Microsoft MVP thinks mobile

Rob Bushway is one of 4,000 participants in Microsoft Corp.'s Most Valuable Professional program, a group of experts who voluntarily share expertise.

The 38-year-old Colorado Springs Web site designer first received the designation in 2004 for his volunteer work on TabletPCBuzz.com, which hosts online discussions about tablet PCs. The Microsoft designation has been renewed each year since for Bushway's continuing work, including editing his own site, GottaBeMobile.com.

GottaBeMobile.com offers news, reviews and commentary and provides a forum for discussing mobile computing. The site posts eight to 10 articles and six to eight videos a day and attracts about 10,000 daily visitors.

While his initial work was on tablet PCs, which are notebook or slate-shape mobile computers that can be operated with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, Bushway has expanded into all types of mobile computing devices.

He is one of seven local Microsoft MVPs. The others are Colorado Technology Consultants Inc. President David Yack, Eric Johnson of information technology consulting firm Consortio Services LLC and Paul Nielsen, a self-employed database consultant, and three others who asked the company not to identify their location.

Microsoft has named more than 4,000 MVPs in 90 technology fields in 94 countries, including 37 in Colorado.

Bushway, a Meridian, Miss., native, received a bachelor's degree in business administration and data processing from Mississippi State University and started his technology career as data processing manager for Internal Engine Parts Group Inc. in his hometown.

He also has worked for MAP International, a Georgia-based Christian ministry that supports clinics and hospitals in 115 countries; Focus on the Family; and San Diego defense contractor Predicate Logic Inc. before starting his Web design firm, Zoe Technologies Inc., in 2001.

Question: What does being a Microsoft MVP involve?

Answer: We work online as volunteers in numerous online forums. Each year we get to go out to Redmond, (Wash.), to meet with internal product teams to find out where they are going with new products like Windows Vista and to help improve the products. It is really a way for Microsoft to stay in touch with the technology community.

Q: How did you get started with this type of work?

A: I started volunteering in 2002 and 2003, when mobile and tablet PCs were just coming into their own. It eventually turned into a viable business opportunity. I now spend about 50 percent of my time on it, although I still put way more time into it than I get money out of it. The site is supported by advertising and is making money, but still generates only about 25 percent of my income. I also have a side project called TabletBible.com, which offers free online Bible texts that are formatted for people to take notes on the margin on tablet PCs.

Q: Does your site just write about Microsoft products?

A: We specialize in tablet PCs, but we have been moving into mobile PCs and even (Apple Inc.'s) Macintosh computers. We write about what we want to. We are not a Microsoft site, though we cover a lot of Microsoft products. People could care less about the device and operating system, they just want solutions that work. We want the best solutions for our readers and in many cases they happen to be Microsoft products.

Q: What is the relationship between your Web design firm and GottaBeMobile.com?

A: Zoe Technologies owns GottaBeMobile.com. I started Zoe in September 2001 and it now has 25 clients, including the National Junior College Athletic Association, Escalante Golf, Colorado Relocation Group and various Focus on the Family programs. I started GottaBeMobile.com in 2006 after contributing to other sites to make it more of a revenue generator.

Q: Will all computers be mobile one day?

A: I think desktop (computers) will eventually go away. Most people I know use large notebooks so they can take their PC with them. For somebody who works in an office right now, a desktop (machine) still makes sense because you can still get them for about $500. When you can get a similarly equipped laptop for the same cost, the desktop (computer) will go away. It presents challenges as far as security and synching (your data), but I think we will get there soon.

Q: What is the next trend in mobile computing?

A: People are wanting something that is ultralight and integrates with their cell phone. The trend is moving to light and stylish (machines). People want to keep all of their data online and access when they want to. It is a challenge to provide it in a very seamless way. Intel (Corp.) is coming out with a mobile Internet device that will give you complete access to the Web, texting and e-mail. These kinds of devices are becoming tools of choice.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0234 or wayneh@gazette.com.

Questions and answers are edited for space and clarity.

IN ROB BUSHWAY'S BRIEFCASE

GottaBeMobile.com editor-in-chief carries this gear with him at all times:

• Tom Bihn Buzz Bag 
• Latitude XT Tablet PC 
• Logitech VX Nano portable mouse 
• FlipStart portable video camera 
• Novatel USB727 EV-DO modem and service through Verizon 
• 4 GB USB Flash Drive 
• iPhone 
• Various USB cables for charging 
• AC Adapter 
• Moleskine paper journal and pen

SOURCE: Rob Bushway