#what is customer experience management software

[gabessquishytum]

Dream's a software developer (I could see either as an architect for that large-scale view mentality or as the Senior level dev that keeps getting asked to move into management type positions and just straight up refuses because he's been doing code happily for the past fifteen years and doesn't plan on changing that now).

He enjoys his job enough. He likes computers and code. It functions exactly as told (for better or worse) and appreciates the straightforwardness of it all. He's a bit insufferable to work with, but if you have an issue, he'll readily help (just be prepares for critiques on your code in the process).

Hob works at the same company as Dream, but as a front-end dev. The work he does for his day job is kinda boring. All standard corporate style web design. No fancy scripts or fun colors. But in his spare time, he weaves Javascript and CSS like a wizard and creates magical, animated scenes across the page. Would it be easier to just make a video and play it on the page instead? Sure, but where's the fun in that?

Dream and Hob get paired together on a small side project for work. Hob does the front-end work, Dream does the back-end. They get on each other's nerves at first, until Dream spots Hob tinkering with his personal code on their lunch break and is honestly a bit in awe. He's found code beautiful in its own right (the way one appreciates a well-oiled machine) but he's never seen it wielded in such a fashion before. This is the moment he falls just a little bit (read: a lotta bit) in love with Hob. He was already starting to fall for that endless charm and wit of his anyways.

The company hits the first quarter of the New Year and with it come layoffs. Hob gets fired along with some other devs from Dream's same team (a younger pair of devs: Matthew and Jessamy). A fellow named Will comes along to help Dream finish the project in Hob's stead and Dream hates every moment of it. He misses Hob, more than he ever thought he would.

So, in an impulsive rush of anger and longing, he quits the company because how dare it toss someone as good as Hob Gadling out the door without a thought? He's halfway to the café he and Hob had started frequenting together when he realizes that he's just thrown away a career fifteen years in the making. But when he finally gets to the café and sees Hob tapping away on his laptop, he knows he's made the right choice.

Dream slides into the seat across from him and proposes that they build something wonderful together. So they create a small business of their own. They become a freelance web dev team (and steal Jessamy and Matthew as well) and with their skills combined, they take off. It's not huge, but for their size, they're incredibly popular. And Dream's certain he's never enjoyed his work more than when he's working beside Hob.

Later on, Hob proposes to Dream via a custom website with the most beautiful web animations he's ever seen before. And of course, he says yes.

(If you're curious about what inspired this, here's the website: http://www.species-in-pieces.com)

This is such a good concept for a story!!! I really really love aus where Dream and Hob are coworkers. Dream being the grumpy, awkward guy who hides behind his coffee mug while Hob is the popular, chatty one who tries to get Dream involved in fun office activities or socialising after work - it makes so much sense to me.

And Dream quitting his long-term dream job because he's mad that genuinely talented people have been laid off? I love it. Dream just has this inate appreciation for hard work and good art, and that's exactly what Hob (and Jessamy and Matthew) do. How dare the stupid company not understand that they're firing people who deserve to thrive and grow in an environment which actually appreciates them? Everyone is shocked that Dream has quit (not only that, he sends around an email to everyone in the company from the ceo all the way down to the work experience guy, outlining exactly why he quit) because he seemed to be the type to play by the rules and never leave his comfort zone. Apparently, Hob has really helped him bloom into a much more confident person, able to express his principles and strive for better.

And Hob isn't surprised, because he always knew that Dream had the courage, talent and ambition to strike out on his own. Maybe he just needed a bit of love and understanding. Which Hob is only too happy to provide.

Their work together sometimes involves long hours and stress, but Dream wouldn't ever want to go back to the slightly soulless corporation where he used to be. Even if he's tired and a little frustrated by Hob’s disorganised workspace, Dream is perfectly content. There's nothing better than curling up in Hob’s lap while he taps away on a line of code. Plus, he has a great time building their wedding website. Hob got to propose, so Dream gets to celebrate their upcoming marriage with his own expression of love through code. The theme colours are, of course, black and red <3

[girlboss-enthusiast]

Please tell us how to get into IT without a degree! I have an interview for a small tech company this week and I’m going in as admin but as things expand I can bootstrap into a better role and I’d really appreciate knowing what skills are likely to be crucial for making that pivot.

Absolutely!! You'd be in a great position to switch to IT, since as an admin, you'd already have some familiarity with the systems and with the workplace in general. Moving between roles is easier in a smaller workplace, too.

So, this is a semi-brief guide to getting an entry-level position, for someone with zero IT experience. That position is almost always going to be help desk. You've probably heard a lot of shit about help desk, but I've always enjoyed it.

So, here we go! How to get into IT for beginners!

The most important thing on your resume will be

✨~🌟Certifications!!🌟~✨

Studying for certs can teach you a lot, especially if you're entirely new to the field. But they're also really important for getting interviews. Lots of jobs will require a cert or degree, and even if you have 5 years of experience doing exactly what the job description is, without one of those the ATS will shunt your resume into a black hole and neither HR or the IT manager will see it.

First, I recommend getting the CompTIA A+. This will teach you the basics of how the parts of a computer work together - hardware, software, how networking works, how operating systems work, troubleshooting skills, etc. If you don't have a specific area of IT you're interested in, this is REQUIRED. Even if you do, I suggest you get this cert just to get your foot in the door.

I recommend the CompTIA certs in general. They'll give you a good baseline and look good on your resume. I only got the A+ and the Network+, so can't speak for the other exams, but they weren't too tough.

If you're more into development or cybersecurity, check out these roadmaps. You'll still benefit from working help desk while pursuing one of those career paths.

The next most important thing is

🔥🔥Customer service & soft skills🔥🔥

Sorry about that.

I was hired for my first ever IT role on the strength of my interview. I definitely wasn't the only candidate with an A+, but I was the only one who knew how to handle customers (aka end-users). Which is, basically, be polite, make the end-user feel listened to, and don't make them feel stupid. It is ASTOUNDING how many IT people can't do that. I've worked with so many IT people who couldn't hide their scorn or impatience when dealing with non-tech-savvy coworkers.

Please note that you don't need to be a social butterfly or even that socially adept. I'm autistic and learned all my social skills by rote (I literally have flowcharts for social interactions), and I was still exceptional by IT standards.

