Developer Spotlight

Ray Camden

What Adobe technologies are you currently using?

I'm currently using ColdFusion, Flex, Spry, and a bit of AIR (Adobe Integrated Runtime).

What is your most recent project you've built using Adobe technologies?

I'm working on multiple projects now, but my biggest one is a rewrite of an existing application for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. I'm using Model-Glue as a framework and am one of a three-person team. In the open source world, I'm working on updates to Soundings (a ColdFusion survey application), Galleon (a ColdFusion forums application), and BlogCFC (a ColdFusion blog application). I've also recently released ColdFusionBloggers.org, a proof of concept blog aggregator focusing on ColdFusion blogs.

What about Adobe technology excites you, inspires you, or makes you say, "Wow that's really cool"?

The number one thing that excites me is how easy and practical most things are with the Adobe products I use. Many software vendors just don't get it that their job is to help us—to enable us. I really think Adobe gets this principle.

Where do you get your information about technology?

From the Internet, of course. Most technology magazines are either a bit behind or better for more reflective type articles. My favorite magazine is the Fusion Authority Quarterly Update. It is the best ColdFusion magazine available and has some incredibly high standards for the articles they publish.

What are some of your favorite websites or blogs?

I check MXNA at least 20 times a day, and I've been using my own home-grown aggregator (coldfusionbloggers.org) as both a new way to get information and a way to play with ColdFusion 8 technology. DZone is a great technology blog and covers just about anything that would be of interest to a developer. It's Slashdot with less noise.

What is your favorite or most useful electronic gadget that you own? How about one that want, but don't own?

I definitely would like an iPhone, but have yet to find a way to add one to my Amazon Wishlist!

Favorite TV show, movie or band? Why?

I'm a bit of a TV nut lately and my blog readers know it. My favorite TV shows are Battlestar Galactica, Lost, and Heroes. As for movies I'm a huge Star Wars fan, but my favorite movie is Vanilla Sky. My musical tastes are pretty varied, but I mostly listen to XM's indie rock station.

What's the one thing you'd love to see in Adobe technologies in the future?

Probably just more of the same innovation and ease of use. I like how the various technologies are beginning to play well together, so I definitely want to see that continue as well.

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

If I knew that, I'd be rich! Seriously though, I think ColdFusion 8 and Adobe AIR are absolutely incredible tools and the opportunities they allow for are certainly revolutionary.

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