Context and Relativity

This is a PS blog ... late but better than never ;-) I was having a conversation the other day with someone about how every difference can be measured as based on the components of context and relativity. Large/small, rich/poor and the inevitable intelligent/stupid are all measured by relativity and context. It was interesting thinking about a few instances of this, examples abound in general lifestyle measurements and "opposites", but it was more from a technology front that got me thinking about it. Thinking about it now the general progress in computer technology comes to mind. Back in the days when, say punch cards were used to program computers (yes there were those days - but I personally wasn't there to witness!) that would have been considered "complex", "advanced" and perhaps "smart", but change the context today and "modern" electronics, come up with the idea and bam - you'd probably be laughed at! In this instance the main differentiator of the context was time, and that is one "context" which we can't change for real... yet. And don't hold your breath! But there are plenty of other "contexts" that we can control that affect us hugely. The point I was making to myself was that if you can even slightly change your context, you could take advantage of the change. Be it looking at a computer program from a different perspective, or looking at whether you are truly "busy" or "tired" ... or not. In any case, its something I'll be keepin' in the back of my mind, at least in my current context!

Digital Immigrant or Digital Native?

Given my work and experience in technology, I often find that many people around me very much lack confidence when it comes to technology. I recently attended an event presented by the Unlimited Potential organization www.up.org.nz where Paul Reynolds introduced the question of people being Digital Immigrants or Digital Natives. This was an interesting concept for me to consider, especially given my 2 year old sons interest in any of my "toys" ... any time I bring out the laptop, cellphone, camera, video camera, PS2 it ain't gonna be me that ends up playing with it! Now, present a bunch of new digital gadgets for a group of adults, and I may be wrong but I'm sure you'd find a definite feeling of unease and much less compulsion to grab the stuff and have a play! This translates somewhat to what I see in business; people are very hands off, and will often asks questions and seek confirmation before trying something out. The thing I find about technology in relation to all this is that someone has to jump in and give it a go, someone has to become the expert. At the end of the day digital just means 0's and 1's and either something will work or it won't ... so give it a try! We can help our children be the digital natives by ensuring that they are immersed and confident with digital "stuff" by becoming more experienced Digital Immigrants ourselves. PS. Guys ... especially those with kids, this is an excuse to buy those toys! Just make sure you buy two ;-)

Well, this is my first blog. I thought it was about time I expanded my web presence, given my push into the Company arena and finally looking at product development. My intentions for this blog are to share some tips and tricks I find on my journeys, plus comment on events that I'm involved in that I think deserve to be shared. My company Virtuate Limited www.virtuate.com based in Wellington, New Zealand started trading in April this year, and is already gaining a reputation for delivering high quality, low cost, fast turnaround solutions. We focus on Oracle eBusiness Suite solutions - and are keen to provide best on-site and remote solutions available. If you're involved with any of the Oracle Applications / Oracle eBusiness Suite modules and have any frustrations or questions - keep an eye on our website or send us an email.