KVM switches allow a single operator to control multiple computers and they have evolved from patch panels and mechanical switches to digital KVM switches and KVM over IP devices. However they all involve some hardware switch device. The notion of “virtual KVM” involves using software to route the operator’s Keyboard output, Video input, and Mouse output to/from the target computer – over the IP network.

Synergy – virtual control of multiple computers

Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It’s intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s).

Redmine – Full project management portal

Redmine is a flexible project management web application written using Ruby on Rails framework.

I came across WireFrameSketcher whilst looking for an easy to use, extensible wireframe tool for help show clients concepts and ideas. This product appealed to me because:

• WireframeSketcher is an addin to Eclipse
• WireframeSketcher is easy to use
• WireframeSketcher is modular – in other words screens and wireframes can comprise other screens and wireframes (effectively templates and masters) which means that one change to the master has the effect of updating all child wireframes – BRILLIANT
• WireframeSketcher can easily export to both PDF and PNG graphics
• WireframeSketcher has a Storyboard facility which creates dynamic, hot linkable walk-throughs for the customer that can be easily exported
• WireframeSketcher works in XML format files, making it easy for me to re-use and create import and exports to other systems
• WireframeSketcher is plain and simple without so many options it takes weeks to learn
• WireframeSketcher integrates into most Eclipse based systems including Flex3 from Adobe
• WireframeSketcher has a free version that is NOT crippled except for an export cross on images

Another think I liked about Peter’s philosophy was that he was open to providing full versions for those people (like myself ) who were happy to blog about products that were actually very good at doing what they say they do!

Refactoring

After having used the software within Eclipse Helios, Ganymede and Flex3 Builder I found it very easy to use and integrate with other applications. WireframeSketcher has recently (within the last few days) been updated with ‘Refactoring‘. Refactoring overcomes the problems with linking to master screens and then changing the names or locations of those screens. Any changes are automatically propogated via Eclipse – WireframeSketcher now supports the plugins that support this feature.

In use, refactoring is a MAJOR saving of time… When screens are created they inevitably get created in an unorganised manner. As time goes on the repositories for the screens gets tidied up and re-vamped. Refactoring allows you to move and rename objects without breaking all your wireframe designs – this is VERY useful!

Extensible Palette

The WireframeSketcher’s extensible palette option extends the concepts of assets so that you create and maintain your own repository of objects to be used within your wireframe. These objects can be images or screens (master). The rendering in the palette shows a small preview of the object which can be further divided sown into categories for grouping purposes. This is a great concept and works really well within the whole Eclipse framework.

Other useful WireframeSketcher facilities

Generallyy speaking wireframeSketcher works straight out of the box, it’s simple to use and install within any Eclipse based environment. I was using this tool within minutes and have added it to my essential tools. Wireframing is key to creating good customer feedback and helps so much with the design process; before critical resources have been allocated ideas can be shown for approval.

Overall here are the main aspects I love about WireframeSketcher:

• It’s EASY to use (I was using this tool within minutes)
• It uses COMPONENTS. Screens and wireframes are composed of other screens and components, which means one update affects multiple screens instantaly
• It utilises HOTSPOTS so that links work, and enables a create INTERACTIVE prototype to be demonstrated to the customer.
• It has support for STORYBOARDS. It will even bundle the storyboard automatically into a single file PDF that can be sent to the customer – including all hotspots.
• It uses a good selection of generic WIDGETS provided with the installation
• It’s easy to UPDATE (of course via Eclipse!)
• It uses a set of WIKI syntax to create options within the WIDGETS – for example in the tab control, you can set which tab is enabled and highlighted, the Treeview control has mutliple otptions for the look and feel that can all be set within the actual widget.
• There is the start of a MOCKUPS GALLERY that has a small selection of completed screens that would be useful for starting projects (for example there is an iPhone selection for prototyping iPhone applications)
• WireframeSketcher shows GUIDE LINES on the screen when objects line up properly and also allows nudging, zooming, etc. with keyboard controls for accuracy.
• WireframeSketcher comes with a great collection (over 140) of icons for contours in various sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) so that adding arrows and icons for forms is merely a question of selecting from a list (again all keyboard controlled if required)
• There is much much more than discussed here! Lastly I love the fact that the whole system is based on open XML formats – which means that each wireframe could easily be repurposed for other systems.

