Off the SOA topic for this one, but perhaps interesting to SOA people nonetheless. I've noticed that there is a role that's been emerging over the last few years, one of a "Christmas Geek." Perhaps you're one, and you don't even know it. I love technology, always have, always will. Like many of you in your 40s, I started with computing as a hobbyist when I was a teenager, building computers, programming computer Off the SOA topic for this one, but perhaps interesting to SOA people nonetheless. I’ve noticed that there is a role that’s been emerging over the last few years, one of a “Christmas Geek.” Perhaps you’re one, and you don’t even know it. I love technology, always have, always will. Like many of you in your 40s, I started with computing as a hobbyist when I was a teenager, building computers, programming computers, and trading computers with friends. In college, besides more core computer courses, I repaired computers, wired networks, configured software, debugged operating systems, and supported a small office in a telecom company on nights and weekends (they actually made me wear a tie). When I entered the executive ranks, I found myself still involved with technology, both as somebody who enjoyed playing with new technology, but also as a contributing editor for PC Magazine and working inside of ZD Labs. In other words, I dig understanding things, and figuring things out for myself. I’m perhaps much like many of you. What’s occurred recently is that the number of high tech toys that are given as Christmas gift is off the charts. iPods, iPhones, GPSs, laptops, hi def TVs, are under the trees these days. However, what’s missing is somebody to actually show the recipients how to use them, or work around the inevitable problems that arise. Of course, the support lines are closed, you can’t get a “geeks on call” guy to the house on Christmas, so this Christmas I found myself not enjoying the day as much as fixing, debugging, and working through issues with new high tech toys for my friends and family…in other words I was a “Christmas Geek.” On Christmas day I debugged Windows so iTunes would load, created a network to support a Sling Box, enabled an iPhone so it works with an existing WiFi network, installed and configured a GPS, added a switch to create more ports on an existing router, and configured a HD TV so it was actually an HD TV. That was just the short list. I did not get to play with my toys into the next day. Oh, the work of a “Christmas Geek” is never done. Software Development