Posts from — August 2010

We all face incredibly stressful moments in the software industry that can pile on the negative emotions.  When you have too much to do and not enough resources to do it, or you’re dealing with an unpleasant colleague, or you’re facing a fire drill with multiple assets at risk, then in all cases its easy to lose your temper.  Take the JetBlue flight attendant for example, and the consequences he continues to face as a result of his recent actions.  As funny as it sounds in the short term, this man’s 20 year career is likely to be over and the mixed public support will turn its attention elsewhere soon.  Regardless of your industry, hot-headed responses to a frustrating situation can only backfire in the long run.

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Publisher: O’Reilly
Title: Mobile Design and Development (paperback)
Author: Brian Fling
Copyright: 2009
Rating: 4/5 stars

Brian Fling has written a very engaging overview of mobile design and development. For anyone looking for background into the dynamic and rapidly expanding mobile industry, this book provides a strong primer despite its release over a year ago.  Much has occurred since the publication – Android 2.2 (Froyo) has been released, Android 2.1 has already shown significant growth in the U.S., Windows Phone 7 may be coming out at the end of this year, and iPhone4 with OS4 is picking up market share outside the U.S. (over 70% in Japan?).  Still, Fling’s book provides the basics needed to understand many of the linked resources above; opening up review with a more global vision of developing markets outside of the U.S., and explaining the potential for significant growth given the lack of established infrastructure in those areas. [Read more →]

Company: Pragmatic Marketing
Name of Seminar: Practical Product Management
Instructor: Rich Nutinsky
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Date: July 26th and 27th, 2010 (Two Day Course)

Summary Review:  An informative and intelligent seminar for beginners (like me) or experienced professionals that challenges and explores the Product Management role.  Practical Product Management introduces the Pragmatic Marketing framework, and uses it as a guide to deliver the course objectives throughout both days.  Led by an experienced and engaging instructor, the material was well distributed and coveyed.  I highly recommend the seminar for those new to the Product Management or professionals looking for new tools to improve their business.  I look forward to writing my second and equally positive review on the follow up class, Requirements that Work.

Overall Rating: 9/10  (scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest) [Read more →]