Business of Software 2012

Videos

Dan Bricklin - 2010	Eric Ries - 2010
Dan's DNA is embedded in software across the world and across the decades. What has Dan learned about software along the way?	Most software projects fail. Most startups fail. Most new products are never used. But it doesn't have to be that way. The Lean Startup is a disciplined approach to imagining, designing, and building new products.

Eric Sink - 2010	Paul Kenny - 2010
Stuff Eric Sink learned selling his business to Microsoft.	In this session Paul explores how best to get the customer really talking about their needs their concerns and their aspirations.

Rob Walling - 2010	David Russo - 2010
What's the primary goal of your website? Not to sell software. With most visitors returning multiple times before making a purchase, your primary goal should be to draw visitors back to your site.	The founding leadership in a business sets the world view, the tone for the culture that decides whether a business will succeed or fail in the long haul.

Dharmesh Shah - 2010	Derek Sivers - 2010
Dharmesh talks about why venture capital is neither necessary, nor evil, how value is created, why user experience is EVERYTHING and how Hubspot developed its key metric, the 'CHI' - Customer Happiness Index	Derek A/B tests his possible talks with the audience before talking about how and why he grew one of the most successful online music distribution businesses in the world. Why did he sell it and why has he given the money away?

Scott Farquhar - 2010	Patrick McKenzie - 2010
Atlassian has been a successful software bootstrap, right up until we took $60m funding from Accel Partners in July 2010. Scott packs some of what he's learnt about running a software company into thirty minutes.	Marketing to minorities - Patrick's unique and insightful take on how to market software to underserved minority groups like non-techies, non-Americans and even - shock - women.

Jason Cohen - 2010	Giacomo 'Peldi' Guilizzoni - 2010
"That's how it is done", is bullshit. Make up your own rules and understand that all advice comes with its own prejudices.	"Do Worry... Be Happy!" - One thing they don't tell you about quitting your job to become a startup CEO is how much you're going to worry about things.

Seth Godin - 2010
Are you afraid to truly make an impact? The opportunity for linchpin organizations and the people who run them.

Joel Spolsky - 2009	Dharmesh Shah - 2009
At Business of Software 2009, Joel talked about the endless decision making process involved in software development as well as in running a business.	In his second Business of Software talk, Dharmesh shares with the audience his experiences and lessons learned, with the aim of improving your odds of survival and success as a software startup.

Paul Graham - 2009	Don Norman - 2009
Paul Graham, of Y Combinator, talks us through 21 trends we should keep on eye out for.	Products do not stand in isolation. They exist in the real, complex world, with unforgiving people, continual interruptions, and an unforgiving environment. How to cope?

Kathy Sierra - 2009	Larry Port - 2008
Kathy Sierra discusses her efforts to reverse-engineer business models to determine the most sustainable system and how to achieve "user awesomeness".	Larry Port tells the story of the launch of Rocket Matter, software that helps law firms manage their practice efficiently.

Paul Kenny - 2009	Alexis Ohanian - 2008
Paul Kenny talks about how to train and develop sales entrepreneurs. He argues among other things for a shift from "show and tell" selling to a "engage and share" approach where you engage your customers in your story.	Pierre Francois, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian's alter-ego, talks about how to start, run and sell a web 2.0 startup in this satirical and engaging Lightning Talk at Business of Software 2008.

Mark Stephens - 2009	Steve Goldenberg - 2008
Mark Stephens's short talk at Business of Software 2009: Asteroid impact: are you a big lizard or small and furry?	Steve Goldenberg talks about selling 24/7.

Geoffrey Moore - 2009	Dharmesh Shah - 2008
In this astonishing and pratical session, Geoffrey "Crossing the Chasm" Moore talks about what you need to be great at, what you need to be merely good enough at, and how companies consistently mix these two categories up.	Serial entrepreneur Dharmesh Shah of HubSpot and the excellent OnStartups.com blog talks about startups, VC funding vs bootstrapping, and other lessons from life and MIT.

