The KISS Principle

When it comes to managing computer projects, I’ve learned to follow the KISS principle (which stands for “keep it simple, stupid”). While computer systems seem complicated by nature, asking them to do too much, to be all things to all users, almost guarantees that the computer system won’t satisfy anyone. I was reminded of this last week when I saw “FBI May Scrap Vital Overhaul of Its Outdated Computer System” as the headline on the front page of the newspaper. The article states that the Bureau has already spent $170 million dollars searching for a customized replacement system for the obsolete and ineffective system now in place, but that the effort thus far is about to be scrapped as unworkable. I vaguely recall something similar happening with the Massachusetts Trial Court a number of years ago. The court spent millions of dollars to develop a “one size fits all” computer system that would serve all of its departments, but the effort never yielded a workable system. Here are my observations, for what they’re worth: Because computer technology changes so quickly, a custom built system for a governmental entity is doomed to fail since by the time it is ready to be installed (remember, governmental entities work at their own pace), it will already be obsolete. It’s much better to go with an existing system that’s modified to best fit your needs. Also, many people who don’t have a good understanding of how computers work look to them as the solution to all of their problems. The reality is that the computer is just one more tool you can use to improve the way you do your job. If you ask it to do too much, you will be very disappointed. But that’s enough pontificating for today . . .