1. Focus on the end-user and all else will follow…
We are here to make it easier for our end users to manage their IT systems
Everything we do flows from this central goal...
If we stay focused on this, we will make good decisions and be successful
2. Simple is better than complex…
One of the essential needs of our customers is simplifying their approach to IT management which has become overly complicated
A key aspect of simplifying IT management is unifying (where practical) our end user’s IT management semantics, process framework and technology platform
In general, we seek the most simple solutions to problems (especially when the problem itself is not simple)
We believe in a “less is more” philosophy; we are conservative in our approach to new technologies and approaches to help control the complexity.
In order for something to be simple, it must appear simple (i.e. be easy to grok).
For these reasons, we love Python and we use it where ever practical
In design, we follow “Occam’s Razor”, which says that “All things being equal, simplest solution tends to be the best one”.
3. Fast is better than slow…
Our end users are impatient and are tired of waiting for solutions to their problems
We respond quickly to end user needs by staying in touch with these needs and by seeking solutions that can be delivered quickly
We believe in the virtue of “releasing early and often” as a key technique in building useful, high quality software
We recognize the power of Perato’s Principle (80/20 rule i.e. 80% of value is gained with 20% of the investment) and seek Pareto optimization in all that we do
4. Tap the power of Community
The power of open source and “web 2.0” is that we have just begun to tap into the creative power of large groups of people when they are given a platform to contribute towards a collective work and achieve a common goal.
We believe that the collective brain power of the world’s IT operators is untapped and that our goal is to harness this to make it easier for all to manage IT
We recognize that will there is an organic component to communities, the seeds for community must be planted by individuals and that communities languish without active cultivation
We seek to build community every day and leverage community every day in all that we do
5. Innovate in the open
We believe in the power of open innovation
We seek to involve the community in our innovations and recognize that these innovations get better and have more impact when shared
We are eager to share not only our ideas but also the credit for the ideas
We welcome new ideas and innovations from any source
We recognize the power of collaboration to produce “Non-Zero” (i.e. win/win) outcomes
We tap the power of “Non-Zero” collaborations/partnerships/relationships in all that we do
6. Add the next layer of value
We never waste time, energy and money “reinventing the wheel”
We avoid the temptation of “Not Invented Here”
We seek to leverage the work that has already been done as much as possible in solving our customers problems
We invest our time and energy in providing the “next layer of value” that has not yet been provided
We recognize that the “next layer of value” is a moving target and that our strategy and focus will evolve accordingly
7. Get it Done!
Getting things done is much better than discussion
* Execution is better than process
* Function is better than form
* Innovations that help us get more done with less time/money are good
8. Keep it real
Technology consumers are sick of the traditional sales & marketing conversations with their vendors
We always speak plainly, openly and honestly about what our product can do and how it does it
We stay connected to the real problems of our everyday users through regular community interaction, and by insisting that everyone in the company has regular contact with real customers and customer issues
We directly involve end user’s in everything that we do
We take advantage of every opportunity to walk in our customer’s shoes
We stay rooted in the pragmatic reality of what works in the real world
We remain open to change, new ideas and evolving conditions in the market
We evaluate ourselves honestly and seek external council to help avoid becoming myopic
We openly acknowledge problems and issues, we address them directly, and we use them as an opportunity to learn
9. Cash Fuels the Machine
We are a for-profit business whose end financial goal is to generate profits/cash
We are accountable to our investors to deliver a strong return on investment
We understand that by building a viable business we are better able to serve our customers and achieve our goals
Borrowing from Google, we believe that you can make money without doing evil
We believe that commercial open source, if done well, forms a “virtuous cycle” that benefits both the community and commercial customers
10. Never settle for “OR”
We strive to achieve “AND” outcomes where others have settled for “OR”
We are producing great software, that is sophisticated, easy to use AND affordable
We distribute our core platform for free AND we make money on commercial value adds
We move quickly AND we produce high quality work products
We are building a great company that provides an opportunity to make money, have fun, self express, grow, AND have an important impact on the planet
11. Eat your own dog food
We always strive to “lead by example” and “walk the talk”’
We test the merits of our own ideas, approaches and principles by using them ourselves
Whenever practical, we use our own technology and open source technology
Everyone in the company/community is held to this standard
