Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11) Building software in Japan, with Jim Weisser
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Aug 7, 2025 
Jim Weisser, a serial entrepreneur and founder of SignTime, shares his insights on Japan's software market. He discusses the cultural preference for stability over rapid iteration and the crucial role of systems integrators. Weisser highlights the challenges of over-specification in software development, where tools like Excel can slow down innovation. He also reflects on Japan's evolving venture capital landscape and the unique employment culture shaped by lifetime jobs, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate this complex ecosystem.
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Systems Integrators Dominate IT Spend
- Systems integrators dominate Japan's IT spending, handling almost all software development for large companies.
- This leads to an emphasis on cost control rather than exploiting technology for growth.
Low RAM for Engineers' Desktops
- Engineers at a Japanese SI got just 512 MB RAM on their desktops, barely enough for Java VM.
- Upgrading required lengthy approval processes, reflecting cost control over engineering efficiency.
Excel Documentation Over Coding
- One engineer couldn't even locate a simple function during debugging but was valued for documentation.
- The real engineering work was considered requirements analysis and creating Excel files for others to code.