Why Technical Product Managers Are Essential for Software Development?
An opinion on how to combine technical expertise with a strategic vision to guide products from concept to completion. It also discusses how TPMs differ from traditional PMs.
TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENTPRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLEAGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Salman Taha
8/20/20242 min read
When you're developing software, having the right team makes all the difference. This is where Technical Product Managers (TPMs) come in. They’re the bridge between the technical and business sides, ensuring that everything works smoothly from start to finish.
What Sets TPMs Apart?
Ideation & Planning: TPMs dive into the technical details early on, ensuring that ideas are feasible and risks are minimized. They’re the ones who ask, "Can we actually build this?" while Product Managers (PMs) focus on whether the idea meets market needs.
Requirement Gathering: TPMs work closely with engineers, turning business goals into technical requirements. They know how to speak the language of developers and translate what needs to be done. Meanwhile, PMs are in conversations with stakeholders, making sure the features are aligned with what customers want.
Design & Architecture: Here’s where TPMs really shine. They ensure that the software’s architecture is robust, scalable, and secure. They’re thinking about the future while PMs ensure that the design meets user expectations and business needs.
Development: TPMs are in the trenches with the development team, helping to solve technical challenges, streamline workflows, and make tough calls when trade-offs are necessary. PMs, on the other hand, keep an eye on the big picture, so that the product stays aligned with business goals.
Testing & QA: TPMs define the testing strategies and make sure every edge case is covered. They’re the ones who ensure that the product is not just built, but built right. PMs coordinate testing with users, gathering feedback to refine the product.
Launch: TPMs oversee the technical aspects of the launch, ensuring everything goes smoothly behind the scenes. They handle release management and monitor the product post-launch. PMs focus on the go-to-market strategy, working with marketing and sales to ensure a successful launch.
Post-Launch & Maintenance: After the launch, TPMs are still hard at work, focusing on ongoing technical improvements and optimizations. PMs continue to gather user feedback and plan for future updates.
Conclusion
In the software development world, TPMs are the unsung heroes who make sure products are not only built but built to last. They bring a unique blend of technical expertise and business insight, making them essential for any successful software project. While PMs drive the vision and strategy, TPMs ensure that the vision is technically sound and effectively executed from start to finish. Together, they’re a powerhouse team that turns ideas into reality.
About the Author
Salman Taha is an experienced Technical Product Management Leader with over 12 years of Software & IT experience. He specializes in SaaS, mobile apps, ERPs, ed-tech, fin-tech, and Agile methodologies. Passionate about bridging technology, design, and business, Salman shares his insights on product management, and leadership through his blog, "TPM & Beyond".