In summary, WireframeSketcher is a comprehensive system that allows effective wireframing within the Eclipse environment. For any developer out there using Eclipse, I would say without hesitation that this addin should be at the top of your list and your design process. It is worth every penny of the official registration, and allows another dimension to the development cycle – especially if you already use Eclipse for your development platform. 5 out of 5.

Goto: http://wireframesketcher.com/index.html

http://www.projectinabox.org.uk/portability.asp

Project In A Box just goes from strength to strength. Now supplied in four versions including the community edition (CE); which is free. This software can be run in a portable mode enabling you to take the project management framework (Prince2) with you wherever you go, this is especially important for consultants who need to take all the project documentation with them.

The Community Edition is used by many training companies as it covers the full Prince2 Framework and comes with the Prince2 templates as standard, which can be customised and tailored for the company. Not only does the community edition cover all the aspects of Prince2 2005 but now comes standard with compliance for 2009 and DSDM Atern the agile method. The CE edition is multi-language and can be customised with your own translation file if required. Once familiar with the Community Edition you can upgrade to the full Personal Edition whilst keeping all your existing settings and templates.

The Personal Edition is a DotNet application utilising the Microsoft Framework which is available on most PC’s. This enables the software to be run from a USB memory stick and completely portable, whilst only having a small disk space and memory overhead. The application is fast as well.

In practice the application runs very well and because of the inbuilt ‘version control’ you can always revert or review privious editions of the Prince2 artifacts throughout the project. Apparently CE is now used by over 50,000 users WorldWide and provided by most of the official Prince2 ATO’s as part of the course materials.

Sometime ago I wrote a tiddlywiki on Prince2. Mostly notes and musings when I was taking the Prince II practitioners exam. Some of you may find it interesting. The thing I really liked was using the tiddlywiki wiki engine which allows you to create a completely self contained wikki that can be edited locally on your PC and then uploaded to the web for others.

Also see my posting on Prince2 (as I am a Prince2 practitioner )

Interesting Links for Prince2

1. The Official Prince2 website
2. The Prince2 2009 official templates

Komodo Edit 4 is a free, multi-language editor that makes it easy to write quality code. Focus on what your code can do; let your editor sweat the details. Background syntax checking and syntax coloring catch errors immediately, while AutoComplete and CallTips guide you as you write. Available on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.

Download Komodo IDE from here

From the same organisation you can download the brilliant ActivePerl and ActivePython. Also checkout all the code (easily downloaded) that you can learn from here.

via Komodo | ActiveState Community Site.

I also did  a ‘map’ of all the documentation of the Prince2 framework showing where the document is created, where it’s output and where it’s updated. This is a crucial document for the exam as it helps answer many questions and acts as a good crib sheet; especially when you’re panicking and running out of time!

Read my PrinceII tiddlywiki information with all matters relating to PrinceII. This is a downloadable and editable wiki that can run on your own PC for PrinceII information at your fingertips! I have also created a PrinceII product process matrix that helps to understand what documents are required and which process in PrinceII creates and maintains them.

This video helps to explain both the current weaknesses in the exam system for PrinceII plus the reasoning behind the new exam structure.

Starting up a Project
This process occurs before a project has started, it involves getting the people who make decisions together and appointing a Project Manager to manage the project. Together they will outline reasons for the project and how it is to be carried out. This information is put into the “Project Brief”. Carrying out this process gives the project a very clear beginning.

Directing a Project
To begin a project it must be approved by a group of senior managers called the ‘Project Board’. A basic principle of PRINCE2 is management by exception. That means that while the Project Board take overall responsibility for the success of the project they will entrust the Project Manager with the day to day management. The Project Manager will keep the Project Board informed of the Project’s progress with regular reports.

Initiating a Project
For a project to be approved it must be carefully planned to ensure that it meets its objectives. This requires making detailed estimations of costs, time and other resources. The Project Manager puts these into what is called a “Project Initiation Document” for approval by the “Project Board”.

Controlling a Stage
PRINCE2 projects are divided into manageable stages to ensure the project remains manageable and controlled. The number of stages will depend on the size of the project and the level of risk. In PRINCE2 each project stage must be completed before starting the next and each new stage is planned in the stage proceeding it. The Stage Plans will be approved by the Project Board to help ensure that the project remains within budget and delivers its objectives.

