Okay, here's what we have so far:

Occam's Razor: The rule of simplicity. Choose the least complex solution.

Entropy: Complexity compounds. Nothing every becomes more simple by adding to it.

The Ephemeralization Process: Certain things are short-lived. We need to get more from less.

From these ideas I think there are some obvious rules for running networks.

1. Choose simplicity. Find the simplest solutions and implement them. Plan changes and don't introduce any more complexity than is absolutely necessary.

2. There is such a thing as network entropy. Networks almost never get less complex. Any change will compound problems in the network. These may not show up immediately. There may not be any correlation in time and space between cause and effect. So be careful.

3. Move fast. The usefulness of the network is dependent upon meeting user needs. There are opportunity costs associated with being slow to change. Don't be afraid to make changes as long as you understand what, why and how? Something is better than nothing. You don't have to find the perfect solution before putting at least some change in place.

Confusing enough? Well, if it were easy then anyone could do this job. Good luck.

And for heaven's sake, enjoy the ride.

Tomorrow: Ideas about complexity
9:40:13 AM    comment []