When creating software, a smooth development phase must be ensured. Otherwise, numerous delays can occur, which can be costly to a business that has allocated time and resources to make things work on schedule.
A task such as this may seem like it is easier said than done. After all, there are bound to be a few learning curves when performing any seismic business activities. While some bad luck is bound to occur at some stage, these situations still need to be managed carefully so that brief setbacks do not turn into seismic delays.
What types of solutions should you implement if you worry about stalling software development efforts? After the jump, you will find a few suggestions that may help you plan for these instances more effectively.
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Source Backup Equipment
Everybody knows that tech is full of malfunctions and errors. Flaws can be found in the programming that manifests into something else, viruses can be accidentally installed, or machines can be knocked over, dropped, or otherwise broken. Many things can go wrong.
Consequently, it is a good idea to have some backup equipment ready to go. That way, what would otherwise be a disaster can simply become a minor hiccup in the development process. Everyone gets back to work without panic or hysteria.
Of course, there have also been chip shortages in recent times, which has influenced technology manufacturing. You may not be able to source all of the equipment that you need in an emergency, so having backups in place as soon as possible should help keep the development process going as smooth as possible.
It might be that members of your personal or professional network can loan you equipment in an emergency too. It may be worth keeping these figures in mind just in case your development team needs the extra push at some stage.
View Perfection Differently
Many software developers might claim that they have made the ‘perfect’ program. However, anyone who is familiar with tech knows that this is unlikely.
If the tech you are using to create software can occasionally malfunction, there is no reason to assume your own products will not follow suit. While you should mitigate these instances as much as possible, the simple truth is that innovating means a constant process of trial and error.
Therefore, if you will only release your software when it is in perfect condition, you may never release it at all. It is not uncommon for users to install occasional updates, which can play an important role in countering security flaws too.
Be forgiving of yourself, and your team should any minor shortcomings occur in the development period. Remember that there is always something you can improve upon and that your software might evolve into a different thing entirely in the next few years. Be open to that change, and try not to become obsessed and overwhelmed with getting things perfect pre-release.
Improve Application Security Testing
Testing is vital when creating tech products. Though it might seem like it is giving you more to do, the time it saves, in the long run, can make an enormous difference to your software and business prospects.
Learn more about application security testing measures with experts such as ForAllSecure. You can read around how to implement vulnerability software testing and automated measures, significantly helping you streamline your processes here. Familiarize yourself with static analysis, fuzz hacking, and pen testing, too, adding more effective tools to your arsenal. If you are going to engage with testing measures, you may as well be as thorough as possible.
Recommending these resources highlights your investment and may even inspire confidence amongst your development staff, influencing how they perceive you and your business for the better. Other leaders may distance themselves from the development side of things and care only about results. That ignorance can be offputting and create communication breakdowns, so read up on the latest measures and showcase your support.
Working with Hackers
Automated vulnerability testing can be a huge asset to your development team. Still, there are other options you can explore too, and it is important to keep an open mind.
Hackers have a lot of experience finding vulnerabilities in software and exploiting them. While they might seem like the enemy at first, their skillset can be used to your advantage. For example, Apple paid hackers extortionate amounts of money to uncover threats but unfortunately wasted their potential and did little with the offered data. Perhaps you could change things here if you have the time and resources?
The inside information hackers have could be invaluable. While not all of these individuals will be trustworthy, some may be looking for a change in career paths and a more honest way of living. Your job openings for your development team could offer that. If you are not comfortable having recruits with such a background, you could temporarily utilize their expertise in a consultancy role instead, as some of them may work as contractors.