Lessons learned from the frontline

This month, we're serving up a helping of lessons learned straight from the trenches of software development. Whether you're wrestling with the cloud, assembling a killer dev team or navigating the wild world of distributed work, we've got your back. In our latest newsletter, we'll dive into why the cloud isn't always the answer, common mistakes to avoid when building your dream team, and the evolving landscape of distributed development, We've learned some of these lessons the hard way, so you don't have to.

Why the cloud isn't always the answer

We’ve all heard the hype about the cloud and its game-changing benefits, and while it’s true that cloud computing can work wonders, our experience has shown us it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are times when the cloud might not be the best fit for your needs, and that’s where things can get a bit tricky. Let’s dig into the nuances of cloud computing and highlight scenarios where alternative approaches can actually be more effective. You’ll get a clearer picture of when to embrace the cloud and when to consider other options, empowering you to make smarter decisions for your tech strategy.

1. Cost considerations in the cloud

While the cloud often promises cost efficiency, it's essential to carefully evaluate the financial implications. Hidden costs like licensing fees and unexpected usage charges can significantly impact the overall expense.

2. Complexity of cloud set up

Setting up applications in the cloud can vary in complexity, especially when dealing with multiple cloud platforms. Each service has its own unique setup process, which can complicate management, particularly in multi-cloud environments. So, approach cloud setup with simplicity and maintainability at the forefront. You should be able to understand and manage your own cloud environments.

3. Management challenges in the cloud

Managing cloud applications can become challenging as your mix of SaaS, IaaS and PaaS increase across multiple vendors. Juggling the various monitoring and security tools?can consume valuable time and resources, and if not set up and managed correctly could pose serious business risk.

4. Considerations for cloud platform flexibility

While cloud platforms offer flexibility, it’s important to consider both the benefits and risks of long-term contracts with cloud providers. Finding the right provider for each workload is crucial because moving applications between cloud services can be complex.

To learn how BBD’s advanced cloud security practices shield companies from cyber threats, safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring compliance in an era of stringent privacy regulations, click here.

Click here to download BBD's Cloud Retrospective 2024 and learn how to transform your cloud strategy!

Common mistakes when putting a dev team together

Navigating the world of tech implementation is no easy feat, but there's another critical aspect you can't afford to overlook: building and managing your dev team. It's like choosing the right cloud solution – you need to approach it with careful consideration and strategic planning. It's not just about bringing in the best technical minds; it's about creating a well-oiled machine that works together seamlessly. Russell Davidson, BBD director, shares these top four mistakes that could derail your project and hinder your team's potential.

The evolving development landscape: Distributed development

Building an effective dev team is just the beginning; the software development landscape is constantly evolving. With digital transformation driving demand for talent, many companies find traditional in-house setups limiting. In the past, outsourcing to India seemed like a solution, but communication barriers and rigid methodologies often led to disappointing results.

At BBD, we established an office in Pune in 2014 to adapt to this shift. Our focus on stringent recruitment and high standards ensures we prioritise quality over quantity. By adopting a co-shoring model, project leads work directly with clients while our Pune team provides seamless support, giving us access to global talent. Since then we’ve expanded into the UK, Netherlands and now Portugal opting to build out nearshore teams for our Europeans clients. This mid-way point between co-shoring and offshoring gives our clients the benefit of similar time zones and cultural understanding, while offering the cost benefits inherent in the model.

However, this model comes with its own challenges. We've learned that effective communication, cultural understanding, and the right tools are essential. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ll share common pitfalls to avoid when assembling your development team, ensuring you're set up for success.

And now that you understand the common mishaps, take a look at tips to ensure the right mix of skills and personalities in your teams.

Stories of past mistakes and lessons learned

As we navigate the ever-changing development landscape, we inevitably encounter challenges along the way. Through our journey of trial and error, we've gathered valuable insights that can help others sidestep common pitfalls and build stronger, more effective teams. Reflecting on our past mistakes has been crucial in refining our strategies and improving our approach to team assembly and management. These are key experiences and lessons learned from the frontline that can benefit your teams and projects, too.

By learning from these past experiences and implementing these strategies, you can build a cohesive and effective development team, whether co-located or distributed across the globe.

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