If you were to ask me to build custom word processing software, I would very quickly respond that you should just go out and buy Microsoft Word. You might respond with, “Word has too many features that make it complicated to use,” or maybe just, “I don’t want to give Microsoft any more money.” Whatever […]
Category: Outsourcing
I’m an IT outsider
I’ve written in the past about Shadow IT. In the IT world, it’s just simply a dirty word. It’s also something I’ve somewhat made a career out of. My first “real job” was at a big company that, like all big companies, had a tough time figuring out how to use the limited time, money, […]
5 Crucial Tech Goals for Your 2018 Plan
2018 is going to be the year of transformation, and companies will look to make sense of where, why, and how technology fits into it all. These transformative processes and practices will hit critical mass, and if left on the back burner, you may be left struggling against your competition. Place them on your radar […]
4 Types of Software Development You Can Entrust to a Partner
Outsourcing software development is a choice that countless organizations continue to make, from tiny tech start-ups to massive Fortune 500 firms. Choosing to work with a software development partner offers many advantages, but it also entails a number of potential risks that should be managed with careful planning and frequent communication. The good news is […]
Look for 3 Things From Your Software Agreement
Any business contract can be unnerving to enter. Licensing agreements surrounding software development and who owns code can dictate long-term relationships and uncover costly surprises if not carefully examined. Here are three things to look for before signing on the dotted line. Licensing Rights Some agreements assign licensing rights to the developer. Engaging in this type […]
How “Shadow IT” Could Actually Help Your IT Department.
When you need custom software developed, you have two options: use in-house software developers or outsource to a software development firm. While your preference is likely to use in-house resources, your development team may not be available and recruiting newstaff will be challenging and time-consuming, especially if there’s a talent gap in your market. Most […]
Software Development Skills Your Partner Must Have
Too often, companies overlook key skills when deciding to bring in an outside software development firm. You might hope to increase your IT team’s capacity and capabilities, but doing so doesn’t guarantee you will get a corresponding increase in business value and team productivity. In order to accelerate development and reach your business objectives, you will […]
Is Your Innovative Software Idea a Good Investment?
Your gut is telling you that your business department has come up with a great software idea. But how do you know if it’s a good investment? In a previous article, we focused on the envisioning stage of a software project, in which you define your customer and the problem you plan to solve. Before-and-after exercises […]
Is Your Custom Software Project Ready for an External Team?
Teaming up with an agile software development firm makes sense for many projects, but certainly not all. In general, here are a few types of custom software development projects you could successfully entrust to a partner: Building a new product Maintaining and supporting an existing system Co-developing a product (using internal and external software engineering teams) Strategic consulting The type of […]
Start with the Right Custom Software Projects When Working with a Partner
Is your internal IT team unable to meet demand for the innovative software your company needs to grow? One solution is to partner with a software development firm. You may be cautious about working with an external team, especially if you have never partnered with a software developer in the past. Your partner must adhere to deadlines, stay […]