1903 days, but no longer counting
Today - 29th January 2010 is my last day at SPSS, and IBM Company.
The last five years have been dramatic and very interesting. I have been given an opportunity to take IBM SPSS Data Collection (formerly Dimensions) from a script orientated web-survey platform for high-end market researchers to a truly versatile interviewing solution where the respondent can choose the mode of interviewing that fits their lifestyle.
But enough of the marketing spin. I hope that I have helped those companies out there who are using Data Collection by delivering a number of high quality releases and transitioning the Development team from a two small groups based in the UK and Denmark to a large team based in Xi-An supported by a smaller team based in Rochester.
It has not been all smooth running, the team has had its issues and so has the product, but I leave with the expectation that Data Collection is very much on the up. The 5.6 release is solid and the next release (currently in the latter stages of development) will deliver a big step up in various areas.
I have been well supported, especially by my boss (Jason Verlen) and my team (Nick Read and Hetal Thaker). They remain to ensure that the effort I have put in to delivering consistency and transparency to the Strategic direction of the product set is not wasted.
There are many unsung heroes in the team including Rob Bristow ( a stalwart in support), Lance Nichols (a naturally gifted engineer), Allison Carleton (who terrified me in my interview but was great to work with), Jane Moore (without whom customer engagements would not have been so exciting)
Finally to Colin Linsky who was one of two people who saw something during my initial interview that made them want to offer me a job and then has been working with me ever since, challenging my abilities and supporting my efforts. Thank you very much to all of you and the many others who I have not mentioned individually but were equally an important part of the team.
In leaving it is often customary to ponder the good and bad points, I have always been a keen evangelist and I hope that those who have attended my presentations at various events have enjoyed the experience. I would certainly like to say thanks to all my groupies (I wont mention names) who asked intelligent questions at the right time and clapped loudly at the end. You always made it worth while.
I joined SPSS from the world of New Media and the one major area of disappointment during my time was the lack of understanding of the need for creativity and community. It is my personal opinion that this is a flaw with SPSS that comes from its history and is very difficult to change (even if they wanted to) It is probably this that is the main cause for my departure. I missed these things too much and want to get them back.
So where am I going? well to find that out you will have to wait till Monday ...
