...I met a woman called Anne Currie. Two weeks ago, I went to the ISV Innovation Day in Manchester (see blog post 9th Nov) and I met Anne Currie - who was one of only two women attending the event! I took the opportunity to find out about her experiences of working with Microsoft.

Who is Anne Currie?
I started out twelve years ago as a software developer, and then moved into management. A little over a year ago, I decided it was time to take the plunge and set up a business of my own. I co-founded a software company called workingProgram, and we've just launched our first application: a time tracking product called Qlockwork.

Have you always been interested in technology?
I've always been interested in how things work, so I studied Physics at university. I went on to do a spell at CERN in Geneva in the early nineties, but found nuclear physics a little too impractical for me. However, while I was there my head was turned by programming and the web and I haven't looked back since.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Like most kids I had dreams of changing the world, it wasn't until university that I realised computers were the way to do it. Fortunately, by then I was a bit less of a megalomaniac - the world is probably safe from me!

You haven’t always worked at workingProgram, have you? What made you hand in your notice and start-up workingProgram?
It was the challenge. I'd worked on every part of product development from pre-sales to field operation, but never seen one product through from start to finish. When I realised there was a product I wanted to develop, with a solid business case, I had to go for it. Fortunately, I was able to persuade an excellent software architect to join me. So far, we've had a great time and learned an enormous amount.

How do you find the experience of being a Microsoft Partner?
The EmpowerISV program really got us off the ground. Without the software we got from Microsoft, it would have been hard to get the product quality we wanted. I would urge anyone who isn't already on EmpowerISV to look into it, it makes life that much easier.

How has Microsoft helped workingProgram?
EmpowerISV was invaluable. Certified status seems to have similar benefits, and isn't that expensive, so we'll probably certify.

What do you think Microsoft could improve?
I'd like to see more of other Microsoft partners in the UK. There was a good "Microsoft Innovations Day" in Manchester last week; I learned a lot from talking to other partners and I'd like more opportunity to talk to them.

When you’re not working, how do you relax?
When I look at my Qlockwork log for the weekend it's clear I don't relax as much as I should! In the years BQ (Before Qlockwork) I was a keen painter, now I spend most of my free time with my family and friends.

Microsoft Empower for ISV's has been designed to help you succeed when developing software on the Microsoft platform. Find out more or enrol.

Posted by Emma