Willard Web Design

WWDC 2010: Fallout

Nope, no Apple fan boy here. But, as a tech guy, I did want to post what I thought were the most interesting bits of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

First, and foremost, I thought the top news of the day was the AT&T upgrade offer. Second, would be that they're offering an 8GB iPhone 3GS for $99. Facetime and the HD video recording options were definitely cool bonuses. I also found the numerous references to PDF across iBook and other Apple software amusing, and I'll get to that in a minute.

First, the upgrade news. AT&T is going to offer anyone eligible for an upgrade in 2010 to upgrade to a new iPhone. I'm sorry, but am I the only one who sees this as a desperate plea to keep subscribers onboard? I also think this signals towards a Verizon iPhone before the end of 2011. Seriously, why else would they make this offer? Sure, they make a ton of money, but won't they make just as much (if not more) by having hordes of morons jumping through hoops, paying higher upgrade fees, etc; just to get their hands on Apple's latest creation? Basically, this signals AT&T feels they have lost the upper hand in the current market. I just get the feeling they're grasping for any traction they can to lock up subscribers for two more years. Or, maybe it's a reaction to all the success of Android? Both?

Second, the $99 price point for an 8GB iPhone. I'm not overly familiar with iPhone pricing, but I don't remember they're being a less expensive option before now. If they did have it before, then it's obviously not big news to anyone else, just me. If they didn't, then having a competitor to less-expensive, but capable, Blackberry and Android phones; is a HUGE deal. You can get certain Blackberry models for free with a 2-yr contract and you can even get Android phones for as low as $50 with a 2 year deal. Apple having a competitor for more of the budget-minded, "average" user, is definitely a big win in my book. I'll still take Android though...

Other cool features:

I really, really, really, like the idea of video calls via Facetime; especially to the ones we love. That would be a huge bonus if you're out of town for a trip and want to "see" the family. While Facetime was cool, it is wi-fi only right now. Sure, that's great for those people with constant wi-fi connections. But, for those of us who don't live in a metropolis where wi-fi abounds; what good is that?

HD video recording capability, was also super cool. I scoffed at the notion of uploading/publishing HD video to YouTube via your phone. Yeah, maybe over wi-fi, but are you really going to do that via 3G? I doubt it, and again, what about those dependent on 3G; not wi-fi? Would you be willing to spend your entire data plan allotment, per the new AT&T rules, just to TRY and upload a video to YouTube?

Anyways, definitely some cool features, but nothing to sway me from Android.

Okay, the non-iPhone bit of news I found interesting was this...PDF. Was it just me or did everything else cool with the iPad or iBook seem dependent on PDF? I know Adobe created the PDF format, and after a quick bit of research, maybe this isn't as interesting as I thought. According to the wikipedia page PDF is an open standard. My initial thought was that Adobe could fire a shot across the bow of Apple by refusing to allow PDF software developed on the iOS (as they now call the platform). An obvious retort to Apple's stance on Flash. I wonder if Adobe regrets making PDF an open standard? Anyways, just another interesting thought that occurred to me.

Feel free to post your thoughts and comments about WWDC. Were you underwhelmed? About what you expected? Super stoked? Please share.

Everyday Evolution

Recently, I've seen some articles asking interesting questions to those of us who create for the web. One such question, "What do you consider yourself", is especially interesting to me. 

All of us who create for the web have probably worn multiple "hats" at some point throughout our career.  Initially, you HAD to wear different hats to get a web site built.  Today, as the web continues to dominate our lives, we see more and more specializtion or "silos" of web duties.

Sure, we still do a multitude of jobs every day or every week.  But, the need for a clear deliniation of the different phases of web:  designers, user-interface designers, client-side developers, database administrators, server side developers, and content creators; seems to be more urgent.

