From Coding Orders to Industry Transformation

My Unexpected Journey into the World of Coding

When I graduated from college, I landed my first job as an inbound consumer sales representative at a regional Bell Atlantic call center. Like many fresh graduates, I sought a stable and secure career path. Little did I know that those early days on the front lines would lay the foundation for an unexpected yet incredible journey into the world of technology.

The Hidden Tech in the '90s Call Centers

Back in the mid-nineties, customers relied on us for tasks like activating phone services, managing DAK calls, and disconnecting lines. The common misconception was that we had a magic switch to instantly flip services on or off. In reality, we were behind PCs, writing code daily to process these orders.

Our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP DOE) ordering platform was essentially HTML-based, and each order required meticulous coding. We were extensively trained, learning empathy, product knowledge, and the intricacies of building, scheduling, and completing customer orders. Our screens lit up in green and red, with green indicating a successful order, and red signaling the need for corrections. We were, unknowingly, early-day coders.

Realizing the Technological Prowess

Fast forward twenty years, and I finally understood the magnitude of our technological prowess. Initially, I thought my first real coding experience was the quintessential "Hello World" program. But in reality, my coding adventures began much earlier, during my days at Bell Atlantic. Although I can code today, I prefer low-code and no-code software solutions.

A Lifetime of Technological Evolution

Reflecting on my interactions with technology, I remember the excitement of using a remote control for the TV, the convenience of microwaves, the joy of VCRs, Walkmans, and cassette players, and the frustration and triumph of learning DOS. College years saw me typing essays on a word processor before upgrading to a Macintosh Performa. Despite brief stints with PCs, I've remained a loyal Mac user.

Seeing my son start college as a computer engineering major brings immense joy. It's fascinating to watch him excel and hear his perspective on what he calls "the olden days." Technology is ubiquitous, and many of us use it daily without realizing its profound impact.

Diving into the World of AI

My latest adventure involves exploring the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This field is simultaneously fascinating and daunting. Tools like Spring AI, an open-source framework, simplify AI engineering tasks. Spring AI promotes using Plain Old Java Objects (POJOs) as building blocks, aligning with the Spring ecosystem's principles of portability and modular design.

Spring AI's goal is to make AI development accessible and secure, addressing many challenges faced by developers today. It embodies the shift towards democratizing AI, enabling more people to harness its power without needing extensive coding skills.

From Selling Call Waiting to Transforming Industries

My humble beginnings involved selling call waiting, caller ID, and home voicemail services, it was a big deal (IYKYK). Today, I'm part of a team that's revolutionizing industries with cutting-edge technology. The transition from a 21-year career in a "phone company" to the forefront of AI innovation is a testament to the incredible advancements we've witnessed over the years.

The Future is Now

The rapid pace of technological evolution is both exhilarating and overwhelming. Looking back, I realize how far we've come and how much potential lies ahead. From coding orders to leveraging AI, the possibilities are endless.

For those curious about integrating AI into their operations, I encourage you to explore tools like Spring AI. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just beginning your tech journey, these tools can help you stay ahead in this fast-paced world.

Let's continue to innovate, learn, and push the boundaries of what's possible. The future of technology is bright, and we're all part of this incredible journey.