Enterprise Architectures - A Religious Debate

I recently saw a post from Clients From Hell discussing the use of Apple vs Windows and the debate it causes amongst users.    Here's my adaptation on the current debate within the Department of Defense on enterprise architectures.

Client:  Hey, just one final question before I send the funding for the program.  Do you use NCES or DIB? (Network Centric Enterprise Services) (Distributed Common Ground System Integration Backbone)

Me:  We will use a DIB.

Client:  That is a problem.  Do you have the ability to implement with NCES?  I am not a supporter of DIB based systems.

Me:  Typically for systems operating within a tactical environment, like yours, we would use a DIB.  Our implementation will allow you to inter-operate with NCES seamlessly.  This will not be a problem for NCES users.

Client:  I am a Christian and DIB systems are sinful, I do not want our program to be created with an architecture made with this corrupt system.  If I allowed you to create my program utilizing a DIB I would be just like Adam, taking a bite of the forbidden fruit.

[Silence]

Take my advise, destroy your DIB and repent for when judgement day comes.  It shall be you who is cast to hell for your sins.

Me:  Ugh!

Essential iPad Apps

Having my iPad now for over a month I've been experimenting with apps like crazy.  My top picks are:

Productivity

Evernote is an essential app.  It allows you to type a text note, clip a web page, grab a screenshot, organize into notebooks, search, and synchronize it all across the cloud with all your computers.  www.evernote.com

GoodReader by Good.iWare is a superb pdf reader.  It integrates with google docs and handles common file formats such as docs, ppt, xls, etc.  It also support disconnected use when out of WiFi or 3G range. www.goodreader.net

Believe it or not, the iPad doesn't come with a calculator.  The PCalc Lite Calculator is a free app that does just the basics well.  A must have.www.pcalc.com



News

NewsRack is a complete RSS reader which integrates seamlessly with Google Reader or directly to RSS feeds.  You can read the full post or the web page without leaving the app. www.omz-software.de

Newsy is a free app that delivers content through short video segments from major news agencies (e.g. ABC, CNN, FOX, Reuters, etc.). www.newsy.com

There are numerous news apps available.  My favorite is the free Reuters app.  It has a great interface with both text and video integration.  www.reuters.com



Social

TweetDeck is a free app that allows integration with your twitter account.  It supports customizable-multiple column viewing of tweets, direct messages, etc. www.tweetdeck.com/ipad/


Entertainment

The Pandora app is the companion to the popular Pandora Radio site which provides personalized radio streaming directly to your iPad. www.pandora.com