My philosophy, with regards to this issue of "everyday evolution" (as I'm calling it here), has always been to stay well-rounded.  For example, when I initially started out as a "web guy", I considered myself more of a designer.  Of course, who couldn't "design" a site back in 2000?  All sites were table-based, mostly informational, and in most cases very ugly.  Fast forward to today and the web is a much more sophisticated, prettier place for a designer.  Back to my point about staying well-rounded, those skills from my early days as a "designer" are still relevant and useful today.  I may not create designs much anymore, but I can take a design, chop it up, and build it out with the best of them.

So, I've eluded to the fact that I don't call myself a designer anymore.  So, what would I call myself?  A developer?  Ah, there is another one of those catchy job descriptions for us web folks.  Sure, I code in html/xhtml, css, php, javascript, asp.net, and mysql on a regular basis.  So, I must be a developer right?

Maybe, maybe not.  I think I could throw myself into any one of those silos I mentioned earlier.  However, there are varying degrees of ability within each one of those silos.  For example, I could easily label myself a developer for any one of the reasons I mentioned above.  However, in relation to a colleague of mine, I don't feel like a developer at all.  On a scale of one to ten, I'd give him a ten and myself a five.  But, compared to other web people I've met, I could be the ten and them the five.  So, you see, I don't think this issue of "what do you consider yourself" is so crystal clear.

And, again, back to my point about staying well-rounded.  You see I have asp.net, php, etc on my list of languages.  I could have easily decided to be a php guru and become an expert in just one particular language.  However, I never wanted to be left in the dust if the one language I learned became obsolete.  I always felt more flexible and valuable if I were knowledeable in multiple areas, versus being an expert in just one.

So, what's my title?  I think the best job title I've ever owned is "web specialist".  That title may be the most generic, but I think it fits the bill nicely. 

As the web continues to evolve, so will the every day duties and responsibilities availble for us web people.  My best strategy has always been to stay well-rounded and avoid falling into a particular silo.  Of course, I wouldn't mind being in a silo in the right environment.  Cross functional teams are very effective, and I'd be glad if my everyday evolution led me into such an environment....how about you?  What's your job title?  Do you like this evolution towards different areas of specialization on the web?

Another Trial Run

Yep, testing another tool for the site.  Again, please disregard any weirdness.

The Upgrade

When did the upgrade of your cell phone become such a critical life decision?  I've had a cell phone for a decade, or longer, so I've been through my share of upgrades over the years.  However, each time, I find myself spending more time and effort analyzing and breaking down every possible aspect of this major life decision.  Seriously, a bad cell phone choice at upgrade time may be worse than drafting a bust with the number pick in the NFL draft (i.e. JaMarcus Russell).

The last time I upgraded, I screwed myself over cause I damaged the phone, and had to revert back to an old model.  Of course, I wasn't really that impressed with the phone anyways, so it was probably a good thing.  As a matter of fact, I went back to my old Motorola Razr phone that had been on the shelf for six months.  Honestly, I might have to put the Razr down as one of the most impressive cell phones in the history of the device.

Back to the upgrade...my wife and I will both be upgrading phones in the next 5-10 months and I already find myself mapping out plans for the upgrade.  I'm watching new product releases, reading reviews, etc.  I guess this is what life is like for a college football coach on the recruiting trail.  Essentially, I'm recruiting devices to add to my roster, and eventually, I'll narrow the search down and give one a scholarship.  That "scholarship" will entitle them a 2 year ride as my personal communication device of choice.  I know this all sounds so silly, and I promise to stop with the football metaphors, but don't pretend like you haven't been through this same scenario.  If you haven't, I'd venture to say you probably carry a 5 year old phone around and don't see the big deal about iPhone or Android.  Not to mention, you probably don't know what this whole "texting thing" really is.

Any suggestions? Cool devices you've got your eye on? A similar upgrade "bust" story? Please, do tell...

Cool Site Award

I attended the 2010 Webmaster Forum at the University of Illinois today.  This year marked my second time attending the event.  I love this event and it is a great learning and networking opportunity for web professionals in our web community.  Each year, the webmaster committee does an awards segment where they honor the top web sites across campus.  Our 2010 Science Olympiad National Tournament site received the top honor during the Cool Site Awards!  We received the "Gold" People's Choice Award and it was quite an honor!

