Nadhan’s Top 5: Aspects of Managing The Crowd Pleaser Applity
After discussing the key aspects of managing The Big Kahuna and The Lone Star applities, now we’ll highlight The Crowd Pleaser in this post. The Crowd Pleaser is like Ms. or Mr. Congeniality, liked by one and all, making one want to come to work. Users have fun working with this application. Imagine a search application that has the right instrumentation behind it to retrieve the right information at the right time for everyone concerned.
In this post I outline the following aspects that typically apply to The Crowd Pleaser:
- The Strategy to be adopted from an Applications Management perspective
- The nature and frequency of Communication to the various stakeholders
- The Service Levels to be provided
- Types of investments with supporting rationale
- The Governance model that needs to be in place
Strategy. The strategy is to retain and sustain the pervasive high level of satisfaction. Such application must continue to maintain their good track record without being overloaded with additional functionality. IT gains a lot of points from this application and relishes the feel good moments.
Communication. Changes to this application must be broadcast across the enterprise -- with caution. All users may not be happy with a particular change. Thus, Crowd Pleaser changes may be frowned upon by some user segments. The message must be tailored based upon the implications of the change. Feedback based upon actual user experience must be encouraged and monitored.
Service Levels. This application must be available all the time. The absence of the most vivacious person at a party is going to be felt by everyone. The Crowd Pleaser applity must be around to cultivate and retain the good feeling across the enterprise. Remember, The Crowd Pleaser gets its name based on its high availability.
Investment. Investments must be made so that the existing functionality is effectively delivered in a steady state. Major enhancements must be made with caution. Just because the application can support the current functionality does not mean that it should be saddled with more and more functionality.
Governance. Centrally administered Governance is best for The Crowd Pleaser. Crowd Pleasers attain their status based upon their ability to meet the requirements of varied enterprise segments. They have the characteristics that are liked by the majority of the users. Therefore, any changes must also be valued by a good majority of the crowd -- hence the central Governance.
The Crowd Pleaser is an essential applity in any IT environment. One would wish that every application exhibited this applity. But, then we don't live in a perfect world -- neither do applications. The Crowd Pleaser is the application that sends the message -- “I’m liked by everyone and I make IT look like a hero. Join my fan club and whenever you need a break, I am here for you...”
Don't you wish you only had Crowd Pleasers in your enterprise? How many do you have? If so, let me now. I can certainly take the break.