Third thing, which is more for you than for your resume (although it helps):

🎇Do your own projects🎇

This is both the most and least important thing you can do for your IT career. Least important because this will have the smallest impact on your resume. Most important because this will help you learn (and figure out if IT is actually what you want to do).

The certs and interview might get you a job, but when it comes to doing your job well, hands-on experience is absolutely essential. Here are a few ideas for the complete beginner. Resources linked at the bottom.

Start using the command line. This is called Terminal on Mac and Linux. Use it for things as simple as navigating through file directories, opening apps, testing your connection, that kind of thing. The goal is to get used to using the command line, because you will use it professionally.

Build your own PC. This may sound really intimidating, but I swear it's easy! This is going to be cheaper than buying a prebuilt tower or gaming PC, and you'll learn a ton in the bargain.

Repair old PCs. If you don't want to or can't afford to build your own PC, look for cheap computers on Craiglist, secondhand stores, or elsewhere. I know a lot of universities will sell old technology for cheap. Try to buy a few and make a functioning computer out of parts, or just get one so you can feel comfortable working in the guts of a PC.

Learn Powershell or shell scripting. If you're comfortable with the command line already or just want to jump in the deep end, use scripts to automate tasks on your PC. I found this harder to do for myself than for work, because I mostly use my computer for web browsing. However, there are tons of projects out there for you to try!

Play around with a Raspberry Pi. These are mini-computers ranging from $15-$150+ and are great to experiment with. I've made a media server and a Pi hole (network-wide ad blocking) which were both fun and not too tough. If you're into torrenting, try making a seedbox!

Install Linux on your primary computer. I know, I know - I'm one of those people. But seriously, nothing will teach you more quickly than having to compile drivers through the command line so your Bluetooth headphones will work. Warning: this gets really annoying if you just want your computer to work. Dual-booting is advised.

If this sounds intimidating, that's totally normal. It is intimidating! You're going to have to do a ton of troubleshooting and things will almost never work properly on your first few projects. That is part of the fun!

Resources

Resources I've tried and liked are marked with an asterisk*

Professor Messor's Free A+ Training Course*

PC Building Simulator 2 (video game)

How to build a PC (video)

PC Part Picker (website)*

CompTIA A+ courses on Udemy

50 Basic Windows Commands with Examples*

Mac Terminal Commands Cheat Sheet

Powershell in a Month of Lunches (video series)

Getting Started with Linux (tutorial)* Note: this site is my favorite Linux resource, I highly recommend it.

Getting Started with Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Projects for Beginners

/r/ITCareerQuestions*

Ask A Manager (advice blog on workplace etiquette and more)*

Reddit is helpful for tech questions in general. I have some other resources that involve sailing the seas; feel free to DM me or send an ask I can answer privately.

Tips

DO NOT work at an MSP. That stands for Managed Service Provider, and it's basically an IT department which companies contract to provide tech services. I recommend staying away from them. It's way better to work in an IT department where the end users are your coworkers, not your customers.

DO NOT trust remote entry-level IT jobs. At entry level, part of your job is schlepping around hardware and fixing PCs. A fully-remote position will almost definitely be a call center.

DO write a cover letter. YMMV on this, but every employer I've had has mentioned my cover letter as a reason to hire me.

DO ask your employer to pay for your certs. This applies only to people who either plan to move into IT in the same company, or are already in IT but want more certs.

DO NOT work anywhere without at least one woman in the department. My litmus test is two women, actually, but YMMV. If there is no woman in the department in 2024, and the department is more than 5 people, there is a reason why no women work there.

DO have patience with yourself and keep an open mind! Maybe this is just me, but if I can't do something right the first time, or if I don't love it right away, I get very discouraged. Remember that making mistakes is part of the process, and that IT is a huge field which ranges from UX design to hardware repair. There are tons of directions to go once you've got a little experience!

Disclaimer: this is based on my experience in my area of the US. Things may be different elsewhere, esp. outside of the US.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have more questions!

[seat-safety-switch]

I think every artist is used to the idea of “stop working on it.” At some point, the work is done, and adding extra stuff to it will just make it worse. They’ve all gone through the experience of adding a comma splice, and turning a decent-feeling sentence into a clunky technical thing. Or they’ve bolted on a stray brush stroke, and ended up having to redo all of the hair. Or they’ve messed with the skin shader for their holographic controlled-sentience AI wife and wrecked the frame update time. Business people, though, have never experienced this.

Business folks live by the concept of adding value. If you add value to a thing, then you can sell the thing for more (or to more people.) The easiest way is to give people what they’re asking for, and the convenient part of that is that you can always find someone who will ask for a new feature without being forced to pay for it. Really devious customers will tie the addition of that feature to giving you money.

Examples abound of this phenomenon. Have you ever avoided installing a software update because you know that some project manager somewhere refuses to accept that the project is “done,” and insists upon adding a useless feature that makes it worse? Or bought an oven with a downloadable “turkey mode” that requires wifi access to work? Or bought into some product that used to be great before the upper management decided that their engineers need to stay busy, and added a cost-reduction step or redesign that rendered the thing fragile? I bet you have, and there’s a good reason for this.

It’s because it’s less risky for these folks to “add onto” something that is already loved, than to start something new that maybe will be ignored. That’s subtracting value, even if it isn’t from the same thing. And then they get taken out to the woodshed. How dare you take this risk, they are told by bigger business people, presumably.

There is only one way for us to get out of this: go and make some new stuff. Is it risky? Sure it is. Good thing we’re too stupid to know this, what with our lack of business learnin’. The fact that this philosophy dovetails with my inability to ever actually finish a project but instead switch between ideas a thousand times a second is total coincidence.

