Product Roadmaps can mean the difference between success and failure when delivering and marketing products. They can be one of the most effective tools in a Product Management professional's arsenal. Done correctly they can help win and keep large customers and partners, and can guide the engineering and strategic planning efforts of a company. Unfortunately most Product Roadmaps are created "On The Fly" and under pressure when sales or the company management makes a last-minute request. As a result they don't have the impact they should, and can be a source of much trouble if you aren't careful.