Large Software Projects

Deborah Black

Vice President, Windows Division

Microsoft

What is a large software project?Windows Project Profile

Products Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Personal, Windows ME Windows Server, Advanced Server, DataCenter Server, Small

Business Server WinCE, NT Embedded Systems Management Server Numerous resource kits, admin kits, software development kits,

documentation kits Web releases: Windows Update, DirectX, IE, etc.

Maintenance – Quick Fixes & Service Packs How many people does it take to drive this business?

Developers, testers, program managers, product managers, writers, designers, localizers

Large Software ProjectsChallenges

Management of scale Software databases, builds, integration testing Space, machines, labs, networks, meetings, email

Priorities & focus Clarity of vision(s) – internal & external Prioritization of customers, scenarios, products Time to market vs. features Distance from customers

Coherence & consistency Quality & performance User experience, scenarios

Cross group communication and cooperation

Leading Large ProjectsStrategic

Establishing a context How is technology used today? Where are the limitations?

How do we expect this to change? How can we improve our current products?

Creating a vision What’s our vision for the future? What are the most

compelling scenarios? What can our role be? Planning for execution

What solutions will we need to deliver our vision? Where should we build, buy, partner? What’s our business model? Revenue, costs, margins How will this effect other areas of MSFT business?

Leading Large ProjectsMotivational

Communicating a clear vision Architecting successful organizations Growing strong leaders Establishing clear ownership, roles, and priorities Constant monitoring of progress – are we on

track? Staying connected

Customers, group, technology, business

Adapting Responsibilities change with each new organization, phase of project,

business environment, etc.

Leading Large ProjectsOperational

• P&L– Revenue planning

• Sizing the market opportunity, competitors, growth predictions, customer research, pricing decisions

– Managing costs & making tradeoffs• People, licenses & acquisitions, capital equipment, marketing,

product support, etc.

• Business development– Strategic relationships, legal agreements, acquistions

Joining the TeamWhat should you expect?

Initial assignments, tools, training Code ownership, maintenance, design

Membership in a small team w/in large group Culture, tribal knowledge, meetings, email, WIMs. Physical surroundings -- i.e., offices, labs, equip, cafes Mentorship

Access to info, tools, feedback, people, and ideas Best mentors are available, well informed, articulate, and

candid

An exciting career = challenges, skill development, diverse assignments, increasing level of contribution

Questions?