I've taken a bit of a break from my writing routine. In part because I've been thinking about the state of my web log and in part because of the unintended mischief I caused by writing about a prominent IT vendor.

Warning: The following observations are my opinion and do not represent any official stance for and/or in behalf of any organization that regularly deposits money in my banking (FDIC) account .!!!!

Let me just say, in retrospect, that any previous comments were directed at a very large company and not any individual(s). I continue to have concerns, in general, about the ability of large companies to take care of the needs of their customers. It is my observation that small companies become larger and larger mostly due to their ability to meet customer needs.

This business of meeting customers needs is somewhat (meaning relatively) easy to do in the beginning. There aren't many customers, it is imperative to keep them happy, resources are available, and the product line is, for lack of a better description, small. Success leads to more customers, more strain on resources and less time to take care of unusual customer requests.

Becoming wildly successful leads to even greater troubles. I've never created a multi-billion dollar corporation and don't pretend to understand the related problems. I can't fathom what it must be like to face the challenges that are caused by fabulous success and wealth. But I do know what it is like to be on the customer end. And it isn't always fun.

So, in general, I look to big companies that have the need to generate large amounts of cash for the purposes of feeding ever increasing investor demands and I wonder if that is always in my best interest, as a customer. From experience I have to say no, it isn't. Now, this remark isn't pointed at any one company. It is, by its nature, a very general statement. But if I were a large company that deals with me on a regular basis, I'd listen to this remark and at least understand that I have concerns, in general.

Whew, glad to get that out of my brain.

On a related note. I am reluctant to say the following. Mostly because I have some pride and over the past several days I've felt backed into a corner. I am, however, an extremely fair-minded person, usually giving credit where credit is due. So here goes nothin'.

I happen to work for an organization that is a customer of several very large technology companies. My employer is aligned very closely with one particular company. Recently we committed to purchase a large quantity of equipment sold by said company. Did we buy the cheapest gear? No. Did we buy just the bare essentials? No. Why would we make such a decision? Because it is the best thing for my employer and for the taxpayers of (State Withheld).

But also because of the local (BIG COMPANY NAME HERE) team. That was the determining factor. My account executive, (Name withheld to protect the innocent) does a nice job of working with my staff and me. The engineers spend incredible amounts of time working with us, also. One engineer, (Name Withheld) has taken time with me on at least three occasions. Each time we spent several hours talking BGP, OSPF and other routing basics. It was my privilege to be tutored by this very capable, smart, bright (okay, enough already) techno-geek. Oh, did I mention that he's really busy, too.

The branch manager is supportive. I've met with the regional guy. Yes, they always assure me that they will be there for me. I believe them. It is their intent to make sure I'm always happy. They also work for a big company. Sometimes big companies put all of us in a bad mood when bad decisions are made. I hope that big companies never make bad decisions. Yes, I really hope.

That's all for now..........
4:58:48 PM    comment []