Software is getting more complex and there is no turning back. While the internet of things (IoT) where everything is connected to the web still belongs to a distant future, it’s hard not to ignore where software is going. Today, it is not only communication and entertainment devices that are Wi-Fi-enabled, but also common household items like lights, which can automatically change lighting depending on the weather.

Software powers core business activities in virtually all industries. Through applications, doctors access patient information while on the go, people book flights and concerts, and buy merchandise. The financial services sector heavily relies on special software and employs developers by the thousands to create apps that serve the customer, improve productivity and profitability, and reduce risk.

The approach required to build this type of software is completely different from traditional development methods. 2015 key development trends like design thinking, open source development, big data, and refined testing will drive the creation of software that support critical business processes. Experts say these trends will have a major impact on IT and business strategies for the coming year.

Design Thinking

Design thinking is a design strategy that is people or customer-centered. Developers focus on the needs of consumers instead of a specific technology. The process includes observation, gathering ideas, making a prototype, and testing. Experts and multidisciplinary professionals come together to throw ideas around and ultimately create something of value for the end user. 

In 2014, the increasing complexity of software forced big development changes. Design thinking will drive software development in 2015, with the goal of creating applications that serve the consumer. The age of the consumer will foster reinvention of many organizations, and design thinking will be critical in the product development process.

For those with little experience in design thinking, you can start with brainstorming sessions with your team members and identifying steps in the development process where a more customer-centered approach can be integrated.

Big Data

Big data is extremely large collection of data that can be analyzed for patterns and trends. The data set is so large and complex that traditional data processing methods may have difficulty handling it. With big data come challenges like security, privacy, capture, search, storage, transfer, and others. In 2015, businesses are going to invest their IT budget in big data management.

This is a great opportunity for software developers to improve existing products and create applications that track product use based on collected data. The transition to cloud computing and cloud services will also drive new updates and releases that will keep developers busy.

Big data is going to be commercialized as enterprises gather more information about business processes, competitors, and customers. Companies will start to sell this data and create products based on big data. If you have disparate collections of data for every department, it is time to develop a comprehensive view of information related to your product or service and for all business processes. Those who want to commercialize existing data must obtain consent from consumers. You can choose to develop the platform in-house or work with a third party to create the application.

Refined QA and Testing

About a fourth of the IT budget is spent on quality assurance and testing, and many companies plan to increase the percentage. With so many options in the market today, customers can easily switch to another application if yours is slow, buggy, or difficult to use. Sophisticated QA and testing is necessary to ensure that your applications not only perform as advertised, but also exceed expectations.

How do you to test in a fast-paced environment where development and releases never stop? Agile testing is the answer. This method requires big changes to traditional processes. You may need to increase automated testing and change organizational structures. Firms who lack experience in sophisticated testing can partner with a third party that has a background in product development.

Open Source Development

In 2014, established companies started embracing open source development, adopting big data open source platform Hadoop for example. Open source has also been making waves in software development, and this will continue in 2015. During a time when speed to market is more critical than ever, developers who can recycle open source code and components have the edge.

Open source development often means lower costs, but companies are now using it for strategic benefits like improved quality, speed, and agility as well. Many developers are also attracted to working in an open source community, allowing you to hire the best people for your project. Start examining the pros and cons of integrating open source code in your software development initiatives. To ensure quality, make sure to work with popular open source code monitored by an active community.

Software Development Outsourcing in the Philippines

It can be difficult to design software and applications that wow your customers if you have little experience with big data management, design thinking, open source environment, and refined QA and testing. You can recruit people and build your own in-house team, but this can be very expensive and time consuming.

Consider outsourcing part or all of your development needs to experienced Philippine providers. The Philippines is one of the world’s premier outsourcing destinations, and its IT professionals are skilled, highly-motivated, and communicate excellently in English.

IT services and infrastructure are customized to each business; you can hire one partner or build an entire team of developers for a short-term or ongoing project—and at the lowest industry prices. IT outsourcing companies in the Philippines make it so easy to get started with a no-risk consultation. There is never any obligation until you find the perfect match for your needs.

For more information, here’s a great resource on Software Development outsourcing. 

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IS OUTSOURCING RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

The list of questions on Should you Outsource may help you in the decision-making process. Or contact Sourcefit, an outsourcing company in the Philippines. Click here for a free, no-risk consultation with a member of our upper management team who can help you assess the opportunities and possibilities.