Eric Sink - 2008	Joel Spolsky - 2008
Eric Sink talks about people management, product management and how products are just like children.	Joel talks about how to become number one. You have clean code, usable software and decent marketing. But how do you get to the next level? Joel talks about three things you must do to go from average to awesome.
Seth Godin - 2008	Jessica Livingston - 2008
Seth gave an awesome talk at Business of Software 2008. Make sure you watch it to the end, where he gives a preview of his (then upcoming) tribes talk.	Jessica Livingston of YCombinator talks about lessons learned from her interviews with, among others, Paul Graham, Steve Wozniak, Mitch Kapor and Joel Spolsky.
Paul Kenny - 2008	Jason Fried - 2008
If you think that your software sells itself, or find sales distasteful and sordid, then prepare to be challenged.	Jason Fried talks about momentum, why roadmaps, specifications and projections are evil, and many other topics.
Steve Johnson - 2008	Steve Krug - 2008
Steve Johnson of Pragmatic Marketing talks about product management.	Usability testing is important, but you've got other things to do. In this video, Steve talks about informal usability testing and how the minimum of work can give you extraordinary results.

An intellectually, emotionally, nourishing blend of great speakers and networking.

Jay Cincotta, Gibraltar Software

The smartest group of people I've met.

Russell Clarvoe, SportsSignup

Well worth even 22 hours of travel.

Warwick Eade, Lancom Technology Ltd

I feel like I just has an amazing business bender.

Adi Elliott, kCura Corporation

Number 1 must attend conference for anyone in the software biz for content and access to attendees.

Lou Franco, Atalasoft

Gold.

Aaron Green, Streamtime

A mind-blowing array of presenters and content. Enough to keep me thinking at least until the next BoS Conference.

Mark Jackson, Cucku, Inc.

It is like getting an 'MBA' in running a software business.

Fred Lee, Enova Financial

The 'problem' with BoS is that there is so much great info I can't possibly digest it all.

Tim Lentine, CAPS, Inc.

The best source of information and motivation to develop and sustain 'real' software business.

John Meredith, CommonGoals Software

If most IT conferences are a good high school play, BoS is like an award winning Broadway production.

Paul Nielsen, Paul Nielsen Consulting, inc

Another great year for BoS - Kept me totally engaged from Mon morning to Wed afternoon.

Alec Rooney, Cisco

Best conference I ever attended.

Scott Rowat, CommonGoals Software

The BoS conference is a way for me to center my business sense, so I can move forward, growing our company both technically and processing wise. This conference inspired no less than a dozen ideas I did not have before I arrived. This is why I come to BoS.

Rick Schummer, White Light Computing, Inc.

A lifetime of experience squeezed into 2 1/2 days.

Mark Stephens, IDRSolutions

Freaking awesome! Great community.

Greg Tilman, Red Gate Software

The 2008 BoS conference in Boston was the best education money we spent this year. I attended along with our VP of Development and we've both found the material to be great inspiration for brain storming between us long after the conference was over. Next year, we'll be bringing more developers in the hopes of extending the experience and brainstorming further in our company. I don't know of any other conference where you get sessions on everything from usability testing to sales, marketing and hiring, especially from people like Steve Krug, Seth Godin and Joel Spolsky.

Michael Wurzer, President and CEO, FBS Data Systems

I've made the Business of Software my "must attend" conference every year. You've got an attendee for life. Another job well done!

Bryan Dykstra, Smrtware Solutions, LLC

It was the best conference I have attended. The speakers kept me interested and engaged covering every aspect of being in the software business including funding, management and team dynamics, gathering requirements, development and development process, and marketing. I didn’t want to check my work email for fear of missing something and I didn’t even get drowsy after lunch! It was brilliant fun. And a great opportunity to meet and interact with thought leaders in the software industry. Thanks for putting together this conference and keeping it going.

Alec Rooney, Software Development Manager, Cisco

Fascinating speakers; great energy; real inspiration

Kevin Burnett, Software Developer, Rosetta Stone

For me BOS 2008 was a great experience. Excellent content, presented by selected speakers, most of them extraordinary. Inspiring people, with many interesting ideas - all around. And all this in very nice, relaxed atmosphere. And one more thing: the concern about the worldwide financial crisis, which seems to be omnipresent, somehow was not felt here. At least I didn’t perceive it. During two days I was meeting professionals just pursuing their projects, confident in their success, no matter what. I can highly recommend BOS to all software professionals, but with still special emphasis for people form overseas like me.

Jorge Gros, Managing Partner, Software Greenhouse S.A, Spain

After reading up on the Business of Software conference last year, we initially decided to have two of our four company founders attend. As the conference drew nearer, it was decided that three of us would go. We attended and were blown away by some of the speakers. It was a great turnout and a great conference. We mingled during the breakfasts and lunches and quickly found that there were many ISV founders/partners/employees who, like us, take their business seriously, and have fought some of the same battles we are now facing.

