Software Development – 5 Key Trends

Ever-evolving and adaptive technology is revolutionizing the way business works every day and the face of software development. No matter the kind of business, high-quality software is in demand. Businesses must take advantage of and integrate these technologies while they’re still relevant and useful to remain relevant to customers and clients.

Here’s a list of the top industry trends you should consider integrating (if you haven’t already) into your business processes:

Going Mobile

The tools that consumers and businesses used traditionally have changed drastically. Smartphones, tablets, and other devices are replacing PCs/Laptops. Consumers expect to have the same experiences they have on their PCs at their fingertips. This means that businesses and organizations must create strategies to ensure that they can reach users on multiple platforms easily.

Data from Flurry, an application analytics firm, shows that about 80 percent of mobile device time is spent in apps and only 20 percent in a web browser. Mobile applications build loyalty, reinforce your brand, increase your accessibility and connect you to on-the-go customers. Having an app that users can download to their devices makes a good first impression if your business is available online.

If you haven’t already made the switch, your organization should consider going mobile to stay competitive in this highly mobile environment.

Server Virtualization

Virtualization has revolutionized the way companies access their software applications. Recent trends in virtualization are allowing businesses to get rid of entire server farms and cut down on associated operating costs. Recently, developments in virtualization capabilities have opened their use up to larger audiences—including small businesses – as they are no longer limited to expensive mainframes.

Server virtualization reduces energy consumption since it minimizes the need for hardware used in a data center. It also leads to lower maintenance costs, since fewer technicians are required to install, monitor, and troubleshoot hardware used in the data center.

Cloud Computing

Many organizations today are turning to Software as a Service (SaaS) and other cloud-based computing solutions. For businesses looking to scale back on overhead and infrastructure costs, cloud computing is the solution businesses are increasingly utilizing. Moving your software applications to remote private networks can allow for:

• Reduced IT costs: You may be able to reduce your IT costs by using your cloud service provider’s resources instead of purchasing expensive systems. The cost of system upgrades, new hardware and software may be included in your contract. Also, you may no longer need to pay wages for expert staff.
• On-demand scalability: Your business can scale up or down your storage and operation needs quickly to suit your situation—allowing flexibility as your needs change. Using the cloud gives you more time to focus on running your business.
• Business continuity: Storing your data in the cloud helps ensure that it is regularly backed up and stored in a secure location. Ensuring that your data and systems are protected is an important part of business continuity planning. No matter the kind of crisis you experience, being able to access your data again quickly allows you run your business as usual.

Virtual Offices

Companies around the world are realizing the cost-saving benefits of virtual office environments. Now that so much business is conducted via the internet and telephone, there is less need to work from a traditional office. Advances in cloud computing capabilities and others in office connectivity have allowed businesses to move toward remote network structures. Business applications allow for people to work anywhere they want—giving employees more time to spend with their families. This new technology allows for increases in productivity and reduced overhead costs.

New Productivity Applications

Companies are constantly looking for new ways to improve productivity, increase employee efficiency and optimize their overall business processes. Advances in video conferencing, unified communications, and business intelligence applications are expected to continue to expand and develop because they enable employees to work collaboratively, even in remote office environments. In addition, there is a high demand and room for growth in the productivity software market. More and more businesses are adopting new programs designed to improve efficiency and lower their operating costs.

The trends mentioned above are revolutionizing software and the way it’s developed in nearly every industry. No matter the organization or business, integrating these trends will be essential for success in the next couple of years and onwards.

Take the Steps for Success

Ready to start on the path to developing your software with a practical approach? Using an Agile software development approach with proper planning and the right people on your team will put you on the path to success. The development team at QAT Global is experienced in developing all kinds of enterprise and SaaS applications and working with clients who have complex environments. Put your next software development project on the path to success, start the conversation with our development team today.