[Info-vax] Roadmap

[Dave Froble]

On 1/1/2019 10:39 AM, Bill Gunshannon wrote:
> On 1/1/19 3:13 AM, Dave Froble wrote:
>> On 12/31/2018 6:52 PM, Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote:
>>> Den 2018-12-31 kl. 17:40, skrev Dave Froble:
>>>> On 12/31/2018 7:16 AM, Jan-Erik Söderholm wrote:
>>>>> Not trying to be negative now on the last day of the year, but...
>>>>>
>>>>> I thought it was said that the VSI roadmap would have a quartely
>>>>> update, not? I notice that the current roadmap is form June.
>>>>>
>>>>> Even just a new copy with the date updated would tell that the
>>>>> plan is still valid.
>>>>
>>>> I'm guessing they are so busy with the port that other things may not
>>>> get their attention.  Some info on the progress of the port was posted
>>>> recently, and I'd think that was the most important information.
>>>> After all, without the port, any roadmap is useless.
>>>>
>>>
>>> It is not useless when you try to calm a customer
>>> worrying about what is happening with VMS. Showing
>>> that VSI (at least) can produce an updated (even
>>> if it is only the date that changes) helps...
>>
>> And you are entirely correct.  This is an issue where VSI has fallen
>> down.  When VSI says they will do something, and then doesn't, it's
>> reasonable to feel concern.  Dotting "I"s and crossing "T"s is
>> important.  Perhaps you should communicate your concerns directly with
>> VSI?
>>
>>> The porting updates might be interesting for *me*,
>>> but my customer could't care less...
>>>
>>
>> However, if your customer has half a clue, they will come to you for
>> your view of the future.  Since you can then tell them that things are
>> progressing well, they can gain confidence from your advice.  Note
>> that the customer that doesn't refer to their technical support is
>> most likely to cause themselves problems.
>
> Note that these people are also getting inundated by the press,
> salesdroids, their peers, conference presentations, etc.  It's
> not the guaranteed sell some people think it is.  I have been
> burned by this and, trust me, saying "I told you so" after the
> fact brings little if any comfort.

Ayep!

We have this very problem.  The two biggest customers, now managed by 
the children of the founders, (key point), who are hearing from their 
"auditors" (likes of KPMG, Price Waterhouse, et al) they cannot go with 
unreliable vendors.  Of course, these are the same vendors who got the 
companies where they are today.

So, yeah, it can be the little things that make a difference.

If it were me, I'd have a procedure that updated the dates periodically, 
monthly, whatever.  Can't be that hard.


-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
DFE Ultralights, Inc.
170 Grimplin Road
Vanderbilt, PA  15486