Catapult Public Relations

AGILE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:01:28 +0000

World renowned keynote speakers to address best practices in the implementation of Agile within diverse settingsÂ

PORTLAND, OR, April 9, 2012 Â â�� The Agile Alliance (www.agilealliance.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of Agile software development principles and practices, today announced technology innovators Bob Sutton, Dr. Sunita Maheshwari and Joe Justice as keynote speakers for the Agile2012 Conference, scheduled for Aug. 13-17 in Dallas, (http://agile2012.agilealliance.org/). Agile2012 is the leading international conference on Agile methods in software development, bringing together many disciplines in the fields of information systems and software development to foster the exchange of fresh ideas and best practices. â��Our conference is made up of a group of innovators, people constantly pushing the envelope,â�� said Mitch Lacey, the Agile2012 conference chair.Â â��The Agile community is constantly looking for ways to improve company culture, innovation in software development and implement modern engineering practices that apply to both hardware and software, and I believe these speakers will be a fantastic fit for our conference.â�� Confirmed keynotes for Agile2012 include: Bob Sutton Sutton is a professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford and a professor of Organizational Behavior, by courtesy, at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Sutton studies innovation, leaders and bosses, evidence-based management, the links between knowledge and organizational action, and workplace civility.Â Sutton was selected by Business 2.0 as a leading â��management guruâ�� in 2002, and the award for best article published in the Academy of Management Review in 2005.Â His books, Hard Facts, Dangerous Half Truths, and Total Nonsense, were selected as the best business book of 2006 by the Toronto Globe and Mail.Â His latest book, the No Asshole Rule, won the Quill Award for the best business book of 2007. Dr. Sunita Maheshwari Dr. Maheshwari is a multi-accomplished pediatric cardiologist with the relentless goal of changing the health scenario of India.Â She is a world renowned pioneer in IT healthcare medical entrepreneurship in India, cofounding Telaradiology Solutions in 2002, a medical knowledge process outsourcing company. In addition to her responsibilities with Telaradiology, Dr. Maheshwari runs an online teaching academy offering e-classes in pediatric cardiology and RxDx, a software development unit for healthcare solutions for hospitals. In this presentation, Dr. Maheshwari will describe the practices and processes that enable healthcare professionals to thrive with agility. Joe Justice Justice is the founder of WIKISPEED, a car company that boasts the idea that it shares more in common with Google or Twitter than GM or Toyota.Â A software consultant by trade, Justice brought his experience in Agile/Lean/Scrum project management, distributed collaboration and loosely coupled engineering with him when founding WIKISPEED.Â His dedication to Agile values and practices is evidenced in the production of the SGT01 â�� an affordable 100 mpg, four-seat commuter car with a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive. From Agile software development, Justice took the principles of reducing cost to create change, changes in team, materials and even goals.Â Justiceâ��s presentation will use the car as a case study of how manufacturing companies have deployed Agile methods to expedite the design process and deliver a product that consumers want now, rather than a product consumers wanted years ago. To learn more about the Agile2012 Conference, or to register, please visit (http://agile2012.agilealliance.org/registration/). About the Agile Alliance The Agile Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development, as outlined in the (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/). With nearly 6,000 members located around the globe, the Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, organizations and end users. The Agile Alliance organizes the annual Agile Conference, the industryâ��s leading event that attracts practitioners, academia, business and vendor-partner community members from around the globe. The Agile2012 Conference (http://agile2012.agilealliance.org/) is scheduled for August 13-17 in Dallas. For more information about the organization, visit (http://www.agilealliance.org/). Agile Alliance Media Contact:Â Catapult PR-IR Christie Denniston Office: 303-581-7760 ext.Â 13 Cell: 303-827-5164 cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com

AGILE2011 CONFERENCE ARRANGES ‘PARK BENCH’ AREA FOR ATTENDEES TO INTERACT WITH AUTHORS OF AGILE MANIFESTO

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:01:27 +0000

Opening night reception and week-long sharing of ideas within the Open Jam area will spur ideas and vision for next 10 years of Agile software development

PORTLAND, OR., June 16, 2011 - The Agile Alliance, (www.agilealliance.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of Agile software development principles and practices, has designated a "Park Bench" within the Open Jam area at the Agile2011 Conference where authors of the Agile Manifesto will be available to share ideas, answer questions, learn and develop new ideas with attendees of the conference. In addition, participants can interact with the authors, ask questions and hear commentary on the state of Agile during the "Big Park Bench" reunion event scheduled for the conference's opening night, Mon., Aug. 8 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. MTN.