The site was among over 30 sites nominated, and of those approximately 30 sites, the webmaster steering committee picked 5 to be voted into either Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards.  We were up against some pretty stiff competition and we were so excited to win the honor.  Jackie and I both felt it was great to be honored amongst a group of our peers; truly one of the best feelings you can have bestowed upon you as a professional.

Site Updates

I just finished updating my drupal install and all the out-dated modules that needed refreshed.  I'm also testing out the jQuery version of the TinyMCE editor with the wysiwyg module.

I'd like to see what the code looks like from this editor after posting...so just ignore any wacky formatting I may have included in this post.

Verizon iPhone: An Analogy, Analysis, & Predictions

Let's start with the Analogy.

We've heard speculation about a Verizon iPhone for 2-3 years at this point. In the cell phone/tech/gadget world, that's a lifetime. The Chicago Cubs have been trying to win the World Series for the first time since 1908, and yes, that too is a lifetime. My analogy? The Verizon iPhone is the Chicago Cubs of the cell phone world. And, for all those waiting contently for this marriage between Apple & Verizon, I think prudent advice would be to adopt the same favorite saying of Cub fans..."wait til next year". Seriously, I could develop the analogy and comparisons even further than just the anticipation factor, but on to bigger and better discussion.

Now for some Analysis.

Just to get up to speed, the latest round of speculation is related to this recent Wall Street Journal article. PC World also has a nice article indicating reasons to "think twice" about the Verizon and Apple partnership.

After reading these two articles, here are my key issues:

1. Apple does what Apple wants. Period.

Apple has an immense amount of leverage in this situation, and this game will be played on their terms and and their terms only. Sure they could sell some more phones by allowing Verizon in on the game, but they'll have to create a special phone, deal with network issues, etc; all over again. Might not be worth the headache in this current environment.

2. Technology

I have to imagine that Apple, a company on the leading edge of technology, is not interested in porting their phone backwards to fit any CDMA network; Verizon's included. Again, this also speaks to their incredible leverage in this situation. I could see a scenario where Verizon ramps up their 4G implementation to make this deal happen faster, but until then, I think there is little incentive for Apple to go backwards.

And, do we even know if Verizon's network is capable of handling the ridiculous increase in data traffic from iPhone users? Sure, Verizon has a larger coverage area than AT&T, but that doesn't mean you can handle the bandwidth pouring across your network. AT&T struggled with this particular issue and I'm sure there would be some potential growing pains with other carriers as well.

3. Money, Money, Money

AT&T's stake:
No matter what other issues are at stake, it will ultimately come down to the mighty dollar. I honestly believe it would be suicide for AT&T to lose the exclusive deal they have with the iPhone right now. The company's recent network troubles and dissatisfaction, combined with loss of the iPhone exclusivity; would spell ultimate disaster. Could you imagine the mass exodus of people switching to Verizon if/when this deal comes true? Right now, I think it would be huge. Basically, Apple has AT&T between a rock and hard place; AT&T will pay whatever the bounty to keep the iPhone...for now.

However, some recent reports have shown AT&T may be figuring out how to tune their network to better handle the iPhone data traffic. If AT&T resolves their issues, then losing the exclusive deal wouldn't be nearly as painful, because there should be less dissatisfied users once the service problems are squashed. Until then, you have to figure that whatever awesome amount of money they are paying Apple for this deal; is definitely worth the paper.

Apple's stake:
Apple is in the catbird seat when it comes to money on this deal. No matter what, they're banking big time. Right now, they can and probably will hold AT&T ransom for whatever sum of money they desire. The only reason Apple has to leave AT&T, is if they can't provide reliable service to their users. Sure, they could sell more handsets to Verizon users, but why not just jack the price through the roof on an exclusive deal with AT&T? Sounds like a simpler, easier plan to me. Of course, if Verizon offered to pay whatever costs were associated with developing a CDMA iPhone, production, etc...maybe Apple thinks a little harder about the issue. Otherwise, I can't see Apple investing time and resources in older technology, when they can just wait a year or two and release an even better product on a better network.

