Date: Jan 25th 2007 (Thursday) , 7pm

Guest Speaker: Shawn Abbott, Principal & Director SpringBank
TechVentures

Shawn Abbott has been a Principle and Director of SpringBank
TechVentures since its inception in 2000. Shawn will focus on deal
origination and deal analysis, particularly from a strategic and
technology perspective.
As a technologist, entrepreneur, executive, venture capitalist and
educator, Shawn Abbott has over twenty years experience in the
information technology business.

As President of Rainbow Technologies (NASDAQ: RNBO) commercial
operations, he consolidated three divisions, built a management team
to return the US$70 million business to profitable growth, and
positioned it for a successful sale in 2004 at nearly one-half
billion USD.

As corporate Chief Technology Officer, he was responsible for
technology strategy and instrumental in the creation and leadership
of a new business that quickly grew to US$10 million revenue per
quarter.

Prior to joining Rainbow, Shawn established and built the AND group,
which pioneered the encryption-based CD-ROM software distribution
system used on several million discs. Under his leadership, AND was
consistently profitable and grew to twenty staff before sale.

Shawn has served as a board member on half a dozen private and
public companies internationally. he is an accomplished public
speaker, having presented at more than one hundred conferences on
Internet security and business topics, and taught software design
courses in several countries.

Shawn is the primary inventor of "USBKeys", holding a key patent in
the area. He has written numerous articles and feature pieces for
industry publications, and contributed the chapter on hardware
cryptography to McGraw Hill's, "ICSA Guide to Cryptography".

Shawn currently chairs the Banff Venture Forum. Shawn holds a B.Sc.
in physics from the University of Alberta and has done post graduate
study at the University of Calgary, Stanford, and UC Irvine.

When not working, Shawn can usually be found flying a helicopter or
playing the piano.
Topic: TBA

Location: Calgary Technologies, Room 2&3
Time: 7pm sharp
3553 - 31 Street NW
Calgary , AB T2L 2K7

The Product Management View Newsletter
A newsletter for software product managers and marketers
Winter 2007
*********

New lineup of speakers announced for the Product Management View
2007 Webinar Series

Check out the latest group of speakers for the Product Management
View Weekly Webinar Series for the start of 2007 at:
http://www.featureplan.com/community/categories/webinars/

Learn about the latest, up-to-the-minute product management and
marketing issues from accomplished industry leaders, authors,
speakers and trainers.

Here is a sample of the upcoming webinars that you won't want to
miss:
• Agile Development Methodologies: How Product Management's Role is
Shifting, Laureen Knudsen, Hewlett-Packard Corporation
• Pragmatic Marketing Annual Benchmark Survey Results, Steve
Johnson, Pragmatic Marketing
• Understanding Requirements Concepts, Roger Cauvin from the Cauvin
Blog, http://cauvin.blogspot.com/
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Product Managers, Alyssa Dyer,
CEO of Wander Wear Inc. and  author of Software Product Management
Essentials
• Surviving Product Management, Linda Gorchels, Director, Executive
Marketing Education, University of Wisconsin and author of The
Product Manager's Handbook (2006)
• The Bottom of the Sales Cycle is NOT the Contract, Jim Foxworthy,
Instructor, Pragmatic Marketing.
• Pragmatic Roadmapping: Aligning your Product Strategy with the
Market, John Milburn, Instructor, Pragmatic Marketing
• And many more!

See past webinars in the archived Webinars section, available for
download in flash or podcast format at:
http://www.featureplan.com/community/categories/webinar_archive/

So now there's no excuse not to take advantage of these amazing
educational webinars, sponsored by FeaturePlan.

Register for the upcoming Product Management View webinars today at:
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2005/11/webex_login.asp

----------------------------

Software Marketing Perspectives (SMP) 2006 Conference - Boston, MA
If you only go to one event all year, make it this one

The SMP event, being held May 23-25, 2007 in Boston, MA, will bring
together software and service company executives to discuss new
business models for delivering software products and services, and
strategic directions in product management, market management,
marketing communications and public relations. Attendees will learn,
network and strategize.

