, an intern program gives IT shops a glimpse of what future college grads have to offer.
Keeping Your Staff HappyBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on January 27, 2005There are many ways to motivate your team. Sometimes a small or spontaneous reward can be a great motivator. But before sticking your foot in HR's mouth, you must consider other factors.
How to Find Your Career MentorBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on December 15, 2004Having a professional mentor truly can help your career blossom. But how do you find mentors? Here are some proactive steps you can take to build these relationships within your organization and externally.
Maximize Your Vendor Conference ExperienceBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on November 10, 2004Whether you are preparing to attend an upcoming vendor conference or need to prove why attending can benefit your organization, having a plan to demonstrate a return on investment will be more than worth your while.
Finding The Best DevelopersBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on September 20, 2004Nearly all experienced IT managers have made hiring decisions they've come to regret. To avoid buyer's remorse in the future, it's important to have an interviewing strategy.
A Manager's Guide To EmailBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on August 05, 2004What IT managers dash off in their emails can affect their careers. Columnist Eric Spiegel offers tips on how to avoid common -- and serious -- email communication pitfalls.
Why Enterprise Software Rollouts FailBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on June 18, 2004You've just finished an ambitious enterprise software installation, only to find that employees aren't using their shiny new tool. What went wrong? Our
Datamation columnist outlines three reasons why software rollouts fail -- and how to avoid them.
Building a Software Services TeamBy Eric Spiegel |
Smart IT Article Published on February 06, 2003Many enterprise software companies view providing services as an unwelcome chore that drains resources from development efforts. But services can make or break a software firm. Here's a framework for planning a software services team.
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