development Archives - Redvike

When Should You Outsource Product Development?

Product development can be hard. It requires time, effort, teamwork, careful planning, meticulous execution, viability analysis, security checks, market analysis, etc. Once you are done with the first version of it all, you need to start once again, based on the feedback from your users and threats from new avenues. It’s an exhaustive iterative process that requires constant work and dedication to details, and to top it all, there’s always a dearth of available talent and time. To put it in the simplest terms, product development requires knowledge and experience, and efficient product development even more so. 

Whether a lone founder, small startup, or big multibillion-dollar company, the question is: when should you outsource product development? If you don’t know how to decide – you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will look at different scenarios where outsourcing new product development makes sense, as well as what to consider when outsourcing.

Product design and development outsourcing

Outsourced product development means hiring a third-party contractor for the complete or partial development of a product or service. For IT projects, this means that external individuals or companies can be involved in all or some of the development stages: from idea generation and prototyping, through development and testing, and finally commercialization and business analytics. The external partner can be a large IT corporation, a smaller software house, or even individual developers – each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages (read more in our article on the topic). Some of the benefits of outsourcing include:

  • Access to a global talent pool
  • Cost and time efficiency
  • Faster to market
  • Flexibility
  • Tech experience

But how do you know if outsourcing is the best path for you and your company? Let’s take a look at what conditions can call for hiring an outside team to outsource product development!

When to outsource product development?

There are situations when choosing to outsource product development is your best direction.

Lack of expertise

Perhaps you are the sole founder or part of a small startup with an app idea but no technical experience. IT outsourcing for startups is a great way to get access to a development team which: works well as a unit, has experience developing similar products for other companies, and has the technical knowledge required for the specific project. This is also true for large companies, which might have their own in-house development teams, but which do not have the necessary skills or facilities for a particular undertaking. 

The most important thing to note here is that remote teams do not only help you with the development! Rather, they can also assist you in defining the project scope, completing and analyzing the market research, devising a marketing strategy, as well as feedback analysis – all vital steps to creating a successful product!

Budgetary constraints

Hiring and training an in-house developer or team of developers is an expensive matter. Furthermore, you need to think about the cost of obtaining and maintaining technical equipment as well as the human labor costs. Such large expenditures at the very start of a business can easily spell doom if the project does not go exactly on track. Comparatively, outsourcing product development is not only cheaper – but you also don’t have to worry about any of the overhead costs like software licenses, updates, equipment upkeep, employee benefits, etc. Therefore, if you have established a fixed budget, the best course of action is to search for a dedicated software company which can deliver the project within the set limits.

Time limitations

If you are time-restricted and don’t already have an internal development team, you definitely don’t have the time to start that whole process! Additionally, precious time can be highly wasted if the development team lacks the experience – even if the expertise is there! For example, developing an app for the first time, even for coders, will surely have a larger learning curve. Mistakes will be made, ideas will be modified – leading to longer development periods. Other interruptions or downtime are things which can easily happen in any company – and all further slow down the process. If you are under strict deadlines to get the product to market to a certain date, it’s worth considering outsourcing new product development. 

Flexibility

Product development is messy; sometimes the market demands a subtle but important change in the product, sometimes new information comes to light that requires a redo of a major portion of the work, and sometimes someone simply has a new – much better – idea that essentially needs the creation of a new product! Technologies might become obsolete, new and better solutions might become available during the creation of the product, or a competitor might have launched a similar solution before you. This constantly-changing environment requires a high level of flexibility that the developers must incorporate in their daily work, and that might be missing from your own team. 

Remote development teams are easily adaptive to clients’ changing requirements, and can readily scale the operation up or down. This outsourcing also allows the client flexibility to focus on other topics surrounding the product development and launch – such as investor chasing, marketing channels, customer service, etc. 

Final words

Now that you know what all circumstances might demand an external partner, you need to reflect on your own current position – are you at a stage where you need help to start, maintain, or scale a product? Do you recognize your own situation in the ones detailed in this article? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to seriously consider the option to outsource product development. If you are looking for an experienced software development company, contact us here at Redvike! We can assist you in any stage of the product design and development, so you can have the best possible experience and be confident of successful cooperation!

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application used to create, plan, deliver, and track various learning or training programs. This kind of elearning platform can be used in schools and universities, educational institutions, companies looking to train their employees, and various other types of organizations. The Learning Management System market is huge. Expected to reach 17 billion USD in 2022, it currently holds the largest segment of the elearning market. With this article we will detail where all LMS can be utilized, what are its main characteristics, and whether or not your business needs it!

Learning Management System Examples

The very basic principle of an LMS is to provide an online platform through which an instructor can deliver personalized courses to students, manage the content, and follow the students’ progress. Course-related materials are available for students to learn at their own pace whenever they like. There are different types of LMS, of which the most commonly used are:

Cloud-based LMS

A cloud-based LMS is hosted on a remote server, and can be accessed from anywhere as it does not require any specific hardware or software to be installed on a user’s computer. These types of LMS are a relatively cheaper option which is easy to implement, and provide a high level of cyber-security. Therefore, they are the easiest solution for small and medium-sized businesses who may not have the required infrastructure or technical team required for maintenance. 