The event will feature top experts and practitioners in technology
product management and marketing.  To register, or to get more
information on this don't-miss event, visit http://www.smpevent.com/

----------------------

Don't forget to blog!  http://www.featureplan.com/community/
Be sure to check out The Product Management View blog to see the
latest and greatest in the product management community.  Explore,
read, post, comment, submit, and share your ideas with your fellow
technology product managers.

----------------------

Message from the Product Management View Sponsor, FeaturePlan:

Hot on the heels of the launch of FeaturePlan web interface is
FeaturePlan On-Demand, the requirements management software built
for Software Product Management – view the new 5 minute demo at:
http://www.featureplan.com/

FeaturePlan is doing double-duty by sponsoring and attending at
Product Management Association meetings around the world.  Be sure
to come by and say hi!

Sponsoring and attending:
Raleigh, North Carolina:  Triangle PMA, January 18, 2007.
Herzliah, Israel:  ILPMA, February 7, 2007
London, UK:  UK PMF, March 21, 2007

Attending:
Silicon Valley, CA – SVPMA: February 7, March 7, April 4
Boston, MA – BPMA:   January 18, March 15, April 19
Toronto, ON – TPMA:  January 30, February 27, March 27, April 24
Atlanta, GA – TAG Product Management: January 18, 2007

Note: All PMA website addresses are posted on right side of PMV Blog

-----------------------

Register for The Product Management View Newsletter and Webinars at:
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2005/11/webex_login.asp

Jana Taylor from Divestco would like to inform the CPMA members that
Divestco has the following position:

http://www.divestco.com/html/careers_97.php

Date: Feb 15th 2007 (Thursday), 7pm

Guest Speaker: Tom Hodson
President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Tom is considered a thought leader in strategic management and is
also recognized as one of Canada's top sales and marketing
executives. He speaks frequently to corporate audiences on business
strategy and a wide range of sales management and marketing topics.
Tom joined SMART in 2006 from Optimé International, a consulting
firm serving Fortune 500 companies specializing in the areas of
strategic customer management, marketing and business integration.
In his capacity as executive vice president and managing partner, he
led large-scale projects in the areas of post-merger business
integration, customer marketing and strategic account management.
Tom has worked with a who's who list of blue chip companies and his
leadership has helped transform the efforts of numerous companies
including Cadbury Adams, Heinz, Pepsico, News Corporation, Molson-
Coors, Yellow Pages Group, Schick-Energizer and Nestlé to name a
few.

Previous to Optimé International, Tom spent 16 years at Procter &
Gamble (P&G) where he worked in a variety of roles from entry-level
to the executive rank. He was widely recognized at P&G for his
outstanding leadership skills and was consistently ranked in the top
5% of his peer group in North America. His business results at P&G
reflect an ability to deliver strong growth in very complex and
competitive environments. He received one of Procter & Gamble's
highest honors - The President's Club Award for a record of three
consecutive years, given for leadership, innovation and outstanding
business results.

He is the co-author of the well-respected business book entitled `A
Blueprint for Winning with Today's Customer' which has received
strong reviews across North America and the United Kingdom. He has
been interviewed on both radio and television on business subjects,
most recently on CBC, CITY TV and Inc. Magazine.

Tom holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen's
University in Canada.

Topic: TBA

Location: Calgary Technologies, Room 2&3
Date: Feb 15, 2007
Time: 7pm sharp
3553 - 31 Street NW
Calgary , AB T2L 2K7

Just a reminder that we will be meeting at 7pm today. Tom Hodson is
our speaker tonight, who is the President & Chief Operating
Officer at SMART Technologies. Tom's presentation is titled

"Brand Strategy and Execution- Think Big Win Big With your Customers"



See you all there.

Thanks
Babar

Hi guys,

Any way you can post this for the group?  There's some great
information in it.

Thanks,
Niall

That's the software that's based on the Pragmatic Marketing Framework
right?  It was mentioned several times in the Pragmatic training I
attended.  The company I'm working for considered purchasing it, but
in the end decided not to go with such a solution.

I'd be interested in it.

N.

