ASPs (application service providers) have been on the scene for about two years now.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing.

There has been much debate recently over the definition of risk management. Cutter Consortium recently surveyed IT managers about their organizations' risk management practices. Some interesting findings about the definition of risk surfaced.

There has been much debate recently over the definition of risk management. Cutter Consortium recently surveyed IT managers about their organizations' risk management practices. Some interesting findings about the definition of risk surfaced.

Whether you are trying to initiate a software metrics program or trying to sustain one due to organizational changes, budget constraints, or other factors, the benefits must be continuously sold within the IT organization. Software metrics is often perceived as intrusive, therefore, the benefits must be understood in relation to achieving business objectives, because that is the bottom line.

Last month's ITMS discussed the use of metrics in managing deadlines for IT projects. We took two perspectives. One was a forward- estimation view in which we were tasked to forecast the time a project might take, along with effort estimations, staff requirements, and optimization suggestions. The other was a reverse-estimation perspective -- starting with a deadline and working the problem backward to quantify what could be done within certain time limits.

It is an ambitious goal to convey the teachings imparted by a veritable master using merely written words. Edward Tufte (pronounced TUFF-tee) is a true showman and a genius when it come to communication and the display of information. This article summarizes the material presented in Dr. Tufte's fascinating presentation on 25 June 1999 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, so that others may also benefit from his teachings.

"There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't." -- Anonymous

We hear almost daily about the imperative need to align our IT infrastructure and systems with the business activity. IT must not only support our business processes within a fast-changing environment, but also be responsive to new demands for managerial information.

Business performance depends on the appropriateness of the business model adopted by organizations and on how effectively their IT infrastructure supports this model. Every day, companies are faced with the imperative need to align IT to their fast-changing business needs. The rapid technological developments in the IT arena also bring into question current business models.

Technical homogeneity produces a compelling pull on IT. Perhaps it harkens back to our mainframe roots -- the big mainframe, green-screen terminals, and COBOL programs were the essence of homogeneity. When viewed through contemporary glasses, that time seems to epitomize simplicity. There were no questions about which platform to use: COBOL was a given. The crux of the matter was to write programs.

In working with software organizations around the world, perhaps the most common complaint I hear is, "Our software projects take too long!" What they want to know is, "How can we reduce the elapsed time of software development?"; upon further questioning, it quickly becomes clear that what they really want is to reduce the elapsed time of software development projects without:

Paul Harmon, Editor

Complexity is all around us.