[storybookprincess]

Do you have any tips for an aspiring librarian who’s going to college in a few months?

my first instinct upon reading this ask was to give you some good but fairly generic advice about getting library experience via your school's work study program, exploring different career paths within the library umbrella, interning at your local public library if possible, and so on & so forth

but then i realized that that is the sort of information you can find pretty much anywhere & i will instead give you my personal insight into what has helped me be successful in my current library role.

do whatever weird shit you are passionate about with your whole heart & soul, because you will learn invaluable skills without even intending to

what i mean by all that is that my current position as the assistant manager of a small, rural library branch is really just twenty-nine different jobs in a trench coat. i'm alternately an it specialist, a graphic designer, a career counselor, a preschool teacher, a customer service agent, or whatever else a particular situation demands.

and so much of my current skillset is a result of spending my high school & college years doing random nerd bullshit on the internet.

i'm dead serious. my ability to troubleshoot basically any possible tech issue, my knowledge of graphic design software, my extensive research capabilities, my written communication skills, and my absolute certainty that if i don't know how to do something, i can figure it out if you give me fifteen minutes to poke around on google are all products not of my formal education or work experience, but of the countless hours i have devoted to online nerd bullshit

enjoy college. explore your passions. get super into modding minecraft, or archiving lost media, or formatting fanzines, or literally whatever niche nonsense speaks to you. librarianship is a career of quick thinking & problem solving skills, and you'll best develop those doing something you truly care about

in the words of the mountain goats, the things you do for love are gonna come back to you one by one

[rosewaterboard]

dreading talking on the phone tomorrow severely. People hate spelling their information for me. I'm trying a new approach to calming myself down which is to try not to catastrophize what happens if I can't adapt and don't make it, but I rlly rlly do want to keep a wfh job at least for now if I can help it. It'd be nice if I could do something less phone-oriented though, or just like. idk it's never as bad doing like zoom or a teams meeting with a coworkers/supervisors where you can resolve audio issues or miscommunication at least mostly efficiently with no hangups. I also just particularly dread our system bc it's Quirky Old Reliable Software, but it's a live system so like none of us had hands on experience until handling annoyed people who've already been transferred xyz many times and I gotta act composed n try to sell that I'm an experienced agent when I'm like.

Staring at parts of the script or navigating a part of the website that I've never made it to before bc there's no dummy version of [redacted] information to put in for training/practice. there's like floor managers to answer questions, but the ratio is like? Idk anywhere between 1 and maybe 4 floor managers to maybe 20-30+ ppl also scared, confused, stuck at various parts of the system, difficult customers, phoning in a lifeline question, tech issues, etcetera, so it's like. Wait times for help or clarification for anybody or anything is a hot minute for anyone. A lot of customers disconnect. I just find the transition to be rlly stressful already and I know it's only going to become extremely more busy for like the next month starting Tuesday. And also bc it's related to healthcare and not like idk food or merchandise customer service, it's like I really do give a shit about not wanting to make anything a hassle for callers so I genuinely do feel awful they have to manage with my learning curve for the system itself.. But also aside from being like apologetic I have to be authoritative and direct the call in some capacity. And they want me to build rapport, be friendly and chatty with some callers, but i can just barely put together what people are saying over the phone half the time and struggle to multitask since I'm still doing so many things for the first time. but I've just spent most of today dreading tomorrow.. if I'm going to have a comfort zone for this I hope it comes together quickly 😮‍💨

[justforbooks]

Mike Lynch

British tech entrepreneur who sold his Autonomy software group to Hewlett-Packard and was later cleared after a long-running US fraud case

Mike Lynch, who has died aged 59 in the wreck of his yacht, was sometimes described as “Britain’s Bill Gates”. It was a huge exaggeration, but Lynch could claim two parallels with Gates: he developed world-leading technology (in his case in machine learning or AI) and, unlike so many UK scientists, he learned how to turn it into commercial success.

Such was this success that his company, Autonomy, was valued at $11bn when he sold it to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, but the fall-out from the sale would come to overshadow his technological achievements, and lead to a national debate about the circumstances in which UK citizens may be extradited to the US.

Lynch founded Autonomy with two partners in 1996. Its software enabled a computer to search huge quantities of diverse information, including phone calls, emails and videos, and recognise words. He told the Independent in 1999: “The way our technology works is to look at words and understand the relationships because it has seen a lot of content before. When it sees the word ‘star’ in the context of film, it knows it has nothing to do with the word moon. Because it works from text, it can deal with slang and with different languages.”

Autonomy became a leading company in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen cluster and established a base in San Francisco. “We knew we had to be successful in America. It was a question of ‘Go West young man, go to San Francisco and be ignored.’ They found it hard to believe that anyone from England could have anything powerful.” Lynch found what he called the “cold-hearted schmooze” to secure funding tough.

But Autonomy’s software, enabling computers to identify and match themes and ideas, and sort mammoth amounts of data, was licensed to more than 500 customers, including the US State Department and the BBC. It was listed on Nasdaq in 1998 and on the FTSE 100 in November 2000, although its value of £5.1bn would be halved within a few months in the collapse of the technology boom and accusations of over-promotion. In 2005 it bought a major US rival, Verity, for $500m.

Lynch’s profile rose with it. In 2006 he was appointed OBE for services to enterprise and the following year joined the board of the BBC. In 2011 he became a member of the government’s Council for Science and Technology, and was named the most influential person in UK IT by Computer Weekly. In 2014 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society.

Though quietly spoken, he had a reputation for toughness, coloured by a liking for James Bond, which led to Autonomy conference rooms being named after Bond villains, and a tank of piranha fish in reception. (Lynch claimed it belonged to one of his business partners.) Challenged about a company culture where people were “a little fanatical”, he replied: “This is not the place for you if you want to work 9 to 5 and don’t love your work.”

Born in Ilford, east London, to Michael, a firefighter, and Dolores, a nurse, and brought up in Chelmsford, Lynch won a scholarship to the independent Bancroft’s school in Woodford Green, before taking a natural sciences degree at Cambridge, where his PhD in artificial neural networks, a form of machine learning, has been widely studied since.

A saxophone player and jazz lover, he set up his first business, Lynett Systems, while still a student, to produce electronic equipment for the music industry. Later he would attribute some loss of hearing to adjusting synthesisers for bands. He quoted his own experience to highlight the difficulties of finding funding for startup businesses in Britain. He finally negotiated a £2,000 loan from one of the managers of Genesis in a Soho bar.

Lynch’s next venture came out of his research. In 1991 he founded Cambridge Neurodynamics, specialising in computer-based fingerprint recognition. Then he established Autonomy.

