dgm2 to dgmPro ---- inevitable migration problems
As I write this, DGM-UK is in the midst of an unenviable situation, that of migrating from one platform to another as they set to release dgmPro. It's very much like working on replacing or enhancing the foundation of a structure while continuing to retain the existing one. Obviously, we come to expect a bit of instability and a lot of inconvenience, and I think dgm2 users are probably faced with the same scenario.
I used the word "unenviable situation" because companies are often faced with a "damned if you do, damned if you don't situation (at least in the immediate short term)". How long can we afford to wait before we need to enhance our systems? How quickly should we move from one system to another? Can we afford to wait to roll out a "perfect piece of software"? (I'd be surprised to find one!). The reality is that in today's dynamic world and at the pace at which products and services are rolled out, neither the business, the marketer or the customer (read "affiliate") can or would like to wait for the perfect solution. For, that would probably mean every body leaving a lot on the table...
Dgm2 seems to have run its course, and the company had to take the decision to move on to another system. The problems that users faced or are facing, I believe, are the inevitable consequences of that choice, which will hopefully be a precursor to something really better and rewarding once the problems have been ironed out (I'm an optimist !!).
Equally importantly, it's not only the technical systems that's undergoing a change at DGM---Simon Trigg has taken over as the MD for the UK operations and tasked with delivering results in the areas of strategic relationship management and integration of "industrial-strength" systems that can scale up and meet the changing needs of clients and partners in the next 2-3 years. Having spent almost a decade & half in B2B online services, Simon does bring a considerable wealth of experience to the position.
One of the first things Simon has done is to acknowledge that there have been problems--- in the delivery of the product as well as in communication with clients and partners. I think that is a critical first step to solve any problem-- to realize and acknowledge it. Simon has set about trying to improve on the communication issue ----the head of publishing is tasked to provide regular updates on the status of migration of clients to the new dgmPro on their website forum.
It's a good, positive beginning, something which I'm sure most affiliates--- especially those that have had some problems in the past-- would appreciate. But I think what affiliates would really welcome is what Simon had to say about the programs on offer--- apparently there are some interesting programs from Demon & Pipex in the pipeline in addition to the ones by Disneyholidays, Vodafone & Homechoice.
Seems like there is opportunity waiting in the wings -- let's keep fingers crossed!
Ben Flux
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