The meeting quickly became a mix of an education, support group, and comedy troupe. We simply had a great time and learned a lot. We hadn't gone too far into the conference when we decided that 2009 would include our entire management team, which is saying something because while the three of us who attended live in the U.S., the fourth founder lives in Australia. We decided to work his annual travel to the states around the BoS schedule.

We are looking forward to our trip to San Francisco for the BoS 2009!

Thank you for putting on such a great conference.

Shawn Anderson & Gwen Hilyard, Brisworks

Business of Software was a pleasure to attend not only because of the talented and interesting speakers but just as much because of the chilled and friendly atmosphere that I have not seen similar anywhere else. I flew in from Denmark just for the conference and I will again.

Kristian Dupont, co-founder, Minimum Noise

I enjoyed BOS immensely. If you've ever thought about running your own software house you need to come to this conference. A small but rich collection of delegates and speakers, if you're an ISV and want a quality conference experience, this is it. The speakers are excellent, but even more important the delegates are like minded. Being an micro-ISV is hard, this conference shows it's possible and enjoyable. A fantastic mix of business, marketing, ISV knowledge, and of course a little technology too.

Ian Tebbutt, Founder and CEO, RooCube

The Business of Software Conference enables you to learn from and network with some of the best people in the industry. It offers, from leaders in the business, a wide range of insightful topics, such as (but not limited to) product management & marketing, business philosophy and software ecosystems. The Business of Software is worth the price of admission and is a valuable resource for anyone involved in, or anyone interested in getting into, the software business.

Walsh Brown, Owner, Impact Custom Solutions, LLC

For me, the big story about BoS 2008 was its quality. I’ve been to many other conferences and BoS is now at the top of my list for overall value. The speaker lineup in 2008 was terrific and I took away something excellent from every one. In addition, the structure of the conference made it easy to network and interact with other attendees and speakers. I was also impressed with the way the organizers were willing to try new methods of presentation and discussion – it made the entire event quite unique.

Cliff McCollum, Software Development Manager, GenoLogics Life Science Software

A glance at the speaker line-up made it an instant "must attend" for me. The experience was packed with presentations that I wanted to hear, attendees I felt privileged to meet, and nothing that felt like filler. I suspected it would be great, and it was even better!

Arne Gleason, Senior Product Manager, ReserveAmerica

A wonderful conference for all those that design, develop, market and sell software. There were so many tips and tricks of the trade from people who have actually done what you are (probably) trying to do I lost count. Superb networking opportunities with people who you actually want to network with. See you next year!

Michael Francis, Marketeer, Red Gate

I'm a programmer-turned-manager who's spent my fair share of time at tech conferences. Like most, I’ve sat through "business-oriented" talks at those conferences and found them wanting. So I was intrigued and hopeful yet appropriately skeptical when I found BoS through Joel's blog. Without hesitation, BoS was the best, most focused conference I've had the privilege of attending. The conference was organized and well-paced. The caliber of the presenters was the highest of any conference I've attended. In particular, Steve Krug on usability testing, Dharmesh Shah on running a start up, and Tom Jennings on venture capital are excellent examples of the breadth and depth of the content. I could have named nearly any of the others with equal conviction. The topics were incredibly engaging, relevant, and thoughtful, and I left the 2 day event feeling I had truly learned. I highly recommend the conference and hope to attend again in the future.

Joel Worrall, Director of Engineering, Mzinga

The Business of Software conference in 2008 was a great mix of software/marketing gurus and thought leaders. Combine that with 2 days and 3 nights of meeting and comparing notes with software entrepreneurs from around the world and it's a conference that I'm looking forward to going to every year.

Andrew Butel, Business Architect, Xero

I've been to many technology conferences, and many business development conferences, but BoS combines both. It was incredibly beneficial to be surrounded with software business people, most of whom deal with the same types of issues as we. We made lasting business partnerships, and learned powerful techniques to optimize all aspects of our business. Two Thumbs Up!

Larry Port, Rocket Matter, LLC

If you attend one conference this year, it should be The Business of Software. Yeah, sure, conferences on specific technical topics are important--programming techniques, development methodologies, etc. But, all those others deal in details that can only succeed when implemented upon the proper foundation. The Business of Software conference helps you build or strengthen that foundation. In short, it will help you achieve the "Big 3" goals for your software company/project--increase revenue, reduce costs, manage risk.

