Dev backlogs stalling growth?

If you're anything like me, your brain is a buzzing hive of brilliant ideas, all primed to skyrocket your clients to the next level. But then reality kicks in, and I’m hit with the harsh truth: those amazing ideas are going nowhere fast because development resources are about as scarce as a Jedi in the Empire. The frustration is real—how can I conquer the galaxy when my hands are tied? It’s a real tragedy, like a Sith Lord who can’t find his lightsaber.

But fear not, fellow aspiring overlords! I stumbled upon something that might save the day on my latest quest. Let me introduce you to Software Development as a Service (SDaaS)...

The Importance of Flexibility in a Rapidly Changing World

Before I discuss the specifics of SDaaS, it's crucial to understand why flexibility is crucial to maintaining control in today's fast-paced environment. As Salim Ismail, M. S. Malone, and Y. Van Geest highlight in Exponential Organizations, the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies, market demands, and unforeseen challenges separates the Empire from the rest.

In much the same way that the Empire had to adapt to address new threats and seize opportunities across the galaxy, businesses today need the agility to respond swiftly to changes without being weighed down by cumbersome structures.

This is where "as-a-service" models, like SDaaS, come into play. These models offer the essential flexibility needed to scale resources up or down as circumstances demand, ensuring that your organization remains responsive, resilient, and ready to dominate any sector.

What is Software Development as a Service (SDaaS)?

SDaaS is the answer to software development's chaotic and often unpredictable world. Instead of building an in-house development team that can be difficult to manage, SDaaS allows you to "deploy" development expertise as needed. Whether you're constructing a new battle station (ahem, app) or upgrading your existing defenses (software), SDaaS provides a flexible, scalable approach to achieving your goals.

When Did SDaaS Start?

SDaaS didn't appear overnight; it evolved alongside other "as-a-service" models, such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). While the concept of outsourcing development has been around for some time now, SDaaS began to gain serious momentum in recent years as organizations sought more agile and efficient ways to handle their ever-increasing digital demands.

The Benefits of Using SDaaS

So, why should the Empire—er, your organization—consider SDaaS? Imagine commanding a legion of elite Stormtroopers, each trained to execute your orders precisely and efficiently (and can actually shoot straight). That's the advantage of SDaaS. Here are some key benefits:

1. Flexibility: SDaaS allows you to scale your development forces up or down as the situation demands. Whether you're launching a new campaign or just maintaining control, you can summon the right expertise at the right time.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Building a full-time development team can be as resource-intensive as constructing a second Death Star. With SDaaS, you only pay for the resources you need, making it a more cost-effective solution.
3. Speed: In the high-stakes business world, time is of the essence. SDaaS providers can deploy their teams faster than you can say "execute Order 66," ensuring your projects are completed on time and on budget.
4. Access to Expertise: SDaaS gives you access to a galaxy of specialized skills and knowledge. Whether you need a developer fluent in the language of droids or an expert in navigating complex hyperspace routes (code), SDaaS has you covered.
5. Overcome Resource Scarcity: There are an estimated 1 million tech job vacancies, with 64% of IT executives saying that finding qualified people is a significant barrier to implementing new technology. With an SDaaS solution, these skills are provided for you.

The Ideal Organizations for SDaaS

Not every organization is suited for SDaaS, but it's an indispensable tool for many. Here’s a look at who stands to benefit the most:

1. Startups and Small Businesses: Startups often need to move at lightspeed to outmaneuver competitors, and small businesses may need more resources to maintain a full-time development team. SDaaS provides these organizations with the expertise and flexibility they need to innovate rapidly without the burden of overhead costs.
2. Rapidly Growing Companies: As businesses expand, their technological needs often outpace their internal capabilities. SDaaS allows growing companies to scale their development resources in sync with their business needs, ensuring they can keep up with growth demands without sacrificing quality or speed.
3. Project-Based Firms: Organizations that operate on a project-by-project basis, such as marketing agencies or consulting firms, often have fluctuating development needs. DAAS allows them to ramp up resources during peak periods and scale back when projects wind down, maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
4. Enterprises Needing Specialized Skills: Large enterprises might have internal teams, but they often face projects requiring niche expertise or cutting-edge technologies. SDaaS providers can offer these specialized skills on demand, enabling enterprises to tackle complex projects without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff.
5. Companies Seeking Innovation: SDaaS offers a low-risk way for companies to explore and innovate, allowing them to experiment with new technologies or platforms. Organizations can test new ideas by leveraging external development teams without diverting internal resources from core business activities.

The Pitfalls of SDaaS

Even the most powerful Empire can encounter challenges. Here are some potential pitfalls to keep in mind:

1. Dependency: Relying too heavily on SDaaS can make your organization vulnerable if your provider decides to change course or cease operations. It's always wise to have a backup plan—like a hidden clone army.
2. Communication: Managing a remote development team can sometimes feel like trying to communicate with a malfunctioning probe droid. Miscommunications can lead to delays and frustration, so clear and consistent communication is essential.
3. Security Concerns: Entrusting sensitive data to an external provider requires caution. Ensure that your SDaaS provider follows the strictest protocols for data security so your plans stay in the right hands.

How is SDaaS Priced?

SDaaS pricing models can be as varied as the Empire's military assets. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go pricing, where you pay only for the hours or projects you use. Others might offer a monthly retainer model, providing a dedicated amount of development resources for a fixed fee. While subscription-based SDaaS models aren't widespread yet, the market could shift faster than the Kessel Run as businesses demand more predictable costs.

Other "As-a-Service" Models

SDaaS is part of a larger strategy that has become central to maintaining control in the business universe. Here's a quick overview of other prominent "as-a-service" models:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS): Applications delivered over the internet, such as Salesforce or Microsoft 365, allow businesses to access powerful software without needing to install or maintain it themselves.
2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Cloud-based infrastructure services, like AWS or Azure, provide businesses with scalable computing resources on demand, much like the Empire's ability to deploy its fleet wherever needed.
3. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Platforms like Google App Engine offer a complete development environment in the cloud, enabling businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
4. Design as a Service (DaaS): Companies like Design Pickle and Superside offer on-demand graphic design services. These platforms provide a flexible and scalable solution for businesses needing creative assets without needing a full-time design team. Whether you're creating marketing materials, rebranding, or developing digital content, DaaS gives you access to professional design services on a subscription basis.

The Future of SDaaS

Speaking from my personal capacity, I find this to be an exciting development. Too many projects have sat and gathered dust on the shelves of development backlogs, and despite having great business cases with good revenue potential, they just never get done.

The future of SDaaS is bright. While subscription-based models have yet to dominate the landscape, it's only a matter of time before they become as common as Imperial TIE Fighters. In a world where flexibility is the key to maintaining control, SDaaS and its fellow services will continue to empower organizations to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead of any rebellion.

So, whether you're building the next big thing or just trying to keep your systems running smoothly, remember: the force of SDaaS is strong, and it might just be the ultimate weapon in your arsenal.?

What’s your experience with development backlogs? Let me know.

About the Author

I’m Desmond Kurz, also known as Des Vader. Expect more as I share my insights and thoughts from more than 30 years of business experience. If you kindly follow me on LinkedIn and my YouTube channel, I shall endeavour not to disappoint!