Living on
Internet Time:
Product
Development at Netscape, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Net Dynamics
Case Preparation Questions
- Compare
and contrast the product development approaches followed by the four
organizations.
- Which
elements of these approaches to development will last as the Internet
evolves?
- An old
friend from college has come up with a great video game idea. The game would be aimed at high school
and college students, and would allow them to play with or against each
other on the Internet. The software
would allow them to build cities in cyberspace, trade with each other,
wage war, and engage in a variety of other activities. Your friend has a lot of experience
with writing game software, but would like your help in designing a
process for taking that idea to market.
You have decided to accept this challenge (you love the idea.) Assume that you have funding for hiring
enough (a half dozen or so) software developers, and any equipment that
you might reasonably need. Specify
the sequences of project phases, gates, and milestones, as well as any
specific methodologies (user needs, contextual analysis, etc.) that you
think you should use. Your process
design should define the sequence of major product development activities.