Agile2011 is scheduled for Aug. 8 - 12 in Salt Lake City (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/), and conference organizers have received commitments from nearly all of the 17 visionaries who crafted the enduring principles that have changed the way software is developed and delivered today.

"In addition to the opening-night celebration and reunion of the Agile Manifesto authors, we are excited to have a dedicated space where attendees can meet and interact with the visionaries that helped start the Agile movement," said Todd Little, Agile2011 conference chair. "The program is outstanding and the energy leading up to the 10-year anniversary of the introduction of Agile principles indicates this year's conference will be better than ever."

Open from 3 p.m. Sunday, August 7 until 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 13 the Open Jam is a place to share questions and quandaries, talk to experts, demonstrate software and techniques, and experiment with emerging Agile practices and ideas. Sessions are not formal, and anyone can convene a session at the Open Jam stage based on a passion and a commitment to make the session happen. The "Park Bench" within the Open Jam is where the Agile Manifesto Authors will make themselves available to attendees throughout the week-long conference. The "Park Bench" is a casual, comfortable setting to share ideas, ask questions, challenge perspectives and explore new possibilities.

On Feb. 11-13, 2001, at The Lodge at Snowbird ski resort in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, 17 representatives from Extreme Programming, Scrum, DSDM, Adaptive Software Development, Crystal, Feature-Driven Development, Pragmatic Programming and others interested in an alternative to documentation driven, heavyweight software development processes convened. Naming itself "The Agile Alliance," this group of independent thinkers developed and agreed on the values and principles that make up the Agile Software Development Manifesto, or what is commonly referred to as The Agile Manifesto (for the complete history as told by Jim Highsmith, please visit: (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/history.html).

To learn more about the Agile2011 Conference and to register for the conference please visit (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/registration/).

About the Agile Alliance

The Agile Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development, as outlined in the (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/). With nearly 6,000 members located around the globe, the Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, organizations and end users. The Agile Alliance organizes the annual Agile Conference, the industry's leading event that attracts practitioners, academia, business and vendor-partner community members from around the globe. The Agile 2011 Conference (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/) is scheduled for August 8-12 in Salt Lake City. For more information about the organization, visit (http://www.agilealliance.org/).

Agile Alliance Media Contact:

Catapult PR-IR

Christie Denniston

Office: 303-581-7760 ext. 13

Cell: 303-827-5164

cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com

AGILE 2011 CONFERENCE TO REUNITE SIGNATORIES OF AGILE MANIFESTO IN CELEBRATION OF 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:53:28 +0000

Majority of signees planning to attend annual conference to meet with attendees and share ideas for the next 10 years of Agile software development

PORTLAND, OR., Feb. 11, 2011 - The Agile Alliance, (www.agilealliance.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of Agile software development principles and practices, has invited all of the original signatories of The Agile Manifesto (http://agilemanifesto.org/) to attend and participate in the Agile 2011 Conference, the industry's leading Agile development event, scheduled for Aug. 8 - 12 in Salt Lake City (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/). Conference organizers have received initial commitments from nearly all of the 17 visionaries that crafted the enduring principle that has changed the way software is developed and delivered today.

"Ten years ago a group of 17 independent-minded practitioners of several programming methodologies gathered near Salt Lake City and developed four guiding principles for the Agile software development movement," said Todd Little, Agile 2011 conference chair. "We will celebrate this occasion with the entire Agile community at Agile 2011 by inviting and bringing together as many of the original signatories as possible. Those that attend will provide insights and interact with attendees during our ongoing "Open Jam" stage that allows for the exchange of experiences and ideas throughout the week-long conference."

On Feb. 11-13, 2001, at The Lodge at Snowbird ski resort in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, 17 representatives from Extreme Programming, SCRUM, DSDM, Adaptive Software Development, Crystal, Feature-Driven Development, Pragmatic Programming and others interested in an alternative to documentation driven, heavyweight software development processes convened. What emerged was the Agile Software Development Manifesto, or what is commonly referred to as The Agile Manifesto. Naming itself "The Agile Alliance," this group of independent thinkers developed and agreed on the following wording and principles (for the complete history as told by Jim Highsmith, please visit: (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/history.html).

