Paul Allen is Principal Component Strategist at Computer Associates, and is widely recognized as a thought leader in component-based development (CBD). He specializes in the areas of business-IT alignment, software process, component modeling and architecture, and e-business transition management. Paul's detailed knowledge combines with a uniquely practical understanding of the problems companies face as they begin to develop enterprise e-business systems. His pragmatism stems from 25 years experience in the development of large-scale business systems. Among his many roles, Paul has worked as project manager on many large commercial systems; senior methods advisor to a major telecommunications company; and consultant manager with Yourdon, Inc. He was VP of Methods at Select Software Tools where he was a key player in shaping and implementing their CBD vision in the shape of the Perspective method, before joining Sterling Software (now part of Computer Associates) in April 1999 to lead their CBD practice.
Paul writes frequently on CBD and e-business and is a popular speaker at industry conferences worldwide. His co-authored book Component Based Development for Enterprise Systems, was one of the first and most practical descriptions of what was involved in building component-based applications. Additionally, Paul works regularly with industry bodies to help review software practices, ensure standardization and develop practical technology migration strategies. For example, Paul worked as chair of the DSDM task group that produced a white paper on DSDM and Component-Based Development earlier in 2000.