Re: Service Programs VS normal Programs (Jon Paris)

["Brad Stone" <brad@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 31 Aug 2004 08:41:14 -0500
 "Joe Pluta" <joepluta@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> We're NOT saying to stop innovation.  We're NOT fighting
> against new
> techniques. 

Right on, Joe.  

I can give specific examples in my career where I wanted
the change, but managment didn't think it was a good idea.
 With time and POCs, I was able to help.

1.  Back in 1994-5, my first job.  Sr. Programmer basically
didn't use subroutines (Literal top down programming).  I
was writing/updating an inventory package.  I used
subroutines.  I was told it was now "mine" because of that.

2.  In late 90s, I was asked to rewrite the AR package.
 This is the package that was passed from programmer to
programmer, way past the spaghetti stage and aside from
Vertex, the "death wish" of the shop  (ie, you got it, and
quit a year later).  I said "I need 3 months alone, and I
want to use ILE."  They said "do it.".  It was a huge
success.  Still in production.

3.  In the 90s again, I said "let's write our own online CS
app, that Cold Fusion one is for the birds and our
customers hate it."  Wrote proof of concept using eRPG.
 They liked.  Got new machine, and new duties.  Still in
production, and from what I hear is being used as a "basis"
for a corporate wide initiative.  (Although I REALLY wish I
could rewrite it again.. LOL!)

These last two examples are uncommon only because I had to
beg and plead for the time and to be able to use the
technologies involved.  I don't believe it would have
happened for just anyone, but because I had proven myself
competent (LOL!) and was persistent, it happend.

Time is a commodity in most AS/400s shops.  

I still stand by the opinion that most of those that say
"ain't broke" are saying (in so many words):

"I got bigger fish to fry...  Barcode printer is on the
fritz in shipping, OE is crashing because of a file level
check, the CSRs are calling all morning asking about slow
response because Margy in HR is running the query from hell
again.. and managment has 3 meetings scheduled today that I
don't feel I need to be in..."  And that's a good day!  :)

Brad