The Secrets of a Successful Software Development Team

“Software development” is an umbrella term for filling gaps within a company using technology that can automate operation and execution. Maybe you knew this and if you did then it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that the development of this technology is quite complex. This may be the reason that more than half of tech executives outsource development projects. Let’s question why someone would do that, especially if they are experts within their business. Well, there is a plethora of possible reasons but let’s focus on 3: 

1. Their internal team has too much on their plate.

2. The problem is too complex and they need a third party to help.

3. It is more efficient budget-wise to outsource development than to have a team on salary.

When it comes to a software company, there will be teams of developers with custom approaches to various situations. A software company's most basic yet important function is developing, designing, and maintaining software applications that help businesses perform. When a software company is tasked with a problem to solve, they face a series of considerations. These considerations are along the lines of the following questions:

• What is the issue with the current application? 

• What will the timeline be to develop a new one? 

• What needs to be included? 

• What testing should be done?

When the team finalizes the action plan, the next step is planning for contingencies in the development process and how the team can be most efficient. There are numerous methodologies when it comes to the development process. This is because of how complex and broad the issues brought to software companies can be. With that being said, they must have an answer to even the most complex issues. Here are some of the main methods used to find those answers:

DevOps Deployment

The DevOps process is meant for development teams who want to work quickly while keeping the application quality a priority. Software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) are the two ends of building an application. These two sides can be better defined as developing the system and then continuing to improve on it.

With DevOps, these separate components are combined into one, meaning developers will construct an application while also focusing on feedback time, automating processes, and transparent data. This is to eliminate issues arising after the product has been implemented in the client's system. This approach is best suited for companies whose software issues don’t hurt operations significantly and only need occasional upgrades.

Waterfall Development

This method can be summed up in two words: define and deliver. This is likely the most common approach for developers when taking on a new project with detailed plans and a specific budget over a single timeline. The waterfall method follows a stage-by-stage plan in this order: Requirements, Design, Implementation, Verification, and Maintenance.

Each of these stages will have components that are subjective to the client and the needs of their industry. The steps need to be taken with caution, thorough planning, and detailed documentation. What’s especially useful with this approach is that it isolates each step of the development process. The team must ensure the quality of tasks completed before moving on as they won’t be able to go back and make changes without a price and impact the deadline.

Agile Development

This method is great for flexibility over the development process as it utilizes incremental changes as opposed to a grand release of the product. This is beneficial for projects that require continuous changes to the product (either influenced by the company or consumer) as it is continuously under the scope of the team. The timeline of one increment could last anywhere from a week to a month. During each period, developers will work to construct pieces of code or a function that they will add to the final product.

Agile development is easier on the development team as they won’t be rushing to finish something. Each step is consumable though it will require developers to be consistent and able to perform as a whole. A development team could be full of experts but have one member behind the rest. That one member will inhibit performance and cost time/money.

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

Contrary to the waterfall method “Define and Deliver” approach, RAD development can be summed up by the phrase “Deliver and Define”. A developer team using this method will develop a prototype of an application with no clearly defined guidelines. They will then present this to consumers and get their feedback to influence the changes made. The draw to this approach for software development companies is how quick the project turnaround is.

Developers are used to a fast-paced environment and this method is an efficient way to streamline the identification of what works for the consumer or what doesn’t. Once those areas are identified, the team can tweak the product to fit the targeted specifications. Now, this approach isn’t going to be used for large-scale projects. It best suits that of a small or medium-scale task for which timely completion is important.

How To Choose a Method

Choosing a software development method is completely dependent on the specifications of the project. The waterfall method can be used on projects of any size but it requires very strict guidelines compared to the others. The waterfall method is the only one that cannot make changes to its requirements and does not depend on user feedback. Now, small or medium projects are likely to utilize Agile or Rad which are both a bit more flexible with the guidelines but the timeline of completion is different. DevOps is used for bigger projects and has guidelines that will vary more than other methodologies. 

This should paint a picture of the kind of subjectivity that software development projects depend on. In the end, a company that is outsourcing a project should identify a clear goal of what they want to accomplish with the product. Have this goal front-loaded when delegating your assignment either to your outsourced or in-house team.

