Daniel Shefer

http://www.shefer.net/
DS_PM/delete-this/@spamex.com

Software Product Management by Dan Condone offers a hi-level overview of the relationships between the stake owners in product management--engineering, sales and marketing. The book's insights are good but don't expect practical guidelines such as "how to" and templates. This is an insightful book on product management that avoids delving into practical issues.

It's a good book but a tease at that. It's clear that the author knows his stuff. While reading the book, I had a feeling that for every topic he covered, there were details that he kept out of the book. Multiple times, while reading the book, I found myself thinking 'this is great, but if only he had discussed it in more detail'. The book would benefit if the author had included real life examples of product management successes and failures.

Two of my favorite chapters are Software Product Types where Condon discusses the differences in processes as they are reflected in various types of software (enterprise, retail etc.) and Management Myths. The latter chapter deals with some of the myths out there. My two favorite myths (from real life as well) are: "one customer bought it; everyone must like it" and "someone else did it, so we must too." Ever heard those before?

The only chapter I didn't like was the one on "Technology Trends and a bit of History". What could have been an interesting discourse from an experienced professional who has been in the trenches for years doesn't really amount to anything. It just seems out of place.

If I could ask the author one thing, it would be to go back and rewrite the book, this time adding more depth and examples. Adding these would significantly increase the value of the book.

Summary

The book is a good introduction for all Software Product Managers on the interfaces and processes they deal with. A bit pricey for a volume of this size but then, what is good advice worth to you? To me, it's worth a lot.

About Daniel Shefer

Daniel Shefer is Director of Business Development at SanDisk. Daniel has a decade of experience in the software industry, mostly in Product Management and Product Marketing. Prior to joining SanDisk, he was instrumental in product design with Interwise, establishing and managing the product management and the product marketing operations. Additionally, he has also managed technical sales and drove technology partnerships with 3rd party vendors.

Daniel's Software Product Management & Product Marketing website is www.shefer.net. You can email him at: DS_PM/delete-this/@spamex.com