As I gradually open my eyes, I realize that I have been transported to an unknown place. It's somewhat dark. I look around; but no one was in sight. Distant glowing lights in the form of a grid-like pattern give a faint visibility. It seems like a virtual world, as if taken from a science fiction movie. Despite some initial apprehension, I am beginning to feel at ease and starting to realize my true purpose of being here. I know now what I'm supposed to do.
I sway my hand like a magician, and immediately a few small spheres appear in front of me. They remain suspended in mid air like distinct entities, completely unaware of one another. These spheres are indestructible, and together, they will build the framework for something bigger to come.
I swing my hand again. This time, a few planetary nebulae begin to form. As they start taking shape, they begin to encapsulate some of the spheres grouping them together in the process. Once the nebulae are completely formed, they begin to float on some celestial plain. All of them have very distinct characteristics keeping them apart from one another. Every now and then, I can see beams of lights shooting across one another, as if they are engaged in some form of cosmic collaboration. The sole purpose of these spheres is to facilitate anyone or anything seeking their service.
Next, my magical work gives rise to an entity of galactic proportion. This entity is in a constant state of flux. It’s moving, working and continuously doing its duties at an extremely rapid pace. The entity is engaged in transforming, assembling/disassembling, orchestrating and tracking multitude of information like a maestro. At the same time, the entity is also seamlessly interacting with unknown external forces as well as some of the planetary nebulae created moments ago.
My final creations in this virtual universe are a set of lightweight clouds. As soon as they are formed, they begin to float maintaining just enough distance from all the other entities. These clouds are capable of interacting with all the entities in this space. At the same time, it also serves as an interface to humanity.
I am starting to feel very good about my creation. I feel confident that these could be something remarkable. As I am just about to put the final touches, I am awakened by some loud voices. Suddenly, I find myself sitting behind a desk, and there is no sign of virtual universe. Three men dressed in dark black suits are standing across, and trying to scream something to me. Each man are flashing a card towards me, and trying to speak at the same time. It's hard to make out their words. It's also difficult to focus on the flash cards and read the tiny letters. So, I turn towards the first man. The card he is holding contains an 8 or 9 digit long number. What is that? I ask. The man replied “this is the targeted revenue; the number we must meet by hook or by crook”. I turn towards the second man. His card seems to have three numbers - 5, 3 and 2. I ask the man what those numbers represent. He said "you must deliver 5 projects in 3 months with 2 resources". I am about to respond to the second man; but the third man interrupted me by holding his card right in front of my face. It has two zeroes. What does it mean I inquire? "Zero new resources for your tasks and zero time for your dream", the man answered with a strong voice. As soon as this man finished his words, a fourth man appeared out of nowhere. This man is full of praise and encouraging words for my team and I. He is also laying out future plans along with bold new promises. I can't help but gradually tune him out. These words are not new to me, as I begin to ponder. I have heard them over and over again.
Corporate America repeatedly does that to us, the IT professionals. As a software architect, I am always faced with many challenges as well as excitements. I know I can always dream big; however, the reality is not always pleasant.