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Avoiding the Epic Fail: Improving Software Development Success with ActivePerl
Software development is hard. No matter what the end product, many of the same stumbling blocks come up time and again and get in the way of project success. Some classic pitfalls include time restraints, insufficient in-house resources, scope creep, and spiraling development costs. So how do software developers minimize these obstacles and improve their chances for better, faster, more cost-effective software development?
Ten Myths About Running Open Source Software in Your Business
When it comes to open source software, there are two camps: there are open source zealots who insist that Windows never works, and Linux is king! and then there are the naysayers who would sooner eat dirt than troubleshoot an Apache web server. So, who is right? If only it were that simple. In truth, open source software is not as flawless as some advocates would like you to believe; but neither is it as menacing as opponents say. Open source software, combined with responsible checks and balances, will put your business development projects in good stead.
Take the Sting Out of Web Development With ActivePython
The wonderful world of Web 2.0 is evident everywhere in our daily digital lives. Web development technologies like JavaScript, Ajax, Flash and Flex are dramatically improving web application design and have catapulted database. What does this mean for software developers? As the web becomes increasingly central to business success, demand for quality, high functioning web applications is skyrocketing. But big development challenges go hand-in-hand with these growing expectations. Not only do today's web applications need to scale for thousands or even millions of users, they must flawlessly execute critical business functions, perform faster on an ever-growing number of browsers, integrate seamlessly with other technologies, and comply with various standards. In this paper, we present the Python programming language as a solution for efficiently building web-based applications and as a strategy for avoiding development debacles that routinely hamper web projects.
License to Code: Indemnifying Your Business Against Open Source Licensing Liabilities
Not long ago, open source software in the enterprise was a contentious topic. Conference panels and industry experts questioned the integrity of mixing open source with commercial and proprietary code. Would it unlock a pandora's box of developer pain and sub-par software? Amidst the heated debate, open source tiptoed its way into the business of large-scale software development and settled in to stay.
Follow the Leader: ActiveTcl on Routers and Network Appliances
The network infrastructure sector is a competitive space. Router and network appliance manufacturers are faced with the challenge of providing rock-solid hardware while making sure their devices are flexible and configurable enough to meet a wide range of user needs. Cisco added Tcl (Tool Command Language) as the primary scripting interface to it's IOS router operating system, allowing their customers to automate and customize their network environment with an established, standardized dynamic programming language. As the industry leader in the networking space, their decision to use Tcl is important. Should you consider doing the same? This white paper discusses the benefits of choosing Tcl as your key network infrastructure language and why enlisting a third-party Tcl expert will help keep your project running smoothly.
Open Source: What is the Total Cost of Ownership?
In 2005, Scott McNeely of Sun Microsystems quipped that open source software was "free like a puppy is free". Just as you can pick out a puppy from the pound without paying expensive breeder fees, you can download and use open source software without buying a single license. But puppies become dogs, and dogs need food, toys, training and lots and lots of love. The same goes for open source software. As soon as you introduce open source into your organization, the real costs, commitments and risks become clear.
Is Outsourcing the Answer in an Economic Downturn?
Is the finance sector's renewed vigor for outsourcing just a temporary cost-cutting measure? Or will today's tough economic climate initiate long-term financial and productivity gains? In this paper, we'll investigate the benefits and disadvantages of outsourcing finance sector IT. We'll raise key questions that can help you decide whether or not outsourcing IT is the right move for your organization, and will demonstrate why outsourcing open source software support and maintenance can be a good place to start.
Unveiling the Origins, Myths, Use and Benefits of Dynamic Languages: A Closer Look at Perl, Python, Tcl, PHP, Javascript and others.
In this white paper, we explore the essential characteristics of dynamic languages as they contrast with other language categories. Popular dynamic languages are briefly surveyed, followed by an analysis of their emergent properties in current technical, social, economic, and legal contexts. We suggest software environments where they are most and least appropriate. After discussing some popular beliefs about these languages, we explore the future of these languages, touching both on key upcoming challenges, as well as opportunities for growth.