Choosing the right tech stack
Fruition IT
Fruition IT specialises in the recruitment of IT and Business Change professionals at all levels.
Choosing the right tech stack
As business leaders finalize strategies for the year, prioritize tech projects and map out budget for new technologies, choosing the right tech stack is a big decision.
A tech stack is the equivalent of ingredients for a chef. Just like there are several spices and flavors to create a dish, tech teams may use several components. Toolkits can include programming languages, libraries, frameworks, databases, software, code or wider technologies, to create a ‘tech-stack’ to ensure a project’s success. This is often broken down into two basic parts: the frontend (client-side) and backend (server-side) - and some class ‘database’ as a third.
Choosing the right tech-stack is vital to meet deadlines, stay within budget and avoid pitfalls. Many businesses will outsource a consultant or analyst to work with the developers to decipher what is needed to achieve business or project goals.
Tech stack components can include:
…amongst more depending on the project. It’s a big job to pinpoint the most efficient tech. ?
What do you need to consider?
1.????? People & skills available
New tech-stacks can seem exciting, we’ve all seen the new shiny toys and been tempted. However, if you’ve got a team of skilled it-professionals that are delivering results, consider they may need to re-train (time-consuming!) or you may need to hire individuals with these new skills – which isn’t always an easy feat. Kevin Harper , Managing Consultant at Fruition IT says: "When choosing a tech stack it's vital you consider how you will source the talent required to utilise it. If you require your work force to be office based or hybrid but there is a lack of the required tech skills locally it will limit how quickly you can deliver. It's easy to be attracted to the latest product but bear in mind that it can take at least a year for the market to catch up and the required skills to become more common.”
2.????? End-goal
What is the purpose of the application and who is going to be using it? How much traffic and interaction is needed for it to function effectively. Is there a deadline for the project?
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3.????? Project type and size
How big or complex is the project? For big projects with multiple moving parts and functionalities that require integrations, tech stacks may need to be more sophisticated than smaller projects, where a simpler, smaller tech stack is more than applicable.
4.????? Scalability/Future requirements
Understanding the business strategy and wider-objectives behind the project is key. For example, is user activity is expected to increase dramatically or are there new features which are planned to be launched in the future? It is crucial to plan-ahead and ensure the tech-stack chosen is equipped to scale and grow alongside the business. The performance of the application is vital for success, if the website or app loads slowly, is buggy or feels sluggish, people will quickly disengage.
It is also worth understanding the maintenance of the tech-stack elements, considering how often they need to be upgraded or developed.
5.????? Budget
Make sure you understand all the costs associated with your tech stack. This includes subscriptions, additional costs for certain features, and the average salary for contractors or permanent hires with the specialist skills required to deliver and manage this.
6.????? Securing the tech-stack
Cyberattacks have grown significantly and show no sign of slowing. It is crucial a strategy is in place for the protection and monitoring of all elements of the tech-stack.
Top 10 tech stacks for 2023
Looking back at 2023 Fingent has shared the top ten tech-stacks which might offer some inspiration or a starting point for those going through the decision making process.
Summary
There is no one-size fits all, and it is crucial to remember this. It takes time to consider what is needed to ensure the application can have the desired functionality, whilst being robust and scalable.
Absolutely right! ??Choosing the right tech stack indeed can make a dramatic difference. Just as Steve Jobs once said, "Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity - not a threat."?? It's all about leveraging the best technology for a perfect tech blend! #TechStackChoices??????