Product Engineering Archives

Agile Software Development – What is it and why do you need it?

by Estuate | Jun 11, 2018 | Agile Technologies, Product Engineering

One of the recent and most significant developments in the world of IT is Agile software development. But what is Agile all about, and why do you need it? This article explains it all.

The Oxford dictionary defines Agile as the ability to move quickly and easily. In other words, agility is the quality of understanding, acting and accomplishing things quickly and efficiently. However, the term has become exceedingly popular in the world of IT.

What does Agile have to do with information technology? Is it a technology, a product, a solution? In this article, we will take a close look at what Agile is and how it is beneficial for modern day enterprises.

How did it all start?

Software development is a complex process and IT companies know it pretty well. It involves a list of deliverables including specific software programs, conception, designing, implementation, testing and documentation. If it wasn’t any complex already, it is also subject to constant technology upgrades and changing client/business requirements.

The complexities involved in software development are known to slow down the product lifecycle and fail to deliver the desired business value. Businesses felt the need for a more robust and scalable approach to software development. They sought after a method that could speed up the whole process, while ensuring quality and delivering business value. That’s when Agile was born.

So, what is Agile?

Agile is not a tool or solution. It is a set of best practices and methodologies used to optimize software development. It is a bridge that tries to connect the gaps in the development process and deliver the end product faster. A typical Agile framework is distinguished by some key features.

Phased approach
Instead of following a linear approach and verifying deliverables at the end, Agile establishes a stage-wise product development approach; each stage known as a “Sprint”. At the end of each Sprint, the completed tasks are verified and passed on to the next Sprint.

Collaborative
In contrast to the traditional style, Agile follows a team-based approach, bringing together the planning, development and testing professionals to complete the project successfully.

Client involvement
It also includes active client participation at each stage so any changes or requirements can be addressed immediately.

Visualization
Agile uses a number of tools to track individual and team progress in real-time and compare progress with defined deadlines.

Why choose Agile over traditional software development?

The concept of Agile software development sounds convincing, but is it something you need? Whether or not software development is your bread and butter, following industry best practices always has its own advantages.

Continuous delivery
Traditional methods of software development are slow and mundane, and are known to delay product deliveries. In a dynamic IT world, little delays could cause costly repercussions. It is a time-poor world and clients always look for continuous delivery. By introducing Agile framework in your software development, you can shorten project lifecycles, release products faster and improve the overall ROI.

Complete transparency
Getting lost in the lengthy, complicated procedure of software development is quite natural. Agile solves this issue by making the whole process transparent. Right from the moment a project begins; Agile breaks it down in multiple phases, establishing clear visibility at each stage. This feature of Agile software development makes it highly transparent, understandable and most preferred by clients.

High software quality
The entire concept of Agile is aimed at delivering high-quality software and applications to the end user. By adopting a team-based approach to software development, Agile ensures better coordination among development and testing teams, allowing them to fix functional bugs immediately. Also, since the progress is tracked at each phase, the quality of software is constantly under check, leaving little scope for errors and glitches.

Enhanced customer satisfaction
Under traditional software development, the client reviews the software/application right at the end of the project. It leads to confusion and chaos if the client is not satisfied with the outcome. Agile puts an end to this problem by involving stakeholders at each stage of the development process, right from planning, designing, development and testing. The client is also aware of progress at each stage and can suggest changes in real-time. It ensures that client requirements are well addressed and the end user is happy.

Like all other niches, the software development industry has grown and improved phenomenally; and Agile has led to this revolution. Over time, numerous Agile methodologies like Extreme Programming (XP), SCRUM and Crystal have evolved. The best method for your business would vary according to your business and project type. However, implementing Agile in your project management or software development creates a win-win situation for both your internal teams as well as your client.

[Infographic] What is Blockchain technology and how does it work?

by Estuate | Jun 5, 2018 | Digital Transformation, Inforgraphic, Product Engineering

Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has taken the world by storm. This infographic simplifies the concept of Blockchain and explains how it works.

Top technology trends influencing Android Development

by Estuate | May 23, 2018 | Digital Transformation, Product Engineering

The timeline of Android development has been phenomenal over the decade. As it keeps upgrading, take a look at the top technology trends influencing Android development today.

The birth of Android was a remarkable milestone in the world of technology. Ever since it was introduced, Android has evolved significantly as a strong mobile operating system.

The first ever version of Android came in 2008, with no fancy name and some basic features. Soon, its first confectionary-named update, Cupcake, with a virtual keyboard feature was released. Since then, there was no looking back!

Before we could even realize, Android had reshaped the world of mobility and swept over the consumer market. With its outstanding features and diverse versions, Android became the most preferred operating systems by mobile users around the globe. Today, as much as 2 billion Android devices are being used worldwide. From Cupcake to Donut, to Honeycomb to Oreo and now Nougat, every transformation of Android has always been a notch higher and better than its previous version. But, that’s not all. Android continues to grow with advancements in technology and brings something unique and phenomenal every time.

