2 AM Saturday Phone Call

A couple of years back, when we were attempting to position OLS in the marketplace, I made special note of our team's operational experience as something that set us apart from a 'typical switch vendor.'  What I had said specifically was:

OLS’ competitive advantage is the collective experience and stability of our core team.  In contrast to the personnel churn that is a hallmark of major software and hardware suppliers in our market segment, OLS’ key employees have over 100 years of combined practice in the OLTP marketplace, designing, developing, installing and optimizing technologically superior systems for common business work processes.   

Moreover, the OLS team is ‘production-oriented.’  We understand the importance of up-time and the criticality of our customers’ systems.  We know that 2 A.M. phone calls are not uncommon…that installs and upgrades can take place at odd hours…that comprehensive ‘backout’ plans are a must…that problems usually can’t wait until morning.  This is more than an ‘approach.’  It’s an attitude.  It is critical to our success.  It does not come easily or cheaply.  Rather, it is hard-earned and well-honed over years of experience.

Okay, all well and good...but can I sue Hillary for stealing my idea?  She's tried to define herself (and her opponent in the process) with this 3 AM call on the red phone idea.  Of course, if Hillary gets a 3 AM phone call, it's most likely to be Bill after a night out with Ron Burkle, as this excellent skewering from Mike Lukovich deftly and hilariously points out.