Moments with David Strom

    In this issue of CyberNews, we are happy to present an interview
with a leader in the field of network computing. I guess in a punnish
sort of way you could say he started Network Computing.
    David Strom is a revered member of the press who not only reports
and writes about the happenings of the computer world, but is also
looked to for a leadership and visionary role.
    He started Network Computing and turned the magazine from an
industry also ran to the premier information source for network
administrators. Currently, he owns his own computer consulting company
and writes a column for InfoWorld called ON SITE which deals with real
world issues in the networking arena.
    We held the interview via Internet email, I from my PC and David
from his wireless device! Enjoy!

CYBER:  How did you get started in the PC business? How long have you
        been in the business?

STROM:  I have been using a PC since the early days of the Apple II and
        the classic IBM 64 k machines in the late 70s. I was always
        interested in technology, having programmed in Basic since high
        school days on a teletype (I may be dating myself here)
 
        I really got my start in the "business" by working as the R&D
        manager for a small software startup called FutureSoft
        Synergies, which was funded by a bunch of guys that made their
        money from Software AG/Adabase. (And nothing to do with the
        FutureSoft comms company in present existence.) I was in charge
        of getting their Applesoft Basic programs ported over to the IBM
        platform (this was in 1982).  That got my appetite going for
        doing more work with computers. Since then I have held all sorts
        of jobs, ng end-user support, journalism, and now running my own
        consulting firm, where I help the product vendors of mostly
        networking products make better products.


CYBER:  No one can just "do computers" all the time. Do you hit the golf
        course? Play a little ping pong? What?

STROM:  What spare time I have goes towards doing things with my family.
        Physical things including biking and swimming, which I would
        love to say that I do year round but who are we kidding?


CYBER:  What's the next defining leap in networking? The wiring or the
        NOS?

STROM:  I think the actual exciting developments will be in the client.
        Chicago/Windows 95 has lots of good networking things built-in:
        NetWare peer servers, NetWare clients, modem drivers, etc.
        That's going to make a big impact, similar to what Apple did by
        putting that localtalk port on the back of every computer.


CYBER:  Just for grins, what kind of car do you drive?

STROM:  A five year old Mazda MPV van. But most of the time I either
        walk or take planes to where I have to go. I am probably in the
        air at least three times a month.


CYBER:  Of all time, what are your top five PC/network based
        applications?
        
STROM:  Eudora: it is one of the best email products around, and I spend
        lots of time every day using it.
        Discport from Microtest. The ability to share CD ROMs over a
        NetWare network from either a Mac or a PC client is amazing,
        useful, and cost-effective.
        PC/Anywhere from Symantec. Remote control application that keeps
        getting better
        Open Mind from DCA/Attachmate. The ability to share ideas over a
        network and how they have implemented it is extremely exciting.
        Ericsson's wireless Mobidem. While still a long ways from where
        it could be, ever since I got this thing and started using
        wireless email my work habits have changed forever. Indeed, this
        message is being sent to you via the device.

CYBER:  What is the best challenge in working with technology?

STROM:  There is always something new every day. And, there is so much
        that doesn't work as advertised that it sometimes gets
        frustrating when you want to get some actual work done and not
        just play with technology all day long.


CYBER: 	What's the best movie you have ever seen?

STROM:  Boy, that is a tough one. I'd have to say that anything Kubrick
        has directed has had a big impact on me: 2001, Strangelove, etc.


CYBER:	What is your favorite on-line service or BBS?

STROM:  The Internet, bar none. Always something going on, always
        changing, and sometimes broken (or at least my on-ramp).


CYBER: 	What's the best city you have traveled to? Why?

STROM:  Vancouver, BC. It has all the geographic niceties of Seattle
        with a nice Canadian/British flavor, and a lot less people.


CYBER: 	What's the latest magazine you have read?

STROM:  Hard to say, since I read about a dozen different trades a week,
        along with a few for enjoyment. Being a former editor in chief
        (I started Network Computing), I tend to read a lot of
        publications.