ITÉlet

When we talk about software developer, we talk about a person who usually works on projects.

The project has a definite start - a contract, which can be either legal document or just an internal agreement. The project has a definite end - when the requested components are delivered, the money paid and the software becomes Business As Usual.

Please note one important aspect here: the software MUST work as specified, otherwise it won't be paid and never goes live. In order to achieve this, the developer should be close to those folks who orderes the work and who will accept - in IT we call them "business".

Business people are usually interested to have simple things: reports, few more fields in the database, some more screen, some more function. Most of the projects are maintanance on an existing system. The requests are usually simple, which can be developed by a small team in a short time. Today nobody wants to develop a new operation system or a new web browser - the technical difficulties faded away.

Meanwhile the non-technical aspects of the development become more important: keep deadline, user friendliness, fulfill requirements. In 20th century a crashing software was normal. In 21st century nobody wants to pay for failing software, even if the failing was caused by the wrong requirement!

This change transformed the software developer. We talk about a person who is able to deliver in time, on expectations, and able to cooperate with non-IT folks. Maybe not a master of technology, but this is not a problem.

Let's call this role to "business programmer".

Most companies, most jobs are about business programming for business programmers.

Wierd techies who cannot deliver and cannot understand business, they will find harder and harder to find a place to work. We still need gurus and experts, there are always special projects and special companies. But the majority of the job becomes "business programmer".

Is it good to be a business programmer? Certainly yes. From money point of view yes. The money (always) comes from business, and they need a business programmer to do the job. To make a simple report has more value, then creatively creating a new protocol.

New challenges? Career opportunities? Yes, there are plenty. If somebody thinks the business always want the same report, that person is wrong. Every project is unique, with new goal and completely new approach.

Is it boring? No, it is not. The job still requires creativity to deal with problems and find the best solution. It might not be as creative as working in a garage company for all the days, evenings and weekends. In exchange, you don't have to work in a garage on the evenings and the weekends.