I'm up to 15 examples on http://specializationexamples.com, so if you haven't checked it out lately and you'd like some practical, real-world examples of specialized dev shops, then check it out!Here's a quick summary of some of the recent additions to this list:

• A .NET developer focused on code modernization and converting monolithic apps to modular apps (horizontal focus)
• An AWS expert who helps reduce and optimize AWS spend (platform focus)
• A consultant focused on Rails performance (platform focus)
• A dev shop focused on legacy Django code (horizontal focus)
• A marketing agency for churches (vertical focus)

The nice thing about http://specializationexamples.com is that you can see real, live, IRL examples of firms that have a specialized focus.Every year in the last 2 weeks of December, I run a sale on my products. Use the coupon code TAXWRITEOFF to get 30% off my products:

• My book, The Positioning Manual for Technical Firms: http://thepositioningmanual.com
• My course, The Positioning Course: /positioning-course/

-P

P.S. Know a self-employed software developer who might benefit from specialization? Send 'em this free gift! Details here --> /referrals/