A look at agile programming methods for producing better software more efficiently.
A Lingua Franca for the Internet
Although the article is about the clash between Java and C# it is a very readable introduction to computer programming languages. It is both for the non-technical person and those who have used or seen different computer programming languages.
When Five 9's aren't enough : Visa's payments processing system.
Read how Visa handles the world's largest payments processing system and maintains uptime. Visa does provide "extreme protection" -- 5 minutes of downtime could hold up $55 million in payment transactions.
Also read on how it implemented an overhaul of its clearing system -- moving portions from assembly to C and implementing 2500 system changes a month and modifying 2 million lines of code annually.
What faces the US in its war against terrorism ?
It does seem as if the air-strikes have gone on too long. The US would look like a coward striking Afghanistan from a distance. Ground action should have begun within a couple of days after the first air-strike. The image of Afghanistan being hit by bombs and not being able to fight back only reinforces the perception that America is an enemy of the region and Islam. The US should have made clear that it would move quickly to remove the Taleban and capture Osama bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda movement within days. Now people are wondering what the US achieves out of bombing a poor country.
The anthrax scare and Al-Qaeda's latest threats are only going to worsen the polarisation. American citizens might well call for stronger action --- playing precisely into the terrorist plan.