Managing Multimedia Projects

Book excerpt: With the increased popularity of multimedia, a growing number of people are now becoming involved in producing multimedia applications. Based on real-world experience and current development techniques, this book provides a solid framework for managing all types of multimedia projects, from simple presentations to custom kiosk displays, retail CD-ROM titles and World Wide Web sites. It shows how to manage the project dimensions, plan and schedule projects, do cost estimations and budgeting, organize and run development teams, work in both external and internal development situations, and understand multimedia technologies and tools. Anyone involved in multimedia projects will find this book a clear, concise, and thorough introduction to the complex task of project management. By focusing on multimedia as software, and using a software development approach, Strauss provides the reader with a real-world method, based on well-tested software development techniques that can be adapted and used for any multimedia project. The book guides the reader through the software development process, including the phases of Analysis and Planning, Design, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Quality Assurance Testing, and Support and Maintenance. It also contains special chapters on selecting the right development tool, and contracting with external developers. This book prepares the reader to develop a high-quality program, on time and on budget.