I guess the real question is: succeed at what?
This response is virtually the rote response internally at Novell. But consider there are two statements here. This is actually a post loaded with meaning.
The first statement is the "trained" response. The second is completely different. The first statement is somewhat at odds with the reality though. Novell Consulting is being sold as far more than simply the assisted implementation of core technologies. But that's neither here nor there.
The second statement is a different world altogether, and from my experience at Novell the partner relationships (primarily Big 5 and MarchFirst) didn't deliver a lick of value. I would support the second model, IF in fact the partners were truly supporting the model.
Let me also take a second and say something: it is easy for me to get sucked into a critical rant here about Novell. It would be wrong of me not to devote some energy to the good things about the company.
Firstly, unless you are deeply into internet technologies and the true bleeding edge that Silicon Valley is defining (and I am) you cannot really understand just how far ahead Novell's thinking is in many areas of technology. Particular DirXML, security and authentication. Even the Valley's smartest minds are just barely getting ready for DirXML. Novell's pitch of the directory is so... unsexy... that no one paid any attention. If they had they'd be a year to a year and a half ahead on their build outs. I don't know if it's just Drew or what, but is truly incredible. Think Xerox PARC (and, not ironically, the associated inability to execute there too).
Second, Novell is a damned fine place to work, particularly if you are at the SJ campus. The Utah offices are almost equally nice, despite the fact that newly completed Building H is WAY overdone and has a noise problem, BUT they're in Utah, and Utah just sucks. There's no two ways about it. Plus, there's a rendering plant like just down the road from the campus and it literally makes you have to gag every time you step outside. THAT EXCEPTED, Novell offers amenities to employees like you wouldn't believe. Of course, if you are caught on a Razor Scooter you can expect to face "severe disciplinary action" (is this Utah talking or what??), but the cafeteria is first rate, the offices are beautiful, the tennis courts, gym, yoga classes, sand volleyball pit.... the list goes on.
I loved working there. I would recommend it to anyone.
Done rambling. |
