Software help desk

Larry Ellison’s aggressive vision for Oracle-Sun and his bluntly stated plans to compete full-speed ahead against IBM in the optimized-systems business are good for customers and good for this business. As Robert Browning once asked, “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”In an industry supersaturated with incrementalist thinking masquerading as insightful leadership, Ellison is promising to shake up the tired approaches that have become the norm for too many IT suppliers and, by extension, too many of their CIO customers. I applaud the attention Ellison has brought through his recent high-profile comments to optimized systems, specialized and high-performance computing machines and appliances, animated up-front thinking and execution from IT suppliers, and reduced piecework for CIOs.

But at some point, the time for talk ends and the only thing that matters is what’s real and tested and proven, right here right now.

And in that context, Oracle and Ellison’s comments can be viewed in one of two ways: as a pugnacious attack dog ready to tear into some red meat, or as a yippy poodle nipping the ankles of a Great Dane who’s only vaguely aware that the poodle’s in the same zip code.My vote?

I’d say that while Ellison has demonstrated—many times in many ways—that he’s fearless and risk-loving and extremely capable, he can’t so much as hold a candle to IBM’s systems business in general, and in particular to its achievements in delivering powerful and proven optimized systems for the most demanding of business tasks.Global CIOs: A Site Just For YouVisit InformationWeek’s Global CIO our new online community and information resource for CIOs operating in the global economy.

I am based in the UK and run a successful business supplying custom solutions to engineering companies. I employ 10 people and we are expanding. Up until now I have written most of the software myself in C and VB but need more time to devote to the business. I am looking for an accomplished programmer with good maths (we write a lot of CAD/CAM based solutions) and knowledge of RS232 communications, wireless technology, SQL, ASP.NET and Microsoft Windows environments. Any engineering experience (robotics, Fanuc OSP, Fanuc Focas, Ladder Progamming) would be good. The candidate needs to be a self starter who can liaise with customers at the highest level himself (our customers include BAE, GKN, Rolls Royce) and create custom solutions which are delivered on-time and on-budget. I am willing to offer a share in the business to the right candidate (subject to probationary period) and a decent salary package. Do you know anyone who fits this bill and is UK based?

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I work as the only on staff IT worker in a business that holds about 15 employees. I consider myself a hybrid, in the sense that I fill both a Database Administrator and System Analyst position at once, but feel I am strongly underpaid. Since I'm the only one with technical knowledge in the business, there is no one knowledgeable enough to really evaluate what I do and how much I should really be getting paid. I plan to take these answers to my evaluation in a couple days to hopefully make some changes. Here is what I do (that I can think of off the top of my head): Design and implement data structure for all applications and programs. Create queries to retrieve data as needed. Design and implement user interface. Create system documentation. Write stored procedures for SQL Server Creates backup procedure and physically backs up necessary data. Evaluates hardware/software needs for business, makes purchases, keeps inventory. Fixes/manages printers/copiers, refills toner cartridges to save money. Assists users in functionality. Buys new computer systems based on needs of user and their position. Manages wireless/land-line bills, manages changes of circumstances (i.e. someone leaving the country, etc.) Negotiates refunds on usage charges. Languages I use: SQL, VB, C/C++, Java Current Salary: $44,000 (No medical, dental, or vision coverage. No tuition reimbursement. 10 Vacation days/year starting after 1 year of working) Is this fair? If not, what should I be making? Thank you for your help. Oh yes, it's also a 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. job, Monday - Friday, no breaks, 30 minute lunch each day.

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