I believe the product manager has many roles which include, identifying profitable opportunities that meet market needs, launch products into the market, oversee products already in the market, and wind down products that no longer meet the market needs. A big part of being a product manager is understanding the market, which is done by communication with customers and possible future customers. They conduct usability tests, surveys, and keep records of compliments as well as complaints. Additionally, research is a main component of understanding the market and the competition on seeing how to improve your own product.