Patrick Quinn, President and CTO, Webapper Services, LLC

This was undeniably the best conference that I’ve attended of its kind. Excellent speakers with thought provoking content! Hope BoS continues well into the future.

Renae Eddy, Development Program Manager, Martin Group, Inc.

When my boss first told me about the Business of Software conference, I didn't really know what to expect. Like many others in software development, Joel on Software is a must read. With Joel backing the conference, I figured it was worth a shot.

After the first hour, I was hooked. Every talk gave a wealth of information, and more than that an insight into the minds of successful, highly motivated individuals. What was hard to believe is how a conference with such a large scope flowed so well. Each talk was so different, but it worked. I believe the reason for this is it got smart people together to discuss their experiences in software. The topics discussed were applicable to anyone in software.

I look forward to future conferences and hope to be as inspired and motivated as I was after BoS 2008.

Brian Hartsock, Mailtrust

The Business of Software conference has to be one of the most energetic and stimulating conferences I’ve ever been to. Typically I attend 2-3 technical conferences a year, and I learn things, network with people, and recharge myself for work, but the event on Boston was different. Focused more on business challenges, attendees were very willing to network with each other, talk about their experiences and debate issues involved with running all sizes of software companies, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. The speakers were fantastic, exciting my again about my business as well as sparking ideas in my imagination. If there were only one conference I could attend in 2009, it would be the Business of Software.

Steve Jones, Founder, SQLServerCentral.com

Great speakers. Great networking. Great venue. Great conference.

Zakir Hemraj, Lead Software Developer, I Love Rewards, Inc

BoS 2008 brought an eclectic mix of speakers together to present on topics ranging from marketing to UI best practices offering timely value to anyone in the business of software. The sessions were electrifying and the networking opportunities fantastic. We are looking forward to the 2009 event, and hope to bring more of our team this time around.

William Butler, XCENT

My original interest in attending the conference was driven by just two of the planned speakers I saw listed. But I was blown away with the quality of nearly all of the speakers. The overall quality of the entire conference was certainly top notch and I certainly hope my schedule allows me to attend next years event. There are too many other industry events that could learn a lot about putting together and creating excellent content and value from you and your team. Keep up the great work!

Daryl Marietta, XCENT

The 2008 Business of Software conference was fantastic. The quality of the speakers was exceptional and the coverage of topics was the perfect mix for anyone interested in 'the business of software'. I found many like minded people, discussing all the topics I am interested in, and found plenty of opportunies for networking and expanding my personal and business boundaries. I would gladly recommend it to anyone and will definitely be attending the 2009 event.

Ken Hughes, CTO, C2C Systems

My only regret upon coming across BoS 2008 is that I missed the 2007 edition! This unique conference truly represents the multifaceted world of software development, which many of us forget is a business first and technology second. This is the best bang for the buck for software development professionals wanting to take their businesses and/or careers to the next level and beyond.

Dave Bernard, CEO and Founder, The Intellection Group, LLC

Business of Software 2008 was simply the highest-value conference I've ever attended. Every session was packed with thoughtful insights and practical examples. Fun, engaging and thought-provoking.

Corey Reid, Chief Cat Herder, FreshBooks

From start to finish with inspiring talks from Godin to Spolsky the conference was a remarkable, enlightening experience full of opportunities to network and share innovative thoughts and ideas. I am looking forward to next year in San Fran!

Jim Felderman, Lead Developer, Motley Fool

The Business of Software Conference is the most valuable conference we've attended as a company. Any software company who does not attend is foolish, in my opinion; the information presented is extremely relevant and valuable. The content, quality of the speakers, and production quality are all top-notch, and the networking with other attendees always generates us some great contacts.

Tim Norman, Founder, Normsoft

I really enjoyed the Business of Software 2008. In addition to meeting plenty of like-minded people, I learned a lot about how to do better what I'm already doing: building the right software the right way (not that there's only one right way!). I also learned a lot about the ins and outs and ups and downs of starting a small software-based business... just in case I ever take that plunge.

Peter D. Venable, Principal Software Engineer, Haley Limited

The Business of Software is hands down the best conference I've ever attended! The line-up of speakers was incredible and each one presented a compelling presentation and that was both insightful and informative. I walked away feeling invigorated with multiple business opportunities and several close new friends.

