GSC

Eliminate Risk in Software Development Projects by Following These 3 Tactics

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:51:37 -0700

Software development projects frequently encounter uncertainties and challenges that can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and unsatisfactory outcomes. By adopting effective strategies when building an app, these risks can be significantly reduced. In this article, we will delve into three tactics that can aid in mitigating risk in software development projects, resulting in successful and impactful outcomes.

1. Prioritize Features for Flexibility and break the Iron Triangle

The traditional project management concept of the "Iron Triangle" depicts the delicate balance among scope, time, and resources. In software development, changes to one aspect—such as incorporating new features—can disrupt this equilibrium, affecting both project timeline and budget. To address this challenge and mitigate potential risks, teams should embrace a mindset that considers certain features as flexible.

Flexibility here means that specific features can be interchanged, delayed or substituted without substantially impacting the project's core objectives. This...Read More

How much does it cost to build an app

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:56:52 -0700

Industry average cost for building an app

As per a study referenced in Forbes, the average cost of app development varies widely, falling anywhere between $40,000 and a substantial $730,000. This vast range is influenced by various factors, including the app's complexity and platform choice. Moreover, post-launch operations costs can further impact the overall expenditure, making it essential for businesses to budget comprehensively.

We recently released Passport Photo Kit on IOS for under $30,000. By leveraging existing frameworks and tools it is oftern possible to build even complex apps on a limitted budget.

Complicating factors affect the cost of an app

The cost of developing an app can significantly fluctuate due to several critical factors. The number of features included and their complexity largely contributes to the overall price; the more intricate, the higher the cost. It is often good practice to keep visual design elements simple in an app's initial release. It is also critical to focus efforts on the primary features that will provide value to the...Read More

How To Create an App: Step by step list and guide for 2023

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:13:39 -0700

Introduction
In this digital era, mobile and web apps are a robust platform to connect with people worldwide. They can transform unique ideas, increase efficiency, or introduce new services. But how do you make the leap from a fantastic concept to a functional, user-friendly app? This article will guide you on your journey on how to create an app. We'll start from the beginning, and offer some great free services along the way. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guide that both novices and seasoned app developers can follow to develop a custom software app. We're here to help you bring your app idea to life, guiding you every step of the way to create a successful and tangible product. Here is the list of high level steps to follow when building an app:
Idea and Conceptualization
Market and Competitor research
Budget
Key Functions and Features
Wire Frames
Develop MVP
Add Features
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Software Development Methodologies Overview and Comparison of the Top 4 Options

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:36:34 -0700

Overview of Software Development Methodologies
Software development methodologies are like special plans that help teams make great software. They give them a step-by-step guide on how to make software in the best way possible. Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall, and Lean are four different methodologies that teams can use. Scrum likes to make small parts of the software at a time and gets feedback often. Kanban likes to organize the work visually so everyone knows what to do. Waterfall goes in a straight line, doing each step before moving to the next one. Lean wants to get rid of anything that doesn't help make the software better. It's important to know about these different methodologies so teams can pick the right one for their project and make the best software possible.
Agile Scrum Software Development Methodology
In Agile Scrum you divide the work into small parts called sprints. Each sprint has a specific time limit, and you work on a few things at a time. Everyone in the team has a special role. There's a person who knows what the software should be like, called the product owner. Then there's a person called the scrum master who helps the team work smoothly. And of course, there are the developers who actually make the software. Agile Scrum has special meetings every day to talk about what's going well and what needs help. They also have reviews to see how the software is coming along. Agile Scrum is great because it's flexible and can change when new ideas come up. It's perfect for making software that is exciting and have lots of cool features.
Agile Kanban Software Development Methodology
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Bad Contractors Write Bad Contracts

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:28:34 -0700

I see a lot of IT contracts, and the vast majority of them are awful. While I am not a legal professional, I frequently conduct technical reviews of contracts. It is deeply concerning to observe IT contractors drafting agreements that offer no safeguards or even basic property rights for their clients. This issue is particularly troubling because it is the contractors' primary responsibility to ensure the contract's meets the client’s needs.
If you find yourself with a subpar contract, it is essential to recognize that this outcome was a deliberate choice by the contractor. It signifies not only a flawed contract but also a deficient contracting company. My recommendation is to avoid attempting to negotiate critical aspects of such a contract and instead seek out a contractor who prioritizes the best interests of their clients in their contractual agreements.
When engaging an IT contracting company, here are several crucial elements to scrutinize within the contract:
Intellectual Property: If the contract fails to stipulate that you, as the client, own the code and work product, the contracting company will retain ownership. Consequently, you could pay them to develop a product, only to be denied its use or faced with ongoing licensing fees once it is completed. Ensure that you retain ownership of the final product.
Guarantee: There are risks in software development and large IT projects, with failure rates usually reported above 30%. The contracting company knows these risks and can take steps to mitigate the risks. There is little you can do as a client, so why should you take all the risk? If the project fails,...Read More

