I’m now in multi-tasking mode. I’m trying desperately to get the PNC project out the door, so I can start the full time position ASAP, but PNC is doing their best to prevent that. 99.85% of the development work is finished, but it seems as if there may be some issues with some of the functionality and how it will fit in with the PNC application server architecture. Our plan for the web app has basically not changed since we first gathered requirements, but now suddenly, someone on the Star Chamber-esque committee that oversees the app server environment decided that the app would be better suited using a database, and there are issues with the current decision of using CSV files. Now, this was not my idea. In fact, we pitched the idea of database, but the group that I’m working for decided they didn’t want to deal with it at this point (plus they didn’t want to have to pay for development of a front-end app to access the data in said database).

Now I’m stuck trying to explain how the app works, and why using CSV files for the short-tern isn’t a bad thing. Of course, I may still have to refactor some code to use a Lotus Domino server (blech), but a conference call tomorrow should clear things up. I don’t ever, ever want to work for a large company. The speed at which the IT staff at PNC moves is quite amazing—it’s soooo sloooooow.

While I’m sitting on my hands with the PNC project, I’m also learning about the Turbine development framework (this is what I’ll be using at the new job). It’s an interesting idea, but right now, as I sit in the middle of trying to get it up and running on my machine, I think there’s quite a bit of stuff going on…maybe too much. I dunno though….I’m sure my opinion will change once it’s up and running…..

Posted on 7 April 2003