The Manifesto for Agile Software Development
We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it.
Through this work we have come to value:

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Responding to change over following a plan

That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.

To learn more about The Agile Manifesto, the 17 authors and how to become a signatory community member, please visit (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/).

To learn more about the Agile 2011 Conference, and to receive a Super Early Bird discount of $450 off of the full conference fee, please visit (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/registration/).

About the Agile Alliance
The Agile Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development, as outlined in the (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/). With nearly 6,000 members located around the globe, the Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, organizations and end users. The Agile Alliance organizes the annual Agile Conference, the industry's leading event that attracts practitioners, academia, business and vendor-partner community members from around the globe. The Agile 2011 Conference (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/) is scheduled for August 8-12 in Salt Lake City. For more information about the organization, visit (http://www.agilealliance.org/).

Agile Alliance Media Contact:
Catapult PR-IR
Christie Denniston
Office: 303-581-7760 ext. 13
Cell: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com

AGILE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICER APPOINTMENTS

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:08:53 +0000

AGILE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICER APPOINTMENTS

Leading Agile organization expands board to keep pace with growing demand for Agile knowledge, community building and sharing of best practices

PORTLAND, Oregon, Nov. 3, 2010 - The Agile Alliance, (www.agilealliance.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of Agile software development principles and practices, today announced three new members have been elected to the Agile Alliance. In addition, three existing board members, Jim Newkirk, Diana Larsen and Esther Derby, have been appointed as officers of the organization.
"The Agile Alliance board of directors provides the driving force behind not only our yearly Agile conference but also is committed to advancing Agile development principles and practices," said Phil Brock, managing director of the Agile Alliance. "We have the extreme fortune this year of having a great mix of existing leadership combined with new talent which will help advance not only our organization but the Agile software development community located throughout the world."

The new board members will each serve a two-year term and replace Todd Little, Rachel Davies and J.B. Rainsberger. In addition, Hakan Erdogmus will serve as the conference chair for Agile 2011, (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/), scheduled for Aug. 7-13, 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To help guide the organization's growth the Agile Alliance membership elected three new board members and selected Jim Newkirk as Chair of the Agile Alliance:

Linda M. Cook - Cook is an independent consultant specializing in Lean and Agile project practices. With more than twenty years' experience in the IT industry, she has held positions from developer, forms designer, data modeler, analyst, tester, to methodology lead. Cook is a member of the Agile Alliance, the Agile Project Leadership Network, and the Project Management Institute.
Pat Reed - Reed is senior director of IT delivery management services at Gap Inc. She is tasked with responsibilities including Agile Project Management, Agile Portfolio Management, IT strategic planning and release management as well as continuing to evolve enterprise Agile adoption. Throughout her career, Reed has leveraged Lean and Agile practices.
Samuel Crescêncio - With more than 16 years of experience in the software industry, Crescêncio has been practicing and coaching Agile software development since 2003. He has hands-on experience in delivering mission-critical applications in heterogeneous and distributed environments - to various niche markets. He is the founder and CEO of OnCast Technologies, a company headquartered in Florianopolis specialized in outsourcing services, consulting and mentoring in Agile.
Jim Newkirk- Newkirk previous chair of the Agile 2010 conference, will now assume chairperson responsibilities for the Agile Alliance. Newkirk is director of development for Microsoft's Health Care Solutions Tools Team. In his more than seven years at Microsoft, Newkirk has held a number of roles including the product unit manager for CodePlex, Microsoft's community open source project hosting site. He is the co-author of "Test Driven Development in Microsoft .NET" (Microsoft Press, March 2004). Prior to joining Microsoft he co-authored "Enterprise Solution Patterns in .NET" (Microsoft patterns and practices) and "Extreme Programming in Practice" (Addison-Wesley).

In addition, the Agile Alliance named two existing board members to executive committee positions:

Diana Larsen - In addition to being reelected to the board, Larsen will also serve as treasurer of the organization. Larsen consults with leaders and teams to create work processes where innovation, inspiration, and imagination flourish. With more than fifteen years of experience working with technical professionals, Larsen brings focus to the human side of organizations, teams and projects. Larsen co-authored Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great! She publishes articles and writes occasional blog posts at "Partnership and Possibilities." Current chair of the Agile Alliance Board of Directors, she co-founded the "Agile Open Northwest" conference and the international "Retrospective Facilitators Gathering."