The most common type of cloud-based service model is Saas (Software-as-a-Service). Easily accessible through a web portal, SaaS applications work on a subscription basis, and can have multiple payment levels depending on the number of subscribers, meaning this is a solution which can easily be scaled both up and down. 

Open Source LMS and Free LMS

There are tons of free LMS options online. One example are platforms offering free versions of the system to a certain number of users or for a certain amount of features. Beyond that, the provider offers paid options for more users/features. Another type of free LMS are open-source learning management systems. This means the creators have made the source code available for any developer/user to modify for their own purpose. The downside is you might have to hire a technical consultant to change/implement the code, and there is rarely any customer support.  

Proprietary LMS

A proprietary LMS is a closed-source software built and hosted by one company, whose source code cannot be changed by users. This kind of LMS comes with a copyright license, preventing competitors from copying their products. Proprietary LMS usually have in-house technical teams to support customers with installation, maintenance, as well as with any issues that might arise.

LMS features

The number of features you get in your LMS would depend on the price tag attached to it. Nevertheless, even the best learning management systems have a set of fundamental features:

Course material management

includes course creation and categorization, test and assignment implementation, user enrollment, notification delivery, etc.

Tracking and reporting

includes elearning assessment tools, user progress tracking, automatic test results report generation, etc. 

Accessible and responsive design

the content is available both online and offline and can be accessed through any digital device – the UI adapts to different screen sizes.

Intuitive, user-friendly interface

the platform is easy to navigate and therefore doesn’t deter users from actually using it, or using it effectively. 

Social features

allowing for communication between teachers and students, or just between users through chats, discussion forums, etc. 

Integration

should integrate well with other systems, thus eliminating the need for multiple platforms which are more expensive, time-consuming, and generally a hassle.

Some not so basic features include

personalized approach and immersive experience.

Personalized learning experiences

Many LMS use AI technologies to create individual learning plans for users based on their interests and abilities.

Immersive learning

Learning can be made more fun and more effective by incorporating immersive technologies like gamification, VR and AR technologies, etc.

Do you need a Learning Management System?

Throughout this article, we’ve detailed how a business can benefit from using a learning management system. Let’s check out some specific use cases for LMS implementation and see if you recognize your business needs anywhere:

  • Employee training/onboarding activities
  • Hosting learning content for employees
  • Setting up a single educational platform for all employees
  • Complementing other learning systems
  • Constructing a social platform
  • Credentialing platform

If you feel like you fit into one or more categories from the list above, you could definitely benefit from choosing a learning management system. If you are a small to medium-sized business, maybe you can choose one of the hundreds of commercially available LMS software on the market. If you manage a large enterprise or require a customized solution, get in touch with our software house. We will create tailor-made software for your specific business needs.

IT project outsourcing is becoming increasingly common for startups, large companies in need of software development services, or even for companies with in-house IT developers. Whether for budgetary reasons, lack of specific expertise, or simply not enough time for the internal team to handle – outsourced product development is the go-to option for many businesses. 

When deciding where to outsource, companies are faced with a decision: large IT corporation or small boutique software house? Is bigger always better? Or can smaller companies offer a more personalized approach to your problem? In this article, we will discuss what benefits both options offer, and what things you should pay attention to when making your final choice. 

Outsourcing to an IT corporation

Large software consultancies are usually well established brands with an extensive client base. They are generally thought of as the “safe” alternative, as their reputation speaks for itself. 

Pros

  • Better infrastructure. Large corporations generally have the capital that affords the latest and best technology available. 
  • Access to resources. They can easily upscale resources whenever needed.
  • Security. These companies have strict guidelines surrounding project security and data protection. 
  • Well documented procedures. Large developers have rigorous rules and procedures for product development, and the same are meticulously documented at every stage.
  • Wide range of know-how. IT consultancies are usually not focused only on one area; rather they have experts in various fields to offer a greater level of expertise to clients. 
  • Reliable. Can be counted on to deliver a successful project within the set deadline.

Cons

  • Time-consuming. Following protocols regarding protection and documentation can be slow and tedious for both sides; slow to start the project.
  • Expensive. Reputed companies will charge not just for their services, but for their brand as well. 
  • Lack of flexibility. Large companies can have a difficult time adapting to changes in the project and generally lack a customized approach. 
  • Inadequate communication. The client’s only point of contact is the team leader, giving the client limited opportunities for deeper involvement and management of the progress.

Outsourcing to a boutique software house

Boutique software houses are small IT development companies with up to 100 employees which are usually specialized in a specific business or technology. One of the main benefits which has drawn businesses to small software houses is the price point. They are much cheaper than larger well-known companies, making them very attractive to companies with lower budgets or those looking to start with an MVP. But it’s not just the competitive cost that makes customers form long-lasting relationships with boutique software houses! What are the other advantages?

Customized Solutions 

Small software companies usually use an agile approach to product development. This allows for greater flexibility which lets the client make changes and adjustments throughout the entire development process! This means that the developers don’t use a cookie-cutter code and come up with the same product in a different packaging. Rather, the development team listens to the requirements and wishes of the client, and aims to bring that vision to life. No need to make compromises!

