A previous question about why people hate Microsoft was closed. This is an attempt at a somewhat more constructive question along the same general line. This one is both broader and narrower though. It's more general by being about software vendors in general, not just Microsoft. It's narrower by dealing only with management of software products.So, what steps should be taken (and/or avoided) in managing individual software products to assure that not only the individual products, but the company as a whole is respected/liked/seen in a positive light?
What mistakes in managing software products must be avoided to keep people from hating the vendor?
code quality;sdlc;product management
Most important is obviously to deliver a quality product.Other imporant topics:Honesty. Don't lie when the truth will come out sooner or later anyway.Reliabilty. Adhere to deadlines.Availability. Reply emails, pick up the phone.Willingness to cooperate. If it means to work with your closest competitor to make what the customer needs, do it and do it professinally. No dirty tricks that hurt the customer first.The last item on my list is probably what got MS such a bad reputation (though I think they are much better now in that respect); and it's even worse when small companies do that.