Lead Analyst, Developer Platforms Strategy (Updated April 30, 2008)

Directions on Microsoft is seeking a developer platforms guru to join our team of computing technology experts.

Directions on Microsoft is an INDEPENDENT and trusted research firm (founded in 1992) focused exclusively on Microsoft. We provide information services in print and on the Web for people whose job depends on knowing what Microsoft is doing and where it's heading. Executives around the world rely on our product and technology roadmaps, in-depth research reports, ongoing news and analysis, executive organization charts, and briefing and advisory services.

Our Team. Directions on Microsoft analysts typically have 15+ years of industry experience, some in technical positions, some in high-tech journalism. Our offices are on the Lake Washington waterfront a short distance from Microsoft headquarters—you won't find a more idyllic work setting. Plus, you'll have the option to telecommute for the majority of your work week.

Your Responsibilities. You will research, understand, and communicate strategic shifts in core Microsoft developer platforms, tools, and technologies, such as .NET Framework, ASP.NET, Silverlight, Visual Studio, as well as developer aspects of products such as Exchange, SharePoint, Communications Server, and Dynamics. For each technology, you'll evaluate its architecture and capabilities, its strategic importance to customers and Microsoft, the kinds of applications and environments it is best suited for, the skill set required to use it, how it relates to or overlaps with other Microsoft developer options, its limitations and advantages compared to alternatives, how it is likely to evolve (or be phased out) over time, and any other important considerations related to its use.

You'll contribute approximately 5,000 words per month to our services, deliver occasional telebriefings, and provide advisory services to our customers. You'll stay up-to-date on Microsoft technologies and track the developer community by reading, experimenting with the technology, attending conferences (some invitation-only events on the Microsoft campus), and questioning our many contacts at Microsoft. You'll field questions from our customers, who are senior technical and business decision-makers—not system administrators or developers working day-to-day with IT systems. You will use your industry experience and technical acumen to separate substance from marketing hype, and make the complex seem simple without sacrificing accuracy.

Your Qualifications. You have 10+ years experience using or designing development platforms, including experience with programming and project management, and have broad exposure to Microsoft developer-related technologies. You understand the "mind set" of corporate IT departments and system integrators building custom software on top of Microsoft development platforms, and commercial ISVs building products for resale. You love learning about and analyzing technologies and explaining their significance to others, and can work with little or no direction.

You can communicate with customers effectively, verbally and in writing, and can explain complex technical topics to people with limited technical backgrounds. You enjoy working with intelligent peers, accept their feedback willingly, and put it to constructive use. Above all, you can help a customer justify technology recommendations to a senior manager, by explaining the technology's benefits to a business, as well as its risks.

You have at least a Bachelor’s degree, plus 10 to 15 years' industry experience that demonstrates knowledge of enterprise computing and development platforms, and the ability to take a customer's perspective. Resourcefulness, strong verbal skills, and rigorous organization skills are a must. Experience with Web development and Web services is a plus.

Benefits. We offer a superb compensation package that includes pension, 401(k), and health benefits. We also offer a relaxed and collegial work environment, plus a flexible work schedule with the option to telecommute part of the week. Travel requirements are minimal. This position requires relocation to the Seattle area.

To apply for this position, e-mail your resume and writing samples to jparker@directionsonmicrosoft.com or fax them to 425.739.0339.