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Can the iPad help to usher in a new age in medical record keeping? February 4, 2010

Posted by Gary in : Technology , add a comment

Now that the dust is settling and millions of words have spewed forth over the eventual “success” of the yet to be sold iPad, I would like to weigh in. Most of what I have read about the product and its potential has to do with the consumer. I am confident that Apple’s marketing clout will make the iPad a hit among consumers even considering the relatively high initial price. I feel I am in good company here, since many analysts are predicting millions of units sold in 2010 alone!

However I am more interested in the use of the iPad as a business application device. This is the first hand-held “tablet” which in my opinion could really facilitate the transition from a paper based medical community to a digital one. There are many reasons why I think this product may be a game changer.

PC based tablets have been around for a number of years. They are typically small notebook computers with a touch screen that can be inverted and lay closed over the keyboard. A typical weight is about 3+ pounds. Kind of heavy to carry throughout the day up and down the halls of a typical hospital while making rounds. They are typically pen or keyboard based. A bit clumsy to use when on the go.

On the other hand the iPad addresses several of the negatives preventing widespread adoption of the PC tablet. Here are some of the major ones. It is a relatively light-weight (1.6 lbs) device with an amazing display. User interaction leverages the multi-touch iPhone/iTouch gestures that are familiar to millions of users. When needed a virtual keyboard facilitates data entry. The 9.7 inch screen with 132 pixels per inch resolution screen (1024 by 768 pixels) is sufficient for viewing medium resolution medical images along with patient information. WiFi and 3G connectivity allow access to medical data from anywhere.

With the creation of novel medical software applications, the iPad may just accelerate the change over to the digital age replacing the medical profession’s clipboard and paper based systems

What does a software developer need to begin design? November 2, 2009

Posted by Gary in : Consulting , add a comment

Too many projects begin without even a hint of a written understanding about what is to be built. Unfortunately many of us have been there and lived through the pain of redesign and project slippage. At the other end of the spectrum some write suffocatingly detailed Requirements Documents. Masterpieces of literature that developers and managers don’t actually understand if they read it all! As in the case of no written requirements, the project usually ends up in the same predicament — redesign, rework and missed opportunity.

In my experience developing embedded systems or software applications the big picture requirements must be spelled out. They should contain at a minimum the following: performance goals, safety factors, Human-Machine Interaction, testability, external interfaces, deployment, and target cost for hardware designs.

Defining the products requirements does not have to take a very long time. I find that in most cases this phase should take on average 2 - 4 weeks working collaboratively with the major stake holders.

The important point to keep in mind is that the requirements document must be be in a form that is easily understood by the technical team as well as non-technical management. Keep it as jargon free as possible. Define all terms.

INCLUDE PICTURES!

For example, an excellent way to define the user interface level independent of the actual technology used are pictures. It is more effective to draw a screen or touch panel then to try to describe it. Even more effective, use a rapid prototype application to create a demonstration of application. This is the most effective way to create a common vision between developer and manager of the look and feel of the resultant product. Be sure to include one or more block diagrams to illustrate the system and interfaces.

The next time you start a project please don’t settle for 10 bullets on a napkin!

Selecting a Channel Partner December 31, 2008

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One of the challenges I face this year is selecting and managing channel partners. Although this is not entirely a new experience it is the first time that I have determined to actively manage the relationships. In the past, partnership arrangements have been created solely by expertise in a certain technology.  For example we became experienced with a specific microprocessor family and toolset and developed a solution partner relationship with the vendor.  The relationship was casual with few interactions. And as one might expect we had had mixed results; some referrals, some proposals, and minimal actual work.

I began to think whether having channel partner relationships are really helpful towards meeting our business development goals. I believe they can be. But I need to figure out how to make the partnership work.

So I began asking questions.

I have many more questions with few answers so far. But it is a beginning. I will have more to say about channel partnerships as the year progresses.

Can the iPhone/iTouch platform be a next generation enterprise communication platform? March 26, 2008

Posted by Gary in : Technology , add a comment

Now that Apple has released the iPhone SDK will there be a rush to adoption by business? Apple is trying very hard not to repeat the past mistakes of creating a closed Mac platform. The addition of a $100M VC fund for application development will certainly help. But is it enough?

According to the announcement this week, Apple will still control the conduit. All applications must be downloaded via iTunes. No software will be permitted to allow the iPhone to work with phone carriers that are not approved by Apple. In the US, we have one phone carrier to choose from … AT&T.

It seems to me that Apple has taken a first step, but a baby step.  If Apple is serious about adoption of the iPhone as a ubiquitous handheld business communication device I believe much more needs to be done. Here are a few suggestions.

First and foremost Apple needs to open the connectivity choices to any wireless carrier. Address security issues such as data encryption and secure access. The iPhone software needs to allow managed updates via company IT department. And finally very tight, seamless integration with Enterprise systems such as Exchange is required.

Although this is not an exhaustive list, in my opinion it would propel the iPhone to becoming the device of choice for the Enterprise.

Interoperability, sometimes it just works!