Managing Stage Boundaries
This process involves preparing for the next stage and reviewing the current stage. It includes the Project Manager making suggestions to the Project Board about the likelihood of the project achieving its business objectives and any changes in the business case, project plan, risks and issues. Having clear stage boundaries allows a project to be controlled and managed by permitting the project to continue only once the Project Board is satisfied with the current stage end and next stage plan.

Planning
Each project plan, stage plan and team plan must consider key planning aspects. These including what products to produce, the activities required to produce these products, estimated resources (including costs and time), scheduling the activities and analysing risks. By following the PRINCE2 planning process all these points are conducted in a sensible, logical sequence. Ensuring consistency enables plans to be compared and streamlines the planning process.

Managing Product Delivery
PRINCE2 projects deliver products. A product could be a physical thing such as a poster or it could be an intangible deliverable such as a service or sales agreement. In fact everything produced in PRINCE2 (even a document) is called a product! Often a Project Manager does not create the product. A 3rd party supplier and/or their colleagues may do some or all of the work. It is the project manager’s responsibility to ensure that the supplier produces the correct products at the right time by providing a description of the work to be done.

Closing a Project
Once the project has delivered its products it is closed down, with approval from the Project Board. The Project Manager plans what will be done to evaluate the project’s outcome (called the “Post Project Review”). A controlled close down is in effect the last demonstrable PRNCE2 project action. Any lessons learned are recorded, resources are released and the Post Project Review Plan is created.

PRINCE2 key concepts
The key concepts that are fundamental to PRINCE2 are control, quality, planning, lessons learned and risk management. These are outlined below.

Control
Being able to control your project is key to its success. The larger something is the more difficult it is to control. For this reason PRINCE2 breaks down projects into easily managed stages, essentially breaking a large project into ‘bite size chunks’. In addition defining stages introduces clear decision points, called stage boundaries that help control the project. PRINCE2 stage boundaries need clear management structures that make decisions.

Quality
To ensure that a product (or service) meets the customer’s quality expectations these must be defined and agreed when a project is being planned. Throughout a PRINCE2 project work continuously monitored to ensure that these quality standards are met. In PRINCE2 there are documents and techniques that ensure quality is managed such as the Quality Log, Quality Reviews and Project Quality Plan.

Planning
In PRINCE2 planning does not end once the project has started. One of the reasons PRINCE2 breaks down projects into small manageable stages is that they are much easier to plan. Of the 8 PRINCE2 processes all but one involve planning. Even the final process called “Closing a Project” involves the planning of the Post Project Review.

Lesson Learned
Every time we carry out a project we learn something. Very often mistakes are made, what is important is that mistakes are not repeated. When projects in organisations fail or contain mistakes are they learned from? Are lessons learned written down so others don’t repeat them? PRINCE2 has a clear process for recording lessons learned and creating a report for others to reference. All lessons; mistakes, ideas or successes are captured in the Lessons Learned Log. At the end of the project these are collated into a Lessons Learned Report, allowing others in the organisation to benefit from them.

Is PRINCE2® in the public domain?
It depends. It depends on what you think ‘public domain’ means. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law © 1996, public domain is:

“the realm or status of property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone”

PRINCE2 is protected by copyright. By definition, therefore, PRINCE2 is NOT in the public domain.
LaunchPad Professional (Single User)

http://www.spoce.com/PRINCE2%20launchpaddesc.htm

LaunchPad Professional (£99+vat) has been authored to help support the introduction and use of the PRINCE2 Method for individual users. For a site-wide solution, see Corporate PRINCE at the bottom of this page.

LaunchPad Professional provides a set of template documents and launch buttons which enable users to get up and running with PRINCE2 within a few minutes!

Integral within LaunchPad is a set of “help” files which explain the eight key Processes which are the drivers for the PRINCE2 project. Key documentation templates can also be loaded from each of the process help pages. Additional help pages, derived from Ken Bradley’s best selling “Understanding PRINCE2″ provide a very readable and easily understood reference. Also included is the full Acrobat Reader version of Ken Bradley’s “Understanding PRINCE2″.

Read my tiddlywiki on Prince2 here