The pinnacle of his success appeared to come in October 2011 when Autonomy was purchased by Hewlett-Packard for $11bn and Lynch made an estimated $800m. Shortly afterwards he established a new company, Invoke Capital, for investment in tech companies, and he and his wife, Angela Bacares, whom he had married in 2001, invested about £200m in Darktrace, a cybersecurity company.

But just 13 months after the Autonomy sale, HP announced an $8.8bn writedown of the assets “due to serious accounting improprieties, disclosure failures and outright misrepresentations” which it claimed had artificially inflated the company’s value. The authorities investigated, and while the UK Serious Fraud Office found insufficient evidence, in 2018 the US authorities indicted Lynch for fraud. Soon after, Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to five years in prison.

In March 2019 HP followed up with a civil action for fraud in London. Lynch spent days in the witness box as the civil action stretched over nine months. It ended in January 2022 with the judge ruling that HP had substantially succeeded, but that damages would be much less than the $5bn they had claimed.

Meanwhile the US authorities sought Lynch’s extradition on criminal charges of conspiracy and fraud. In spite of representations by senior politicians and accusations that the US authorities were attempting to exercise “extraterritorial jurisdiction”, a district judge ruled in favour of extradition.

An application for judicial review and a further appeal failed, and in May 2023 Lynch was flown to the US to be held under house arrest in San Francisco, with the prospect of a 25-year sentence.

Charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy, on 18 March this year Lynch pleaded not guilty, alongside his former vice-president of finance, Stephen Chamberlain. On 6 June, they were found not guilty of all charges. Chamberlain died after being hit by a car on 17 August.

Lynch declared that he wanted to get back to what he loved doing – innovating. But he had little opportunity to do so. He soon embarked on a voyage to celebrate his acquittal, with family, colleagues and business associates. It ended with the sinking of his yacht, Bayesian – named after the 18th-century mathematician, Thomas Bayes, whose work on probability had informed much of his thinking – in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily.

Lynch is survived by his wife and elder daughter, Esme. Their other daughter, Hannah, was also on board the Bayesian.

🔔 Michael Richard Lynch, technology entrepreneur, born 16 June 1965; died 19 August 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[mcalhenwrites]

A lot of thoughts. Because I went job hunting instead of writing, and I'm beginning to think I'm a bigger failure than I ever realized.

I... have no degrees. No experience. Just a high school diploma. No trade school. No classes. I've worked retail previously (cashier as well as sales associate working with planograms to fill store shelves), but not even two collective years total. I volunteered a few times in high school at a daycare through a high school program, and I volunteered for two semesters at a dog rescue. I'm currently multitasking at a dog grooming salon. I answer phones, book appointments, log inventory, sell inventory, clean. And I'll be adding some baking assistant duties to that soon, tho I did help a little bit today in-between the other duties. (We make dog-safe treats in-house at one of our locations. I work at two different locations.) My other experience is related to writing, crocheting, etc. I spent most of my life focusing on writing. I am not actually good with using software like Microsoft Word or Scrivener. I just use them to write. I have to google how to do certain things with them all the time, often repeatedly, because... I just can't seem to retain the knowledge. I can figure a few things out on my own, but I suck at it. At work, I'm really bad at sometimes processing what people try to say, particularly on the phone. I'm a little... slow. I can do it, but if I were at a place that didn't have an understanding boss, I'd be pretty fucked and likely fired. (I'm nice, but oh god, people please stop giving your phone numbers and spelling of your names SO FAST. GO SLOW. I'm STUPID.) I'm easily overwhelmed even with my relatively slow-paced job, which has enough free time for me to draw and read and do a lot of things completely unrelated to my job. I'm learning as I go, and I don't think I'm TERRIBLE, but I certainly do wish I could be better at it. I don't want to work around customers outside of this particular job. I can't go back to full retail. Fuck that so much. Unless it's a cool indie bookstore or something? FYI, I like my job, I just can't survive on it, and it just doesn't pay enough for me. I also can only work about 3 days a week, I've tried 4 and it's killing me, so it's probably a good thing that my temporary 4 days was temporary. Especially when I'm going to be doing assistant baking closer to the holidays. I'm just... terrible at this life thing. How did I get so close to 40 and just fail this fucking hard? I know my parents weren't supportive of college or trade school or anything, really, and that everything I ever mentioned was thrown out. I know I have physical (and probably mental) disabilities. Everything I know - all that writing that people praise? It's self-taught. I took 5 years to complete high school, and I only managed to do it in that time because I had to go to summer school. I did well if I had a lot of help from teachers, but I couldn't do it without that. (I ended up going to an alternative high school where teachers could provide that one-on-one learning.) I think I write fantastic books. My mind is such a creative place, and I have such complex characters. I have a good grasp of writing topics like abuse. But what kind of specialty is that? I can't survive. I want to give up. I haven't yet, and I've done everything to try harder in the circumstances I'm facing, and... it's doing nothing. It's going nowhere. I'm so fucking unlovable and stupid.

[xiaq]

(this can be answered publicly) Hey X, pardon me if you’ve answered this before, but I was just curious on how you ended up transitioning from academia to tech and what role you started with in tech? Also, so you have any advice for someone looking to break into tech from a non-STEM background? Thank you!

Hey! I haven't answered it publicly but it's a popular question, so I will now (warning, long answer is long).

So I was so fed up with academia for sundry reasons I won't get into here but I wanted a career that would allow me to A. retire some day (something that paid generally well), B. would allow me some measure of work/life balance without high stress, and C. Would ideally let me use my communication/writing/speaking/presenting skills in some way.

My parents and my partner all work in tech and were like, "did you know that we desperately need people with your skillsets in the tech world?" and my partner, who works in technical sales was like, "You would kill at my job, I am not lying." And I was like, every job listing in technical sales that I see requires either a degree I don't have or past experience I don't have, or both, and my mother was like "Do you know how many mediocre resumes from unqualified men come across my desk? Apply for the damn positions anyway." So I reworked my resume to focus on applicable skills/experiences and wrote a cover letter for each position I applied to saying "hey, I know I'm an odd candidate but let me tell you why that's a good thing." And I got a lot of positive responses!

