Mobile10: Michael Neidhoefer
Interviews with key mobile influencers
- Name
- Michael Neidhoefer
- Role
- CEO
- Company
- Netbiscuits
“Practicing what I preach, I’d say the future is all about webapps and hybrid apps
”
Next up for the MOBILE10 questions is CEO and co-founder of Netbiscuits, Michael Neidhoefer. Netbiscuits is one of the sponsors at our Mobile Brand & Agency Masterclass on 22 November. Take it away Michael.

What’s your app of the moment?

I’m not in the business of updating hundreds of native apps on my device all the time. The only native apps I use a lot on my iPhone are business productivity apps like e-mail, calendar and Skype.
Practicing what I preach, I’d say the future is all about webapps and hybrid apps because these don’t bind me to the app ecosystem of a particular provider who forces me to pay for content I can get free.

What is your primary phone?

That depends on which latest device our testing team is working on. It’s a case of grabbing something hot while no one is looking! I confess though to using the iPhone 4 a lot and it will be hard for me to move away from Apple as I like the user experience and design. But watch out for the new Motorola Razr – that’s going to be a slick device!

Which mobile startups have you got your eye on?

I am currently watching the Groupon IPO. It still astonishes me how people can invest so much money in what is basically a mobilized e-mail distribution list with no special technology.

What are you currently working on?

A lot as always! We’re rapidly growing to keep pace with business opportunities and expanding our global network of core partners and new products around media tablets. 2012 is going to be a big year for us. We’ve got some really exciting new products launching very soon, so a lot of time is being spent on those right now.

What will be the biggest opportunity in 2012?

Mobile performance.
Mobile SMB.
Tablet web.

Who are your 3 rockstars in mobile?

Steve Jobs, Apple – iPhone and iPad.
Jeff Bezos, Amazon – Kindle.
Andy Rubin – Android co-founder, @arubin.

Who were you working for 10 years ago?

SAP – in Hull. Needless to say I got out!

Who was/is your best boss?

Well I haven’t had a “boss” for many years. All of my past bosses had their individual strengths and weaknesses I could learn from. The best boss can only be one who constantly tries to improve him or herself and gives clear direction, closely listens to employees and enables them to work self- responsibly, while staying motivated.

Who should we interview next?

Talk to Google about their GoMo initiative, which shows how fast mobile is proliferating through all types and size of business.
Register for one of the upcoming events
What is Mobile10?
The Mobile10 interview is a series of profile pieces on leading global influencers in the mobile sector. Each interviewee is asked to give their viewpoints on new mobile innovations and growth opportunities as well as revealing their own mobile habits over the course of 10 questions.





