Mason Blake, Lead Software Engineer, JamBase, Inc

Because of the incredible line up of speakers, attending the BoS conference was a super-performing investment in improving the way we plan, operate, and prepare our business for growth. We've attended no other conference that has so successfully packed so much industry leadership into 3 days. We'll definitely be back in 2009.

Ken Hilburn, Juice Analytics

The person sitting next to you at breakfast or during a talk was likely to be even more interesting (than the speakers, who were top notch). BoS 2008 made me want to get back into software product management, and envious of people living at software startups.

Brad Rickelman, Assistant Director, Center for Business Development

Attending the Business of Software 2008 conference was one of the smartest decisions I made in 2008. Great speakers, great food, great venue, great networking. I enjoyed every minute and I thank everyone who had a hand in putting it together. I can't wait to attend the 2009 conference.

Kevin Minnick, VP Research and Development, Mailtrust

If you run a software company or you’re thinking of starting one, the Business of Software conference is a must attend event. The conference boasts an excellent list of speakers and a highly-focused set of topics, and the intimate size encourages networking and discussion.

Doug Gaff, Senior Manager, Wind River Systems

The Business of Software conference is invaluable for any software professional. Whether you are a developer, salesperson, marketer or all of the above, you will impressed with the great content and first-class speakers. The real value of the conference, however, is the other attendees you will meet, who are some of the most successful and thoughtful people you will spend a few days with.

Lou Franco, Director of Engineering, Atalasoft

BoS really stands out. You are not going to find a better opportunity in 2009 to network, to be reassured and to be seriously challenged.

Mark Stephens, Founder and CEO, IDR Solutions

One amazingly-brilliant speaker after another. No sales pitches. Incredibly focused. I took more notes and learned more from this event than from any conference in years. Highly recommended.

Derek Silvers

The conference provided very interesting content from successful entrepreneurs which I am still benefiting from as well as the opportunity to network with people who are experiencing or have experienced the same issues that confront me in leading an organization, building a culture and providing a successful software product. It was a truly eye-opening experience!

Lou Immendorf, VP of Development, MarketingPilot Software

Attending the Business of Software Conference last year was a last minute decision and one that I am very glad that I made. In almost every session my eyes were opened to aspects of my business that I either hadn't considered or was passively neglecting. From sales, to marketing, to data collection, to user testing and even to overall business strategy, I returned home with a long list of notes which spurred hours of discussion and planning with my business partner. More than anything, it not only illuminated gaps in my knowledge that I didn't know existed, but it also gave me a head start on filling them.

Greg DeVore, Co-founder, Blue Mango Learning Systems

Best conference I have attended. Outstanding speakers and a great opportunity to meet like-minds

Seth Crothers, VP of Technology, Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc.

The 2008 conference was my first and it was a excellent. I learned a lot from some great content and I met many interesting executives.

Steve Goldenberg, CEO, Interfolio

It doesn't take much convincing to understand how special of an opportunity it is to see the lineup of speakers that BoS gathers together. However, the benefit that I really didn't understand so clearly before going in was the collection of experiences within the audience. The delegates range the scale from the boundlessly optimistic startup people through the more fully informed owners who've been doing running their businesses for 10+ years. Just being in a room with hundreds of people who are specifically interested in what I'm interested in, who are where I am, or who've been where I'm going... It's just a tremendously fulfilling experience.

Cary Millsap, President, Method R Corporation

The conference had great topics, great speakers, and great networking. I came home fired up, with a notebook full of new ideas, some of which we’ve already put into place. Best of all, I found peers, many of whom have taken their companies to places where I want mine to go. At the Business of Software Conference, I found my tribe.

Brian Leach, Managing Director, Steelray Software

Thanks @NeilDavidson & @spolsky for Business of Software #bos2009, but more important: thanks to all the attendees. Amazing group of people.

@KathySierra

#bos2009 was great, best conference I've been too - great combination of speakers and really easy to talk to attendees

@paulcrawford

#BoS2009, easily the best conference I've ever been to. Shame the next one is 12 months away!!!

@nickswan

Thanks Neil and everyone for a great conference! I'll never see the world quite the same way again. #BoS2009

@jazzdev

Thanks to everyone for making #BoS2009 rock!

@jeffgalper

Back from #BoS2009, great way to find out the stuff you don't know you don't know! Now back to those emails...

@fusionboy27

Coming to #BOS2009 all the way from kiwi-land has been so worthwhile! A lot of informative speakers, but the networking is equally valued.

@JasonGloverNZ