I Dont Believe in The Big Bang

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:33:10 -0700

In the realm of software development, the concept of "The Big Bang" refers to a scenario where an IT group embarks on an extensive period, spanning months or even years, to develop a software product. Subsequently, they reemerge with the fully-fledged product and unleash it in its entirety, deploying the entire system to production all at once.
At GSC, we steer clear of that approach. Instead, we embrace a more agile strategy where we release code to production every two weeks, concentrating on the highest priority features. This approach not only ensures that our clients receive early value from our software, but it also allows our clients to gather valuable feedback from end-users at an early stage.
I strongly believe that all Agile development groups should steer clear of The Big Bang approach, as it directly contradicts the fundamental principle of the Agile Manifesto. The first principle clearly states, “Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.” ¹ It's evident that The Big Bang approach goes against this paramount priority of Agile, and therefore should be avoided.
GSC’s approach is is to constantly deliver value:
Break down the project into small features and sub-features
Priorities the features and sub-features
Implement the highest-priority features in a two-week sprint
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CTO Services Included Free

Wed, 03 May 2023 13:53:14 -0700

We do a lot of things differently at GSC, and one of those things is pairing one of our fractional CTOs to each of our clients, providing CTO services for FREE. The CTO takes on many responsibilities that would otherwise fall on the client's sholders, including :
Technology strategy: Developing and executing a technology strategy that aligns with the overall business objectives of the company.
Product development: Overseeing the development and implementation of new technology products or services.
Technical architecture: Designing and maintaining the technical architecture of the client's systems, ensuring that they are scalable, secure, and efficient.
Research and development: Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and identifying new opportunities for the client.
Team management: Building and managing a team of developers, engineers, and other technical professionals.
Resource allocation: Managing the technical resources for the client, ensuring that projects are successful and that the highest value issues are being addressed.
Prioritizing the product backlog: Maintaining the product backlog, which represents the work that needs to be done to deliver the client's product. The CTO is responsible for prioritizing the backlog items based on value, risk, and other factors.
Communicating with stakeholders: Responsible for communicating with stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements, and for ensuring that those needs are reflected in the product backlog.
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Money Back Guarantee on IT Services

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:26:52 -0700

Money Back Guarantee on IT Services
Last year, we implemented a money-back guarantee for all new projects, which has piqued interest due to its rarity among software development organizations. Our unique approach to software development enables us to confidently make such an offer, leading to many inquiries about how we can be so confident in our offering.
Expertise and experience: General Systems Corporation has a 50 year history of successful custom software development projects and has the skills and knowledge to accurately estimate risks and manage them effectively. Our experience in developing software solutions provides us with...Read More

Do You Trust Your IT Vendor?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:58:09 -0700

I am not suggesting that you should automatically trust your IT vendor, but you and the vendor should work together to build trust. It is easier to commit to large projects and long-term contracts if you have a high level of confidence in your vendor. At General Systems Corporation we actively work to build trust with out clients in several ways.
Start Small
We start almost all engagements with the smallest possible implementation which adds value. This might be a proof-of-concept or a minimally viable product (MVP) but the idea is to work under a short-term contract and focus on one important feature set. These small engagements limit the risk that the client is facing, but also provide value and test GSC capabilities throughout the development stack (graphic design, front-end, middle tier, backend, and even release processes are all proven).

Trust but Verify
Make sure you keep your IT vendor honest through demo meetings and testing. A demo meeting is when your IT vendor shows you what they have built, and testing is when you test it out without interference from your vendor. Testing is separate from demoing, and testing is far more important. Make sure to properly test in order to verify that what is being delivered actually meets your expectations.
Iterate and Maintain a Dialogue
If you’re not meeting...Read More

Cloud-Native First

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:54:36 -0800

Adopting a cloud-native first strategy can provide organizations with a range of benefits, including increased scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. But how does an organization get started with a cloud-native first strategy:
Assess existing infrastructure: Before embarking on a cloud-native strategy, organizations should assess their existing infrastructure to identify areas for improvement. This could involve reviewing current systems, applications, and workflows to identify areas that could be moved to the cloud. Aim for some easy wins early on.
Develop a cloud-native strategy: Once an assessment is complete, organizations should develop a cloud strategy that aligns with their business goals and objectives. This strategy should consider the type of cloud deployment (public, private, or hybrid) that best fits their needs, as well as the cloud services and solutions that will be required. Avoid instances and operating systems, focus on fully manged services from your cloud provider.
Establish governance and security controls: Cloud-native architectures require robust governance and security controls to ensure that sensitive data is protected and compliance requirements are met. This includes establishing policies for identity and access management, data protection, and threat management. You cloud provider will have guidance and white papers for you.
Adopt containerization and microservices: Containers and microservices are core components of cloud-native architectures. Containers allow applications to be packaged into portable units that can be easily deployed and scaled, while microservices enable applications to be broken down into smaller, independent components that can be developed and deployed...Read More