Twitter’s Learning Curve
CMM June 13th, 2008
I previously wrote about my frustration with Twitter’s growing pains. I know this is part of the start-up experience, but I was becoming frustrated by what I perceived to be Twitter’s lack of interest in solving the problem. Since blogging should be as much about the positive as the negative, I am happy to report that Twitter is taking steps to correct the problem (hat tip to Venture Beat).
First, Twitter’s chief architect has left the company. It is still speculation as to whether this was an amicable parting of the ways, but it is clear that Twitter has struggled to keep the service running in the days since his departure. As a lesson in entrepreneurship, sometimes key people have to go. This gives an opportunity for new blood to come on board with fresh perspective, energy and ideas. Maybe this is needed? Let’s face it, the simple service hasn’t really increased the robustness of its service in the 16 months I’ve been using it.
Second, Twitter has hired some mercenary software development staff form Pivotal Labs. Not to get the techno-geeks too excited, but this is like hiring the A-Team of software writing. On the down side, this is a mercenary team. Once the work is done, Hanibal and company collect big paychecks, enjoy a cigar, and move on to the next project. Let’s hope Twitter has someone to learn the new architecture and help it evolve with future needs.
As an interesting study in developmental strategy, I think Twitter has been forced into taking these steps. First, I don’t think they have any substantial intellectual property to protect their service. Second, many big name people in the tech business have hinted at the simplicity of Twitter’s architecture and an interest in creating a rival platform. I’ve heard that those efforts are being kept in stealth mode, but this could create an interesting environment for Twitter. Given the Townhall project by Microsoft (MSFT),I wouldn’t put it past MSFT to develop something in house. Lastly, Twitter experiences competitive pressure from Google acquisition Jaiku.
Image from casualgamedesign.com.
