Building a Good Software Team

If your in the realm of software development, first start with "The Joel Test". This will tell you where you are now.  The big question is where are you going and how should you go about getting a better score.  One of the easiest and most important of these questions is: Do you use source control?  There are many free source control systems available.  You can host it locally, in the cloud, or one of your web servers.  Source control will protect your code and make sure it lasts as long as you can stand it. 

Zigbee and Z-wave could be out as Broadcom’s new chips bet on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Broadcom is betting on Wifi/bluetooth to become the connection standard of well...all things. Broadcom’s vision is one that suggests other protocols are either closed or the standard is so open to interpretation (Zigbee) that it might as well be closed. For example, there’s no guarantee that Zigbee devices will work with other Zigbee devices, and for Z-Wave, the chips are more expensive. Broadcom is looking at a future where all devices are on the net and can connect to everything. Smart phones have become the universal controllers of our modern world and the current set of smart devices have zero support for Zigbee or Z-Wave. If Broadcom can develop a chip that will easily replace existing chips or be an easy and cheap addition to exisiting systems then perhaps the concept will manifest.

Read More:

http://gigaom.com/2013/05/29/zigbee-and-z-wave-are-out-broadcoms-new-chips-bet-on-bluetooth-and-wi-fi-for-iot/

Startup Money

Good article about statup money: "Many successful startup entrepreneurs follow a well-worn series of stages in their quest for funding from a first friends-and-family round, moving on to a seed investment and later a venture capital investment. As a business grows and becomes more successful, investors often become willing to invest greater sums in exchange for increasingly smaller amounts of equity." Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/226650#ixzz2TNPnBMRs

Apple working on next-gen iPhone 5S and iPhone 6

Accoriding to rumors, Apple is working on several new iPhone models.  iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 parts were published online.  Apple stock has recentely taken a hit as Google continues to refine the Android OS.  Apple still has a few tricks in the bag and has a streamlined hardware software development cycle.  Google is obviously playing catchup with integrating Motorola, due to constant pressure from big hardware players like Samsung and HTC.

More info here:

http://bgr.com/2013/01/28/iphone-5s-iphone-6-photos-parts-leak-309500/

Apple Event October 23...iPad Mini Introduction?

The iPad’s kid brother could be introduced October 23, 2012 at an Apple Event.
Apple recently sent out invitations for an Oct. 23 event at which the tech company is widely expected to unveil a sized down version of the iPad. The invitation contains the phrase, “We’ve got a little more to show you."
Rumors have persisted about the existence of the "smaller" iPad. According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, the tablet will have a 7.85-inch screen with a lower resolution than the latest iPad released in March.
The screen on the current iPad measures almost 10 inches diagonally, a size that hasn't changed since the first model was released in 2010.
Apple has sold almost a 100 million iPads since its first release. The company aims to capitalize on that growth with the mini version, a somewhat smaller price tag might bring in new buyers worldwide.
The new "iPad Mini" is expected to help Apple compete with cheaper tablets with smaller screens. The Kindle Fire as the most popular of these products to date. An entry-level iPad 3 (or "the new iPad,") with 16GB of storage space and without 3G wireless connection sells for $499. Models run as high as $829.
The Kindle Fire is half the price of Apple's cheapest iPad.  Will Apple get the starting price low enough to capture a new audience and continue to boost App and iTunes sales?  Find out October 23rd at a live blog event near you!

Is the iPhone 5 a "Must Have" for Business

Let me start off by pointing out the increasing number of mobile computing platforms available to consumers today.  The platforms are improving year over year but are they being utilized?  The new iPhone 5 has some nice features, but it doesn't justify changing platforms if you are accustomed to Android for instance.  The phone just does not have any "Must Have" features.  Lets consider some of the changes in these technologies and how they may influence buisness phone upgrade decisions.  First thing I would consider is the need for 4G service.  Does your buisness need to download large pdf files?  Do you need to upload video or detailed pictures to your website?  Do you need to have these speeds anywhere and on the go?  If you answered yes to any one of these questions then you might want to consider 4G and I would consider Verizon as your service provider. 

Want to switch from Android? Then you might first consider what apps are needed and if they are available on the Apple App Store.  Also the Apps may behave differently on iOS. So keep all this in mind when you start discussing terms with your service provider.  It may be new and improved, but it might not be time for you to spend capital on an iPhone 5 upgrade just yet.  

Overengineering a Real Danger for Small Biz!

Overengineering is the new buzz word in Small business.  Capital is becoming precious and building too much too fast without the proper earnings and investors to fuel growth can be VERY DANGEROUS!  This does not mean cut every corner but limit performance that far exceeds needs.  If you foresee your business expanding in the near future choose products and services that are highly scalable. Avoid locking in high service costs.  When consulting an expert, it is important to mention these concerns.  Consultants will typically suggest a little more than what is necessary in order to ensure needs are met.  Consider limiting costs in low priority areas.

Dealing with a consultant can vary greatly depending on what information is provided to the expert.  It is important to convey needs in writing and priorities as well.  Force yourself to be specific and give as much information as you possibly can.  This will help avoid misunderstandings about the future use of technology.

Learn the pros and cons of open source.  Just because something is free and open does not make it the best fit for your business.  There is a lot of well priced software available that can be used to stay organized and keep your people working efficiently and productively.  Remember that not all software is created equal and try to avoid making major software changes when you already have software to do those tasks.

Once you have examined all the areas of improvement remember to think, "Am I overengineering this process."  Have I minimized the steps necessary to complete these tasks.  Do I really need this high end software?  And always remember KISS...keep it simple stupid!