But it’s slowly become an entire ecosystem of media management across virtually every platform you could think of.
How did Plex come about?
Well, it started on an Xbox.
Where did the idea for the app come from?
Were you trying to solve a problem you’d experienced, or did the inspiration come from somewhere else?
After you came up with the idea, what was the next step?
Way back when, a bunch of us were usingXBMCon old school Xboxes as our main media center solution.
Why the decision to fork and go it alone rather than stay with the XBMC community?
The main reason we decided to fork was that our respective goals were quite different.
Our interest in fostering an awesome community around Plex was also a big motivator for us.
How did you choose which platforms to target and which to ignore or wait on?
What was your biggest roadblock and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle was probably finding the best way to build a sustainable global business around Plex.
The response has been awesomePlex truly has the best users in the world, bar none.
What was launch like for you?
We’ve had over 500 various launches and releases across products and platforms to date!
Launches are always exciting, since we live to continually bring a better and better experience to the Plexverse.
Each one brings us just a little closer to fulfilling the long term vision.
The hairiest launch we ever had was last holiday season (the eve of Christmas Eve).
All at the same time.
How do you handle user requests and criticisms effectively?
We work as hard as possible and give a shot to fail gracefully.
:)
One of the biggest things that separates Plex from other apps/products is ourcommunity.
We make a run at be as open as possible when we can identify issues and shortcomings.
Now, how do you split time between developing new features and managing existing ones?
We do realize, however, how important it is to make thingsJust WorkTM.
We have amazing partner relationships.
You would be surprised how many influential people within our partners use and love Plex.
It can make a huge difference when you are trying to achieve things in partnership with large corporations.
We also believe that our small size allows us to be nimble and responsive to the frequent market changes.
What advice would you give to others that want to take on a similar project?
Start from a place of love.
We are very lucky that it gives the impression of growing into a solid business.
Focus on building a great community around what you are doing.
Our users have helped build Plex, no question.
Without our community, Plex would be less successful and less fun.
Be as hands on in as many things as possible.
Our developers all engage regularly with users to resolve issues.
Not one of us is above engaging on customer support and satisfaction issues.
Don’t be afraid to do things differently.
There is no perfectly right way to go about building something.
Life is shortdon’t ruin it with a project that isn’t a blast.
Have someone you’d like to see featured?
