The human side of data storage
Angela Weisser and Jeff Davis
Published: 01 Feb 2005 15:10 GMT
In a 2002 interview, we introduced you to Peter Pecere, an enterprise storage management expert who told us, among other things, that he believes his IT job is "recession-proof". When we tracked him down for a follow-up conversation, he was working on a consulting gig in Minnesota and trapped in his hotel room due to snow. As usual he had plenty to say about the state of corporate storage management.
When we last spoke with you in 2002, you were a TSM Administrator/Consultant who specialised in disaster recovery techniques. Does 2005 find you working the same magic?
Yes, but I actually walked away from the industry in 2003 because I missed human contact and felt like I had lost sight of what was important in life. I spent a year composing music, reading, doing volunteer work -- some major soul searching, you know? I want to make a difference in people's lives. So I gained some perspective and came back after my present assignment recruited me. But I wouldn't consider what I do magic. However, using a similar terminology, I do feel that the technical world is somewhat of an illusion.
How do you mean?
Well, there is an unfortunate attitude in this industry that some of these computer guys take on. They pretend to be "holier than thou." They act almost as if they believe the company owes them something -- that's the illusion. The truth is the data management guys are there to support the business, and more specifically, the end user, not the other way around.
You sound a little jaded.
Not at all! I love computers. It's the culture of computers I don't much care for (the whole lack of human contact thing). I am not your stereotypical computer nerd. I'm the first to admit there is more to life than just sitting behind a computer screen. I suppose in an effort to make that connection, my approach to this industry is like this: First, you listen to what the company wants. Hear their heartaches and complaints; what they need and what they're not getting. It's as obvious as any other business relationship: Listen to what the customer wants!
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