Written By Ben Brown

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!

The Rise of Web3 and DeFi: Reshaping the Internet and Finance

Technology innovation requires new infrastructure that will support advancements. When it comes to financing, the most stable and secure technology needs to be in control. This will never be a one-and-done approach as all systems go through revision after revision to keep up with the market and consumer demands.

We can see this transformation happening now in the rise of Web 3.0, the latest iteration of the world wide web. The past two versions (Web 1.0 and 2.0) are responsible for our understanding of the internet as well as the formation of application delivery, database-driven content, website design, social networks, etc. Most people are familiar with Web 2.0 as the internet since its introduction in 2004.

Today, we have networks and technology that are radically changing what we’ve come to know the internet and social networks as. With buzzwords like “metaverse” “AI” or “blockchain”, there has been plenty of speculation over what these technologies are and what their relevance will be in the future. The thing is, these technologies are all under the umbrella of Web3. The infrastructure will support this technology and allow it to be regulated in society.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is a byproduct of Web3 meant to create a transparent form of finances without a single authority. An example is Bitcoin, a currency that is not confined to a single country or institution and can be used just about anywhere in the world. DeFi is unique because it’s based on peer-to-peer transactions unlike bank transfers or paying by check. This is where the name becomes self-explanatory; users of DeFi don’t rely on an institution, they rely on the fast processing and security technology of the blockchain. 

So what does all this talk of Web3 and DeFi mean for the Fintech industry and finance as a whole? Well, we first need to acknowledge why these solutions are rising. There is a growing lack of trust in commercial banks. In 2020, nearly 60% of consumers said they don’t trust commercial banks with their financial future. Today, with a growing interest and trust in technology, there is a new era of finance on the rise: Fintech. Beyond the lack of trust, there is a growing demand for user control over payments and investments. 

User-Oriented Platforms

Fintech companies have to position themselves in a way that makes people feel they are missing out on the service. For example, the concept of decentralization is meant to eliminate having to depend on a network or a middle man to access services. The term “trustless blockchain” is a great example of these concepts coming out of DeFi that consumers love. The focus of this, along with Fintech services in general, is to create platforms for everyone. From the perspective of a Fintech company, this makes the market extremely competitive. The companies with the slightest hint of more convenience will always win over competitors. There is no “brand loyalty”.

Decentralized Web Hosting

A concept that would be extremely useful specifically when removing anxieties associated with network outages is not having to rely on a web provider. This is what makes Web 3.0 so attractive; it’s the idea that services and networks can perform on their own rather than governed by companies (Facebook, Google, Apple, etc). This concept would rely on blockchain technology to perform in this manner, further emphasizing the “trustless” aspect. As we know, network outages do exist and they have a major impact on the world when they occur. Services that operate dependent on the blockchain wouldn’t have to take hits from these situations.

Tokenization

Tokenization is a process in which users pay for services and assets as they are used. The reason being is that the software for these programs is one with the development and eliminates the need for a separate stack for payment. Users want ownership of their assets, they want to have a say in the decisions made which led to the idea of tokenization. With tokenization, those that are invested in the software to a certain degree are given power. 

For example, gamers can invest in online games which would give them a say in the development of that game (bugs, features, updates, etc). This example gives you a sense of the involvement users of Web 3.0 will have in the future. Considering that a major source of problems in any industry comes from decisions that are made without consulting consumers. Web3 and DeFi are looking to replace that with this open concept of finance. 

Out With The Old

Fintech is an industry actively searching for holes in the financial market and unique ways to solve the issues. Web3 and DeFi are changes that are necessary to accommodate the new consumer demographics. Web3 wants to give power to users of the internet rather than the major entities. Are these systems ready to take over at this moment? They’re not, but by testing the waters with new systems and concepts, developers will construct the ultimate network for the future. 

What’s Next?

We can expect to see continuous changes to Fintech within the next year, especially with the billions of dollars continually being invested in blockchain technology. Web3 and DeFi don’t happen without the blockchain which has led to all hands being on deck for development. Those working, invested, or interested in this future of technology should identify how the new era of the internet and finance will benefit them.

