How can new technology be introduced in a company?
A software development environment that wants to stay abreast of new technologies. This pattern assumes that Involve Everyone is being followed.
Enlist the support of a high-level corporate "angel" who believes in the importance of the new technology and will lend appropriate coaching and management support.
The staff of the corporate "angel" will usually subscribe to the new technology, at least openly. If the technology shows itself to be worthwhile, all levels of coaches/management and developers will support it on its own merit.
All new ideas need support at the top. No significant in-roads will be made
without it. Even if all the developers subscribe to the new technology
(unlikely in all but the smallest organizations) the support of high-level
management is essential to approval for tools, training, and other support
activities.
If a corporate "angel" is especially enthusiastic and
knowledgeable, the whole process of introducing new technology is eased because
of the encouragement of interest in the new idea.
This pattern has been applied successfully to the introduction of
patterns at AGCS. The corporate angel was the vice-president of product
development. He has been a consistent supporter of all patterns activities. His
influence has made it easier to bring in trainers and consultants, like Jim
Coplien and Doug Schmidt, buy books and establish our own resident GOF.
This pattern has been observed at AGCS with patterns and other technologies.
Jim Coplien's Patron mentions the role of a high-level manager who champions a development project. Involve Everyone considers everyone else in the company.
Pattern Source: AG Communication Systems
Keywords: management, technology