Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- BC Tech | The largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia dedicated to turning startups and scaleups into the anchor companies of tomorrow.
- DigiBC | British Columbia’s creative technology industry association focused on jobs, talent, diversity, and community for mobile developers interested in video games, animation, and more.
- TechNation | A national technology industry association for Canadian companies interested in standing out in the global market.
- Entertainment Software Association of Canada | An organization which advocates for video game software creators and publishers at the provincial and federal level.
- Canada’s Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals | An industry association with over 60 years of history advancing Canada’s IT profession.
International Associations
- The App Association | An organization for small and medium-sized companies that create the technology producing key digital infrastructure.
- Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) | A global trade organization focused on activities providing insight, interaction in the mobile software industry.
- Chartered Software Developer Association (CSDA) | An international network of professionals setting a higher standard for technology practitioners.
- Developers Alliance | A global organization focused on ensuring software developers’ voices are heard in policy creation and legislation.
- International Game Developers Association (IGDA) | The world’s largest nonprofit membership organization for all people involved in making games.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- App Developer Magazine | A dedicated news source for app developers offering in-depth coverage and insightful analysis on a wide array of relevant topics.
- CODE Magazine | A magazine for software developers published six times a year with a variety of subscription options available.
- IEEE Software Magazine | A peer-reviewed publication for software practitioners, developers, and managers who want to keep up with rapid technological change.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- Business of Apps Podcast | Provides actionable insight from leaders of the global app industry and the world’s fastest growing apps to help listeners succeed in business.
- Mobile Dev Memo Podcast | A weekly podcast covering many aspects of the mobile app development through interviews with industry professionals.
- Tech Swamp | Created by The App Association, this podcast publishes monthly episodes on tech policy, history, and business headlines from around the world.
- Scaling your Mobile App through Content | Two successful app developers, Krikar and Sai Karra, offer tips on how to create, grow, and sustain a mobile app business.
- App Marketing by App Masters | A podcast teaching the secrets of app store optimization, features, and online marketing to increase mobile app downloads.
- Self-Taught Devs | Offers a 100 episode backlog on topics related to software development for those who have recently joined the industry.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.