FASTforward’09 Interview: Rob Helm, director of research, Directions on Microsoft
by Joshua-Michéle Ross
Rob says, in response to a question, that “search is almost a misnomer” given it now goes further than simple search to power new technologies for structuring information and how we analyze and access it, and goes on to discuss the findability of unstructured information, his view of Microsoft’s acquisition of FAST, one year on, and the future of enterprise search.
BIO: As director of research, Rob Helm leads the analyst team and directs coverage of Microsoft’s shifting product roadmap and corporate organization. His 11 years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology and strategy allows him to discern the company’s overall direction from the sometimes confusing and contradictory signals it sends to customers and the industry. Rob previously has led Directions coverage of Microsoft’s database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platforms. His 13 years of prior experience in the computer industry include research on advanced developer tools, optimization of cluster applications, design of network protocols at the University of Oregon, and design and implementation of databases for the U.S. Navy. Rob received his B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and his M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.
