I was checking out Linkedin updates yesterday, and found this long running discussion on Linkedin around software tools. What was intriguing to me was a post on TFS (Click here). I was reminded of a not-to-distant time when I was guilty. We have a problem that we need to solve, and the latest software product is the answer. I admit that this has happened to me a time or two. While the main focus in the above post is using Microsoft’s Team Foundation Server to it’s fullest extent, I think the bigger question is do we use the software we have to its fullest extent. Probably not.
Organizationally, we come up with some crazy excuses for buying something new, when in reality, we should be looking at how we use what we have. Here are some of the excuses I have heard:
- We need product xyz, because what we have doesn’t work the way we do.
- What? I didnt know we had a load testing tool.
- We need product xyz because it is cool.
- It is way to expensive to buy the new version.
- Our competitor uses Safesforce.com, so we must as well.
I am not saying that these are the only reasons. I am sure there are plenty more that have been put out there. I have taken to asking myself would I make the same decision if I was spending my own money? Most of us, me included, tend to make different decisions if we are spending our own money. When you hear one of the five excuses, challenge them. Your budget is tight, so make good use of what you have. Look at your existing tools. What can they do for you?
Thanks for coming in today.
Chris