Software Dev, Database Dev, Sys Admin

[dotNet]

Originally Posted by grip_daddy

Changing the drift...

KRA employed a pal of mine who had graduated with a degree in Computer Science. The guy's major task is to copy and paste info from Main Server to Branch Servers. He is air lifted from Nai to Msa to install a printer and monitor the printing work...tasks that a form four leaver can do. On the other hand, KRA is outsourcing programmers from Chile to come and implement their online project for tax payments.

I think we need some IT gurus in the government ASAP.

KRA is full of crap, their online systems are not even that technical to warrant importing brains for. I think the system runs on PHP and believe me... all it takes to do those tax return forms are if...else loops... and validations. No complex computing. Its basically data input... and a few calculations hapa na pale.

I have a pal who does hacking for the NSIS chaps and believe me, he gets paid well. I.T is major... problem is getting good jobs. People want to pay less coz they don't appreciate what it takes to dev an app. Then the whole martet saturation aspect, guys are rolling out systems for 10k, if you tell a client you want like 120k they look at you like ur sick in the head or something.

[grip_daddy]

Originally Posted by dotNet

I think IT, like other Professional careers, should have a regulatory body. IT has allowed every Tom, Dikc and Hurry to venture into the market as long as someone can learn a few application codes here and there.

If regulation would be put in place (the CPA/Law styles that allow guys to acquire practicing certificates after rigorous qualification requirements), unnecessary competition would be wiped out.

[YB*]

Originally Posted by grip_daddy

If regulation would be put in place (the CPA/Law styles that allow guys to acquire practicing certificates after rigorous qualification requirements), unnecessary competition would be wiped out.

This is the kind of thinking that can be termed as imperialist, there's nothing like unnecessary competition. Who decides who is the player and who is not? certification should only be geared to protecting the consumer, not the service provider, as CPA does, I dont have to go for tuition in accounts, all I have to do is pass my exams, Same principle applies to KCPE, KCSE - kuna private candidates.

That said, yes a certification body or umbrella organisation should be set up, but not for the reason you stated. Consumer protection it should be.

IT is the first real truly 'skill' based career, mummy and Daddy dont have to be gabzillionaires to send you to MIT privately, your heart and brains are the driving force, and because you can learn at home, you hone your skills pretty fast, what this guy lacks is business skills and client management, also he may not be clear about environment analysis, he will burn himself eventually.

Its an equalised field, it dont matter if there is stuff for 10K hapo nje, its all about marketing, you can still sell yours at 120K, today in nai you can buy Jeans for 400 and others for 2,500 - all are making their margins.

[dotNet]

Question:
Anyone knows if any of our mobile phone carriers have a Mobile Phone Data Backup system? Say you upload all your contacts and sensitive data to their central server via a command, like the MPESA one for those who are familiar with this. Then in case you loose your phone all you need to do is send a message with your secret code to a particular number and your details are re-sent to the new handset you have. That way you don't loose your contacts and all.

[grip_daddy]

Originally Posted by dotNet

Question:

Safcom for sure has a backup but I'm not aware if they have a system you describe below:

in case you loose your phone all you need to do is send a message with your secret code to a particular number and your details are re-sent to the new handset you have. That way you don't loose your contacts and all.

What they do is to give you a print out of the numbers of your three months outgoing calls and maybe your phonebook (SIM) at a fee.

[grip_daddy]

Originally Posted by YB*

If it would be left open for most of the careers, then I can practice as an Auditor really easily. I have manuals and guidelines that direct me on the requirements and processes of an audit engagement.

Same applies to lets say Research. Even without proper qualifications from a recognized institution, there are some types of Research Operations that an individual can execute to satisfactory levels. What hinders some of us are the legal requirements thereby allowing certified researchers like Steadman Group to enjoy the profits.

Almost every other career has strict requirements for engagement even though anyone can master few skills here and there in them. I don't think it is such a big issue for really interested guys to go through rigorous procedures before being allowed to practice.

Or is it really a bright idea to treat IT as jua kali?

[dotNet]

Originally Posted by grip_daddy

Or is it really a bright idea to treat IT as jua kali?

I.T is an art and not a science as such. Its more to do with your analytical skills as an individual.. problem solving. That's why two people can use tha same language to do codes but unaona logic ni diff.. results achieved tho.

In fact the I.T syllabus in Kenya is just crap. You should see the course outline.

[keny@n]

Database development.
I believe if anyone is looking to cash in on Kenya in the future, it has to be devoloping database systems.
The amount of work that will need to be done is mind boggling. Think about it, whether the government wants to or not, they will have to build those databases in the future.
I'm not even talking about data based web applications but the actual generic database core.
If you are in Kenya, hebu find your nearest primo and high school and build them a searchable student database pronto as your pro bono (maybe donate a comp if need be).
Those small connections later on will stack up for a contract believe me.

The best thing about a developing economy and a clueless government is that theres only one way to go..
UP

Software development? Well, if you think you have the stamina to build (not customize) software to the Kenyan market, kudos to you. Otherwise, why really bother? Its probably been done elsewhere before and been cloned here already.
Unless the nyche is really specialised, I am yet to see any good software developed in this market that is not either an illegal clone or a 'name change' customization. And these are downloaded for a mere 100 bob cyber time.
Reverse engineering software may just be a lot more profitable though probably also pointless too due to all those available serials (mpaka for yet to be released software )
I don't even bother looking for software online anymore since a call to some kid in college with free 'high speed' internet and a lot of time to spare will always guarantee I have whatever I need. And for the cheap cost of a bunch of beers.
IPhone etc... Hehe, most owners of Iphones are a lot more interested in multimedia. Waste of time I believe.

[KILL PROPAGANDA]

Funny thing is my little bro who is about to join University is very keen on this software engineering stuff and I keep telling him it's hopeless. It sounds interesting here so it's a good thing he doesn't listen to my advise.

[msema ukweli Kabisa]

Originally Posted by keny@n

Database development.
I believe if anyone is looking to cash in on Kenya in the future, it has to be devoloping database systems.
The amount of work that will need to be done is mind boggling. Think about it, whether the government wants to or not, they will have to build those databases in the future.
I'm not even talking about data based web applications but the actual generic database core.
If you are in Kenya, hebu find your nearest primo and high school and build them a searchable student database pronto as your pro bono (maybe donate a comp if need be).
Those small connections later on will stack up for a contract believe me.

The best thing about a developing economy and a clueless government is that theres only one way to go..
UP

Software development? Well, if you think you have the stamina to build (not customize) software to the Kenyan market, kudos to you. Otherwise, why really bother? Its probably been done elsewhere before and been cloned here already.
Unless the nyche is really specialised, I am yet to see any good software developed in this market that is not either an illegal clone or a 'name change' customization. And these are downloaded for a mere 100 bob cyber time.
Reverse engineering software may just be a lot more profitable though probably also pointless too due to all those available serials (mpaka for yet to be released software )
I don't even bother looking for software online anymore since a call to some kid in college with free 'high speed' internet and a lot of time to spare will always guarantee I have whatever I need. And for the cheap cost of a bunch of beers.
IPhone etc... Hehe, most owners of Iphones are a lot more interested in multimedia. Waste of time I believe.

Umeongea kama wazee watano.

Good discussion , Stunner YP Grip DotNet and et all. Let me finish reading and will give my input