fredag 2 mars 2018

Different minds, different worlds. A case study.

The giants in the new world are called Google, Apple or Microsoft. In the old ages, they were called Siemens or Asea Brown Boveri.

Lets compare their philosophy when it comes to deliver software products. I've made an easy to understand table comparing a typical Google program, such as Google Earth, with software from ABB or Siemens, such as ABB Automation Builder or Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal (say it quickly five times).


Google ABB and Siemens
Small msi or single file setup. Ginormous installer, dozens or even hundreds of smaller setups, wrapped in a launcher, difficult or impossible to install without the wrapper.
Installs in under 1 minute. Takes hours. Often takes a different amount of time to install each time, even on the same clean computer. Fails unpredictably.
Silent install with simple parameters. Nope, never in a million years. Even autoclicking through the install is difficult, because the control IDs change or buttons are not real buttons.
Just works. Doesn't work. Drivers bluescreen! Actually crashes regsvr32! Has issues with UAC and Credential Guard, can't install in Console 0, and even has problems with long filenames. I mean, long filenames, seriously?
Seamless automatic updates. Requires elevation for updates nobody is asking for, and also for add on modules you are asking for but are not included in the offline install.
Secure. Requires full permission in its many many Program Files folders and can't be installed elsewhere, breaking AppLocker security. Confusing number of processes requiring firewall exceptions.
Distinctly different programs each with a clear purpose. Several identical looking programs with no description of what they are for or what the differences are.
Just download. After registering an account and finally finding the correct program using a horrible search engine, you are told you don't qualify to download their precious software.
Just install and run. After finally installing you are told you need to apply for a license or to put a hardware dongle into the USB. Who pirates engineering software?
Usually a free version, the paid version costs a few dollars. Costs a fortune.
Program is contained in one folder. Installs everywhere, including the root of the drive. Computer is never the same again.
Modern look and feel. GUI like it's 1999.
Explore the entire world. Automates something something, except itself.
Steals your soul. Forces you to slowly descend into madness.


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