Yes, I did return from Santa Clara, and no, I'm not lost in a snowdrift. I took an extended (keyboard free) break over the holidays. Ok, that covers FAQ #1 for the week, where have I been.
As for the other questions folks have been asking me:
2. Where is my 2009 opening salvo?
I have two opening posts sketched out. Neither is a list of predictions. One is about considerations for 2009 brought on by external forces -- economy, new administration in US. The other is a list of resolutions for business-driven IT leaders. I also had a DIY punditry pictogram sketch -- think green crayons, fluffy clouds and tightening belts -- but see #1. As for the surviving sketches, I'm working on them.
3. What's my take on the attempted murder of SOA?
If you follow me on Twitter, you know my take. For those who don't, these tweets sum up my view:
Anne Manes SOA obit is "look at my analyst group play"; akin to "cheeseburgers are dead but demand for burgers w/cheese is at all time high" 10:50 AM Jan 6th from twhirl
@estherschindler SOA is not marketing term for me; it's approach for IT to deliver bus. capability that matches business designer's intent 10:57 AM Jan 6th from twhirl in reply to estherschindler
who wants to tell these organizations with big ROI from SOA approaches to pull their now dead implementations? http://tinyurl.com/7kcacj 12:49 PM Jan 7th from twhirl
i think @jhurwitz has some 'please shut down your soa' calls to make as well... all those named case studies in her new book 12:50 PM Jan 7th from twhirl
On the plus, by participating in the conversation on Twitter I met some interesting folks. And of course, partook in some amusement with the TAFKAS force.
Interestingly, in a new post on Anne's personal blog, she says "Sensationalism is fun." Enough said.
4. What am I working on in 2009?
I have a full slate of Elemental Links' writing / research / methods projects. My focus areas remain as previously published. My current "big" project involves the intersection of business analysis and service-orientation. Next up, delving into event-processing and what I'm calling "the active information tier".
I'm continuing with client work, including the SOA Consortium. As well, I'll be working with organizations on techniques to match business & IT capabilities to attain value. Learn about engaging with Elemental Links here. (remembering my marketing, marketing, marketing pledge)
5. Do I plan to post more often?
Yes. I'll try. Really.
