From Library Journal
First-time author Barr describes his ten years of experience as a software developer for Microsoft. Beginning with a detailed account of the hiring process, especially the interviewing methodology for new hires, Barr goes on to trace not only his career but the history of software development over the past quarter-century. He discusses Microsoft's role in software development, especially its evangelism the process of convincing other programmers to write software that interfaces with another which is a major factor in Microsoft's success. Barr compares the company to competitors such as Linux and details issues such as company organization, benefits, stock options, and public perception, both positive and negative. A good glossary gets the novice through the technical jargon. Barr, who discloses that he no longer works there but owns "a good chunk of Microsoft stock," succeeds in being as unbiased as possible. A good choice for business collections in large public and academic libraries. Steven J. Mayover, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Why has Microsoft really been successful? Forget what you have read elsewhere. In
Proudly Serving My Corporate Masters, a ten-year veteran of the front lines of the software development wars gives the real story on why the company has succeeded, what it does well and what it does badly, and what it needs to do in the future. The book has first-hand information on how Microsoft works internally: the relationships between programming teams and the rest of the company; how Microsoft recruits and interviews people; the sacrifices that are made to get software done; the lure of stock options; and what it is like to be sued by your own government. The insights are relevant for anyone interested in Microsoft, the software industry, or business in general.
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