What I Learned At DEVCON, Chapter 2 (2007)
The 12th FileMaker Developer Conference concluded the other day. It was held in Orlando, Florida, again this year at the same venue as last year.
Just as was the case last year, I learned quite a few things at this DEVCON, and I thought I’d share some of them, in no particular order of significance.
1. It is good to have more of some items (workshops and “Under the Hood” sessions with engineers) and less of some other items (chicken at every meal, unless of course, it’s Southern fried).
2. Energy is not a fungible commodity; it is however an absolutely indispensable one. Do something to take it away, or to send it away, and the entire community will suffer as a result.
3. A relearn: Andy Gaunt of FMPUG fame is possibly the greatest showman since the late Phineas T. Barnum. His second FileMaker Excellence Award is also extraordinarily well–deserved. Same as last year.
4. Another relearn: Several FileMaker, Inc. Engineers and Product Managers could give up their careers in the software industry and become highly successful emcees of television shows or comedians in nightclubs. Some of these guys are really funny, and they are really good performers. Same as last year, except more.
5. A lot of developers and IT administrators still do not understand some fundamental elements of FileMaker security, and as a result, both their data and their jobs are at risk. Tim Neudecker is not among this group, and he did a superior job of presenting useful suggestions for securing an otherwise insecure FileMaker Pro solution.
6. It is better to take steps to prevent corruption and damage to files than to try to alleviate or remediate such damage once it occurs. Use of proper server class hardware, especially hard drives, for hosting FileMaker Pro files is a major component of an effective file maintenance and safety plan. Thanks to the Engineers for again stressing this important information.
7. Reconfirmation of long-known item: The FileMaker, Inc. System Engineers are a huge asset for both the company and the developer community.
8. Headgear worn at DEVCON can be unusually clever and distinctive as witness the FMDiSC Fez Brigade.
———-
Steven H. Blackwell
Platinum Member, FileMaker Business Alliance
Partner Member, FileMaker Solutions Alliance (1997-2007)
FileMaker 8 Certified Developer
FileMaker 7 Certified Developer
FileMaker Certified Trainer
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.