Communication practices

Effective communication is crucial for the success of the project. Primarily between team members, all of whom have different tasks, but need to collaborate and communicate their progress at every step. This close cooperation between developers fosters good and intimate relationships which are much more difficult to find in larger corporations. Due to the small number of employees, it’s very likely that all developers have worked with each other extensively, thus further improving interpersonal team communication practices. Boutique software houses also put great emphasis on communication with the customer – not just with the project manager, but with all the developers and team members!

Efficiency

Smaller companies don’t have so much red tape to circumvent to get things done. The project development can be ready to start in days, not weeks or months. The flexible work dynamic coupled with the high level of client – development team communication not only saves time but also makes the whole process more efficient. Decisions are made faster and can be implemented more rapidly. Finally, it is in the company’s best interest to finish the project as soon as possible, so the team can move on to the next one!

Customer dedication

Boutique software houses usually don’t have a lengthy client list, making every customer equally important. It is in their best interest to provide the best service possible! Through a more relationship-driven rather than contractual cooperation, the client ends up satisfied not only with the final result, but also the entire project execution. Therefore, it is more likely that the project completion will produce a successful product along with a long-term relationship between the client and company.

Outsourced product development – Conclusion

Many companies have already recognized the benefits of working with boutique software houses, shown by the growing trend to outsource software development to Poland and other global IT hotspots. Naturally, all the aspects detailed above need to be considered before making the final decision of where to outsource. But ask yourself this? Will a corporation really be passionate about your project? Yes, you’ll get a product that works. But, smaller companies have less client turnover, and therefore value their clients much more. You will be paying less money without sacrificing quality. Finally, they prioritize the customer and aim to share your vision and values, and that is reflected in the final product.

Take a look at how we deliver projects in Redvike!

Remote working was gaining popularity even in the years before the ongoing Covid19 crisis, and has now become the norm for many businesses. Companies and individuals have been forced to manage business tasks and meetings online, from the safety of their homes. Despite ample evidence that the system works, businesses are still hesitant when it comes to hiring remotely, especially when it comes to IT product development. After all, it’s not a simple process, and it requires a lot of trust in the remote development team and dedication from the same. However, there’s also no guarantee that the project team available on site is the best or even adequate for the specific needs of the business.

So, what exactly are the advantages of hiring a remote software development team? And perhaps more importantly, how to find the best remote developers for your business needs?

Reasons for working with a remote project team

Whether a company decides to work with remote developers depends on many parameters such as: business model, budget, prior experience in product development, prior experience in remote hiring, the project itself etc. Some of the reasons why businesses opt for remote hiring include:

  • Strict time limitations. A company short on time should seriously consider outside help in order to meet the deadline. 
  • Lack of expertise. When the current employees do not have the required product development experience, the company can outsource to a qualified development team. 
  • Capacity limitations. If the project scope is too large for the in-house team to handle, hiring remote developers is an excellent option.
  • Budgetary limitations. The company cannot afford to internally hire an entire team, nor has the resources to acquire the needed technology framework.

Advantages of hiring a remote development team

For those still on the fence, let’s take a look at all the benefits that remote hiring offers!

Global Talent Pool

When you are no longer restricted only to your company’s geographical location, the talent pool increases by orders of magnitude. You can pick and choose the best talent from anywhere in the world. Adding diversity to your team can also offer fresh perspectives and help you get new ideas for improving your product. 

Cost-Effectiveness

You can cut costs by hiring developers from places which generally have lower rates (such as Eastern Europe or South America), most essentially – without having to compromise on quality! Furthermore, if you have a set budget for a project, by hiring remote developers with a fixed rate you can ensure that you stay within your financial limit. Accounting for resources spent on in-house teams can be quite difficult in contrast, and you can easily over-spend. 

Faster Time-to-Market

Hiring developers in-house is a long and costly operation, and you will have to plan for much longer development times. By hiring a software house on the other hand, the team can be ready to work within days, and has the necessary experience to swiftly bring the product to market. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about any technology hardware and software limitations, as remote developers usually bring the required IT infrastructure along with their expertise.

Flexibility and Lower Risks

Unless you plan on developing more products in the future, chances are that you won’t really need an in-house team after a certain amount of time. Outsourcing lets you scale your team up or down depending on your business needs, without having to worry too much about the logistics and legalities. The remote developers also remain flexible with their working times and don’t need to strictly adhere to office working hours, as long as they’re getting the job done!

remote software developers

Looking for remote developers

There are two distinct ways of remote working with developers – hire individual developers and form a remote development team yourself, or hire a company with a ready-to-go project team. The choice depends on the project scope, budget, company preferences etc. 

Freelancers

Nowadays it seems everyone is freelancing, especially software developers. There are tons of ways for companies to find remote developers and vice versa:

  • Word-of-mouth and recommendations.
  • Social networks like LinkedIn or Xing. 
  • Job platforms like:
    Upwork, Freelancer, FlexJobs, Remote, Fiverr, TopTal, and many many more.
  • Tech blogs like Stackoverflow.

