Software Configuration Management Patterns


Book Description

Stereotypes portray software engineers as a reckless lot, and stereotypes paint software configuration management (SCM) devotees as inflexible. Based on these impressions, it is no wonder that projects can be riddled with tension! The truth probably lies somewhere in between these stereotypes, and this book shows how proven SCM practices can foster a healthy team-oriented culture that produces better software. The authors show that workflow, when properly managed, can avert delays, morale problems, and cost overruns. A patterns approach (proven solutions to recurring problems) is outlined so that SCM can be easily applied and successfully leveraged in small to medium sized organizations. The patterns are presented with an emphasis on practicality. The results speak for themselves: improved processes and a motivated workforce that synergize to produce better quality software.




Playing to Win


Book Description

Explains how companies must pinpoint business strategies to a few critically important choices, identifying common blunders while outlining simple exercises and questions that can guide day-to-day and long-term decisions.




CERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM)


Book Description

CERT® Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) is an innovative and transformative way to manage operational resilience in complex, risk-evolving environments. CERT-RMM distills years of research into best practices for managing the security and survivability of people, information, technology, and facilities. It integrates these best practices into a unified, capability-focused maturity model that encompasses security, business continuity, and IT operations. By using CERT-RMM, organizations can escape silo-driven approaches to managing operational risk and align to achieve strategic resilience management goals. This book both introduces CERT-RMM and presents the model in its entirety. It begins with essential background for all professionals, whether they have previously used process improvement models or not. Next, it explains CERT-RMM’s Generic Goals and Practices and discusses various approaches for using the model. Short essays by a number of contributors illustrate how CERT-RMM can be applied for different purposes or can be used to improve an existing program. Finally, the book provides a complete baseline understanding of all 26 process areas included in CERT-RMM. Part One summarizes the value of a process improvement approach to managing resilience, explains CERT-RMM’s conventions and core principles, describes the model architecturally, and shows how itsupports relationships tightly linked to your objectives. Part Two focuses on using CERT-RMM to establish a foundation for sustaining operational resilience management processes in complex environments where risks rapidly emerge and change. Part Three details all 26 CERT-RMM process areas, from asset definition through vulnerability resolution. For each, complete descriptions of goals and practices are presented, with realistic examples. Part Four contains appendices, including Targeted Improvement Roadmaps, a glossary, and other reference materials. This book will be valuable to anyone seeking to improve the mission assurance of high-value services, including leaders of large enterprise or organizational units, security or business continuity specialists, managers of large IT operations, and those using methodologies such as ISO 27000, COBIT, ITIL, or CMMI.




Product-Led Onboarding


Book Description

When you borrow a plate from grandma, does she ask you to pay a deposit? Of course not. Likewise, blocking your non-paying ("freemium") customers from the core experience of your product, is like chopping your own leg off while running a marathon. Yet, this is just one of the crucial mistakes that most SaaS companies make right off the bat. Think about it. Do YOU have... Stalled accounts taking up valuable space? Sub-par clients who only expect freebies and don't ever use the full features of your product? Low conversion from free accounts to paid? Then, you might have a shot-yourself-in-the-foot problem. In this book, you'll find the easy, 6-step formula you can apply to your operations today that can change absolutely everything. You'll be able to count your company among giants like Mixpanel, Ubisoft, and Outsystems when you: Captivate clients' attention from the get-go. Make it easier for clients to get good at using your software so they are more likely to use it. Create a fool-proof checklist to make your product go viral. Match services with behaviors, and get users addicted to your product. Win rave reviews by making clients feel like VIPs. Use this strategy at each level in your team to supercharge its effect. Rinse and repeat, and watch your business grow while you sleep. In short, you'll discover why putting your customer first is the ultimate secret to growing your company. And how you can achieve astronomical conversions and customer loyalty without even trying. Check out what others are saying:







Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists


Book Description

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.




Configuration Management Principles and Practice


Book Description

Anne Mette Jonassen Hass explains the principles and benefits of a sound configuration management strategy. This volume is designed to help the professional put that strategy into action.




Network World


Book Description

For more than 20 years, Network World has been the premier provider of information, intelligence and insight for network and IT executives responsible for the digital nervous systems of large organizations. Readers are responsible for designing, implementing and managing the voice, data and video systems their companies use to support everything from business critical applications to employee collaboration and electronic commerce.




IT Service Management Best Practices Using IBM SmartCloud Control Desk


Book Description

SmartCloud Control Desk is a comprehensive IT Asset and Service Management solution that helps reduce cost and minimize service disruptions. It does so through automated service request handling, efficient change management, and optimized asset lifecycle management across IT and enterprise domains. SmartCloud Control Desk helps to reduce total cost of ownership by using one unified solution to license, install, and manage multiple ITIL processes under one price point. It can also help reduce business risk by using advanced impact analysis and defining automated change procedures that ensure integrity of existing infrastructure while supporting business agility. SmartCloud Control Desk improves efficiency and quality of service by unifying asset, change, and problem management. It lowers cost and mitigates license compliance risk by performing end to end software asset management. It also delivers an adaptive, role-based simplified UI that can be more intuitive for novice users, which reduces training costs, while allowing access from anywhere at anytime through mobile device support that includes BlackBerry, iOS, and Android. In addition, SmartCloud Control Desk supports both a profit center business model for internal IT organizations, and an external Service Provider model. It allows organizations to manage customers and customer agreements and bills for managed assets, usage, and work activities while improving utilization rates and reducing unnecessary purchases by managing the IT asset lifecycle. You can deploy SmartCloud Control Desk in a variety of ways; traditional on-premise, SaaS, VM image. This approach can make it more affordable to meet your current business needs, and seamlessly move between delivery models while keeping the same functionality. This IBM® Redbooks® publication covers IBM SmartCloud® Control Desk product configuration, customization, and implementation best practices.




Product Direction


Book Description

How do you identify, select and define the right Product Strategy? How do you connect it to execution and align the entire company towards the same goals?Making great products is hard. Interdisciplinary teams must discover and deliver the right solutions to delight customers while creating a sustainable business model. But that is not enough to succeed. Product Leaders must play a critical role: they must identify the problems and opportunities most crucial to delight customers while creating a sustainable business. They must also align teams toward them. But how?How do you come up with the right insights and select the most promising opportunities?How does a successful product strategy look? Who has to define it?How do you focus product teams and the entire organization in the same direction?Product Direction is a practical approach to solve these problems, based on artifacts, tools, and best practices, to define, link, and communicate your product strategy, strategic roadmap, and objectives. These tools will help you:? Multiply your results, with increased team alignment and autonomy.? Align everyone on the right opportunities, and ignore other distractions.