10 Tips to Make Your Offshore Java Development Productive

ISVs and software vendors are always in search for alternatives to fulfill their business objectives and goals at the lowest cost possible. One of the best possible strategy that can help them save money while reducing the development and IT overhead is to outsource the software requirements to the offshore development company.

For almost every technology, you can get a reliable outsourcing partner who can steeply reduce your development as well as maintenance cost.

There have been lots of articles and blogs written about the outsourcing process. Of course, it is beneficial for you to make yourself familiar with the outsourcing process, but do you know how to make your offshore development more effective and productive for your business?

Let us try to find an answer today for ISVs and software development companies who are Java development company and are considering Java development outsourcing to make their overall process more effective and productive.

1. Don’t forget to clearly define the scope and plan for your Java development venture

This might seem a must-to-do thing whenever you outsource your Java development venture, but any successful Java development project always initiates with the clear scope of the project. It is important that you define your project requirements up front for the service provider in order to get precise proposal and a reasonable price quote for your project.

Moreover, try to be straightforward about the deliverables you’re expecting from the vendor. Also, you should be clear about the project schedule requirements as it may have a huge impact on the overall cost of your project.

2. Well-defined criteria and Quantifiable objectives

It is very important that the objectives are quantifiable in order to make it achievable through outsourcing. If it is possible for the potential customers to compare the performance with the pre-established objectives, the benefits of outsourcing would be quite clear. Moreover, it would help the service providers to know where they stand when it comes to fulfil the expectations of the customers.

A well-defined criteria like what framework of Java to be used, what database to be deployed, which Java server to be deployed, etc. would help you achieve quantifiable objectives, service quantities, quality and customer satisfaction on the go.

3. Know & learn JAVA

To make your Java development outsourcing successful and productive, it is very important that you power-up your understanding with Java. It will help you leverage qualitative services for your application development. All you’ve to do is to sharpen your Java basic knowledge like coding structure, frameworks, availability, usefulness and more. You can find a whole host of reference material and documents online. 

4. Find Your Needs

Once you’re done with Java basic knowledge, it is time for you to create a road map for your Java development venture. You can conduct a small research over Java using websites and portals to know the exact nature of your website. It will help you identify desired features of your application or website.

5. Search for skilled Java professionals that suit your project needs

Generally, the offshore Java development partner you choose will have enough experience of developing projects that you’re undertaking, but that doesn’t mean you overlook other things. It becomes more critical when you’re having a project requiring a lot of technical expertise. Therefore, always look for professionals and skilled developers who can understand your business needs and deliver the right kind of solution to achieve your goals. If possible, go for a company which provides Java certified developers to work for your project.

6. Never choose a service provider based on PRICE

Of course, price is the major concern whenever you outsource your Java projects, but that doesn’t mean you choose a vendor based solely on price. The success or failure of your Java development project does not depend on the price quote offered by the service provider. It is important you look for a service provider that offer a balance of good value and quality results.

7. Monitor and Track the development

Once you’re done with the hiring process, it is important you spare some time to look out for the development process. You can ask the service provider to provide development process updates either on weekly or regular basis. It will help you understand the ongoing process of your project by going through the reports. Moreover, you can also show your concerns about the specific task during the development process.

8. Arrange payment for pre-defined project milestones

It is important that you have a work plan for your Java development project with pre-defined milestones. With the help of pre-defined checkpoints to review the progress of your project is the easiest way to meet the deadlines. Moreover, you should tie the payment with each milestone. You can pay 20-30% of the payment up front, but remaining payment should be done at the completion of the pre-defined milestones.

9. Negotiate ownership of work straightforwardly

When you outsource your Java development project, it is important that you have a clear idea about who is going to own the code and resulting product. Ensure that the offshore partner understands how you are going to use the deliverables provided by them.

10. Extend the Contract

If you feel satisfied with the work of the offshore partner, you can extend the contract further in order to keep the developers available for you whenever you need any changes or technical support from them. You can go for long-term contract as it will help you leverage from the low maintenance and service charges.

Ensure you follow all the tips discussed above in order to make your Java development outsourcing productive and effective for your business. Have you tried any of these tips before? Share your views and experiences in the comments…!

Read More

Microsoft to Buy Nokia’s Mobile Unit: Emergence of a Third Player in the Mobile Market?

While the Windows Phone is at the number two position (behind Android) in some markets that Apple has not cared to target aggressively, Microsoft has not tasted big success in the mobile market. Tech pundits have given good reviews about Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system, but it has always seemed that Bill Gates came to the smart mobile party a little too late. As Apple and Android dominate the global mobile market with over 90% of market share, the chances of a third player entering the field and competing with these two mobile giants have gotten slimmer and slimmer.