--- In CalgaryProductManagementAssociation@yahoogroups.com, Marc Saks
<marksaks@...> wrote:
>
> In one of the CPMA meeting; Some CPMA members showed interest in
Ryma software called Feature Plan;
>   I was wondering if there is an interest to have Ryma present their
Feature plan software in April;
>

Hi Niall:
    you are correct it is based on Pragmatic Marketing Framework
Cheers
Mark
--- In CalgaryProductManagementAssociation@yahoogroups.com, "Niall
O'Driscoll" <nodrisco@...> wrote:
>
> That's the software that's based on the Pragmatic Marketing Framework
> right?  It was mentioned several times in the Pragmatic training I
> attended.  The company I'm working for considered purchasing it, but
> in the end decided not to go with such a solution.
>
> I'd be interested in it.
>
> N.
>
> --- In CalgaryProductManagementAssociation@yahoogroups.com, Marc Saks
> <marksaks@> wrote:
> >
> > In one of the CPMA meeting; Some CPMA members showed interest in
> Ryma software called Feature Plan;
> >   I was wondering if there is an interest to have Ryma present their
> Feature plan software in April;
> >
>

One of the topic areas that would be very valuable would be in
relation to obtaining direct market or customer input.  This topic
is discussed quite regularly and seems to be one of the areas most
companies and product managers struggle with.  Perhaps we could have
someone present how they've succeeded in this area and what
approaches have worked best (focus groups, user forums, sales calls,
etc).

Regards,
Dallas

--- In CalgaryProductManagementAssociation@yahoogroups.com, "Doug
Gutzmann" <dgutzman@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Tom Hodson of SMART Technologies shared a thought-provoking
presentation
> last night showing how market-driven companies effectively expand
the
> Product Manager's scope to cover complete "brand management".   The
> challenge went out to Calgary's Product Managers and their
organizations
> to become more successful by pulling the whole go-to-market value
> proposition into focus, rather than strictly focusing on product
> features and attributes.  Tom provided a compelling case for the
> pay-offs of this approach.
>
> Now a call for input: what topics would you be interested in
addressing
> at future Product Management Association meetings?  Do you have any
> general subject areas or specific responsibility areas you would
like to
> see discussed?  Are you looking for input on dealing with process,
> technical, or interpersonal challenges in your job?  Please
respond so
> speakers and topic areas that help you in your career are planned
for
> future meetings.
>
> Regards,
> Doug Gutzmann
>

I agree. Pragmatic gave us a heavy dose of this during
the 2 day course and Tom was adamant about it as well.
I guess the trick would be to get this customer
feedback without having to change company culture
completely (as that would be very difficult.

The second phase of this would be to set up customer
advisory boards that provide feedback on a continuing
basis and help develop customer focused products.

Babar

> One of the topic areas that would be very valuable
> would be in
> relation to obtaining direct market or customer
> input.  This topic
> is discussed quite regularly and seems to be one of
> the areas most
> companies and product managers struggle with.
> Perhaps we could have
> someone present how they've succeeded in this area
> and what
> approaches have worked best (focus groups, user
> forums, sales calls,
> etc).
>
> Regards,
> Dallas
>
> --- In
> CalgaryProductManagementAssociation@yahoogroups.com,
> "Doug
> Gutzmann" <dgutzman@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> > Tom Hodson of SMART Technologies shared a
> thought-provoking
> presentation
> > last night showing how market-driven companies
> effectively expand
> the
> > Product Manager's scope to cover complete "brand
> management".   The
> > challenge went out to Calgary's Product Managers
> and their
> organizations
> > to become more successful by pulling the whole
> go-to-market value
> > proposition into focus, rather than strictly
> focusing on product
> > features and attributes.  Tom provided a
> compelling case for the
> > pay-offs of this approach.
> >
> > Now a call for input: what topics would you be
> interested in
> addressing
> > at future Product Management Association meetings?
>  Do you have any
> > general subject areas or specific responsibility
> areas you would
> like to
> > see discussed?  Are you looking for input on
> dealing with process,
> > technical, or interpersonal challenges in your
> job?  Please
> respond so
> > speakers and topic areas that help you in your
> career are planned
> for
> > future meetings.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Doug Gutzmann
> >
>
>
>




________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss an email again!
Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives.
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/