While this method is perfectly suitable for smaller projects, for larger projects it might prove difficult to manage a number of remote developers over a longer period of time. Inter-team communication is vital to the success of a project. However talented they may be, if the team members are not able to communicate efficiently, the whole product development could be in jeopardy. 

Product development company

Type “software development house” into Google and you’ll get thousands of hits. There’s no shortage of product development companies all around the globe. To find the right one for your company, check the following:

  • Professional experience – Most companies have a dedicated page to Case Studies of past client work on their websites. By exploring their portfolio, you can get an idea of how they work and whether they have worked on anything similar to your idea.
  • Client testimonials – For example, Clutch is the most popular B2B ratings and review portal which allows you to search companies based on client evaluations, experience, industry recognition etc. Similar websites are Goodfirms, VenturePact, TopDevelopers, and others.

These companies have already formed the teams, and most of the time your only point of contact would only be the team manager, saving you time to focus on your core competences. Legally, it’s also much more convenient as you don’t need to arrange contracts with all the individual parties involved, which could leave much room for error. 

Here at Redvike, we offer teams of dedicated professionals, carefully vetted and chosen, with experience in remote product development in various areas. The choice to go remote is an important decision, and we are here to guide you through the process of developing the product that you’ve envisioned to a successful conclusion!

Today, as the world is still fighting the COVID pandemic, e-learning is more relevant than ever. As of January 2021, almost 60% of the world population has access to the internet through their mobiles or computers, and therefore access to any of the hundreds of educational platforms and apps out there. The educational technology (Edtech) industry is booming and the competition is fierce, making edtech app development even more challenging. What are some of the Edtech challenges startups and companies face while developing their products?

Edtech – Tradition vs. New-age learning

Let us first define – What is Edtech? Edtech – or, Education Technology – refers to the practice of introducing or developing technological tools for the purpose of education. This can mean anything from simply digitizing textbooks, online courses on any imaginable topic, helping students and teachers navigate the online classroom, to personalized Edtech apps and platforms suited to the user’s needs. Edtech offers numerous advantages compared to traditional learning methods, such as:

Flexibility

Whether it is choosing their own time for studying or choosing the way they wish to learn things (e.g. textual vs. audio-visual), students have the luxury of choice which is not present in the traditional classroom.

Cost Savings Potential

Edtech products only require you to have a laptop or a phone and access to the internet. No more need for physical space or out-of-date textbooks. No need to move to a different city to attend university when you can attend classes online. The COVID pandemic has at least taught us that this is a perfectly viable option for off-site students. 

Access to Education

Students are no longer limited by the choice of educational institutions in their vicinity. They no longer need to comb through books to get an answer to a simple question. Information is just a click away!

edtech challenges

Edtech Challenges

An overview of the edtech industry would show that we’ve barely scratched the surface on what Edtech is capable of doing and the full plethora of advantages it offers. However, creating an app that works well but also monetizes is not a simple undertaking. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges faced by Edtech app developers.

Lack of Teacher Input

A lot of the educational apps and platforms are created to either replace the teacher or to help the teacher deliver the lessons through a digital medium. Unfortunately, many developers will not collaborate with teachers or use their feedback while developing their app. This results in distrust and eventually no interest by educational institutions and teachers in incorporating the new technology, leading to a failed product. Edtech products should be made in such a way that teachers are not confused and constantly trying to decipher how they work, because ultimately, they are supposed to make their job easier and allow them to actually focus their time on the students and their needs. 

UX/UI

While there is space for creativity and innovation in the edtech industry, if you add on too many features and confuse your users – it won’t matter how new and original your app is. It’s also important to know exactly who your target audience is and design with them in mind. For example, if the app is aimed at children, it should be easy to understand and navigate, but also fun and playful. Striking that balance is, of course, not easy. That’s why edtech app testing is crucial in determining the success or failure of the app design.

User Engagement

In the starting months of the COVID pandemic last year, a lot of people had so much time on their hands they suddenly had to fill somehow. Many decided they wanted to use that time productively, like – by learning a new language, or starting that programming course they always wanted to do, taking up a musical instrument etc. So they download an app and, starting out, they’re usually super motivated and committed, and user engagement is high. However, soon the initial excitement and curiosity fades and motivation dissipates, and user engagement drops. Concepts like “gamification” are used by professional edtech development teams to create apps which maximise user engagement and retention.

Monetization

Monetizing edtech apps has proven to be extremely difficult, even for the best edtech apps like Duolingo. You can make a fun, great learning app, but not everyone will want to pay for it. Finding initial investors for Edtech development also has its challenges. Since this is not the type of product which can show immediate results or one whose educational value can be easily and quickly measured, investors are reluctant to put their money into Edtech professional development. It’s important to find the right way for users to pay for your EdTech services and make them feel like their money has been well spent.

The Future of Edtech

While the edtech approach to learning still has its disadvantages, technological developments and innovation will undoubtedly continue to improve many aspects of Edtech products, making them even more accessible, immersive, and relevant. New technologies will also pose new challenges for Edtech app development, bringing about new and innovative solutions. Ultimately, those who manage to find ways to improve education quality, reduce costs, and make a meaningful impact will prove to be the most successful players in the Edtech industry.

