An inspiring read about how small companies such as 37signals can compete against larger companies on the web. By working as a small agile team they can produce small, straightforward apps faster than most software giants. This new approach to web applications is the key to surviving as a small upstart company on the web. ( )

Getting Real details the business, design, programming, and marketing principles of 37signals. The book is packed with keep-it-simple insights, contrarian points of view, and unconventional approaches to software design. This is not a technical book or a design tutorial, it's a book of ideas. Anyone working on a web app — including entrepreneurs, designers, programmers, executives, or marketers — will find value and inspiration in this book. 37signals used the Getting Real process to launch five successful web-based applications (Basecamp, Campfire, Backpack, Writeboard, Ta-da List), and Ruby on Rails, an open-source web application framework, in just two years with no outside funding, no debt, and only 7 people (distributed across 7 time zones). Over 500,000 people around the world use these applications to get things done. Now you can find out how they did it and how you can do it too. It's not as hard as you think if you Get Real.

A great read for anyone starting a new project of any kind, not just software. It's a great reminder of how to go about developing something with a small team. Inspiring and full of good ideas. ( )

eBook by 37signals, the developers of Basecamp, Backpack, TaDa List and Campfire. They advocate a web development approach using fewer developers, quicker releases, and fewer features. An easy and inspiring read not only for those interested in building web software, but for anyone taking on a new project. ( )