I was interviewing at 2 different tech places when I accepted the offer for my job now. I had an initial screening call interview with HR, then a zoom interview with the hiring manager, and then I was given access to a limited demo environment and had a week to teach myself the software and put together a demo for a fake customer which I did for the hiring manager (my future boss), one of my current peers, and the VP of the org. I was offered the job the same night I did my fake demo. So in total it was a 2 week interview process, and I started working 2 weeks later. **

I'm a pre-sales solutions consultant, which basically means I'm paired with a sales guy who does all the money and business value talk with customers, while I get to learn about a customer's data problems and then demo for them how our products can address those problems.

The learning curve was (and still is) steep. But it was basically like going back to school, and I've always loved learning new things. The job is super fun. It fulfills all of my wants I listed above with the added bonus of being completely remote (aside from occasional travel to meet with customers for in-person demos). The people I work with are supportive, management is communicative and constantly giving me feedback/talking about my trajectory. I've won internal awards, already received two raises and one promotion and I haven't even been there a year. I'm making more than double what I did as a professor and the concept of retirement doesn't feel like a laughable pipe dream anymore. I miss teaching a lot, but I'm healthier, happier, and better prepared for the future now. And my work is genuinely fulfiling because I'm showing people how they can fix problems. Also, playing with data management software and putting together custom demos is neat. It's like all the best parts of a college project--research, making a preso, knocking everyone's socks off while giving the preso, but I'm getting paid for it. I'm glad I followed my mom's advice.

So I guess my advice is the same as hers: even if you're not "qualified," apply for the position anyway. Make custom cover letters for each position and if there's not a way to include the letter with the app, do some googling and find the hiring manager on LinkedIn and message/email them. The person who hired me said that my cover letter was what got me the initial interview. So that shit works. If you have friends or family working somewhere with open positions, use those connections. Having an internal referral will go a long way to getting your resume looked at. I know we're all like, boo nepo babies, but networking is a huge part of any industry. Use it to your advantage if you have the advantage (no, I'm not working for my parent's companies, but if there'd been an open position I was interested in, I would have applied for it. No shame).

**I also, on the side, applied for the Austin Fire Department because why not. After a whole lot of mental and physical prep, I was accepted to the academy (in the first class, no less, holla) right before I was offered my current job. But I had to be realistic and say that probably wasn't a good long-term career option for someone who is 110lbs and was barely meeting the physical testing requirements who also has issues with getting overwhelmed in high-input sensory situations. So. Into the tech world I went. This side note just to say, I was keeping my options very open and there's nothing wrong with that either, lol.

I hope this helps!

[daemonhxckergrrl]

You ever have issues with gtx970 and games failing to create vulkan instances due to firmware detection/installation despite being launched from software that does recognize it even after reinstalling every gpu related software and firmware relevant? I've been trying to play civ vi with the leader pass for years and my steam copy fails for the same reason my lutris one does despite other lutris and steam launched games recognizing drivers and functioning vulkan. Steam is running as a flatpak as is lutris but both have their suggested packages installed and flatpak nvidia drivers. I think my Pop!OS nvidia install has finally let me down but no other gtx970 user reports are out there to my knowledge (proton db is blank for civ vi leader pass nvidia neuvou) no chance u got advice or experince?

sort of, i think ? (also sorry for a real late reply...i didn't really know what to say and then i encountered some weird issues of my own a few times)

i've had issues where my wine prefixes shit the bed before. like, sometimes it's bc of a driver update (i'm running through bottles as a flatpak and that means a separate nvidia driver to the system one...which i wonder, does that mean i could use nouveau on my system and have the proprietary driver for flatpaks and be able to run wayland and game ?? anyway...), sometimes it's bc i need to reboot. and other times. it. it just doesn't work. even if i switch to opengl and disable all the dxvk stuff.

what i've found is after a couple reboots and some time to sit and think about its actions, it starts working again.

your issue seems different - specific to civ vi and vulkan interacting weirdly. i would suggest trying to force opengl and see if it at least runs that way (even if it plays awful). otherwise, flicking settings usually results in something. i find bottles has been a much smoother and easier experience than lutris or any of the other ways of managing wine prefixes and settings. very friendly :3 and there's a bunch of easy toggles to try stuff (and a custom commands options if what you need isn't there).

i'm sorry i can't help more than that, though i think i have a civ vi copy (though idk what version) on epic. so i can try that when i have time ?

[hpowellsmith]

How do you manage working both on games and on IFs? Both are industries I'd love to work in some day so any advice would be deeply appreciated!

Small background info: as of May 2023, I'm doing a variety of freelance narrative design and consulting work for game studios plus my work for CoG projects.

A lot of people I know who do narrative in the games industry started out with IF in various ways, whether they continued doing that or moved into other types of games. The skills you learn making small (or big!) interactive pieces are essential for understanding narrative design and game writing. Job application requirements often ask for Twine or Ink excerpts in portfolios. Although game studios won't always use those tools out of the box (ink or ink-plus-custom-tech is more common, but often proprietary tools will be used, or something like articy) building your knowledge of the possibilities of what can be done with interactive storytelling is vital. So if you are interesting in pursuing game writing or narrative design, creating some IF is a great thing to look into.

I don't know if I have good advice, exactly, because 2019-2022 I was working full-time in games and making my CoG games during lunch breaks, evenings and weekends and... it wasn't easy especially at the points where I was doing Royal Affairs and Noblesse Oblige sort-of at the same time while making King of the Castle (in practice, I alternated between the two CoG projects but switching between three very different games was quite the endeavour!)

So my primary advice would be to keep an eye on your mental and physical health because the risk of burnout is huge. Especially if you're working in a creative field already - you can get into a cycle of leisure time turning into work time and you don't really get decompression.

One thing that not everyone knows is that some (not all!) game studio policies restrict the creative work you're allowed to do on the side, with varying levels of strictness. For example:

-you may be required to ask permission to do side projects at all, with the possibility that they will say no

-you may be required to specify what you're working on and state that it isn't related to what you're doing in your day job

-you may be required to sign a contract stating that if you don't get written confirmation otherwise, the company will own your side project and be owed revenue from it, even if it's done outside of work hours and not using any work related equipment or software

-and many other possible restrictions. I have had the experience of having to ask permission to work on side projects when working a job that was entirely unrelated and outside the game industry

Whew!

