<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/downtime-dilemma/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[Downtime Dilemma]]></title><podcast:guid>bea9a9fc-569a-5dcb-b7c0-df88e8db34d4</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Sat, 24 May 2025 16:15:00 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2025 Brad Amster]]></copyright><managingEditor>Brad Amster</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[ "The Downtime Dilemma" dives into hidden costs and challenges of cloud services like AWS and Azure, providing strategies to optimize spending and performance.]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/5e6f5286-c07b-446b-b27d-50705797c8bf/VmUFLZ3ivxwwGSBE29Yvjm5E.jpg</url><title>Downtime Dilemma</title><link><![CDATA[https://downtime-dilemma.captivate.fm]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/5e6f5286-c07b-446b-b27d-50705797c8bf/VmUFLZ3ivxwwGSBE29Yvjm5E.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Brad Amster</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Brad Amster</itunes:author><description> &quot;The Downtime Dilemma&quot; dives into hidden costs and challenges of cloud services like AWS and Azure, providing strategies to optimize spending and performance.</description><link>https://downtime-dilemma.captivate.fm</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Technology"></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Education"></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>A Conversation with Brad Amster of Data Design Systems</title><itunes:title>A Conversation with Brad Amster of Data Design Systems</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to <em>The Down Time Dilemma</em>! I'm your host, Casey Hawkinson, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this podcast with a conversation that sets the stage for everything we aim to uncover here. I sat down with Brad Amster, the founder and director of operations at Data Design Systems, the very company behind this podcast. With nearly two decades of experience, Brad has built a business that specializes in reducing downtime and optimizing operations through custom digital solutions.</p><p>In this episode, Brad shares the origin story of Data Design Systems, offering a rare glimpse into how the company evolved with technological advancements and market needs. We also dive into the challenges companies face when off-the-shelf software doesn’t cut it, and how custom solutions can make a transformative difference. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, construction, or any industry facing operational bottlenecks, this episode is packed with insights.</p><p><strong>Timeline Summary:</strong></p><p>[1:24] - Brad shares how an unexpected job change in 2007 sparked the launch of Data Design Systems.</p><p>[4:12] - The early days of web development and solving inventory issues on platforms like eBay.</p><p>[7:50] - Adapting to evolving technologies and the shift to mobile-first design.</p><p>[10:30] - A deep dive into the array of services offered by Data Design Systems, from custom software to secure hosting.</p><p>[14:45] - How to get started with hosting for just $5 and where to find more info.</p><p>[16:50] - Staying ahead in the tech world and choosing sustainable development languages.</p><p>[20:15] - The industries Data Design Systems serves and why their solutions are industry-agnostic.</p><p>[23:30] - Brad outlines the client onboarding and customization process.</p><p>[26:05] - Addressing common misconceptions about cost and development timelines.</p><p>[28:00] - What defines a successful project and long-term client relationships.</p><p>[30:00] - Looking ahead: the future of Data Design Systems and how they plan to grow.</p><p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Website:<a href="https://www.datadesignsystems.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> DataDesignSystems.com</a></li><li>Email: contact@datadesignsystems.com</li><li>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-design-systems" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Data Design Systems on LinkedIn</a></li></ul><br/><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to <em>The Down Time Dilemma</em>! I'm your host, Casey Hawkinson, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this podcast with a conversation that sets the stage for everything we aim to uncover here. I sat down with Brad Amster, the founder and director of operations at Data Design Systems, the very company behind this podcast. With nearly two decades of experience, Brad has built a business that specializes in reducing downtime and optimizing operations through custom digital solutions.</p><p>In this episode, Brad shares the origin story of Data Design Systems, offering a rare glimpse into how the company evolved with technological advancements and market needs. We also dive into the challenges companies face when off-the-shelf software doesn’t cut it, and how custom solutions can make a transformative difference. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, construction, or any industry facing operational bottlenecks, this episode is packed with insights.</p><p><strong>Timeline Summary:</strong></p><p>[1:24] - Brad shares how an unexpected job change in 2007 sparked the launch of Data Design Systems.</p><p>[4:12] - The early days of web development and solving inventory issues on platforms like eBay.</p><p>[7:50] - Adapting to evolving technologies and the shift to mobile-first design.</p><p>[10:30] - A deep dive into the array of services offered by Data Design Systems, from custom software to secure hosting.</p><p>[14:45] - How to get started with hosting for just $5 and where to find more info.</p><p>[16:50] - Staying ahead in the tech world and choosing sustainable development languages.</p><p>[20:15] - The industries Data Design Systems serves and why their solutions are industry-agnostic.</p><p>[23:30] - Brad outlines the client onboarding and customization process.</p><p>[26:05] - Addressing common misconceptions about cost and development timelines.</p><p>[28:00] - What defines a successful project and long-term client relationships.</p><p>[30:00] - Looking ahead: the future of Data Design Systems and how they plan to grow.</p><p><strong>Links &amp; Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Website:<a href="https://www.datadesignsystems.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> DataDesignSystems.com</a></li><li>Email: contact@datadesignsystems.com</li><li>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-design-systems" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Data Design Systems on LinkedIn</a></li></ul><br/><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://downtime-dilemma.captivate.fm]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">8cfc0383-6a3d-4be5-a2b5-b9299ebb5d2b</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/5e6f5286-c07b-446b-b27d-50705797c8bf/VmUFLZ3ivxwwGSBE29Yvjm5E.jpg"/><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Amster]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8cfc0383-6a3d-4be5-a2b5-b9299ebb5d2b.mp3" length="22317398" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>23:15</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:author>Brad Amster</itunes:author></item></channel></rss>