RE: [cobalt-users] recents hacks CERT # 25583

["GPS" <gps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> Assuming one takes Cobalt's Marketing materials as a
>> given...Server appliances
>> to be used by Non-Linux, Non-System Administrators.
>>
>Exactly what I've said. Cobalt can't have it both ways. They can't sell a
>server appliance saying you need no Linux knowledge and then, when there's a
>problem with it, tell you that you need to have extensive Linux knowledge,
>or hire someone who does, to keep your "appliance" working.
>IMHO, they should have clearly posted warnings or disclaimers every time the
>site says you don't need Linux knowledge.
>--
>Dan Kriwitsky
>

That's all I'm saying too. Hell I don't advocate running to lawyers. In fact
I have very little use for them and in particular there are two lousy
incompetent lawyers here in Dallas that I would love to see encased in concrete
at the bottom of the Trinity river but that's another story.

What I DO advocate is:

1. Corporate Managers publicly admitting when they screw-up.  See Coca-Cola
2. Corporate Managers taking proactive responsibility no matter who's to blame. See Tylenol
3. Timely, responsible, empathic and helpful communications coming from a Company that so 
   many customers have placed their faith in to make their living. See ???
4. The customer is always right even when she/he's wrong and knowing how to tactfully
   explain and know the difference.
5. Corporate Managers being FORCED to a least have a rudimentary overview knowledge of the 
   technology that runs this industry. If a Internet Technology company CEO, VP or General Manager
   doesn't know how to correctly use e-mail, type a few commands on a Linux command line then
   she/he needs to get a job in something more appropriate like selling shoes. Board of Directors..
   listen up. Give your Executive Team a rudimentary Internet skills test that any high school kid
   could pass. If they flunk it...send em packing. You need Corporate Leadership that identifies
   and understands the Customer base. Same goes with the Marketing folks. 
   Dave Thomas of Wendy's knows how to eat hamburgers and he knows how to flip em. 
   Does Mr. DeWitt know how to install an RPM? Has he ever unhacked a Raq? 

This stuff is all covered in depth in any college-level Corporate Ethics textbook and dozens
of popular business press publications ala Tom Peters, A Passion for Excellence etc. 

Problem is though, books like that were published in 1985 when the Corporate Managers of new
tech companies were still in high school. 

Tony