Humans are imperfect. We know it, we accept it, and it’s part of what makes us human. Regardless of how careful we are, a few of these mistakes shall always remain in the product. What we need is a system that allows for mistakes – one that not only takes miscommunication and hiccups during a design process into account but one that actively incorporates such mistakes into the planning itself!

It takes a lot of time and effort just to figure out how to approach the development of an app, let alone the amount of actual work that goes into the whole process! That’s why one of the first things a developer considers before starting to work on an app is: which software development methodology is the best choice for this particular project? 

There are many different methodologies for software development, and each has its pros and cons. Therefore, the selection depends on a variety of aspects like team size, project size, the goals of the project, or simply just the developers’ preference. One of the methodologies we, here at Redvike, find ourselves using often is the Agile Software Development Model. 

Why do we keep coming back to it? The answer to that demands a small intro to Agile. 

What does Agile stand for?

The term “agile” is defined in the English dictionary as “the ability to move quickly”, and – at its essence – it’s exactly what the agile software development methodology does! One of its core principles is an iterative approach to project development, which allows for a quick response to changes in the development process. What this means is that the project can easily adapt even to large modifications late in the project development stage, making the agile approach to software development extremely flexible and efficient.

The favorite methodology of software houses 

Since its introduction, the agile software development methodology has become the industry norm, with a vast majority of organizations adopting this approach in their project management. Now that it’s become the golden standard, developers like to throw the term around, just to let you know that they’re in tune with the times. However, while the agile approach to software development works very well, it does so only when implemented properly. Here at Redvike, we learned the method by heart and we don’t need to brag about it. We just know how to deliver awesome products! 

Advantages of Agile software development

As we already mentioned, the agile software development model uses an iterative approach of short development cycles, promoting continuous improvement of the project. Let’s check out some essential advantages of agile software development!

Significantly reduces lead time

For any company, and especially a startup, it’s very important to get the MVP up and running as soon as possible without compromising on the quality of the product. Shorter development times mean lower costs, and spending less money always makes customers super happy. Such results will definitely make the client want to work with you again!

Promotes good communication practices

As you may have noticed in our other blog posts, we are big on communication – we think it’s extremely important for there to be an open and transparent line between client and company, as well as between teams and team members. Communication is also one of the core principles of the agile software methodology! 

When the clients are involved from the beginning to the end of the project – problems are eliminated sooner, changes can be implemented without too much hassle, and trust and customer satisfaction is guaranteed. On the other side, when inter-team communication is on point, efficiency is higher and allows developers much better control over the entire process. 

Good communication is the key to all the other advantages and core principles of the agile software development philosophy! Whether it be faster time-to-market, higher chances of product success, higher productivity etc., practically everything can be traced back to a constant exchange of valuable information!

Increased flexibility

The repetitive short developmental cycles that are typical of the agile approach lend great flexibility and adaptability to the project. Product features can be changed and added even in later stages of development, which is naturally vital for the client. Customers want to know that they don’t need to compromise on their vision for their product! Using the agile methodology, team members can react swiftly to customer feedback and make the necessary changes without it becoming too time-consuming and expensive. 

Other methodologies

While Agile may be the current favorite for many software developers, we shouldn’t ignore other methodologies, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Just because agile software development is great, it doesn’t mean that it’s the suitable choice for every project out there. Some of these other models are: Kanban, Waterfall, Lean Development, Scrum, Feature Driven Development, etc. How are they different from Agile, you ask? 

Waterfall 

Waterfall is the “traditional approach” to software development, the one used before the advent of Agile. The model takes a linear approach to project development, dividing the process into several distinct and subsequent stages or phases. A phase does not begin before the previous one is completed. While this kind of approach is much clearer in terms of project timeline and the team knows exactly how much has been done at any point in time, the rigidity does not allow for any (large) changes during the development. This is essential to many customers as well, as they can also track the timeline and make changes to their plans accordingly. Usually, the full scope of the project is defined with the customer in advance.  

Kanban 

Kanban uses Agile development principles such as continuous improvement but implements them in a distinct way. The Kanban methodology adopts a visual representation of the task workflow through a so-called “Kanban board”, which is divided into 3 sections – “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”. While this approach has proven effective in the detection and successful elimination of bottlenecks, Kanban lacks any structured framework which can lead to poorer productivity. 

Agile is not everything 

We clearly have a thing for Agile (maybe you can already tell by the glowing review that we have shared here!) and we use it on a lot of our projects. However, despite its popularity, it’s not the solution for all problems. Clients shouldn’t make the mistake of choosing a company solely based on whether or not they use Agile. If the project requires it, a good developer will know when to use it and when not!

Finally, while it may seem like Agile can work miracles, it won’t do much unless you have strong team communication practices and inter-team collaboration. This kind of approach to software development requires intense commitment and works best when team members are completely dedicated to the project. 