Everybody Else:
I totally agree with the PC World article that much of this speculation could be an attempt to stifle the booming Android market, etc. A rumor of this nature is powerful enough to make people hold off of switching carriers, upgrading phones, etc, etc. Imagine all the money at stake and changing hands in those scenarios? When you figure up all the carriers, manufacturers, and stockholders who can gain/lose from such speculation; it's not a far fetched idea.

Now for the real fun...Predictions.

My predictions? The current Verizon iPhone rumor is just that, a rumor. I think Verizon gets an iPhone, but it won't be until their network reaches an acceptable point according to Apple. I'm thinking sometime in 2011 or later. I believe that makes the most business sense for Apple and allows them to maintain total control, which they love. They can continue to have AT&T doing their bidding for now and make a ton of cash at the same time. Meanwhile, they tell Verizon to get their network in shape. Then, when Verizon gets their network close, Apple will negotiate a deal with them. All of this allows Apple to focus on the iPad & iPhone launches this year, and avoids Apple having the headache of dealing with even more versions of the iPhone, tuning another carrier's network, so on and so forth til a more likeable future date.

Of course, I could be totally wrong, but it wouldn't be any fun if we didn't talk about all the cool stuff happening in the tech world. Personally, none of this affects me too much. I'm on AT&T right now, but debating switching carriers later this year. My next phone will be an open-source Android phone and I have no desire for an iPhone.

However, I do love tech and gadgets so the iPhone discussions are always intriguing; chime in with your thoughts!

Bum Ankle and Extra Time

Okay, let's just say you're a web guy who has a few extra hours of time on your hands cause you've injured your ankle. What would you do with that time?

Of course, I'm talking about myself, and my recent trials and tribulations on the basketball court. As a result, I am forced to stay off my feet and rest my ankle as much as possible over the next few weeks.

Sure, I could just spend my time watching some March Madness, but I need a change of pace every once and awhile. Plus, I've been talking about doing a demo or two for quite some time. My three ideas for demos? I think I should do a HTML 5, jQuery, or mobile web demo/experiment.

What do you think? I'll gladly field any suggestions...

Cassandra who?

Do any of you know who Cassandra is? You probably use or see her every day and you don't even know her. No, seriously, have any of you web folks ever heard of Cassandra? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say...no.

Until recently, I hadn't either. Who/what is Cassandra? The Apache Cassandra Project is another one of those great open-source projects. So, you're probably thinking..."what's the big deal?". Oh, I don't know, this particular open-source project happens to be in use at sites with the names Facebook, Twitter, and Digg; just to name a few.

The basic gist from the Cassandra project's web site is this: "The Apache Cassandra Project develops a highly scalable second-generation distributed database...".

And, along with the impressive client list, an interesting stat too:
"The largest production cluster has over 100 TB of data in over 150 machines.".

Whew! That is pretty impressive.

My database background is in SQL, specifically MySQL, but I find this Cassandra project quite intriguing. In fact, I've already downloaded the necessary files to install it on my linux box at home. I'm going to try and take the time to get to know Cassandra, and I think you should too.

jQuery

As a web guy, I've experimented with and used all sorts of cool technology over the years. Recently, I've taken a delight in jQuery. I have been working through my "Learning jQuery 1.3" book written by Chaffer and Swedberg.

Although I have only spent a few days working through the book (I am only into chapter 3), the power of jQuery has already been instilled into my web guy brain. Of course this sounds completely nerdy, but I think I'm actually giddy about jQuery. I haven't been this excited about an aspect of web development in a really long time.

All nerd issues aside, the power of implicit iteration, chaining, interaction, browser-neutral, and simple javascript code...is a truly wonderful thing.