Esther Derby - Derby has been elected as secretary for the Agile Alliance. She is well known for her work in helping teams grow to new levels of productivity. She helps teams and organizations make the transition to Scrum, and coaches technical people who are making the transition to management. Esther is recognized as one of the world's leaders in retrospectives, and is co-author (with Diana Larsen) of the book "Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great."

Also, two existing board members Tamara Sulaiman and Paul Culling were re-elected to the Agile Alliance board.
• Tamara Sulaiman, PMP, CST - managing consultant at Applied Scrum, an IT consulting organization and co-originator of the Agile Earned Value Management (EVM), a process recognized for integrating the traditional project management practice of EVM with the Scrum framework.

Paul Culling - based in Canada is director of marketing at VersionOne and board member of Agile Vancouver.

The remaining Agile Alliance Board members include, Henrik Kniberg, Laurent Bossavit, César Idrovo, and Phil Brock.

The Agile Alliance continues to increase its membership each year in line with the growing interest and adoption of Agile processes for software development. One key indicator of the increasing adoption of Agile practices is the continuing demand for Agile knowledge by enterprises looking to reap the benefits of the discipline. The Agile Alliance helps meet this demand by publishing content, conducting regional and international educational events and by hosting the industry's foremost event, the Agile Conference, which brings together development experts from around the globe.

About the Agile Alliance
The Agile Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development, as outlined in the (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/). With nearly 6,000 members located around the globe, the Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, organizations and end users. The Agile Alliance organizes the annual Agile Conference, the industry's leading event that attracts practitioners, academia, business and vendor-partner community members from around the globe. The Agile2011 conference (http://agile2011.agilealliance.org/) is set for August 7-13 in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.agilealliance.org/

Media contact
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Phone: 303-581-7760
Cell: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com

AGILE ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES MIKE COHN AND DAVE THOMAS AS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR AGILE 2010 CONFERENCE

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:59:53 +0000

Cohn and Thomas to share insights on the state of Agile software development

PORTLAND, Oregon March 1, 2010 - The Agile Alliance, (www.agilealliance.org) a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of Agile software development principles and practices, today announced Mike Cohn and Dave Thomas as keynote speakers for the Agile 2010 Conference, set for Aug. 9 - 13 in Nashville, (http://agile2010.agilealliance.org). Agile 2010 is the leading international conference on Agile methods in software development, bringing together many disciplines in the fields of information systems and software development to foster the exchange of fresh ideas and best practices.
"Agile 2010 will provide attendees with unprecedented access to the foremost thought leaders and industry luminaries," said Jim Newkirk, Agile 2010 conference chair. "Our intent is to provide attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to implement and scale Agile within their organizations. This year's keynote speakers will offer attendees practical advice on how to succeed with Agile. "

Dave Thomas
He has a wide spectrum of technical and business experience and is a thought leader in the software industry. He is the Founder and Chairman of Bedarra Research Labs and a Managing Director for Object Mentor. Dave founded OTI, who developed IBM Smalltalk, Java VMs and the VisualAge and Eclipse IDEs. In the 80s he developed one of the first lean software processes called Just In Time Software used at OTI/IBM. Thomas is a practice leader in Lean and Agile working with large companies to streamline software product development. He was a founding director of the Agile Alliance and instrumental in establishing the Agile Conference.

Mike Cohn
Having run his first Scrum project in 1995, Mountain Goat Software founder Mike Cohn has more than a dozen years of experience with Scrum and Agile methodologies. Cohn is also a prolific author and writer. He was also a founding member of both the Agile and Scrum Alliance.

Research submissions will be accepted until March 12. For more information please visit: http://agile2010.agilealliance.org/speaker.html

About the Agile Alliance
The Agile Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the concepts of Agile software development, as outlined in the (http://www.agilemanifesto.org/). With nearly 6,000 members located around the globe, the Agile Alliance is driven by the principles of Agile methodologies and the value delivered to developers, organizations and end users. The Agile Alliance organizes the annual Agile Conference, the industry's leading event that attracts practitioners, academia, business and vendor-partner community members from around the globe. The Agile 2010 Conference http://agile2010.agilealliance.org/ is set for August 9-13 in Nashville. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.agilealliance.org/.

Media contact:
Christie Denniston
Catapult PR-IR
Phone: 303-581-7760
Cell: 303-827-5164
cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com