So: if you have a salaried job and you want to do a side project, especially but not only if you're getting money from it, really do your research and make sure you're on solid ground legally.

[xettle-technologies]

What Are the Costs Associated with Fintech Software Development?

The fintech industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for innovative financial solutions. As organizations look to capitalize on this trend, understanding the costs associated with fintech software development becomes crucial. Developing robust and secure applications, especially for fintech payment solutions, requires significant investment in technology, expertise, and compliance measures. This article breaks down the key cost factors involved in fintech software development and how businesses can navigate these expenses effectively.

1. Development Team and Expertise

The development team is one of the most significant cost drivers in fintech software development. Hiring skilled professionals, such as software engineers, UI/UX designers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers, requires a substantial budget. The costs can vary depending on the team’s location, expertise, and experience level. For example:

In-house teams: Employing full-time staff provides better control but comes with recurring costs such as salaries, benefits, and training.

Outsourcing: Hiring external agencies or freelancers can reduce costs, especially if the development team is located in regions with lower labor costs.

2. Technology Stack

The choice of technology stack plays a significant role in the overall development cost. Building secure and scalable fintech payment solutions requires advanced tools, frameworks, and programming languages. Costs include:

Licenses and subscriptions: Some technologies require paid licenses or annual subscriptions.

Infrastructure: Cloud services, databases, and servers are essential for hosting and managing fintech applications.

Integration tools: APIs for payment processing, identity verification, and other functionalities often come with usage fees.

3. Security and Compliance

The fintech industry is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to strict security standards and legal compliance. Implementing these measures adds to the development cost but is essential to avoid potential fines and reputational damage. Key considerations include:

Data encryption: Robust encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect sensitive data.

Compliance certifications: Obtaining certifications such as PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001 can be costly but are mandatory for operating in many regions.

Security audits: Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are necessary to ensure application security.

4. Customization and Features

The complexity of the application directly impacts the cost. Basic fintech solutions may have limited functionality, while advanced applications require more extensive development efforts. Common features that add to the cost include:

User authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification.

Real-time processing: Handling high volumes of transactions with minimal latency.

Analytics and reporting: Providing users with detailed financial insights and dashboards.

Blockchain integration: Leveraging blockchain for enhanced security and transparency.

5. User Experience (UX) and Design

A seamless and intuitive user interface is critical for customer retention in the fintech industry. Investing in high-quality UI/UX design ensures that users can navigate the platform effortlessly. Costs in this category include:

Prototyping and wireframing.

Usability testing.

Responsive design for compatibility across devices.

6. Maintenance and Updates

Fintech applications require ongoing maintenance to remain secure and functional. Post-launch costs include:

Bug fixes and updates: Addressing issues and releasing new features.

Server costs: Maintaining and scaling infrastructure to accommodate user growth.

Monitoring tools: Real-time monitoring systems to track performance and security.

7. Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Once the fintech solution is developed, promoting it to the target audience incurs additional costs. Marketing strategies such as digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and content marketing require significant investment. Moreover, onboarding users and providing customer support also contribute to the total cost.

8. Geographic Factors

The cost of fintech software development varies significantly based on geographic factors. Development in North America and Western Europe tends to be more expensive compared to regions like Eastern Europe, South Asia, or Latin America. Businesses must weigh the trade-offs between cost savings and access to high-quality talent.

9. Partnering with Technology Providers

Collaborating with established technology providers can reduce development costs while ensuring top-notch quality. For instance, Xettle Technologies offers comprehensive fintech solutions, including secure APIs and compliance-ready tools, enabling businesses to streamline development processes and minimize risks. Partnering with such providers can save time and resources while enhancing the application's reliability.

Cost Estimates

While costs vary depending on the project's complexity, here are rough estimates:

Basic applications: $50,000 to $100,000.

Moderately complex solutions: $100,000 to $250,000.

Highly advanced platforms: $250,000 and above.

These figures include development, security measures, and initial marketing efforts but may rise with added features or broader scope.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs associated with fintech software development is vital for effective budgeting and project planning. From assembling a skilled team to ensuring compliance and security, each component contributes to the total investment. By leveraging advanced tools and partnering with experienced providers like Xettle Technologies, businesses can optimize costs while delivering high-quality fintech payment solutions. The investment, though significant, lays the foundation for long-term success in the competitive fintech industry.

[shantitechnology]

Why Engineering Companies Need Standard ERP Solutions for Successful Implementation

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, the need to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and ensure growth is paramount.  Businesses, especially in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, are turning to ERP software to manage their operations effectively.  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a game-changer for manufacturers looking to grow faster by integrating their processes and providing a comprehensive solution for resource management, decision-making, and scalability.  If you are a manufacturer in India or a growing business in Bhopal, partnering with the right ERP software company in Bhopal could be the key to unlocking your potential.  This blog explores the benefits of ERP software for manufacturers, the role of local ERP software providers in Bhopal, and why adopting ERP solutions is essential for success in today’s competitive landscape.

What Is ERP Software and Why Does It Matter?

ERP software is an integrated system that unifies core business processes such as procurement, inventory management, production planning, finance, and customer relationship management (CRM) into a centralized platform.  This ensures seamless communication between departments, minimizes errors, and optimizes resource usage.  For manufacturers, manufacturing enterprise resource planning solutions offer specific functionalities to address production scheduling, supply chain management, and quality control.  These features are critical for scaling operations and improving overall business performance.

Benefits of ERP Software for Manufacturers

1.         Centralized Operations

Manufacturers handle a wide range of tasks daily, from raw material procurement to final product delivery.  ERP software integrates all these processes into a single platform, eliminating silos and ensuring real-time communication.  Leading ERP software providers in Bhopal specialize in offering solutions tailored to manufacturing needs, ensuring smoother operations.

2.         Enhanced Decision-Making

ERP systems provide accurate, real-time data through intuitive dashboards and analytics tools.  This enables business leaders to make informed decisions, whether it is about production schedules, resource allocation, or financial forecasting.  Engineering firms, in particular, can benefit from ERP software for engineering companies in India, which offers insights specific to their project-oriented workflows.

