Longhorn is not Windows
In his article “How Microsoft lost the API War” Joel claims that Microsoft made a mistake when they decided to sacrifice backward compatibility. Developers that decide to rewrite an application for Longhorn will need to provide two versions of their software. On the other hand, web-developers can upgrade to the latest ASP.NET technology, while their users are still using the same web browser. As an example Joel mentions the bug-tracking application he is developing.I claim that even shareware applications written in Longhorn will outperform any web-application successfully.The reason is that Longhorn applications will enjoy integration , synchronization , customization, offline work, interoperability and a comprehensive development platform.
Let's take a closer look at a bug-tracking application simmiliar to the one Joel has mentioned.
Integration and Synchronization
Longhorn provides applications with a common database that allows relationships between different objects. In our example, bugs, emails , contacts and even sales opportunities will all be connected. Together with P2P synchronization, you can exchange information between the QA, Sales and Development teams.
Imagine one of your customers encountered a bug that is crucial for his work. You open a new bug report and set yourself as the contact point by linking the bug to your contact details. In order to later track this bug, you link it to a reminder in your calendar.
The sales person in charge of this customer is working for a distributor. Although he has limited access to the database, the synchronization process automatically gives him access to bugs linked to his customers.
Customization
Loose coupling between the user interface and the code allows multiple user interfaces for the same application. Customizing the user interface for different users increases the usage of the application in the organization.
In our case, user interface for Engineers includes a detailed description of the bug. Managers, however, would like to see linked sales opportunities that imply on the amount of money a bug costs. And a list of the linked customers gives an insight on a specific market segment.
Another example are users that propose an enhancement. This user interface should focus on his need or benefit rather than a detailed description of the new feature.
Offline Work
Offline databases allows you to work when you are out of the office.
Imagine you are visiting an angry customer that claims your software does not get the job done. While listening to the complaints, you summarize them on your laptop. The bug tracking application, guides you to ask the right questions - Is this problem repeatable? Will you be able to provide the required files? Why is this feature important for your work?You also use the application to find known workarounds, and an estimated date it will be resolved.
Interoperability
Longhorn uses Schemas to describe the bug data format. Since other bug tracking systems are using the same schemas your databases are inter-operable with each other. When you are working with a 3rd party or a distributor, they could be using a different bug-tracking or CRM application , and still able to read and even change bug reports.
Comprehensive development platform
A bug tracker is an application that describes the original software. Since both were written using the same development platform, the bug tracker can be used to extend the original application.
In order to reduce customer-support expenses, the user should have access to the "known bugs" database. Assuming that this help application provides relevant answers, the user can solve most issues by himself. For example, installed software version can be detected to filter out irrelevant issues. In addition the user could point on the relevant dialog box or menu item of the original application to narrow the search results.
Customers that are using an old version, do not feel it necessary to upgrade. The application can log which software features are frequently used. If a newer version is available, it advises the user with relevant new features and the benefits of upgrading.
posted by Itai Frenkel @ 1:12 PM
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