Large Software Projects Deborah Black Vice President, Windows Division Microsoft

What is a large software project? Windows Project Profile  Products  Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Personal, Windows ME  Windows Server, Advanced Server, DataCenter Server, Small Business Server  WinCE, NT Embedded  Systems Management Server  Numerous resource kits, admin kits, software development kits, documentation kits  Web releases: Windows Update, DirectX, IE, etc.  Maintenance – Quick Fixes & Service Packs  How many people does it take to drive this business?  Developers, testers, program managers, product managers, writers, designers, localizers

Large Software Projects Challenges  Management of scale  Software databases, builds, integration testing  Space, machines, labs, networks, meetings,  Priorities & focus  Clarity of vision(s) – internal & external  Prioritization of customers, scenarios, products  Time to market vs. features  Distance from customers  Coherence & consistency  Quality & performance  User experience, scenarios  Cross group communication and cooperation

Leading Large Projects Strategic  Establishing a context  How is technology used today? Where are the limitations? How do we expect this to change?  How can we improve our current products?  Creating a vision  What’s our vision for the future? What are the most compelling scenarios? What can our role be?  Planning for execution  What solutions will we need to deliver our vision?  Where should we build, buy, partner?  What’s our business model? Revenue, costs, margins  How will this effect other areas of MSFT business?

Leading Large Projects Motivational  Communicating a clear vision  Architecting successful organizations  Growing strong leaders  Establishing clear ownership, roles, and priorities  Constant monitoring of progress – are we on track?  Staying connected  Customers, group, technology, business  Adapting  Responsibilities change with each new organization, phase of project, business environment, etc.

Leading Large Projects Operational P&L –Revenue planning Sizing the market opportunity, competitors, growth predictions, customer research, pricing decisions –Managing costs & making tradeoffs People, licenses & acquisitions, capital equipment, marketing, product support, etc. Business development –Strategic relationships, legal agreements, acquistions

Joining the Team What should you expect?  Initial assignments, tools, training  Code ownership, maintenance, design  Membership in a small team w/in large group  Culture, tribal knowledge, meetings, , WIMs.  Physical surroundings -- i.e., offices, labs, equip, cafes  Mentorship  Access to info, tools, feedback, people, and ideas  Best mentors are available, well informed, articulate, and candid  An exciting career = challenges, skill development, diverse assignments, increasing level of contribution

Questions?