About GFT Group Inc.


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GFT Group Inc.

GFT Group Inc. is a private research and development and consulting business with offices in California and Maryland. The Research and Development Division of GFT Group Inc. specializes in computer products and solutions utilizing advanced computational algorithms such as speech-recognition, computer vision, image processing, and video processing. The Research and Development Division of GFT Group Inc. develops and markets Petrana. Petrana is an artificial personal assistant who talks to the computer user in spoken English and operates computer applications for the user easily, comfortably, and enjoyably, giving the user free use of his or her hands and freedom of movement. The Research and Development Division of GFT Group Inc. is located in Mountain View, California.

picture of John F. McGowan Ph.D.

John F. McGowan Ph.D. is President of the Research and Development Division of GFT Group Inc. Dr. McGowan is the creator of Petrana. Dr. McGowan has worked in the field of digital video for many years. He is best-known for the AVI Overview, an Internet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Microsoft's AVI video file format. He has developed software implementations of image quality metrics, perceptual optimization of JPEG image compression, and video quality metrics for NASA. He has contributed to the conceptual design of systems for televising missions to Mars for NASA. He was a project manager and key contributor for CompCore Multimedia SoftDVD™ product, one of the first Microsoft Windows DVD players, as well as other CompCore products (CompCore Multimedia was acquired by Zoran in 1997).

Some Technical Resources

Complex Algorithm R&D: Harder Than Many Think (White Paper)

Complex Algorithm R&D: A Guide for the Perplexed (PowerPoint Presentation)

Programming Management 101 (White Paper)

A presentation on complex algorithm research and development for executives, policy makers, and the general public. Complex algorithm research and development may solve or help to solve many pressing problems including the rising cost of energy, our limited lifespan, and the growing need for free time. Complex algorithm research and development is an esoteric area with a small number of practitioners. This presentation explains the activity for non-practitioners.

How to Contact GFT Group Inc.

GFT Group Inc.
P.O. Box 66
Mountain View, CA 94042
E-mail: info@GFTGroup.com
Web Page: http://www.GFTGroup.com
Petrana Web Page: http://www.Petrana.net

Note: GFT Group Inc. is not affiliated with GFT Technologies AG, a European information technology company, in any way. For information on GFT Technologies AG, the GFT Technologies AG web site is http://www.GFT.com