Hello,
Here are the top Webinars that were reviewed as flash or podcast
over the last 30 days.  If the links are too long to view in your
email, you can find all past and future Webinars posted at:
http://www.featureplan.com/community/

Agile Methodologies: How Product Management's role is shifting with
Laureen Knudsen at HP
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2007/01/agile_methodologies_how_
produc.asp

Pragmatic Marketing 2006 Compensation Survey Results with Steve
Johnson
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2007/02/pragmatic_marketing_2006
_compe.asp

Understanding Requirements Concepts with Roger Cauvin
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2007/01/understanding_requiremen
ts_con_1.asp

Building Effective Product Roadmaps with John Milburn
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2007/02/pragmatic_roadmapping_al
igning.asp

Please drop in to the Product Management View to check out past and
upcoming Webinars and Blog postings.

Don't miss the upcoming Webinars held every Wed at 12:00 EST:

Feb 28 - Surviving Product Management - Linda Gorchels, Director,
Executive Marketing Education, University of Wisconsin
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2006/07/surviving_product_manage
ment.asp

Mar 7 - Information Supply Chain: Aligning diverse teams to minimize
time-to-revenue for high-tech products - Saeed Khan, VP Product
Management, Avokia Inc.
http://www.featureplan.com/community/2006/07/information_supply_chain
.asp

Many of the top Webinar speakers are now confirmed to speak at the
SMP conference in Boston May 23-25, details available at:
http://www.smpevent.com/

Regards,

Russell Foy
VP Sales and Marketing
Ryma Technology Solutions Inc.
Office Phone:   +1 905 709 3503
Mobile Phone:  +1 416 627 6370
Fax:                +1 905 731 0841
foyr@...
http://www.featureplan.com

Hello Calgary Product Management Association,

I wanted to introduce myself and my book to you, "Software Product
Management Essentials: a practical guide for small and midsize
companies".  The book debuted in April of 2003 and we just released
a 4th anniversary printing after selling over 10,000 copies
worldwide.  I have been presenting to groups including Feature Plan
(via webinar) and here in my (U.S.) area, The Boston Product
Managers Association.  The Feature Plan and BPMA presentations are
both archived as well and I am happy to share the slides from that
presentation. Perhaps I can offer some articles or other information
to your group remotely if interested.

If you are interested in the book, I welcome you to the website:
www.swproductmanagement.com.  Feel free to use the code SPME5 to get
$5 off. If you order there, you also get free access to the
templates online.  The book is also available on Amazon and
Barnes&Noble.com as well but no free templates there.

Thanks for this opportunity to post this message.

Sincerely,
Alyssa


Alyssa Dver
Type @ Consulting
Product Management & Marketing
Author,"Software Product Management Essentials"
www.swproductmanagement.com
508.881.5664

Please note that the next Calgary Product Management Association will
be  held on April 5th.

Location: Calgary Technologies, Room 2&3
Date: Feb 15, 2007
Time: 7:00 pm sharp
3553 - 31 Street NW
Calgary , AB T2L 2K7

Guest Speaker: Brian McKinney
President and Chief Chief Executive

Brian McKinney founded ICEsoft Technologies Inc. in December 2001. He
is a leading entrepreneur and executive whose focus is on the
development of enterprise level software. Prior to ICEsoft Brian
co-founded AudeSi Technologies Inc. along with Steve Maryka and Terry
Sydoryk. AudeSi, which developed Java-based management solutions for
embedded devices was sold to Wind River Systems in March of 2000.
Prior AudeSi, Brian was responsible for Nortel Networks Consumer
Product development initiatives. During his time at Nortel Mr.
McKinney oversaw the development and commercialization of over 60
consumer products. Mr. McKinney holds a BSc. in Physics and
Mathematics from the University of Victoria and an M.ASc, in
Engineering from the same institution.

Warm Greetings to everyone!

I'm new to this group.  

As we know, the aim of this yahoo group is targeted towards discussion/sharing knowledge related to "Product Management/Marketing".

I'd few queries, which I would like to discuss with everyone.

Here we go!

We all know that The "Product Manager" is called as "Internal Customer" within any organization

Or some people even call them "Voice of Customer"!

