Posts Tagged ‘Parleys’
[DevoxxFR2013] Devoxx and Parleys: Expanding the Family and Embracing HTML5
Lecturer
Stephan Janssen is a serial entrepreneur who founded the Belgian Java User Group (BeJUG) in 1996, JCS International in 1998, JavaPolis in 2001 (which evolved into Devoxx), and Parleys.com in 2006. With Java experience since 1995, he has developed real-world solutions in finance and manufacturing. Recognized as a BEA Technical Director and Java Champion, he has spoken at numerous conferences worldwide.
Abstract
Stephan Janssen’s address provides an overview of the Devoxx conference family’s growth and announces Parleys.com’s transition to HTML5. Highlighting synergies across editions and new initiatives like Devoxx for Kids, he demonstrates community expansion. The live demonstration of Parleys’ beta version emphasizes accessibility, free content, and user empowerment, signaling a shift toward inclusive, technology-driven knowledge sharing.
The Devoxx Family: Growth and Cross-Cultural Synergies
Janssen reflects on Devoxx’s evolution into a global “family,” fostering friendships and cultural exchanges. From Devoxx Belgium’s blue sweatshirts and volunteer-driven structure to the Paris JUG’s involvement in France, the model relies on steering and program committees plus helpers.
Expansion includes Devoxx UK, with its “Mind the Geek” t-shirts, drawing 500 attendees in London. Collectively, editions attract 5,500 “Devoxxians” annually, a testament to community strength without financial burden on organizers.
A heartfelt initiative is Devoxx for Kids, inspired by Janssen’s son Arthur. October sessions in Flemish and French sparked a “viral” spread to the Netherlands, UK, Toronto, and Norway. Even rebranded events like GCON for Kids advance youth engagement. Notably, 25% participants were girls, addressing gender gaps in IT by inspiring 10-14-year-olds toward engineering careers.
This interconnected network amplifies impact, blending cultures while maintaining local flavors.
Parleys’ HTML5 Evolution: Accessibility and Community Features
Janssen announces Parleys.com’s beta, ditching Flash for HTML5, enabling iPad viewing (phones pending). A key decision: all Devoxx France talks free, removing paywalls to maximize reach post-processing.
Live demo showcases features: anonymous browsing with slide scrubbing for previews; detailed views; related talks via MongoDB for speed. Social integration allows liking/disliking, with wristband likes from events projected online.
Logged-in users get free channels for uploading PDFs, editable metadata, and mashups with YouTube videos via drag-and-drop timelines. This empowers speakers and JUGs to enhance presentations without coding.
To sustain four full-time developers, tiers include Basic (free, unlimited PDFs/videos via YouTube hosting), Pro, and Enterprise. Two-week sprints ensure rapid iterations; feedback panels invite input.
Parleys’ shift democratizes content, leveraging HTML5 for broader, device-agnostic access.