3.         Optimized Resource Utilization

Effective resource management is critical in manufacturing.  ERP software helps monitor and allocate raw materials, workforce, and equipment efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring optimal use of resources.  By partnering with an engineering ERP software company in Bhopal, businesses can access customized solutions that cater to their unique requirements.

4.         Improved Productivity

Automation of routine tasks, such as inventory tracking and order processing, frees up employees to focus on more strategic activities.  This boost in productivity is a significant reason why manufacturers using ERP software for engineering companies experience faster growth.

5.         Scalability

As manufacturing businesses grow, their operational needs become more complex.  ERP systems are designed to scale with the organization, supporting additional locations, products, and services.  Local ERP software companies in Bhopal provide scalable solutions that align with the growth trajectories of businesses in the region.

Why Bhopal Manufacturers Should Choose Local ERP Providers

Bhopal’s manufacturing and engineering sectors are thriving, thanks to its strategic location and growing industrial base.  Local businesses stand to gain significantly by adopting ERP systems offered by experienced ERP software providers in Bhopal.

1.         Tailored Solutions

Local providers understand the specific challenges faced by manufacturers in Bhopal and can customize solutions to meet their needs.  For example, ERP software companies in Bhopal may offer modules tailored to local supply chains or compliance requirements.

2.         On-the-Ground Support

Partnering with a local ERP software company in Bhopal ensures faster response times and personalized support during implementation and maintenance.  This reduces downtime and ensures a smoother transition.

3.         Cost-Effectiveness

Local ERP providers offer cost-effective solutions by eliminating the need for long-distance travel or remote troubleshooting.  Businesses in Bhopal can enjoy world-class services without breaking the bank.

ERP Software for Engineering Companies in India

Engineering companies often deal with project-based operations requiring precise planning, tracking, and execution.  ERP software for engineering companies in India is designed to address these needs, offering features like project management, resource scheduling, and cost tracking.

In Bhopal, collaborating with an engineering ERP software company in Bhopal ensures that local engineering firms have access to specialized solutions.  These tools not only enhance operational efficiency but also improve project delivery timelines, leading to greater customer satisfaction.

ERP for Manufacturing Companies in India

India’s manufacturing sector is booming, driven by government initiatives and growing demand.  To stay competitive, businesses must invest in advanced tools like ERP for manufacturing companies in India.  These systems help manufacturers streamline production, manage supply chains, and maintain quality standards.

For manufacturers in Bhopal, adopting ERP software in Bhopal is a strategic move to keep pace with industry leaders.  Features like real-time inventory management, production scheduling, and demand forecasting ensure businesses can respond quickly to market changes.

Real-Life Benefits of ERP Implementation

Manufacturers who implement ERP systems report:

Reduced Costs:  By optimizing processes, ERP systems lower operational costs.

Faster Delivery:  Improved production planning leads to quicker order fulfillment.

Better Quality:  Automated quality checks ensure products meet customer expectations.

Businesses in Bhopal that have partnered with ERP software companies in Bhopal have experienced significant improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.

How to Choose the Right ERP Software Company in Bhopal

Selecting the right ERP provider is critical for a successful implementation.  Here is what manufacturers should look for in an ERP software company in Bhopal:

Industry Expertise:  Choose providers specializing in ERP software for engineering companies or manufacturing sectors.

Customization:  Ensure the solution aligns with your unique business processes.

Local Presence:  A local provider offers faster support and a better understanding of regional requirements.

Scalability:  Opt for a system that can grow with your business.

Conclusion

ERP software is no longer a luxury but a necessity for manufacturers aiming to grow faster and compete effectively.  By integrating operations, improving resource management, and enhancing decision-making, ERP systems empower businesses to achieve their goals.  For manufacturers in Bhopal, collaborating with a trusted ERP software company in Bhopal ensures tailored solutions, cost-effectiveness, and reliable support.

Whether you are part of the engineering sector or a manufacturing enterprise, investing in manufacturing enterprise resource planning solutions will position your business for success in today’s dynamic market.  Do not wait—explore the benefits of ERP software in Bhopal today and take the first step toward sustainable growth.

[dropshipautomation]

Maximize Efficiency and Profit with Dropship Automation

In today’s fast-paced e-commerce world, managing an Automation business efficiently can be challenging. Between managing orders, customer service, inventory, and supplier relationships, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where Dropship Automation comes in transforming your business by streamlining processes, saving time, and improving profitability.

What is Dropship Automation?

Dropship automation refers to the use of software tools and systems that help automate various aspects of your Automation business. This includes inventory management, pricing updates, and even customer support. By automating these time-consuming tasks, you free up valuable time to focus on growing your business and creating a better customer experience.

Key Benefits of Dropship Automation

Time-Saving Efficiency

Running an Automation store involves multiple steps: processing orders, checking stock levels, updating product information, and more. Dropship automation tools handle these repetitive tasks for you, reducing the risk of human error and saving you hours every week. This allows you to focus on marketing, customer acquisition, and scaling your business.

Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors

Manual processes are prone to mistakes—whether it’s entering wrong pricing, inventory mismatches, or missing a crucial order. Automation ensures that data is synchronized across all platforms, keeping your inventory levels up to date, and preventing overselling or stock outs.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Customers expect fast and reliable service. With dropship automation, orders are processed more quickly, and stock levels are updated in real-time. This results in fewer delays and stock discrepancies, leading to better customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Scaling Your Business

One of the biggest advantages of dropship automation is that it enables you to scale effortlessly. As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing orders and products. Automation tools can handle a larger volume of transactions without additional manual work, giving you the freedom to expand without worrying about operational bottlenecks.

Why Choose Dropship Automation?

Dropship Automation offers an all-in-one solution to simplify your operations and boost your business efficiency. With integrations to popular platforms like Shopify and Big Commerce, and support for numerous suppliers, it’s the perfect tool for anyone serious about running a successful Automation business.

[cute-chamomile]

Girl. My boss kept saying how important this project is and when we (me and the other girl developing this) asked about exact deliverable dates because THE CUSTOMER asked for them and grilled us for not having them! He gave us non-answers, basically said "it's up to you". Didn't help with the conversation with the client at all. What exactly is your job and can I please get a real manager.

Was given a huge, hard project to deliver basically by myself with occasional help from the actual more-than-ten-year-experience developers we have. But when I ask for that help, it's crickets. And I've been crying and having anxiety attacks for this shit? Apart from actual interns I'm the youngest software developer they have. Lol.

