Moving from Purple to Orange
I left JAJAH late January after four interesting years. I still have some friends in JAJAH (I think) and some which are not anymore (pretty sure). I recently saw some posts about JAJAH launching services with O2. I am glad that the integration of JAJAH services and technology into O2 is progressing well. I think that JAJAH impact on O2 services may go way beyond what is currently implemented, and I guess this will be figured out sooner or later. I am very curios to see the long lasting impact on a small technology company on a large mobile operator, if this works well, it will resonate through out the mobile industry. Disruption from the inside, pretty nice, hope the guys understand this mission.
It took me several long month to join Vonage, which were not simple in many aspects. During this time I was involved with two start-up companies Karaboo (that will launch a new cool version in the next few days) and Talkatives (that took life of it’s own with a new CEO) . It’s hard to explain in words the ‘need’ to create, I don’t know how to express myself in singing, or dancing or painting, I can only do software products. It might be pompous, but for me software development and product creation is an Art. It’s not for money, it’s not for fame – it’s the need to express oneself…
At first I didn’t really think I’ll join Vonage, it took several long months for me to get to know the people. On the other hand, it also took a lot of time and convincing to get me into JAJAH in the first place. Maybe it just takes me time. I’m glad I jumped on that ship though. This is by far the most talented group of individuals I ever worked with. It’s kind of amazing how such a large group of talented people have gathered around from various places around the world with a joint missing to disrupt the communications industry. We released our first product last week TalkFree – which spreads like wild fire. But this is only the beginning.
I’m fortunate to work for a company that gives the space and means to innovate and create without muddy politics and personal aspirations (and no, I’m not up to salary review any time soon…).
I moved from Purple (JAJAH) or Orange (Vonage). For me, Purple represents the boyhood, noisy, kick-ass approach JAJAH once had, and Orange is the mature passion burning to give a new perspective on communications.
But let’s put things in perspective, we release products, as successful as they may be, but we are all just people, we came from the same place and end in a similar place, and there’s still a lot more in life…