Sure, everyone’s heard of Microsoft. But for those who really know software development, few names hold as much weight as Pivotal Labs.
Known for its innovative approaches to agile methodologies and exceptional software solutions, San Francisco-based Pivotal Labs laid the groundwork for a new generation of software development and practices throughout the 1990s, 2000s, and into the 2010s.
At Focused — co-founded by former Pivotal Labs team members Austin Vance and Luke Mueller — the legacy of Pivotal continues to run through everything we do.
A Rich Legacy of Innovation
Pivotal Labs was first founded by Rob Mee and Sherry Erskine in San Francisco, California back in 1989. Now known as VMware Tanzu Labs (and recently acquired by Broadcom, Inc.), the company carved out a niche for themselves in the tech industry through an emphasis on agile development and the introduction of tools like Pivotal Tracker, released in 2008.
These efforts changed how software is built and created a community around agile practices, enabling teams to collaborate more effectively. Today, Tanzu Labs works to drive cloud-native platform innovations through the open-source VMware Tanzu Platform (formerly Pivotal Cloud Foundry).
The ethos of Pivotal Labs — rooted in teamwork, continuous delivery, and an unwavering commitment to quality — has had a profound impact on its alumni, including Focused’s very own Austin and Luke.
Get to Know Austin Vance, Co-Founder & CEO
Austin Vance, CEO of Focused, brings 24 years of software development experience backed by his tenure at major companies like PayPal, as well as — you guessed it — Pivotal Labs, where he was the founding director of the Chicago office. He embodies the agile mindset, focusing on building high-performing teams that deliver tailored software solutions. Under Austin’s leadership, Focused emphasizes a collaborative approach to solving complex technological challenges, whether it’s enhancing legacy systems or building new platforms from the ground up.
Austin's career has been marked by his ability to blend deep technical knowledge with strategic leadership, making him a trusted voice in the software industry. His YouTube tutorials are a fun place to start to familiarize yourself with his expertise. His work at Focused isn't just about delivering custom software but also about fostering innovation, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring that clients stay ahead of the competition.
Get to Know Luke Mueller, Co-Founder and CTO
Luke Mueller, the CTO of Focused, has spent over a decade in software engineering, honing his craft at Pivotal Software. His expertise in eXtreme Programming and passion for efficient coding environments make him a leader who understands the intricacies of modern software development.
Luke's approach to technology is hands-on, ensuring that Focused not only stays current with the latest advancements but also pioneers innovative methods for delivering high-quality, scalable software. As a mentor and leader, he advocates for continuous learning within his teams, encouraging the use of cutting-edge technologies while maintaining a sharp focus on practical, results-driven solutions.
Transitioning Practices
At Focused, Austin and Luke aren’t recreating Pivotal. They’re evolving its methodologies for a new era.
Their experience in pair programming (an integral part of Pivotal’s culture) remains a cornerstone of the Focused approach. This technique fosters collaboration, accelerates learning, and enhances code quality, making it particularly valuable in the context of the modernization of existing systems and custom software development that so many enterprises require today.
The ceremonies and practices that once defined Pivotal Labs have been thoughtfully integrated into Focused’s operations. Our hands-on approach means we work side-by-side with your team; we don’t simply deploy and leave. This promotes transparency and agility, fosters collaboration, and empowers your team to deliver the results your customers demand.
That said, we don’t let projects drag on. Unlike traditional consultancies that create permanent dependencies, our deprecation model is designed to make us unnecessary over time because we elevate client teams to learn the software we build. We pitch strategies that meet our client's direct needs and leave them more educated, capable, and ready for the next initiative.
A Boutique Approach to Development
Focused carries on Pivotal’s legacy while embracing a boutique approach to software development. Today, the tech landscape is dominated by larger corporate-style firms; we like to think of ourselves as the “anti-agency,” offering a more personalized, hands-on approach than many of the larger software development and digital transformation companies out there.
Focused offers personalized service and a deep commitment to understanding clients' unique challenges. This allows them to tailor solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for future growth. We empower client teams with the knowledge and capabilities they need to maintain and evolve their systems independently.
The team at Focused understands the nuanced requirements of large enterprises. We’ve helped organizations like Hertz, Wayfair, and one of the top three auto manufacturers in Detroit — these kinds of organizations cherish the innovative spirit and collaborative culture that Pivotal Labs instilled. Focused taps into this ethos while providing a fresh perspective, ensuring our clients can still experience the same level of commitment and excellence born at Pivotal.
Empowering Teams for the Modernization of Existing Systems
We recognize that modernization efforts aren’t just about technology — it’s about empowering your team to embrace new methodologies and tools.
By focusing on the key attributes of incremental modernization — collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement — Focused ensures that your team is equipped to thrive. Our collaboration model, developed through years of experience, allows us to engage with clients globally. Whether it’s a single participant or an entire team, Focused has established best practices that facilitate seamless interactions, ensuring that projects move forward without a hitch.
What Does the Future Hold?
Here at Focused, we remain dedicated to honoring the legacy of Pivotal Labs while forging our own path forward. The software development landscape is always changing — the need for adaptable solutions has never been more critical. Austin, Luke, and the entire Focused team are committed to not only keeping up with these changes, but leading the way.
Whether you’re an established retail organization needing to upgrade their existing systems, a lean startup looking to incorporate a mobile application, or anything in between — we are here to help.
Looking to harness the power of legacy modernization with the personalized approach of a boutique firm? Contact Focused today to learn more and get started.
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