Here query is, when any product manager makes any visit to any customer site, his/her agenda would generally move around following points –

-           Trying to find out the domain customer is working? Kind of product/services they are using? Finding out their satisfaction level?

-           Trying to find out pain areas/ problems / difficulties of customer's current environment?

-           Trying to find out the new features, which they would love to see in the next releases? Finding out what kind of value addition they would like to see?

-           Etc… etc...

My point is does any one know any standard and "Generic" template, where we can grab all customers' inputs in a single document very systematically rather than a Wilde method of noting discussion points or grabbing customer feedback from "Minutes of meetings" and use it while creating our own MRD.

Bottom line, what I asking is, does any one know any better way to "Record customer's voice" so to have a point-to-point clarity and we can use full out of it while creating MRD.

Thanks and Best Regards,

-Yogesh

Just a reminder of this month meeting at 7 pm this thursday April 5th
2007;

Title: "Product Management in an open-sourced world"
Location: Calgary Technologies, Room 2&3
Date: April 5th, 2007
Time: 7:00 pm sharp
3553 - 31 Street NW
Calgary , AB T2L 2K7

Guest Speaker: Brian McKinney
President and Chief Chief Executive

Brian McKinney founded ICEsoft Technologies Inc. in December 2001. He
is a leading entrepreneur and executive whose focus is on the
development of enterprise level software. Prior to ICEsoft Brian
co-founded AudeSi Technologies Inc. along with Steve Maryka and Terry
Sydoryk. AudeSi, which developed Java-based management solutions for
embedded devices was sold to Wind River Systems in March of 2000.
Prior AudeSi, Brian was responsible for Nortel Networks Consumer
Product development initiatives. During his time at Nortel Mr.
McKinney oversaw the development and commercialization of over 60
consumer products. Mr. McKinney holds a BSc. in Physics and
Mathematics from the University of Victoria and an M.ASc, in
Engineering from the same institution.

Taking the Bugs Out of Product Lifecycle & Corporate Alignment: How
Trend Micro Leveraged Requirements Management to Keep Computer
Threats at Bay for its Customers

Staying ahead of worms, blocking viruses at the gate, and keeping a
watchful eye on spyware requires constant product updates, bug fixes
and on-the-fly changes. For Trend Micro Incorporated, a $660 million
provider of virus protection software, waging war on computer
threats is a never-ending battle. Much of this responsibility falls
on its product management team, who is charged with developing
threat management software and instantaneous updates for its
worldwide corporate and individual users.

As if that wasn't challenging enough, the company also decided to
embark on a top-down re-engineering of their product development
process in order to become more market-driven. Trend Micro's product
management team was at the center of this effort, and their
experience shows how other software companies can align their
product-building efforts with corporate initiatives — and make
personal productivity gains at the same time.

Read the rest at:
http://www.featureplan.com/pdf/TrendMicro-CaseStudy.pdf



The Basics of Agile for Product Managers, with Laureen Knudsen –
Free Webinar on the Product Management View, April 26 (or as a Flash
recording within week of event):
http://www.featureplan.com/community/categories/webinars/



And finally, don't forget to register for the upcoming Product
Management conference in Boston May 23-25.  Program details
available at:
http://www.smpevent.com/program.htm

Warm Greetings to everyone!

I'd few queries, which I would like to discuss with everyone.

We all know that, "Product Managers" are CEO of their respective products and are responsible for every aspect of those!

My query is simple, assume a case where, you are a product manager, and dealing with some products targeted to enterprise customers and not the desktop users. (For example, you've a product in the enterprise infrastructure management)

However, while doing your job, one fine day you've come across a new product idea. (UREKA!)

For better understanding assume, it's about creating a new portal/site!

Now, this might be some kind of product, which is targeted towards desktop users rather than an enterprise.

In this case, the company you are working with does not deal in the area where you could tell to your company about new idea and even if you tell about your idea, your company doesn't want to divert their focus other than enterprise products/customers.

Could some one tell me, in that case how to take this further?

-          What are the options you've, to see your idea becomes into a reality or a successful product.

-          Whether would you recommend to approach a Venture Capitalist for new startup company by your own (obviously, you should have confidence in your idea)

-          If yes, what are the steps you would take to approach VC and convince?

