Call for Volunteers
By Cheryl Coupé, SAO Industry Update editor-in-chief
The SAO's small staff is complemented by about 150 dedicated volunteers who steer the content and production of our many programs. We have a few exciting openings for committee members who will work closely with industry peers to build
programs of value while developing professional skills. This is a great opportunity for you or your staff to lend valuable experience to the technology community while gaining exposure, developing professional connections, and making new
friends.
-- The monthly SAO Industry Update is looking for writers. Attend SAO events, interview local movers and shakers, and write about the trends that are changing the Oregon software industry. Email
cheryl@scribo.net with questions or interest.
-- The new Internet Professionals Special Interest Group (IPSIG) needs committee members to guide the content and programming of IPSIG events. The group is focused on using the Internet to further the business goals of our members. Contact
ericka@sao.org.
-- Our new Quality Assurance SIG needs QA professionals from software companies, embedded software organizations and IT organizations to focus on the quality aspects of the software development cycle. Contact
ericka@sao.org.
SIG volunteers spend an hour a month in a committee meeting and attend six programs per year. Update writers attend a one-hour editorial meeting once a month, and research and write articles on their own time. Come on – what are you
waiting for? Volunteer!
Table of Contents
Industry News
Microsoft Innovation Center and Oregon's Economic Development
by Allison Menjivar, coordinator, Microsoft Innovation Center
The Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) at Portland State University was founded by Microsoft and three of its partners – Ascentium, Centerlogic and Netdesk. The MIC is dedicated to driving the expansion of Oregon's economic development
through technology education and support for organizations developing and using Microsoft platforms. 
Helping Entrepreneurs Create, Grow and Run Successful Businesses
by Tom Lowles, director, Portland Community College Small Business Development Center
The Oregon Small Business Development Center is a part of the Association of Small Business Development Centers, a network of more than 1100 state and national network centers that provide management and technical assistance to more than
1.3 million small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs each year. Can we help you?
Quick Survey
During the 2007-2008 legislative sessions, the SAO will be actively working to further the goals of workforce and economic development for our industry. Part of our strategy depends on developing an empirical report on the value of our
industry to Oregon's economy. You can help by providing your input via a short, anonymous survey.
Click here to reach the survey questions.
Thank you for being an active member of the SAO!
Resource Center News
Processes Differentiate World-Class Software Engineering
by Ed Carroll, executive, Agilis Solutions
Software companies – with their continuous product release cycles, large IT programs and ever-changing business demands – are dependent upon continuous and repetitive project success. However, we continue to hold steady with an industry
statistic showing that upwards of 70% of large software projects fail to meet their objectives by more than 35% (35% over -budget, 35% off-schedule, etc.). This article will compare the implementation of project management processes,
engineering standards and continuous process improvement as ways to plan for success (repetitively).
Effective Development Teams, Part 2
by David Florey, principal software architect, Sage Software
This article is the second in a three-part series on effective development teams. The
first article covered the development team, its makeup, and its dynamics. This article covers how effective teams gather and understand requirements and avoid common pitfalls in this phase of development. The third article will cover
the actual building of the software and how effective teams successfully address issues that arise during this vital phase.
India: The Sleeping Giant (for Software Anyway)
by Scott Goddin & Nicholas Strychacz, Portland US Export Assistance Center
While Oregon tech firms have traditionally looked to Asia and then European markets for growth opportunities, software companies have increasingly focused on India as a growing market for strategic partnerships and expanded sales
opportunities. Although the market is exciting, India can be a challenging and difficult place to do business. Companies need to do their homework and approach the market carefully.
Converting Leads to Cash in the Digital Age of Marketing
by Kate McPherron, technology evangelist
Jason Palmer, WebTrends VP of marketing, spoke at the SAO Marketing SIG on October 17, 2006. See how this leading company manages the art and science of persona-based marketing to identify key needs. Palmer discusses his philosophy on
closed-loop marketing programs that build brand, drive thought leadership and most importantly, create quality leads.
Connect with Future Engineers during National Engineers Month!
by Mary Beth Horton, deputy director, Business Education Compact
Each February, the Business Education Compact (BEC) coordinates hundreds of engineers from various disciplines and industries to present the wonders of engineering to K-12 students in Oregon. The result – students are more motivated to
excel in science and math, volunteer engineers are re-energized about their important work, and Oregon businesses connect with their community and future workforce. Find out how to be a part of this exciting program.
SAO News
Managing Retention and Reducing Employee Turnover
by Tom Kelley, SPHR, senior vice president, AmeriBen
Along with economic improvement come changes to the job market. We've moved out of the employer's market, and your employees may be looking for another job. Managing retention and reducing turnover are critical to the success and
profitability of your organization.
Sponsor Spotlight: Acumen Financial Group
SAO's sponsors enable the association to fulfill its purpose: "To foster and promote the quality and growth of Oregon's software industry by serving its key needs." We now recognize our newest sponsor – Acumen Financial Group, LLC.
Who's New
If this newsletter should go to others in your organization, please contact
Judy Cumby-Law.
Member Headlines
Iowa signs up for Digimarc license system
The Iowa Department of Transportation awarded Digimarc Corp. a $1.4 million contract to implement facial recognition-based biometrics to deter driver's license fraud.
Pop Art Forges Ahead with Oregon Steel Mills and LifeWorks NW
Pop Art, Inc. launched a brand new web site for
Oregon Steel Mills, demonstrating how rich imagery and fresh colors can reflect the new image of steelsleek, strong, and safe. Pop Art also celebrates LifeWorks NW's redesigned
web site. The local health service provider's site features a customized service locator tool in addition to a localized translation that serves Spanish-speaking audiences.
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