Tag: Software Development

software_developer

How to Hire a Custom Software Developer

Posted on | by devops
Expert Tips For Custom Software Developers

The demand for quality software is growing tremendously, insomuch that there is an increasing saturation in the market of software developers. This is both a blessing and a curse.

Mainly, having countless options to choose from on your search for a quality developer is a breath of fresh air.

Though, this means you will have to conduct an in-depth consumer review on all prospective software developers. 

If you’re completely new to the process of hiring a custom software developer, this can be complicated. Therefore, if you need new, custom software for your organization, you can read this guide to make the right decision. 

Build a Shortlist

Again, if you are new to hiring a software developer, you’ll be hard-pressed in finding somewhere to look for the best option. Let’s start with the basics of locating any quality company: asking for recommendations.

If you have a business associate (not a competitor) that has recently developed software for their company, you can simply ask where they acquired their product. If you liked their software, you will be sure that the same work will be put forth for your business.

Therefore, add software companies from personal recommendations on your shortlist. If this option doesn’t work for you, you can try finding local software companies via local search. 

Let’s try out using a basic keyword like “software developers near me” and see what happens.

custom_software_developer
As you can see, there are a healthy number of software developers using this search. Here are the main things you should look for in Google Map rankings:

  • Star Rating: This indicates the quality of a business based on online reviews.
  • No. of Reviews: This number is in parentheses next to the star rating. You can generally trust a business with 10 reviews with a collective rating of 4.9 than a business with one 5-star rating.
  • Online Reviews: These can be found by clicking on the listing and scrolling down. Reviews are both short and long details of consumer experiences.

47% of consumers only work with businesses with more than four stars. You should choose carefully based on the results you receive from local searches. Hence, don’t be too quick to add software developers to your shortlist even if they have a positive online reputation.

Lastly, collect and verify referenced based on short interviews with prospective software developers. If you like what you see and hear, you can add the final candidates to your shortlist.

You may realize that your shortlist contains dozens of companies, and that’s fine. The next step will involve confirming if any shortlisted candidates will be a good fit for your company.

Verifying Your Shortlisted Candidates

Software development is a thriving industry. There are thousands and possibly more companies that specialize in creating software applications. Conducting a basic internet search will provide more software developers than you can count.

However, how do you make sure that these companies meet your standards and can lead to the production of your software project? Check for these things when moving on with your search.

Company Portfolio:

Every software developer will claim to offer the best services. Hence, you should check every company portfolio you come across in order to verify these claims. Make sure you look for details such as delivery timelines, team sizes, tech stacks, etc.

Also, take note of any company that has first-hand experience in developing software for your industry. Typically, large companies have massive resources and specialize in many niches, while smaller companies operate in specific niches.

Client Testimonials:

Ideally, you’ll want to partner with a company that has a proven track record of achieving successful results. In this case, you should ask for client testimonials and case descriptions. 

Unless clients are prohibited by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) from speaking to you, pick their brains about important details of what it was like working with a prospective software company.

Did they consider their project to be successful? How would they rate communication and deliverables? Would they recommend them as a potential partner? These are all questions you should have answered before moving forward with any company.

US/EU Jurisdiction

There are some legal requirements involving the process of software development that relates often to healthcare, insurance, and FinTech. Any software that utilizes sensitive data receives stringent governmental oversight.

To stay compliant with the latest mandates of the Federal Government, hire a software developer that operates under US/EU jurisdiction.

Talent Partners/Network of Resources:

When hiring a software developer, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of the technical details of accessing a wider pool of talent. That’s, after all, why you’re making a hire in the first place.

Choose a software company with either talent partners or an extensive network of resources to ensure that your projects run smoothly. 

Selecting the Right Engagement Model

Onshore and offshore software companies will generally offer a few standard engagement models for you to choose from. The tricky part is knowing which one you should select for your business. 

Fixed Price:

This is the simplest engagement model. You and the software company agree on the scope of the project and determine a fixed price. Any additions to the project are almost always identified, which come at a fixed price as well.

This model is ideal for smaller projects. 

Time and Materials (T&M):

Unlike a fixed price model, this doesn’t have a defined budget. Before your partner begins, you must agree on the total amount of hours for the project. This model is ideal for complicated projects that are difficult to pin down in terms of production costs.

Dedicated Development Team (aka Extended Team):

This model serves as an extension of your company. You retain ultimate discretion and control over your project. This model is ideal for large projects with changing needs and the requirement of full-time development services.

Give Us a Call Today!

Do you want to work with a qualified customer software developer? Give us a call at (214) 295-5845 or click here to receive a free quote.  

Not big on reading? That’s okay. Watch “How to Hire a Custom Software Developer” instead.

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence, we turned this blog into a video for you. Check it out below!

game_designer

Top Software for Game Designers

Posted on | by devops
Expert Tips From Dallas Software Developers

There is no process of developing a video game without the necessary software. Video game engines, or software made to create video games, are essential in the development process.

If you are new to the world of video game development, it’s important to study the available video game software to narrow down your choices. Ultimately, there is a wide variety of software to choose from to develop your game.

