Meet 'David Goon, he's an ADC.
- Hello, who are you?
Hi – My name is David Goon and I’m an Application Development Consultant working at Microsoft.
- Have you always worked in the ADC Team?
No – I used to be a freelance developer in my youth (when I still had it) and then joined Intel for a couple of years working on their 24/7 Yield Analysis tools. I then joined Microsoft in 2000 as part of the Regional Support Centre, moving to the Global Technical Support Centre before joining ADC in 2004.
- What sort of technologies do you use as an ADC?
Windows Mobile development is where it’s at! The .NET Compact Framework, SQL Server Compact and various other technologies that are related to the Microsoft mobile platform. Additionally, I also dabble in the desktop framework from time to time.
- What do you enjoy about working at Microsoft?
It’s a great place full of very smart, passionate and helpful people. There is also constant change and challenges from new technology, dynamic markets and stiff competition to keep you on your toes. The best thing is the freedom to do your job the way you see fit.
- How do you keep skills up to date with the latest technologies?
We have contacts in the product groups and we generally get some initial views of technology that way. Normally, it’s a case of getting your hands dirty and cutting some code to see what works and what doesn’t. Playing with CTPs and Betas are a good way of staying on top of things. There’s also plenty of good information in blogs and videos out on the Internet nowadays.
- What software do you use as part of your role?
Visual Studio Team Suite is probably the main ‘application’ I use together with the great Windows Mobile emulators that allow device development without needing the hardware. A lot of time is spent communicating though, so Outlook and Outlook Mobile, Office Communicator and Office Live Meeting are all handy tools.
- How would you describe a typical day as an ADC?
Listen, Drill down, Listen, Identify, Listen, Analyse, Listen, Research, Listen, Rationalize, Listen, Recommend, Listen. As you can see understanding our customers is a big part of our day, and it is something we take quite seriously.
- What’s your technology of the moment?
Windows Mobile, what else? We’ve now got rumblings of Silverlight 2 for Mobile, Sync Framework for Devices and other exciting bits in the pipeline.
- What’s your best and worst moment as and ADC?
The best moments are when a customer tells me they’ve shipped successfully. It validates all the advise and it’s a wonderful feeling to have added value to the endeavour. As to the worst moment, I’ve been through some uncomfortable situations when pressure was high and politics come into play in crisis situations but there’s no real event that I can define as being an all time low. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
- Thanks for your time; do you have a closing comment?
If you want to find out more about working with (or being) an ADC or about Windows Mobile, I’m more than happy to chat.