RIP Steve Jobs – You were definitely “Insanely Great”

“Insanely Great” – Steve Jobs

When he utilized these words to describe his invention, the MacIntosh computer, I wonder if it was a fortuitous statement or a declaration of what was to come from this pioneer.  If we all knew then, what we know now…

CenterEdge Software is a Microsoft driven company.  I make no apologies for this as Microsoft is the correct operating system with the perfect tools to get our mission accomplished.  However I would by lying not to admit that my personal life is not influenced greatly by Apple products: iPhones, iPods, iPads.  With 4 children how could I avoid such “sexy” toys?  Professionally he has had a more profound influence over me and CenterEdge.  I think many of us in the technology industry try to immitate his drive for innovation, his technical savvy, and his business philosophies.

CenterEdge Software‘s 9 Maxims for Success provided by Mr. Steve Jobs

“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” – Steve Jobs

“Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.” – Steve Jobs

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.” – Steve Jobs

“It comes from saying no to 1,000 things to make sure we don’t get on the wrong track or try to do too much.” – Steve Jobs

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.” – Steve Jobs

“It’s not about pop culture, and it’s not about fooling people, and it’s not about convincing people that they want something they don’t. We figure out what we want. And I think we’re pretty good at having the right discipline to think through whether a lot of other people are going to want it, too. That’s what we get paid to do.

We just want to make great products.” – Steve Jobs

“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

Congratulations Mr. Jobs for making a “ding in the universe”.  Your thoughts, innovations, and achievements will never be forgotten.  And…Thank You!  Thank you for everything you have done for all of us tech geeks, paving the way for our industry to flourish.