Posted by Gary in : Technology , add a comment

I just took ownership of my first “green” car … Toyota Camry Hybrid. It is quite an impressive vehicle with excellent gas mileage for a midsized car. My research has shown it would be a very sophisticated, technological savvy vehicle. The computer control system enables real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption. Switching back and forth as needed between electric battery and gasoline engine within a fraction of a second. I was very happy with my purchase considering just energy savings, comfort and safety.

What I didn’t realize is the degree of sophistication with Voice Activation, NAV, Bluetooth and cell phone connectivity. Multiple vendors and industries are involved with the above technologies. Yet Toyota was able to interface them seamlessly? The ease of connecting my Blackberry Pearl with the car’s Bluetooth was a thing of beauty. But the most amazing part was that I was able to transfer my Blackberry address book contacts to the auto’s address book wirelessly via Bluetooth. It is one thing to have basic connectivity, another to agree on a data transport via Bluetooth to capture the phone’s information. I wonder if a contact’s address can go right into the NAV system to set the destination point?  Maybe next model year.

The DVD war is over, Toshiba surrenders! March 7, 2008

Posted by Gary in : Technology , add a comment

The long awaited resolution of which technology will be the High Definition DVD choice of the future is here and the winner is … Blu-Ray.  The slow adoption of high definition DVD has been blamed on the competitive war between the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD camps. Some think that without a clear standard, consumers have stayed out of the market. Others expected a dual system that supports both technologies. Some dual-format devices have already been produced.

I think another reason exists for the slow adoption. Better choices. Why rent or buy a DVD when you can easily stream it via your cable, satellite or an on-line supplier. The cost is about the same, don’t need to leave your couch and you can get at least 5.1 surround sound. What is missing, the out-takes, extras, and alternative endings. For the vast majority of movies you want to watch how important are these features?

I am not planning on buying a Blu-Ray DVD anytime soon.

Business Planning, where is the real value? February 8, 2008

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As we finish up this year’s business planning process for Advanced Decisions I look back at all the discussion and ideas debated. As with any practical plan, not everything desired could be included. There remain some pretty good thoughts sitting on the sidelines waiting for their moment.

We see many threats that can and will impact our business. Not the least of which are the current global economic turbulence and continuing tight labor market in certain areas.  However, having a plan that includes realistic threats and risk mitigation strategies allow us to approach the new fiscal year with a sense of optimism and confidence.

The value of our Business Plan is that we can visualize how to achieve our goals.

Did Apple Set The Standard Again? January 18, 2008

Posted by Gary in : Technology , add a comment

Macworld 2008 is now in the books. Some stunning new products were announced. For a company that is no longer a “computer” company it does a pretty good job of disguising itself. Perhaps Microsoft/Dell should take notice.

For me, the new MacBook Air is a beautiful product.  It is a true portable that embraces wireless. Finally having the option of a full sized keyboard and reasonably sized screen in a remarkably thin and lightweight package will set a high bar for portable notebooks. A docking station is no longer needed; I only see the need for two cables in the office. One cable is for power and the second for an external monitor. WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connections for the network and mouse/keyboard eliminate the need for additional cables.

But for me the most significant product announcement is the new Airport/NAS or Time Capsule. The combination of software (Leopard’s built-in Time Machine) and wireless hardware make automated backup a reality.  There is simply no reason for us not to have our digital life stowed away safely and inexpensively. But best of all, instantly retrievable.

I am confident that the PC community will catch-up, but non-Apple users will have to wait until Windows 2009 . . . is released.

Happy New Year January 9, 2008

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After a prolonged absence, I am back.  Writing, for me, is difficult. I find myself doing almost anything to avoid it. This is not a good formula to become an active blogger. Something needs to change … me.

Effective communications is essential to most every job. And it is especially so for a consultant. Gathering and writing requirements for the next project is at least as important as the system architecture, design and code. I believe that regular writing in any venue will improve writing in all areas.

The blogosphere is full of serious writers, reporters, journalists and just plain ordinary folk who have something to say … hopefully something interesting. I plan to fit in the latter category.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please comment, criticize, question; let’s create a dialogue.

Part 2 — What can you do when a project goes terribly wrong? June 4, 2007

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In my previous blog I recommended steps to follow and pitfalls to avoid once a project is in trouble. Now that we have a strategy for change and have management buy-in, it is time to take action.

It is best to start by assembling the entire project team and communicating the change strategy. In order to turn-around a failing project effectively you need buy-in from all the team members — even those not directly involved in implementing the change.

The project plan and schedule needs to be revised and shared with all team members. This is a good time to ask a few questions. Do we have enough or the right resources to move forward? Do we have the right tools? One common outcome I have noticed with projects that get into trouble, is that the original project team did not have the appropriate level of expertise in a new technology. To turn the project around you may need to add a temporary resource with special skills. Find this resource(s) - fast! Get the right tools. Then update the schedule.

Once the Team is assembled, start at the beginning. Review Requirements, Architecture, Design and Test Procedures, in that order. Make necessary modifications before starting development.

As you can see there is a lot of legwork before you can effectively change the course of a project, but you must do it for the project to be successful.