Since the General Data Protection Regulations appeared, companies have started making changes to their systems, applications, and products in order to comply with the new standards. Even though organizations had 2 years to make adjustments in their processes of collecting user data, there are still some business activities that are potential threats to customer privacy. So, if you’re not familiar with the topic and want to soon develop an application for customers in Europe, learn how to make your app GDPR compliant. 

The GDPR applies to web and mobile applications that collect personal data of people living in Europe. The trick is that it applies to all companies collecting data from people living on this continent – even if the companies physically don’t exist there. The law provides customers with more power in terms of the ways companies and organizations collect, use, store and dispose of their data. It also challenges businesses to adjust their existing platforms to new norms. Speaking of…

The new standards for digital products 

Here are the most important aspects of GDPR regarding web applications that companies need to consider: 

User agreement

It’s no longer approved to collect and process people’s data without their permission. Nowadays, even if you want to send an email to a user you have to explicitly state that and obtain user consent before you send anything. 

Explanation of how data will be used

Users need to know the aim of collecting their data but also the way it will be processed. That means they need to have easy access to their own data and be provided with all the details written in a clear and understandable way. If you use cookies for remarketing that information has to be provided along with the list of all other organizations that will have access to the data. 

The right to withdrawal 

Users need to have the right to withdraw from the agreement with your company at any time. When it happens, your company is obliged to delete all the information collected about the user. The option to delete an account should be available in your app. 

Full transparency about data status 

It’s your duty to protect user personal information and invest in proper security measures. However, if you fail and get hacked you need to inform all users about the incident as soon as possible. 

Summing up, when your app includes setting up an account, has a built-in payment system or measures parameters for analytics and remarketing – you have to start introducing changes to your product to make it GDPR compliant. 

Ways you can make your app GDPR compliant  

We listed only the general things that should be followed in your company in order to meet the new standards.

Analyze the way your app handles data 

Do you know what tracking codes are in your app? Check what exactly your product collects and decide if this information is really necessary for your business. Also, you should have access to all the data collected. 

Make sure you have the user agreement 

To increase the chances of getting the permission, make the process easier for the users. When asking for permission, use language that is easy to understand, explain the aim of the process and how you’ll use the data. You can place checkboxes in your forms to facilitate the decision. 

Update your privacy policy 

Here you should include all the information we’ve mentioned earlier, that is: 

  • What data does your app collect? 
  • How is the data collected? 
  • What is the purpose of it?
  • How will your company use the data?
  • What other organizations will have access to the information? 
  • How a user can delete his/her account following the process of erasing his/her data from the system.

Use encryption and high-level data security 

Rapidly growing cyber crimes and data theft made it an integral part for all companies to deploy strong encryption. You need to make sure that even if someone gets to your data, they won’t be able to use it. Encrypted data can be hacked too but it’s much more difficult to use them than if they were stored in the form of just plain text. 

Delete all data of users who opt-out 

An important part of the process is to make sure that if a user wants to withdraw from the agreement, your company deletes all the information collected about a given user. Make sure you have clear processes specifically for those types of actions and you’re able to assure the user about their data being erased from the system. 

We’ve recently finished a project for a data protection company

The introduction of GDPR compliance standards has created the potential for companies dealing with the protection of user data. One of our clients wanted to scale their platform into Europe, expanding their feature set however, the architecture of their software was not ready for this. Its state affected the performance and the UX of the page resulting in poor customer experience. 

Our team at Redvike stepped in to help rebuild the software, decreasing its size and making it easily scalable. See how we worked on this project →  GDPR and Data Protection Software.

Final thoughts 

For some companies, adjusting the existing system to the new law can be challenging but for sure in the long run, these efforts will pay off. Protecting and respecting users’ rights will help you build loyal and secure relationships with your clients.  

*Just to clarify – to be absolutely sure your app is GDPR compliant you should consult your product with a lawyer or a specialist in this field. This article includes general information about the protocols and data protection but each case should be considered individually. 

Deciding on custom mobile app development can bring many benefits to your business. Apps created this way bring extra value to companies having a specific problem to solve or a specific process to improve.No matter how big or small your idea is you need to know what to expect from the development process and what information to prepare.  Let’s get into that!

Why it’s good to develop a custom mobile app?

Think about a custom-made mobile application that is compatible with your specific business needs and serves a definite purpose. Building such a product we need to gain an in-depth understanding of the market niche to develop something that fits perfectly and answers all pain-points of the users. It takes much more effort to create something so specific and make it the best solution for a particular need. That’s why when you decide on custom mobile app development, you may expect to work with people who are truly engaged in the process and just as you, want to deliver something special. 

What are the advantages of such an approach?

To attain a very economic and non-generalized approach, we as users would always prefer something which suits our basic and very important needs exclusively. That’s why the main advantage stands right in the name of the process. It’s the word “custom” that means you invest in a tailor-made solution. Deciding on it you can be sure of: 

  • A personalized user experience. While building custom solutions the team focuses much more on the way people will use the app and interact with it. It’s a chance to spend some more time on the UX/UI process.
  • A competitive edge. Custom mobile apps can improve the efficiency of internal processes by incorporating specific functionality into your business. This way making you a stronger competitor in the market. 
  • Scalable solution. They can be built to be highly scalable, which makes them capable of supporting sudden spikes in traffic or an extensive user base. 
  • Easy integration. Custom apps can be seamlessly integrated with your company’s existing software. You don’t need to invest in a separate solution. 
  • Higher ROI. Features and functionalities will improve customer engagement so you can hope for a higher ROI.
  • Solid security. When building a custom mobile app its level of security can be adjusted to fit the sensitive data users might interact with. 

