Friday, January 18, 2008

The Value of Linux Certifications

I have been conducting a certification course for Novell Certified Linux Professional and a question pop'ed up from one of the participants. What's the value of a Linux certification? There are basically 3 bodies that provide some form of certification, Redhat, Novell (SuSE) and the distribution independent body the Linux Professional Institute. Does certification mean that you have the necessary skills to administer a Linux server?

It is question that can be easily answered by stating that a certification gives employers and clients the confidence that the person working on their Linux server has sufficient good working knowledge to do so. It will be interesting to obtain more information from readers on your options on Linux certifications.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Technopreneur Development

If you have a job title called Technopreneur Development on your business card, what does it mean? How are you suppose to be preceived? What are your qualifications? It is a job description that is sometimes difficult to define but recently I was thinking about it.

In a nutshell (IMHO) Technopreneur Development would mean that the position is to assist startups from inception till ... when? Where does it stop, is it until failure (then you are not doing a good job), by time (which is incorrect as some are faster than others) or by revenue? My believe is that it is until the time when the Technopreneur hires professional managers to manage his/her enterprise (which would sometimes mean never!).

How do you qualify to be one? This is highly dependent on the expectations but I guess it is someone who has a keen interest in being a technopreneur themselves but would like to learn from the mistakes of others =) The person does not need to have prior experience as a technopreneur, as that would be a position called the "mentor" or "advisor". The person must possess a logical mind and have him/herself explored being an entrepreneur.

So what does the person do, other than wait for the budding technopreneurs to seek assistance, my guess is that the person should organize networking sessions so that participants can learn from each other. Organizing networking sessions is tough, but some suggestions would be to work with IASA or other professional bodies (win-win situation, they get access to more potential members as well), organize talks and freebies from suppliers such as QuickBooks or HR Consultants (win-win situation, they get to present their product to a group of potential customers) and experience technopreneurs (who may be seeking to also network).

Just some thoughts out loud ...

Monday, January 07, 2008

Number of new SAGA for 2008

Just read from paultan.org (this site is so far the best automotive blog for the average Malaysian), that "Proton also aims to sell between 4,500 to 5,000 units of the new Proton BLM every month. The Proton BLM will be launched on the 18th of January 2007." Hmphhh ... this means that my prediction is on the dot (assuming that they "aim" to sell 5,000 which means that marketing wise, it has to be better than 5,000 per month).

Friday, January 04, 2008

Used Class-D Car?

Interesting question was asked during our weekly midnight supper meeting this week. If one is looking for a Class-D sized car, i.e. think Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Peugeot 407, etc, what would one get for a single, early 30s, IT professional, on a heavy side (weight and size) who is looking for something that's reasonably enjoyable to drive? This is in the context of being in Malaysia as consideration for support and spare parts come into play.

Our dear friend after some quick thinking, believes that the Honda Accord will depreciate greatly in price once the Year 2008 model is available locally. I kinda agree with him and also with the fact that the Honda Accord is kinda dull to drive also. Maybe some harder absorbers would help. I think it would be the safest bet for him to go with the Accord.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

This is probably very late in terms of news, but worth a mention I guess. Proton has started to accept bookings (RM500/-) for the new entry level Proton (codenamed BLM for Base Line Model) and it is almost certain that it will have the official name of the SAGA. Now, the price ranges from RM31.5K to RM40K and although it is still somewhat expensive, i.e. around USD9K for an entry level car, I predict that it will do very well here in Malaysia and possibly even in the region.

I would safely say that Proton will be looking at possibly at least 60,000 units in the year 2008 itself or even 90,000 unit maximum. Well, that will just be bookings and depends on many other factors such as world economy, local economy and whether Proton can produce sufficient numbers. I have little doubt that quality (which has been Proton's biggest issue of late) will considerable effect the sales. Will revisit it in year 2009 to check if this prediction is correct.

Too lazy to post pictures here but you can go to www.paultan.org to see or wait for 2 weeks for Proton to launch the car.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy New Year 2008!

I just realised that I like to add an exclamation mark at the end of each blog title ... I wonder why? Anyway, Happy New Year 2008 to all out there.

Time for me to work harder this year, first thing ... MYOB, QuickBooks or PeachTree?