Acknowledgments

Although the cover of this book lists my name in isolation, its conception and creation would not have been possible without the support and assistance of a host of people. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with and be inspired by some fantastically capable and knowledgeable colleagues, both in IBM Rational Software and beyond. Working with them and seeing what they have achieved is what has driven me to strive for the same heights. In particular, thanks must go to the IBM Rational FSS field team, where I seem to have been unwittingly ensconced over the last few years. Through them, and the many wild and wonderful customers we support, I have had the opportunity to practice lots of my ideas and be inspired by new ones.

In terms of the machinations of this book, support and guidance from the team at IBM Press have been unwaveringin particular, support for the editing process from Mary-Kate Murray, Chris Zahn, and Bill Zobrist. A special thanks to all the people who put time in to review the book. Their constructive comments and ideas have, I believe, made the reading experience all the more enjoyable: Brad Appleton, David Bellagio, Jennie Brown, Jim Dunion, Celso Gonzalez, Michael Harris, Roger Jarett, Stephan Mühlstrasser, and Ryan Sappenfield.

Finally, I wish to thank my family for their love and support, especially my wife, Louise, who has put up with my many disappearing acts in the evening and on weekends, when I have hidden myself away trying to write and rewrite the contents contained within. I appreciate her absolute faith in me.