Since here, you don't have anything, other than your vision / idea about product.

Yes, we may give some supportive details about Products / domain / market / segment /

competitors and all market research/etc.….

Can someone guide me, on what different ways you can materialize such idea?

Thanks and Best Regards,

-Yogesh Hublikar

Warm Greetings to everyone!

As we know, the aim of this yahoo group is targeted towards discussion/sharing knowledge related to "Product Management/Marketing".

Similar forum has been created on Orkut with sharing the same agenda.

I would request everyone to join and actively participate.

Please join @ Product Management Forum

-Yogesh

There are a couple of new resources from the 280 Group available to
help you get better reviews for your products.

The first is a complimentary white paper on the Top 10 Product
Review Program Mistakes. You can download the white paper at:
http://www.280group.com/whitepapers.htm

The second resource is the Product Review Program Toolkit. In
addition to the whitepaper, you get a 37 slide narrated presentation
that teaches you how to run a review program as well as 15
templates (review program plan, reviewer's guide, press release
press kit checklist, press presentation and others) and a 30
minute consultation with the 280 Group.

To learn more about the Product Review Toolkit, go to:
http://www.280group.com/reviewersguidetemplate.htm

About the 280 Group
The 280 Group LLC provides Product Marketing and Product
Management Consulting, Contractors, Training and Templates
to help companies define, launch and market breakthrough
new products.

Karen have added you to her favorite list, check Karen's profile here
http://karenapwpassion.googlepages.com/bikerchicks.htm

I read your profile today, I thought I would drop you a line and hope to become
your friend! Check my personal page here:
http://girlofrider.googlepages.com/girlrider.htm

PLEASE RESPOND BY GOING TO http://careers.smarttech.com/

SMART requires a product manager - content for its Calgary, Alberta,
office.

Join one of Canada's fastest-growing companies. SMART Technologies
Inc., a global leader in interactive whiteboards and group
collaboration tools, is looking to hire skilled people to further
its remarkable growth. Explore the careers at one of Canada's 50
best-managed companies, and find a fast-paced environment that
allows your drive and creativity to shine.

You will be responsible for developing a multi-million dollar
accretive revenue stream through the marketing of digital content
offerings. You will focus on working with vertical market
development teams, marketing communications and product development
to oversee the marketing mix for your product or service
offerings.

Responsibilities include the following:
• Managing the entire product life cycle including strategic
planning, licensing of content distribution rights, service/product
offering development, pricing and oversight of product development
• Driving product launches with cross-functional teams
including the product development, marketing, sales and services
organizations
• Developing, implementing and reporting against a go-to-
market plan, and working with all departments to execute
• Forecasting demand and overseeing service level delivery
• Specifying market requirements for current and future
products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits
to customers and prospects

You have a minimum of three years experience in product marketing,
business development or product management. You possess a business
or computer science degree. Experience in high-technology marketing
and developing software as a service (Web 2.0) products is a
definite asset. You have or are able to obtain a passport – this
position requires travel approximately 10 to 15 times per year.

Location  Calgary, AB

Please forward this message on to your PM Colleagues.

Brian Lawley of the 280 Group will be holding a Webinar on
Wed Oct 10th on the topic of:
"PM Productivity: How to get twice as much done in
half the time"

Here is an overview:

As a Product Manager, you will always have far more
work than you can possibly accomplish. Between
thinking strategically to executing the day-to-day
tactical work required for product success, there is
always a full list of to-do items and plenty of requests that
go unfulfilled. This webinar will show you strategies and
tactics for being more productive, with the goal of
increasing your output and freeing up your time
for high-level tasks, while at the same time reducing
your overall stress level.

For more information and to sign up go here:
http://community.featureplan.com/community/2007/10/webinar_october_10_pm_product\
ivity.php

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS &
RECRUITERS/HR DEPT
There is a new job listings group on Yahoo focused exclusively on
Product Management and Product Marketing called pm_jobs. The Yahoo
pm_jobs group is the BEST place to find and post Product Marketing &
Product Management job listings.  JOINING THE GROUP AND POSTING JOBS
IS FREE!
There are already over 60 recent PM positions posted.

To join simply go to http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/pm_jobs/join