Custom mobile app development – how it starts and how it ends 

Some relevant examples of custom products might be organizations using digital software applications to enable their marketing strategies or banks using the customized solutions to cater to a very specific set of deals. Now let’s talk about how the process of custom mobile app development starts and what should we expect at the end of it. 

Identifying target audience

It starts with defining the users of your app and understanding their main needs. This stage is most important as without it you won’t have the knowledge to answer their pain-points. 

Business strategy 

Then it’s time to plan how the product will be generating revenue. Choosing the right business model is also key if you want to obtain satisfying results. Here you can learn some more about different business models.

Core functionalities 

Next, you need to identify your app’s core features. It means the main functionality of the product as well as side features that will make the user experience more pleasant. Here you actually build the scope of your product that will help you to estimate the project correctly. 

Finding product development experts 

Then it’s time to select a custom mobile app development company that will bring your app to life. It’s always easier and more stable when the process is assisted by experts in the field. 

Marketing approach 

Sometimes it’s not included in the process but to call it an end-to-end approach, you should also choose the way you will promote your product and how you will measure the ROI of your app. 

Continuous improvement 

Through subsequent iterations, your product will finally reach the version ready for release. At the end of the process, you should expect a bug-free, high-performing app that your users will love.

Most importantly, you don’t have to make this all by yourself. At Redvike we can take much weight off your shoulders by connecting our best developers and designers to build you a tailor-made solution. Just write us when you would like to start. 

Custom mobile app development in practice 

Recently we’ve been working on a custom mobile app for our client from Austria. The client approached us with an idea for a user-centric app augmenting the festival experience through mobile ticket scanning, live notifications, GPS-location features, and NFC technology. 

We started with a Design sprint to better understand the product hypothesis and then move on to the app’s core functionalities. By working closely with the client we could ensure every requested feature and UX/UI elements work flawlessly and there is no compromise to make. The custom app was recognized by the leading festivals across the world and helped to simplify event management and enhance the live experience.

You can read the whole story here → Festival App  

The tailor-made solution is worth it 

No matter the product, you should always start with sufficient research and business analysis and keep in mind the cost-benefit approach. The choice of whether you will build a custom mobile app with your in-house team or with an external custom product company is yours. But if you want to streamline your business operations and increase efficiency – we are here to build your custom app! 

Finland, as well as other Nordic countries, experienced a tech transformation. The growing number of digital companies are in constant demand for qualified developers ready to support their solutions. The need for specialists is of course followed by a significant increase in developers’ salary in that region. However, not all companies are willing to spend that much on a development team. What is then a good way to deliver IT projects and afford the maintenance? Software development outsourcing!  

Outsourcing software development – how does it work? 

Just a quick reminder of the very process. Outsourcing is a method of delegating part of the business processes to an external partner. When we talk about outsourcing in general, the delegated work can be for example, accounting or design but at this moment we limit it just to the outsourcing of software development. 

In this case, a company, startup, or an individual client wanting to build, scale, or maintain their software would outsource the work on their project to another company. What has that company what the other hasn’t? Usually, lower prices of software development, more developers experienced in a particular technology, or just better performance because they devote all their time to that specific project. 

Why outsource software development to Poland? 

The perfect outsourcing destination will be Poland – a nearby neighbor to Finland. There are a few reasons for that. 

The talent shortage in the Nordics 

As we mentioned before, companies in Finland need more and more qualified specialists to support their products. However, there are not enough people with the needed skills in that region. According to a report on global talent shortage by ManpowerGroup, Finland is among the countries that currently experience that problem on a big scale. The list also includes Sweden and Norway. 

To overcome talent shortage, Nordic countries can reach out to software houses in Poland where there is more than enough people specialized in modern technologies. According to the SkillValue report from 2019, Poland ranks 2nd among the top 5 countries with the best developers. A similar conclusion we can draw from a report by Hackerank where Poland is placed 3rd in the ranking after China and Russia. The criteria based on which the assessment is made are data structures, algorithms, mathematics, functional programming, problem-solving, speed, and accuracy.

Average developer’s salary in Finland 

Another reason is the cost of software development in Nordic countries. Payscale reports that the average salary of a software developer in Finland is about €56,213 / year. In comparison with Poland, the average software developer earns about €20,000 / year. We can all agree that in Finland the price of software development is among the highest and the difference is quite big – it’s more than half the salary of a Finnish developer! 

Of course, projects differ in complexity and sometimes it’s better to know the hourly rate to be able to better estimate your investment. If you choose to outsource software development to a company in Eastern Europe, it should cost you around $25 to $45 per hour. 

