tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080077621115609830.post1262598108525244776..comments2023-02-28T04:27:34.271-04:00Comments on jrose.ca: campaigning to innovateJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10802691019715076243noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080077621115609830.post-69485846111382451962009-05-30T12:23:20.118-03:002009-05-30T12:23:20.118-03:00More thoughts on this topic here.More thoughts on this topic <A HREF="http://jeffgcca.blogspot.com/2009/05/campaigning-to-innovate-redux.html" REL="nofollow">here</A>.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12325141101347732395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080077621115609830.post-17941377987556663112009-05-25T12:08:40.246-03:002009-05-25T12:08:40.246-03:00It's a very good point. The idea of standardizing ...It's a very good point. The idea of standardizing on any one platform is, I believe, counterproductive in the long term; whether (as in your example) that's IE or Firefox. Sure, some things might seem easier at the moment if you assume that you have a homogenous environment. But using open standards wherever possible will better serve the citizens and the public servants who work for them, and prepare your infrastructure for the future.<br /><br />I really think that should be a primary goal when assessing a technology. Don't use something that is going to tie the hands of people in the future. Encourage the use of a variety of platforms and applications among staff, to help ensure that new systems will work across them. (This approach would have prevented the IE-only JavaScript in your example from ever being used.) <br /><br />As a rhetorical example, Sharepoint is one of the most popular platforms for internal collaboration across enterprises. But is it right for the Federal Government? A primary consideration should be whether it locks workers into any sort of standardized platform. If you have to be a Microsoft shop to use it effectively, then I would argue that it should not be used in a publicly funded department. In other words, I think the government should have a higher level of responsibility for accessibility and standards than a company.<br /><br />(Note I'm using Sharepoint as an example only - I have no idea how usable its collaboration tools are if you're not using Microsoft tools on the client side).<br /><br />Anyway, I hope people do carefully consider your points when they look to vote up or down ideas. There can often be a cost beyond what's obvious.Patrickhttp://twitter.com/patlajnoreply@blogger.com