HR built a company-wide announcement tool

“We have a README.”— Sarah, HR

Reason:

Allegedly because the vendor said it could be ready in Q2, assuming requirements do not change. With dark mode and no error handling.

Built by:

Sarah, the management assistant

Build time:

an afternoon, mostly

Built with:

Streamlit

Database:

a mini PC behind the reception desk

Authentication:

the security model is "Google probably handles that"

Deployment:

hosted in Nadia's Azure subscription

Responsible:

a vendor whose support contract expired 5 months ago

Documentation:

a README describing a version that no longer exists

Security situation:

MFA was disabled after somebody lost their phone

Future disaster:

It will receive an innovation award.

Age: 4.1 years · originally expected to last 3 months · 6 owners so far · survived 3 reorganisations · last meaningful change 74 days ago

Rated common mostly because: 73 users, 2 accidental connections, alive 17x longer than intended.