Language requirements 

What else makes Poland the best direction to outsource software development? Language skills. At Redvike we follow the Agile methodology that ensures the project is developed at the right pace and everyone is on the same page. One of the principles of Agile is continuous communication with the client. When working with remote software developers, keeping daily communication is key. 

As people from Finland have an excellent level of English they can expect the outsourcing partner to keep this standard. Fortunately, software developers in Poland know English very well! In the EF English Proficiency Index Poland has 16th place in the world (for the comparison India – 50th).

Check out the project we delivered for our client from Finland →  GDPR and Data Protection Software.  

Location benefits 

Outsourcing software development to Poland brings another very important benefit. From a business perspective, it’s good when you can visit your client from time to time. It allows for a successul project kick-off. Polish companies can conveniently travel to their European clients, strengthening their business relationships. What’s more, despite delegating IT project to a company outside of your country, it’s a collaboration in the same time zone. It means the communication stays easy and effective! 

How to choose your outsourcing partner 

Finland companies willing to start their journey with outsourcing, have a big decision to make. There are hundreds of software houses in Poland ready to take care of your software. However, to choose wisely, consider the following points. 

A smaller Software house is better than a corporation 

Aim at mid-sized software houses that have enough people to deliver the satisfying results and at the same time treat you specially. Huge corporations and businesses hiring 100+ people will most likely treat your project just like another deal. They won’t commit to the product as much as you would like. Middle-sized software houses enjoy growing together with their clients and deliver more personal and user-focused approach. 

Read reviews before your contact a company 

Seems obvious but is very often neglected. Even though the list of software houses in Poland can be overwhelming don’t give up easily. I’m sure you know about all sorts of rankings and listing with trusted client reviews. I recommend using Clutch which is the holy grail of company reviews 😉

Avoid companies with limited skills

If you work with a software development company where all employees are engineers, your product will be full covered only from one perspective – technical. That’s why it’s better to choose a company where next to developers there are also UX designers. This way you can build something that meets users expectations. 

To sum it up,

Considering the location, cost-efficiency, performance, and flexibility, Finland couldn’t find a better destination to choose to outsource software development. Now that you have all information needed, it’s time to start working with the right people and achieve better results in less time! Let’s build something together!

Chicago, The city that works, has a special place in our hearts. Not only a great travel destination but also it’s a city with high potential when it comes to innovation! It’s here where our team successfully delivered many web and mobile app development projects. Here we also met and enter into a partnership with our clients – to whom we still provide maintenance services. In our personal opinion, app development for partners in Chicago is just pure pleasure!

Mobile app development in Chicago 

The city we can all thank for the first brownie recipe is also a place where we had a chance to realize many interesting projects. From a personal training app to a digital platform for booking, sales, and in-house management. Thanks to mutual understanding and active communication the client’s product vision and our minds immediately click with each other. The collaboration runs smoothly as we exchange useful information on a daily basis and contact regularly to discuss a plan for further development. 

Following the same process, we delivered the ChiTown Trainer and Elevated Living. Two great apps for Chicago-based companies. 

In-Home Personal Training App 

The company wanted to create a digital environment for trainers and gym enthusiasts to facilitate their interaction. The main purpose was to develop an end-to-end business management solution that would enable customers but also the app owners to easily manage all services. 

Redvike’s team consisting of a Frontend developer, Backend developer, and our Project Manager delivered a customized solution that offers both mobile and web access with separate interfaces for clients, trainers, managers, and owners. Using powerful, modern technologies such as React. js, React Native, or Node. js, we developed the whole system with dedicated user-specific dashboards allowing all sorts of users for managing their operations using one, custom platform. 

training app

ChiTown Trainer is an app for on-demand personal trainers that now allows for training schedules, diet planning, and even online shopping! 

  • Chosen technologies (React.js & React Native specifically) helped to cut the time needed to finalize the software development process 
  • Well project management made it possible to generate significant savings 
  • Regular meetings resulted in successful collaboration and a satisfied client! 

Read more about ChiTown development!  

Health & Wellness Digital Solution 

Another great software development project completed in Chicago is Elevated Living. The digital platform was about to serve as an app for amenity management, booking, and sale of services. The company partners with residential luxury apartments where it provides a health & wellness experience that is to attract and retain tenants.

After a throughout project analysis, our team designed and developed the solution from scratch using the technology we know inside-out. Using React. js and React Native we covered mobile and web versions including several permissions tailored to internal and client users. We also used Java and Stripe during payment system integration. 

Elevated Living is now a platform that helps activate luxury property amenity spaces and provide people with health & wellness experiences! 

  • Daily communication allowed for quick improvements and immediate reactions to any obstacles on the way
  • Critical thinking helped us all to think out of the box and build something original 
  • The start-to-finish protocol allowed for mutual understanding of needs and to bring the client’s product vision to life

Read the whole review of our collaboration! 

Can’t wait for future challenges!

We are beyond happy that we successfully accomplished two long-term software projects for clients located on another continent. It’s always a challenge on the communicational and organizational level but today we have no worries considering the results. 

These types of challenges always teach us something new about product management, but also about the very contact with the client. Each collaboration brings a lot to the table and makes us ready to start bigger projects. It’s good to grow through such opportunities!