Developer spotlight: Kevin Schmidt

What (Adobe and non-Adobe) technologies are you currently using?

I'm currently working with Adobe ColdFusion, Adobe Flex and AIR, Adobe LiveCycle, MySQL, and SQL Server.

What is the most recent project you've built and what (Adobe and non-Adobe) technologies have you used?

I recently launched Mootie.com, a simple-to-use upload/download service for large files. It doesn't require a username or password, and it provides a shortened URL to download the file once it's uploaded. I built it using ColdFusion, Flex, and MySQL.

In your work, what are some of the biggest technological challenges you've faced and how did you overcome/solve them?

The biggest challenge I have faced with software development is a general lack of requirements and scope. Having a set of defined requirements for a project is absolutely necessary for a project to be successful. Unfortunately, it's very rare that a project has a defined set of requirements and because of that there is often a lot of wasted time.

What excites you, inspires you, or makes you say, "Wow that's really cool" about the technologies that you work with?

I really like to see people push the envelope of what's possible with the technology. Sadly I don't get a lot of time to really do the fun things I want to. I'm stuck working on business applications that tend to not be all that exciting.

Where do you get your information about technology?

I read a lot of blogs, follow a lot of people on Twitter, and attend as many conferences as I possibly can!

What are some of your favorite websites or blogs?

I read just about every ColdFusion and Flex blog that I can. I really don't have a favorite per se, but I follow Adobe Feeds on a daily basis—that and hotchickswithdouchebags.com.

Outside of your work, what inspires or excites you most, and why?

Really good wine! I love a good Cabernet. There's a fine art to making good wine, similar to creating software. I know, just like software, a lot of hard work and effort goes into making a good wine and I can appreciate that effort and hard work. Right now, my favorite is Schrader Cellars Cabernet from Napa Valley.

If you could build something you considered revolutionary, what would it be?

A time machine!

What inspired you to use the technologies and do the work that you use/do today?

I've always been an artistic person and the Internet and software development gave me a creative outlet that allowed me not only to be creative but also to make a living! I started out with Allaire ColdFusion and have been going strong ever since.

What's next for you? What opportunities to you see in your field?

I really want to get into mobile application development. I think that the future of application development will focus mostly on mobile devices. I can also see a revolution in television similar to reality TV—but rather social TV where user interaction drives what's happening.

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