Depending on the type of game you want to create, here are the best available choices to assist in your project’s development. 

RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker, produced by Degica, is one of the most preeminent video game engines for role-playing games. The widely-popular software has been used by millions of game designers and even featured in popular commercial games, such as To the Moon. 

RPG Maker has built a solid reputation as one of the most simple to use video game engines. No coding knowledge is required to develop a quality game. RPG Maker MV is the latest installment to the RPG Maker series.

It boasts significant improvements to its predecessor, RPG Maker VX ACE, giving users a professional game designing experience.

Game Maker

Game Maker is a powerful video game engine used to create many 2D games, from RPGs to adventure titles. Its simple interface and high compatibility with a wide variety of resources.

If you are experienced as a coder, using Game Maker is an excellent option. This software has amazing potential, depending on how knowledgeable you are with a coding language.

Unity 3D

If you want to dive into the world of professional game designing, Unity 3D should be a top option. The software allows users to create their own custom 3D video games. Many games produced on this software have been featured on modern generational video game consoles, such as Playstation 4 and Xbox One. 

However, you must have at least basic coding experience to use Unity properly. If you aren’t an experienced programmer, you can try to hire a professional from online development forums. 

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is used by countless professional video game development studios across the world, and it’s for a good reason. The powerful engine contains a full suite of essential tools to design and develop high-quality video games.

Unlike Unity, Unreal Engine is a versatile engine that can create MMORPGs, first-person shooters, fighting games, etc. This is why it has been widely used for more than 20 years.

Gamesalad

If you want to build a basic app-style video game, then Gamesalad is a great choice. The software utilizes a drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to use for anyone without significant coding knowledge.

It’s a free tool and doesn’t take much time to get the hang of. With this tool, you can build a quality game in as little as an hour and upload it to every known platform. 

Do You Want to Design Your Own Game?

Choosing to design a video game is a monumental decision. If you need help in leaning in the right direction, we suggest you give us a call at (214) 295-5845 to discuss your central strategy. 

Not big on reading? That’s okay. Watch “Top Software for Game Designers” instead.

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence, we turned this blog into a video for you. Check it out below!

the_standard_guide_to_using_devops_for_small_businesses

The Standard Guide To Using DevOps For Small Businesses

Posted on | by devops
Tips From Professional Software Developers

Productivity is an integral part of any business. Every organization should strive to set and achieve strong productivity goals to increase the output of deliverable and boost revenue.

One way small businesses are increasing their productivity among their development and operations team is by using DevOps. In fact, 31% of small businesses are using are implementing DevOps across their Organization.  

If you aren’t in this 31%, here’s how you can utilize DevOps to make your small business run smoother.

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a set of efficient practices that bridges IT and Software Development operations to shorten the product development life cycle. DevOps is essential for providing the continuous delivery of top-quality software.

These practices help foster better communication and collaboration between operations and software development teams. 

With quality being at the pinnacle of importance, the purpose of DevOps is to boost customer satisfaction and increase the speed of delivery through constant improvement and iteration.

What are the Benefits of Using DevOps

You may be wondering “DevOps sounds like an ideal strategy, but why should I invest my time and resources into implementing it for my small business?”

DevOps not only provides benefits you should want for your business, but it also has benefits your business won’t survive without. 

These benefits include:

  • Increased Turnaround Time – DevOps makes continuous software delivery simple while optimizing quicker turnaround times.
  • More Project Flexibility – Since code is fragmented into smaller parts, participating teams can separate the project into groups to tackle at a later date.
  • Enhanced Productivity – Through collaboration and communication outlined by DevOps, productivity goals can be easily achieved.
  • Significant Stability – DevOps provides more stability to work environments through automation.
  • Optimized ROI – DevOps helps participating teams to avoid wasting time on going back and forth, thus decreasing software costs and maximizing a net increase in profits.

For any business to thrive, strategies must be set in place to effectively boost productivity. With that said, let’s lay out a step-by-step guide for you to begin implementing DevOps for your small business.

How to Implement DevOps for Your Small Business

DevOps is a straightforward process, and it’s never been easier to get started putting the strategy in place for your small business. Here’s how you can get started.

  1. Identify the need for DevOps for your business. The benefits listed in this article are great selling points you can mention to your team, but focus on how the implementation of DevOps can benefit your customers.
  2. Break down DevOps for your team. You should demystify the concept of DevOps to reduce the resistance of accepting the strategy.
  3. Select Your Team of Learners. Begin the implementation process by selecting a group of risk-takers who are willing to learn the ropes of DevOps.
  4. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Determine the central objectives you would like to be completed by your DevOps team and reward your team if they complete them.
  5. Iterate and Continue. Refine your objectives and make changes if necessary to maximize the growth of your DevOps Strategy.

Do you need direction in how to begin your DevOps strategy for your small business? If so, Contact Us Today to receive a customized consultation session so we can help you take the next step in your business.

Not big on reading? That’s okay. Watch “The Standard Guide to Using DevOps for Small Businesses?” instead.

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence, we turned this Blog into a video for you. Check it out below!