Written By Ben Brown

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!

Website or Web App: Which is Right For You?

Not every URL you click is a website— you may use a website or a website application, and for your personal needs, you’d likely use the latter. This may throw you off initially; if that’s the case, then this is information you need to be aware of (especially as a business owner). You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you have one while the other might’ve been a better fit. 

The concepts of Websites and Web Applications may seem similar but they are very different. Leaders must know the difference to decide which best fits their organization and the needs of their users. The first difference to be considered is the capabilities of each and how that’s going to play a role in the user experience.

A website is meant to provide the information that the creator inputs which makes the content static. Whereas a website application displays information based on the user's input, making the content dynamic. Online banking or your Gmail are examples of Web Apps as they perform a service based on the user's input.

The simple consideration you’ll need to take when determining which is best for you is whether your platform is providing a service or information. Additionally, it needs to be considered if users are providing information that requires privacy and security. For example, an E-Commerce store that has users' shipping addresses and credit card information would use Web Application software to protect that. 

There’s a lot to consider when finding the right fit for your business, only you know the true experience you envision for your customers. With that being said, here is some information to consider when planning your platforms:

Components of a Good Website

• Informational: Your website is your company's digital resume that is going to be the directory for people to learn about you. You will highlight your services, past work you’ve done, and contact information. Ideally, this will function as a funnel for visitors to want to get in contact with a sales representative.

• Static Content: It’s common knowledge that what you put on your website is all that users have to interact with. This is why you want to be strategic with what users see when they first click your URL. A bland website with no experience for the user is sure to get clicked out by curious visitors. Whereas having sections such as “testimonials” “products” “our team” and videos about the company starts to form a rapport with the visitor.

• Consistent Voice: To be able to nurture your leads through your website, you want to be precise with the way you present yourself online. Since your website will be where customers run to get help or potential customers go to learn more, your brand should have a personality. For example, how would your messaging be directed at your audience if you are a car insurance provider? Since the needs you fill are something everyone who drives a car must have, you ideally would be speaking from a position of care (example: “keeping you safe while giving you freedom”).

 Components of a Good Website Application

• Software: Most Web Apps are typically written in HTML 5, JavaScript, or Cascading Style Sheets. Web Apps need a stable network to operate in their browser. What this means is that while native programs run on the software of a device, Web Apps rely on the World Wide Web. 

• Interactive: Web Apps can track and store data that are useful to users and keep them coming back. A Web App should be something that users will visit often (for example online banking). This requires the software to have a UI/UX design, which allows users to understand how to use the platform and makes for a well-rounded experience.

• Platform Flexibility: Since a Web App is only accessible through a web browser and will require users to have downloaded the necessary software, the performance should always be consistent. Whether someone is accessing it from a computer, mobile phone, or tablet and whether it’s IOS, Windows, or Android, it will run smoothly for all. 

• Potential For an App: A website application itself cannot be downloaded from an app store. However, businesses can mimic the Web App through an IOS and Android-compatible application that can be directly downloaded. What’s especially great about this is that it further expands your users' access to your services.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

A PWA is an alternative to a Web Application. At its core, a PWA is meant to look and feel like a native app in the form of a website. A PWA is a great middle man for businesses especially as they are not typically as costly as Web Apps. In terms of user experience, PWA’s are highly responsive, they don’t need to be downloaded and can even function without a stable internet connection. One of their biggest draws is the speed at which they function and their ability to conform to any device. 

Which to Use For Your Business

Websites and Web Apps are both extremely useful tools for your audience to engage with you. A Web App creates a constant interaction between businesses and consumers while a website is a good place to show your audience who you are as an organization. Ultimately, you will decide whether your services are best accessed through a web app or by being directed to a representative. 

What’s Next?

One of the most important components of a business is having a well-rounded source of engagement for current and potential clients. Your website or Web App should be helpful, particularly in the senses of support and directory. 

Written By Ben Brown

We work with successful companies to increase their net profits using exceptional custom software solutions, contact us here to see how we can help your business grow!