Who Is Developing My Software? 5 Key Roles You Need to Know.

Each member of a software development team makes a valuable contribution to a project’s success. The specialists involved possess a set of technical and non-technical skills. Regardless of a client’s size, collaboration with the team is essential when it comes to creating reliable and useful software.

From a client’s point-of-view, it is often unclear who exactly does what on the team. Here are descriptions of the key roles that drive a successful project.

Project Manager

A skilled and experienced project manager is increasingly in demand in the IT industry. More and more companies operate in technologically demanding businesses. So, there is an increasing need for competent professionals to manage software projects.

Responsibilities:

• Develops a project plan.
• Recruits project staff (for some projects).
• Leads the project team and manages their work (such as assigning them tasks).
• Makes sure that everyone on the team works according to the project scope.
• Creates a project schedule and keeps the team accountable.
• Determines which methodology to use on the project.
• Manages the expected deliverables.
• Acts as the client’s reliable and knowledgeable single point of contact.
• Manages budget allocations and cost estimates.
• Provides regular updates and reports to senior management.

Software Architect

The software architect is the most multi-functional. A person in this role is known for possessing knowledge across business and technology. A good architect understands security, hardware, networking, and the Cloud among other things. All this knowledge qualifies them to lead the technical direction of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Determines the project’s technical priorities.
• Suggests a variety of design concepts and approaches.
• Works actively on the end-to-end cross-functional system design and communication.
• Collaborates with the project manager to combine those features based on the architectural elements.
• Tests the architectural elements.
• Facilitates technical decisions by using feedback from the team related to the overall design.
• Makes sure that all design goals – Performance, Modularity, Reliability, Maintainability, Reusability, Internationalization, and Accessibility – are duly met.
• Verifies if there is technical coherence achieved.
• Assists in writing the technical contract related to the project.
• Leads the design review and provides feedback based on the findings.

Lead Developer

Everyone admits that creating software is complicated, time-intensive and energy-consuming. Ideally, all team members work in harmony and do their best to achieve the set goals. However, it is unthinkable to execute complex and large software projects without a Lead Developer.

Responsibilities:

• Sets the coding standard and technical direction of the team.
• Keeps the developers on track, as well as keeping the work flowing as smoothly as possible.
• Utilizes developer and tester resources ideally to 100%.
• Hires developers and testers to create a fully functioning team (when necessary).

Software Developer

The software developer is responsible for the day to day development. Qualifications include possessing knowledge and skills in a variety of relevant spheres such as mobile application development, web application development, universal design, usability, and accessibility. A professional software developer knows the importance of constant learning and being a good team player.

Responsibilities:

• Creates software, understands architecture, logs technical interfaces and produces specifications.
• Develops client displays and user interfaces.
• Works on technical designs and compound application features.
• Produces software prototypes and tests them to ensure their functionality.
• Offers suitable software and hardware solutions.
• Builds data models and coherent integration points.
• Initiates and executes essential changes in software programs using the established procedures and methodology, if necessary.
• Collaborates successfully with other software professionals.

Designer

The designer is important because the design shows how the software product is going to look. Additionally, the design makes it possible for both business owners and software developers to understand how the product will function. A good software design has a combination of convenient functionality, information, and genuine simplicity.

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Of course, a software development team also has other positions when necessary. Each additional role has a particular function. The scope of a project determines the size of the team.

LD Studios has extensive experience in successfully delivering software projects of any size. Trust our competent and friendly team of professionals to be your software development partner.

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We are LD Studios, an Atlanta based software consulting business. We would love to hear from you! Please contact us for your free consultation.

Lauren Schneidewind with Veselina Alexieva and Diane Shirk