Greg,

Think of what Steve said, "If the the real problem is organizational
dysfunction, take my word for
it, software never fixes that."

The version I always try to remember is "Any complex system that works
was based on a simple system which worked". Applied to software
development, this means that no program is going to fix a process
problem - the process must be correct before it can be automated.

Sorry to dampen your enthusiasim, and good luck with getting some return
on your effort.

Regards,

Nicolas



*** Sent via Developersdex http://www.developersdex.com ***

Pushing something in an organisation that doesn't like innovators can b
dangerous. In my young(er!) days I was convinced that the economics o
the company's hardware platform was leading to a distinct lack o
competitiveness. I set about trying to influence a change eventually
(a junior engineer) invited the divisional director over for dinner (
jumps in the management ladder) and managed to pursuade him. (afte
lots and lots of work) a change was made and I found myself friendles
and without support. Everyone was happy with the change but they didn'
want a young upstart around to threaten their existance.

All I am saying here is that you have to get the politics right an
that includes what you want out of life. It is far too easy to win
battle and lose the war.

As for the IP content. Certainly in the UK it is difficult and costl
to pursue an IP infringement in software. Mostly, especially in smal
operations such as yours would be, people just wouldn't bother. Th
trick is to look at your defences:
- did you gain the industry knowledge before your currnet employer
- did you gain the logical experience before your current employer an
only apply it to the current industry
- did someone else bring the relevant knowledge to the process.

- rewrite key parts of the software so that it is not the same code
just does the same thing.

Issues with selling software :
- how much of your time will it take to sell? Don't underestimate thi
if it will need to be a budgeted purchase.
- do you need support from anyone else to support the sell?
- what support will the users need?
- is it critical software ie if they use it and it stops working d
they stop working?

- how much training will be required?

- how will you deliver it

- is there a way to make it look less industry specific?

If you are really determined to try and catch the attention of senio
management Try printing up a brochure and posting them to th
managers.

Good luck. You can only die once.

regard

--
tony
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