Anil Dash does a good job discussing why Foursquare…

Anil Dash does a good job discussing why Foursquare is one of the best shippers out there today, as well as what differentiates them:

  • Core platform
  • Reliable iteration
  • Technical competence
  • Design innovation
  • Thoughtful business model
  • Meaningful APIs

 

But our favorite part of the article is the last paragraph:

But perhaps most importantly, I think we need more stories that celebrate the success of what seem like small, iterative product launches, but actually reflect triumphs in unsung disciplines such as systems operations, design process, business development and product management. There are lots of loud, pointless headlines about companies getting money from venture capitalists or angel investors. What I’d love to see more of in 2012 (and beyond!) is headlines about how a few small successes with users are a demonstration of a small company outperforming and out-innovating the biggest companies in the tech industry by being focused and disciplined in their execution. That, actually, is my most favorite Foursquare feature.

 

The only piece we’d change is that we’d like to see big companies learning and innovating just as fast.  Godspeed to you in your quest!