14/12/2004 Interview with Creative Algorithms- Palm OS Software Developers.
Tell us about Creative Algorithms- it's history, who is involved and how long you have been in business.)
CORY: We're a husband and wife team, Cory and Justine Pratt. I bought my first Palm III in 1998. I liked it so much, I had to buy one for Justine, too. We've both been hooked ever since. The only problem was Justine still had to drag her plastic date whiz-wheel thingy along with her Palm (it used to fit in her paper planner). So, in 1999 she suggested that I write a program ("Date Wheel") to replace it. Our careers moved us from Detroit to Chicago in 2000. We started Creative Algorithms, LLC a year ago (2003); coinciding with my termination date from 3Com after their sale of Commworks to UTStarcom. JUSTINE: We're a pretty good team--we split up the responsibilities, but collaborate on the designs and offerings where we can. Cory develops the software and takes care of the server/IT (we use Linux desktop OS). I do the business side and am the webmaster. I'm responsible for the marketing, accounting, and customer service. So you'll hear a lot from me, while Cory quietly writes great code behind the scenes. :)
Why produce only Palm software and more specifically why business/specialised applications?
CORY: We started with what we know. But also because Palm has the majority of market share (despite what Microsoft wants you to believe :)), a more stable operating system, and a great developer community. JUSTINE: For example, Cory and I have engineering backgrounds, which is why we have such products as Quick Ohm. Date Wheel, as Cory mentioned, was critical to my job as a Program Manager in the automotive industry. I was also a Quality Manager for a while, so we came up with Gage Tech, geared more to a business application. We have both traveled extensively in the US and internationally, for business and pleasure, so creating Trip Boss came easily. Basically, we wanted to get a base of quality applications out there quickly, so the best way to do that is to write what you know. As for why only Palm? I expect we'll expand into other OS's, but the development environments are quite different. It's better to focus on one OS for now.
What's your most successful program to date and which one are you the most proud of?
CORY: Currently, "Date Wheel" is our most successful; largely, because it's been around the longest. But we are most proud of "Trip Boss" because of the scale of the project and the hurdles we had to overcome. JUSTINE: I agree with Cory. Date Wheel is a simple app that really appeals to everyone. I use it all the time, for personal things, too. I used it when I was pregnant with our children to countdown the weeks to my due date. I also use it to help schedule things like my next haircut. Our daughter is always asking things like, "How many days to my next birthday?" Date Wheel comes in handy. :) I'm very proud of Trip Boss because we put a lot of thought into it. We started with a paper log my family used when we were kids. I added input from my extensive international business travel. We also did a lot of research on what travel apps were out there and what people were saying about them. We listened to them and developed Trip Boss to meet their needs.
What is the best song you have heard this year (and the best book you have read)?
CORY: There's not much worth listening to on the radio these days but I heard some great stuff on a local college station the other day. However, I have no idea who the artists were nor the names of the songs. I guess that's the price of not driving to work every day. ;-) We generally prefer Alternative Rock, and Dance genres. JUSTINE: My favorite radio station in Chicago changed formats on me, so I pretty much listen to the MP3's and CD's we own. My favorite band is Depeche Mode; I've followed them for years. As for books, this year I tackled the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I really got into the movies, and had read the books years ago. (I actually had a class at Michigan Tech University, devoted to "The Hobbit" and LOTR.) They are not an easy read at first, but now with some of the imagery of the movie, and while listening to the fantastic soundtrack, they really resonate. It's amazing the detailed world that Tolkien created.
Are you able to give us any news of forthcoming projects?
CORY: We researched writing a diet and exercise program, but decided it wouldn't be completed in time for the New Year's resolution crowd (maybe next year) so for now we're focusing on polishing existing programs. Expect more features for "Trip Boss": color tables and bitmaps are almost done, and an agenda/checklist is in the planning stage. We also have a few minor features updates planned for our other offerings. We're still researching what our next app should be. If your readers have any suggestions, we'd like to hear them. Justine has a idea for a better "To Do" app, but the market seems saturated. JUSTINE: We've also thought about doing a game. Even though many exist, each game is unique, unlike developing yet another launcher, for example. I also want to get my hands on some of the latest hardware--when you use something daily, ideas for apps to improve the experience come freely.
What do you love about trying to sell Palm products and what do you hate about the process?
JUSTINE: I'll answer this one, since this is my most important job. :) I love selling Palm products because the community is so passionate about their PDA's. You get lots of feedback. Palm products sell well over the internet, so it is easier for small businesses, like ourselves, to do well. The part I hate most is figuring out the best marketing strategy. It's been a huge learning curve--there is no "Marketing Palm Software for Dummies" out there. ;-) So far it seems trial and error--I would much rather have a formula in which you can plug in the variables and get an answer. :)
What is your favourite non-PDA related web site?
CORY: Slashdot, Robert X. Cringely, Joel on Software JUSTINE: I don't really have a favorite non-PDA site. My day starts with My Yahoo for all the hard news, and a Dilbert cartoon for some humor. Then I read Palm247, Palm Addict, a few PDA forums, such as 1src. Otherwise I go to sites for a purpose: Google, weather.com, MapQuest...
Is Palm losing ground to WindowsMobile in your opinion?
CORY: I think the scales are starting to tip in Microsoft's favor, but when PalmSource implements Linux support (as they recently announced) PalmOne and others will finally get the device driver support they need to do great things with their hardware in the future. Not to mention -- totally dreaming here -- the ability to load Linux+PalmOS on PocketPC hardware. *drool* It makes me wonder if PalmOne would OEM Dell or HP's hardware (sans the WindowsMobile license, of course). JUSTINE: I think the PDA market cycle has matured, so it is natural for the OEM's to look for new ways to expand the market, along with their marketshare. Smartphones are a great way to get PDA usage more mainstream, expanding the total market. I don't think PalmOne is looking to replace Palm OS, but to add WindowsMobile to their offerings. If you think about it, if half the PDA market is Palm, then why wouldn't P1 want to go for ALL the market by featuring a choice of operating systems? It changes the playing field.
Do you think the main Palm news web sites are helpful or a hinderance?
JUSTINE: Helpful and interesting. It's a great community where ideas and information are shared freely by people from all over the world. It's great to be a part of that. The news sites are informative to both users and developers. There is a lot of honesty--people don't hold back. The instant feedback is encouraging and useful.
Anything you would like to add?
CORY and JUSTINE: Thanks for giving us an opportunity for people get to know us. We really enjoy developing software and being a part of this community.
My thanks to Cory and Justine for an informative interview with is a worthwhile read- you can check out there products at the Creative Algorithms web site.