A Quick Glance at Nokia & Microsoft’s Relationship

When Nokia threw its lot with Microsoft and started manufacturing smartphones that run the Windows 7 and 8, many felt that it was a suicidal move. Samsung, one of Nokia’s biggest competitors in the mobile manufacturing, choose Android OS to run its best mobiles and emerged as one of the biggest forces in the mobile market. Nokia was unable to accomplish similar goals using Windows operating system: it dumped Symbian and used Windows 7 operating system for all its top-tier handsets, but was unable to compete with the iPhone or Android devices.

Just a few years back Nokia was respected as the most powerful mobile manufacturer; today, it is not even one of the top three mobile manufactures. Microsoft too suffered from the fact that none of the mobile manufacturers using its operating system could come up with a series of successful handsets. Technology experts and bloggers have expressed one idea since a long time: Microsoft and Nokia are a good fit and by closely partnering with each other, they can emerge as a force to reckon with. By preparing to buy Nokia’s mobile unit, Microsoft has done what many hoped that it would.

Has Microsoft found the Missing Piece of the Mobile Puzzle?

In a purchase that is set to complete by 2014, Microsoft has agreed to buy Nokia’s mobile unit, and it will also buy Nokia’s patents and mapping services in a non-exclusive agreement. The company will pay $ 7.2 billion in cash. The deal is a lifesaver for Nokia, a company that is steadily falling behind its competitors Samsung and Apple. It can also help rejuvenate Microsoft’s mobile image and help the company manufacture flagship mobile handsets that are specifically created for Windows 8.

While Apple has the iPhone and Android has Samsung’s popular devices that can showcase the best features of the mobile operating system and attract customers, Microsoft doesn’t yet have such a hit device for Windows 7 or 8. While people have not dumped PCs or Windows, Microsoft needs to find its way in a world where people are spending less time on PCs and more time on tablets and smartphones. With this deal, Microsoft doesn’t just get the capability to manufacture mobile, but also gets the skills and patents to create a slew of innovative devices that can help its mobile operating system find its feet in a competitive market.

Through the deal with Nokia, Microsoft has all the ingredients that go on into the making of a powerful and effective smartphone ecosystem: a well-conceptualized mobile operating system, devices that are specifically made for the operating system and an app store. Only time will tell if Microsoft has found the missing piece of the puzzle, but if you are a mobile app owner or a developer, the possibility of a third player giving competition to the existing market leaders is exciting.

Impact on Mobile App Development

Microsoft is the only company that has the wherewithal and background to compete with Apple and Android. Nokia still has a huge fan-following in emerging smartphone markets like India, and this will empower Windows 7 and 8 phones to conquer huge chunks of such markets. Just as Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility patents enabled the search giant to manufacture its own devices and safeguarded the future of its operating system, Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s mobile unit will help the company compete more aggressively in the mobile market.

It is notoriously difficult to foretell future in the dynamic mobile market, but the news indicate that Microsoft is going to do all it can to thrive in the world of smart mobiles. We can expect to see a surge in the number of developers building mobile apps for Windows. Also, if the Windows Phone OS gets a bigger market share over the next two years (and it is likely that we will see at least some rise), developers who build apps only for Apple and Android will start building apps for Microsoft as well.

Ready for a Resurgent Windows Phone Operating System?

In the current scenario, most businesses and developers are either building only Apple apps, or they build app for Android and Apple. If Microsoft succeeds in becoming the third player in the mobile market, apps that are already popular on its app store will be the biggest winners. By creating an innovative application Windows Phone OS now, or by creating a Windows Phone version of your existing app, you can profit from a world that has three major mobile operating systems.

Would you like to explore this idea further? Get in touch with us and tell us about your mobile app idea. We would love to discuss it with you! 

Read More

Do’s and Don’ts of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

The usage of mobile phones in the last 5 years has increased to a huge extent. With this leap, several mobile applications have been introduced which are available in various app stores such as Play Store, iStore, etc. In these scenarios, standing out from 5,00,000 plus mobile apps is a challenge, especially when the market is estimated to be worth $25 billion by 2015. Chances of getting to the top in the niche market is already saturated and hence the discoverability and possibility of reaching to the right target audience quickly is no rocket science. In these conditions, mobile app marketing via social mediais the best option especially when you are on a tight budget.

We all know that the importance of social media in today’s time has grown by leaps and bounds. It has become more a necessity than an option to survive in the global marketplace and achieve success. Several companies have developed their presence on social media just to promote their brands and services on different platforms and websites. From product advertising to announcements to services promotion, social media is the one that provides quick and efficient results.

Image credit: www.appsgeyser.com

Mobile application marketing through social media can help you reach the widest and sharply targeted audience in no time. Mobile apps are being used by people of all age groups for recreational, informational and many other purposes. And this is why no other platform on the Internet could give your apps the exposure as good as social media. However, when you set out to market your apps on social media, you need to keep your eyes and mind open as marketing on social media can either make or shake your strategy. Hence, you should have a planned mobile application marketing strategy on social media which requires appropriate research before you dive into this deep ocean.

There are several Do’s and Don’ts of mobile app marketing via social mediaas highlighted in the following paragraphs that can really help you hit the right audience and help your increase mobile app download rates.