[deepaseo]

Transforming Educational Management with Softloom's Institute Management Software

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, effective management systems are essential for institutions aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and improve student outcomes. Softloom’s Institute Management Software stands out as a comprehensive solution designed to streamline administrative processes, optimize resource allocation, and foster an engaging learning environment.

What is Institute Management Software?

Institute Management Software (IMS) refers to a suite of applications designed to assist educational institutions in managing their day-to-day operations efficiently. This type of software encompasses a variety of functions, including student enrollment, attendance tracking, grading, financial management, and communication between students, parents, and staff. By centralizing these processes, IMS not only reduces administrative burdens but also improves data accuracy and enhances the overall educational experience.

How to Implement and Manage Institute Management Software

Implementing and managing Institute Management Software like Softloom involves several key steps:

Conduct a Needs Assessment

Evaluate existing processes to identify challenges and gather input from stakeholders—like administrators and teachers—to determine essential software features.

Select the Right Software

Evaluate software choices according to their ease of use, scalability, and ability to be customized. Choose Softloom for its tailored solutions that cater specifically to educational needs.

Plan for Data Migration

Create a strategy for transferring existing data to ensure no vital information is lost. Leverage Softloom’s support to facilitate a seamless transition.

Provide Training and Support

Offer comprehensive training sessions for all users to ensure they understand the platform. Maintain ongoing support to help with any post-implementation issues.

Monitor and Evaluate Performance

Regularly track software usage and collect feedback from users to identify areas for improvement, ensuring the software continues to meet evolving needs.

Embrace Continuous Improvement

Stay adaptable to changes in education by implementing regular updates from the software provider to keep up with technological advancements and best practices.

Many institutions have successfully implemented Softloom’s Institute Management Software, leading to transformative results. For example, a mid-sized college reported a 30% reduction in administrative workload after switching to Softloom, allowing staff to focus more on student engagement and support. Another institution highlighted improved communication as a key benefit, noting that student satisfaction scores increased significantly after adopting the platform.

Softloom's Institute Management Software is a powerful tool designed to optimize the operations of educational institutions. This comprehensive platform centralizes key administrative tasks, such as student enrollment, attendance tracking, grading, and financial management, allowing staff to streamline workflows and reduce manual errors. Its user-friendly interface ensures that administrators, teachers, and students can easily access vital information, while customizable modules cater to the specific needs of each institution.

Beyond administration, Softloom’s software offers advanced reporting and analytics features that enable institutions to gain insights into performance metrics and student progress. With integrated communication tools, it fosters collaboration among faculty, students, and parents, enhancing engagement and support within the educational community. By leveraging Softloom's Institute Management Software, institutions can improve efficiency, enhance the overall learning experience, and drive better outcomes in an increasingly competitive educational environment.

[scbhagat]

Payroll Outsourcing in Delhi: Streamline Your Business with SC Bhagat & Co.

Introduction

Managing payroll is a vital part of any business, but it can be a complex and time-consuming task. For companies in Delhi, outsourcing payroll can be an ideal solution that saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes errors. SC Bhagat & Co., a trusted name in financial and tax advisory, offers specialized payroll outsourcing services in Delhi, tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of payroll outsourcing and why SC Bhagat & Co. is the right choice for your business.

Why Choose Payroll Outsourcing? Outsourcing payroll has become increasingly popular for businesses looking to optimize their operations. Here are some of the main reasons why companies in Delhi are opting for payroll outsourcing:

Cost Savings Outsourcing payroll can be more cost-effective than managing it in-house. Companies can reduce expenses related to salaries, software, training, and compliance.

Time Efficiency By entrusting payroll management to experts, businesses can free up time for core activities, enhancing productivity and focusing on growth.

Compliance and Risk Reduction Payroll processing requires adherence to various tax laws and employment regulations. Professional outsourcing firms like SC Bhagat & Co. ensure compliance, minimizing the risk of fines or legal issues.

Enhanced Data Security Payroll data is sensitive, and outsourcing to a reputable firm with robust security measures can help protect your employees' information.

Payroll Outsourcing Services by SC Bhagat & Co. SC Bhagat & Co. provides comprehensive payroll outsourcing services designed to streamline operations for businesses in Delhi. With expertise in compliance and a client-centered approach, they ensure accurate and timely payroll management. Here’s what you can expect:

Payroll Processing SC Bhagat & Co. manages all aspects of payroll, from wage calculations and tax withholdings to employee benefit deductions, ensuring timely and accurate payments.

Statutory Compliance Staying up-to-date with ever-changing laws and regulations is crucial for businesses. SC Bhagat & Co. ensures compliance with Delhi’s labor laws, income tax requirements, EPF, ESIC, and more.

Tax Filing and Reporting Payroll outsourcing with SC Bhagat & Co. includes accurate tax calculations, preparation, and filing, helping your business avoid penalties and ensuring compliance with local and national tax requirements.

Customized Payroll Solutions Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, SC Bhagat & Co. offers customized payroll solutions tailored to meet your company’s unique needs.

Key Benefits of Partnering with SC Bhagat & Co. for Payroll Outsourcing in Delhi Experienced Professionals SC Bhagat & Co. is backed by a team of highly skilled professionals who bring years of experience in payroll management and compliance.

Cutting-edge Technology Utilizing advanced payroll software, SC Bhagat & Co. offers accurate and secure payroll processing with real-time tracking and reporting.

Reliable Support Dedicated support from SC Bhagat & Co. ensures that you have guidance on any payroll-related questions or issues as they arise.

Focus on Core Business With payroll management taken care of by SC Bhagat & Co., businesses can focus on core operations and strategic growth.

Is Payroll Outsourcing Right for Your Business? If your company is looking to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and stay compliant with regulations, payroll outsourcing might be the right choice. SC Bhagat & Co.’s payroll services in Delhi offer the perfect solution for businesses that want the benefits of professional payroll management without the in-house burden.

Conclusion For businesses in Delhi, SC Bhagat & Co. provides an exceptional payroll outsourcing service that ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, SC Bhagat & Co. offers customized payroll solutions that allow you to focus on growing your business.