CEO Column: Cultivating Software

Rob Pock
Founder and CEO
TCS Healthcare Technologies

I have been in the software business for almost 35 years. In my newest profession (though perhaps “hobby” is a more appropriate term), I have two years of experience. My latest endeavor is to become a wine-maker of sorts -- albeit through a small vineyard with about 100 young plants in my backyard.

Not surprisingly, I am intrigued with the numerous parallels between developing and maintaining software code and the challenges and opportunities associated with cultivating the vine.

When it comes to wine-making, before grapes can be planted, the right soil and climate must first be selected to optimize fruit production. With health information technology, the application must be built using the best source code and database structure.

During the first years of cultivation, the vines are establishing an effective root system, being pruned and watered to optimize the growth. In a similar vein, building the right foundation for a software application also takes design work, drafting effective lines of code, and extensive quality assurance testing to ensure the results will provide a solid base that will serve the client for many years.

In both cases, customer satisfaction is paramount. Does the wine deliver a well-balanced taste? Does it complement or detract from the meal it is served with? Does the medical software program enhance workflows as advertised and does it improve clinical and financial outcomes?

Once harvested, the next generation of grapes must be cared for like the previous crop. The vineyard owner is always planning in view of harvest years down the road. Once launched, software applications require upgrades on a routine basis as well. Software applications can become irrelevant and outdated if not updated and maintained. Code, like vines and wine, need constant attention.

TCS prides itself in communicating with and surveying its customers to ensure we have a complete understanding of their needs. Any constructive feedback is appreciated and the issue addressed as soon as possible. Perhaps that’s why so many customers have stuck with our care management software offerings for decades. Perhaps, just like a fine wine, TCS gets better with age. But every vintage of wine and software code have new challenges.

Give us a call if you want to learn how TCS plans to stay on the cutting edge of software development and delivery. Oh, and stay tuned…my first production run of wine will be ready in about three years.