Do’s of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

1. Use Promoted Tweets – Create a buzz about your app on Twitter with Promoted Tweets. Promoted Tweets are a great way to capture the attention of customers.
2. Connect with prospects via LinkedIn & Facebook – Users who frequently use LinkedIn and Facebook can become your possible customers. Just connect with them and promote about your application which would be displayed on their notification bars or news feed.
3. Promote on YouTube - Create a video to demonstrate the working of your app and promote it on YouTube.
4. App Reviews - Submit your application reviews on relevant blogs, websites and press releases
5. Use QR Codes – Create QR codes and publish them on different social media platforms from where customers can scan the code and download the app.
6. Answer Every Comment – People like it when they get reply for what they say instead of getting avoided. Be sure to answer every comment and specially be constructive when their comments are negative.
7. Delete Negative Comments – Be alert and quick to delete negative comments before they can ruin your app marketing strategy.
8. Be Active - Be always active in putting useful, informative and interesting updates which can drive customer engagement and keep them updated.
9. Be Participative & Polite - Post and comment everywhere that is relevant to your mobile app but in a polite manner.

With these Do’s come several Don’ts which you should avoid while promoting your apps on social media which are as mentioned below:

Don’ts of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

1. Don’t be a Marketer, Be a Friend – While promoting your application on social media, avoid being a marketer who pushes the product. Instead be a friend and develop a healthy conversation which can really convince your prospect.
2. Don’t Make Mistakes – Avoid mistakes in typing and publishing things as even a small mistake is enough to portray your negative image.
3. Don’t Make False Statement – Just for the sake of increasing downloads of your app, do not make false statements and claims. Say what your app can really do.
4. Don’t Use the Same Strategy - Do not use the same strategy for every social media platform you are promoting your app on. Do remember each social media platform has different dynamics and needs to be utilized accordingly.

Now when you know that social media can be utilized in many way, it's up to you to decide what strategy will be more effective and how you exactly want it to work. Be creative while promoting your apps to create the curiosity among the users and make sure that you make it about them, not about you. In short, always publish from their perspective. On the other hand, make sure that your app is powerful enough that it can be recommended to others. Social media makes it undoubtedly popular but like I said before that your app must be substantial and worth recommending to others.

Conclusion

At the end, what you can get out of the social media promotion is what your customers want. The primary reason is that you can connect with your users better and find such more potential customers. Social media is essential to make your mobile applications popular. So make the most of it with planned strategy and research.

Read More

Why Your Business Should Consider Professional IT Support

In today's volatile business climate, modern companies have to be flexible to cope and adapt to change. This is especially true of IT infrastructures that need to alter to keep pace with rapid developments in technology. Outsourcing your IT support is one way of ensuring that your business maintains a flexible approach and stays competitive.

Cost Effective

Most modern businesses rely heavily on IT infrastructures whether they are file servers, email and phone systems or simple office machines. As your business grows and more pressure is placed on these systems, it may be tempting to consider employing IT specialists within your company to administer them. However, a team of IT specialists can be very expensive to employ on a salaried basis. A more cost effective approach is to outsource this requirement to a specialist company where you only pay for the level of support you require.

Specialist Knowledge

Companies choosing to hire IT support in Cheshire, for example, can take advantage of the services of a team of qualified professionals, all with expertise in specific areas. This specialist knowledge is far more beneficial than employing a single IT administrator who may only have general knowledge. Expertise can be acquired through training, but this is a costly process. An IT support company will ensure that their technicians have been given the relevant training, passing this expertise on to your company without you having to make major investments in human resources.

Infrastructure

Maintaining the ability to adapt to new demands is the key to a successful and strong business. Developments in technology happen at a fast pace. Hiring an outsourcing company can help your business to keep abreast of these changes. IT support specialists can design infrastructures that allow for the addition of new services, workflows and technologies to be installed when the need arises.

Reliability

When IT systems crash, it can be a stressful, frustrating and expensive experience. Any glitch in a company's IT system can have a catastrophic effect on its revenue. Ensuring that your company is able to function, your employees are able to work and your customers are able to buy is essential. Hiring the services of an IT support specialist will help to minimise downtime and service issues. Experienced trouble-shooters can also take steps to ensure that problems do not repeat themselves.

Support

We live in the age of the internet, which has caused us to change the way we approach business. In traditional high street commerce models, companies operate in standard business hours between Monday and Friday. However, the internet facilitates online businesses' ability to operate a 24 hour service. Many businesses worry that outsourcing to an IT support company will leave them vulnerable without any expertise out of hours when they really need it. However, most outsourcing companies offer telephone based assistance with qualified operatives that deliver support 24/7. They can monitor your systems, deliver server management and even carry out remote administrative maintenance, ensuring your systems are up and running at all hours of the day.

Author Bio: Trevor Gordon is an experienced ICT consultant based in Warrington. He believes that IT support in Cheshire is the best in the country.

Read More