Book under development: The Art of ‘Ware (Version 2.0)

Over a decade ago, I wrote and published The Art of ‘Ware (M&T Books, 1995). The conceit of the book was simple: take Sun Tzu’s classic work The Art of War (Suntzu pingfa), written some 2500 years ago, and re-interpret it, maxim by maxim, for developing, deploying and marketing information technology (IT). Here’s an example:

• Sun Tzu (Chapter 2, ‘Doing Battle’, Sonshi.com translation): When weapons are blunted, and ardor dampened, strength exhausted, and resources depleted, the neighboring rulers will take advantage of these complications. Then even the wisest of counsels would not be able to avert the consequences that must ensue.
• The Art of ‘Ware (Chapter 2, ‘Supporting Development’, 1995 edition): When your developers are burned out, your technology aging, your resources diminished, and your advantages gone, then others will take advantage of your weaknesses and cut into your market. Even expensive consultants and new CEOs won’t be able to turn things around.

I have recently done a draft revision of the book, though I have more work to do before publication. But you are free to browse the HTML version at the link just give, or download a printable PDF version of the current draft. Feedback and comments are always welcome. ..bruce..

About the Author: bfwebster

Webster is Principal and Founder at at Bruce F. Webster & Associates, as well as an Adjunct Professor for the BYU Computer Science Department. He works with organizations to help them with troubled or failed information technology (IT) projects. He has also worked in several dozen legal cases as a consultant and as a testifying expert, both in the United States and Japan. He can be reached at 303.502.4141 or at bwebster@bfwa.com.