Key features of effective software development

A company is a living, unique organism and therefore each one has different needs. This is the main reason why more and more companies prefer "Taylor made" software, that is, custom-made software just as a tailor makes a suit by measuring each centimeter with the most exhaustive precision. Implementing customized solutions is one of the main ways companies can improve their business processes and can be a crucial differentiator in the growth of your company in the face of the highly competitive market. But how to choose this software? What main characteristics does your development have to have to ensure that it will be effective? Keep reading because we will tell you everything here.

What is software development?

The first thing is to be clear that custom software development involves a set of computer activities dedicated to the process of creating, designing, implementing and supporting software.

It is independent of the hardware, which is the physical or "hard" part of the computer, and means that every day we can carry out different activities in each application on our devices such as the computer, tablet and mobile phone.

There are four basic types of software:

1. System Software – Provides operational solutions such as disk management, utilities, hardware management, and operating systems.

2. Programming Software – Provides development solutions such as text editors, compilers, linkers, debuggers, and other tools for creating code.

3. Application software (applications or apps): is the software that we use daily to perform common tasks, whether for work, socializing, or simply for fun, such as Office, Facebook, Instagram, and games.

4. Embedded Software: Used to control machines and devices that are not normally considered computers. For example, did you know that your car has a small built-in computer? Well, it has it and uses this type of software, as well as telecommunications networks, industrial robots and the appliances or televisions in your home, which you can connect to Wi-Fi and control from your device. It is the basis of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Custom enterprise software development is generally carried out by programmers, software engineers and developers. We work with two methodologies : Agile SCRUM and Waterfall. In both, we assign a project manager to each development to maintain direct contact with each client and provide support at each stage of the process.

Key characteristics in developing effective software

Now that we have covered the basics we can move on to the next level. How do I know if the software will meet the expectations and needs of my company?

For software to be effective, the points detailed below must be considered.

1. Identify the problems to solve

The first step in the software development solutions is to know the needs of the business, what you hope to solve when implementing the new platform. This also includes determining who your audience is, when and where they will use the platform. The software must be able to solve the specific needs of your business.

2. Software development life cycle.

The software under development must comply with each of the stages of the Software Development Life Cycle: planning, analysis, design, development, integration and testing, implementation and maintenance.

This ensures that it meets the key characteristics for its correct operation and effectiveness.

3. Reliable communication.

There must be reliable communication during custom software development between the company and the supplier, since in this way misunderstandings and failures in development are avoided. Assign a person dedicated to this project to be the direct counterpart of your software provider.

4. Select a methodology

Selecting a methodology allows you to establish a framework in which the steps of software development are applied. Describes a general work process or roadmap for the project. Methodologies may include agile development, DevOps, rapid application development (RAD), scaled agile framework (SAFe), waterfall, and others.

5. Product development and coding.

That is probably the longest phase of the cycle. It includes writing code and turning design documentation into real software. The development team works to ensure that their code meets the software requirements specifications. The software will go through several test versions in a test environment before it is ready for production.

6. Integration and testing

Once the software is ready and tested, it has been verified that it works correctly and that it meets the client's expectations, it is time to put it into operation! At this stage it is relevant that your software provider has experience with different technologies so that they can connect them.

7. Implementation and deployment

Once integrated and tested, it is implemented and deployed. It is important to train your company's team that will use the software before starting to use it.

8. Operations and maintenance

Ah but it doesn't end there! Software development is a continuous process. The software will need to be updated according to advances in technology and as your business grows you may need to add new functionality. Updates may include usability modifications suggested by your company's own collaborators.

Now that you know what the main characteristics of effective software development are, don't wait any longer! Contact our team of custom software developer, we will be happy to be part of your company's value chain and help you succeed together in any sector.

Glad you are reading this. I’m Yokesh Shankar, the COO at Sparkout Tech, one of the primary founders of a highly creative space. I’m more associated with digital transformation solutions for global issues. Nurturing in Fintech, Supply chain, AR VR so