http://emergentchaos.com/archives/2008/10/ctos-product-management-and-program-management.html The Emergent Chaos Jazz Combo Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:33:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 http://emergentchaos.com/archives/2008/10/ctos-product-management-and-program-management.html/comment-page-1#comment-5182 Adam Bullied Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:33:21 +0000 http://emergentchaos.com/?p=2932#comment-5182 Eric, I like this post. I just wanted to point out that Microsoft has different titles for these positions than most organizations adopting product management. I'm not saying they are wrong - clearly, they work for the organization, and that's what's most important. But typically the role of a program manager at MSFT is filled by a "product manager" at other companies. I think MSFT product managers are predominantly marketing (outbound & research) focused, which are typically referred to as product marketing managers. While a CTO could execute the role you define here (and I'm sure some have with great success), I would lean towards saying that if you want to have product management, a VP, Product or CPO (Chief Product Officer) would be the one researching and understanding the market, defining what to build and so on. This way, product has a seat at the management table and it's not left to one individual to both identify market need, define what to build and then actually be the one responsible for building it. But, like I said - it's important to find what works for all organizations in order to appropriately satisfy the need(s) of the markets they are going after. Eric, I like this post. I just wanted to point out that Microsoft has different titles for these positions than most organizations adopting product management.
I’m not saying they are wrong – clearly, they work for the organization, and that’s what’s most important.
But typically the role of a program manager at MSFT is filled by a “product manager” at other companies. I think MSFT product managers are predominantly marketing (outbound & research) focused, which are typically referred to as product marketing managers.
While a CTO could execute the role you define here (and I’m sure some have with great success), I would lean towards saying that if you want to have product management, a VP, Product or CPO (Chief Product Officer) would be the one researching and understanding the market, defining what to build and so on.
This way, product has a seat at the management table and it’s not left to one individual to both identify market need, define what to build and then actually be the one responsible for building it.
But, like I said – it’s important to find what works for all organizations in order to appropriately satisfy the need(s) of the markets they are going after.

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