So many readers – I had no idea! (and to put some commotion to rest early on)

I blog for the sake of sharing my views, opinions, woes, and excitements every once in a while.  It’s come to my attention that some of my own staff read the blog (or were made privy of the information contained within) that some became nervous about my last post.   Hence, I only find it righteous to clear up some doubts right here from them (and anybody else who might find it interesting).

Software-as-a-Service is another name for Application Service Provider – companies like FreshBooks.com and Salesforce.com are Invoice Management and CRM Applications, respectively speaking, that offer subscription-based services.  These applications run on servers.  Like web hosting, they also need to be maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by people.  The characteristics of these servers are normally no different than web hosting servers.  There is a web serice, database service, and e-mail service.   So, not much has changed except possibly the structure and focus of the business towards one common goal.
Those who are concerned that I am going to let go of people and close down a section of the business are mistaken and should really speak to me if they feel a little bit insecure about their future.  However, I am not going to put anybody’s job at risk.  There are some employees that have been local to our company since it’s inception in early 2004.   Despite other employees who have come and gone during this time, these special employees are to be cherished and can expect to be taken care of now and into the future.
I understand that some feel the need to leave the company to explorer darker parts of the ocean at other organizations.  Those that decide to follow the Tripod Computing path, I’m convinced, will experience an adventure they will not get at any other company.

Speaking of other companies, I personally find working at large companies boring and fruitless.  I’ve heard from many who say “I shifted to XYZ company and now I’m at a large company and, intially it feels great but with this change, I now have to wonder why the idiot next to me got promoted and I didn’t even though I’m more qualified than him.”  And then eventually “Can you believe I now work for this stupid person?”  And sometimes “Gosh, I feel like a nobody at this huge company”.

Working at small companies gives you a chance to take on some special responsibilites, get proactive, and see opportunities that you would never find possible at their larger counterparts (usually due to arrogance in upper management and lack of foresight).
All in all, don’t worry.  Be happy.  We’ve got a long way to go!