Continuing the discussion on TrueNAS Virtualization Plans for 25.04.2

Good response. :grinning: Although I am of course not talking about offering both a free and enterprise product, but rather the two fundamental approaches to product management: technology-first vs outcome-first.

A technology-focused approach starts with the tech itself, building impressive systems in hopes they become great products and succeed commercially. Where an outcome-oriented approach starts at the other end, with (hopefully) a deep understanding of target audience and an understanding of needs and painpoints, then works backwards from there to develop technology to meet those needs. Of course, in reality, most companies sit somewhere between these two.

Developing bottom-up from technology can lead to complex, hard-to-use products, loss of focus on real user needs, poor prioritisation, neglecting testing, or “shiny object syndrome” - tendency to chase shiny new ideas instead of sticking to core goals… On the flip side, outcome-first approaches can fail if they are based on the incorrect assumptions about the user, set unrealistic goals, or lack flexibility.

Signs of a tech-driven product mindset include constant refactoring, marketing that simply lists technology capabilities, and vague product vision and roadmaps.

And yes, of course, for any technology-driven product company, the technology is ultimately what matters. But the question is from which end you start.

A classic but extreme example: Apple. Once near bankruptcy, now a $3 trillion company largely from iPhone, which was born from a relentless focus on user experience that drove development of amazing technology to support that vision. Apple continues to extract value from that in new and adjacent areas.

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