Here are five key trends that are reshaping the world of Android today.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have proven that technology can literally transport us into a whole new world. While AR creates a digital experience by putting virtual objects in a real environment, VR seals up the user’s vision and creates a different visual environment.

Android is using AR and VR technologies extensively to create apps that can enhance user experience in unique ways. Some of the most popular Android apps that use AR and VR are Snapchat, Pokemon Go and Google Cardboard.

M-commerce Applications
The emergence of e-commerce had subtly announced that m-commerce would follow. If e-commerce is the process of buying and selling things using the internet, m-commerce is even more convenient. M-commerce applications allow users to buy or sell goods and services using hand-held devices.

M-commerce is redesigning the way businesses operate and paving the way for cashless trading. From e-ticketing to mobile banking and e-tailing to mobile marketing, the list of m-commerce applications being developed by Android is endless today.

Enterprise App Development
The excessive use of hand-held devices has led to the trend of enterprise mobility among businesses around the world. Enterprise mobility enables employees to carry out business tasks using mobile devices, even while they’re not in the office premises. It also helps in effective business communication and improves productivities.

Because of its widespread usage among people of all age groups and geographies, Android has now become the go-to operating system for most organizations to execute their enterprise mobility strategy. G-Suite and Managed Google Play Accounts are the most widely used methods of deploying Android in the workplace.

Virtual Assistants
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are making our lives simpler by developing voice and text assistants that can do hundreds of errands for us, like web searching, predicting weather, updating stock information, booking tickets, scheduling meetings, and much more.

Ever since Siri was introduced by Apple in 2011, virtual assistants became highly popular. Soon, Android started developing similar AI based chat and voice run virtual assistants for its users. Some of the most popular Android virtual assistants are Google Now, Cortana, Robin and Dragon Mobile Assistant.

Smart Contracts using Blockchain
Blockchain has grown to become the most revolutionary technology of the decade, with hundreds of uses other than cryptocurrency. Android is using Blockchain to develop “Smart Contracts”. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller carried out across a decentralized blockchain network.

The use of smart contracts makes transactions using hand-held devices more secure, traceable and faster. It also eliminates the need for middle-men to execute transactions. For example, something as simple as booking a movie ticket, to as complex as transferring money between bank accounts, smart contracts makes it simpler and faster than before.

The world of Android is vast and endless; and it is always exciting to see what Android has in store for us with its latest update. Google has been constantly innovating and improving Android since the time it was first launched. And, the future of Android looks only brighter with each day.

[Infographics] – Why Mobility?

by Estuate | Apr 2, 2018 | Artificial Intelligence, Data and Analytics, Digital Transformation, Inforgraphic, Product Engineering

Today mobile phones can do much more than making calls. There’s been a massive evolution in mobile technology. With an app for almost everything, mobile phones are an indispensable part of our daily lives. We’re in the era of handheld devices and chances are you are reading this infographic on your mobile too. Here are 5 ways mobility is impacting businesses.

How is IoT leading a smart medical revolution?

by Estuate | Mar 12, 2018 | Digital Transformation, Product Engineering

The Internet of Things is leaving footprints in all industries and businesses. Here’s how the Healthcare industry is being reshaped with IoT.

We live in a world where watches tell more than just time and mobile phones do more than just calling. Internet of Things (IoT) is not just a buzzword; it is a revolutionary technology. The concept of IoT is beyond laptops and mobile phones.

It is a new wave of connectivity that brings daily objects to life using internet. IoT is impacting all walks of our lives, and gradually becoming an integral part of the urban lifestyle.

The breakthrough concept of IoT is spreading like wildfire and impacting all industries and businesses significantly. One key industry that is using IoT to its maximum advantage is healthcare. The global market for IoT in Healthcare alone was worth $20.25 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $135.87 billion by 2025. Healthcare IoT, also known as Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) offers smart medical care, improves public health and saves millions of lives.

Here’s how IoT is bringing about a smart medical revolution, transforming the healthcare industry phenomenally.

Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote Patient Monitoring or Telehealth is the practice of using technology to deliver healthcare to patients at a distance. Medical professionals are now making use of connected devices to monitor patient health remotely and act whenever required. It is also enabling patients to access healthcare from their places of comfort without having to visit in person. It is especially helpful providing proactive care to elderly patients and in case of critical medical conditions.

Real-time Location Tracking
The real time location system typically runs on location sensors attached to assets and people. Today, about 47% healthcare organizations use location based services in their daily operations. Doctors now track medical assets such as surgery equipment, medicines and apparatus with the help of sensors and access them immediately. Similarly, location tracking devices are also being used to track hospital staff in case of emergency.

eHealth Applications
Now accessing healthcare is easier than ever before with eHealth applications. Top healthcare organizations are designing mobile applications to enable round-the-clock communication with patients, promote fitness and healthcare awareness. Hospitals are also designing eHealth applications for internal communication between medical professionals and to administer day-to-day activities. The revenue from the global eHealth market is expected to be around $12K million in 2018.

Wearable Medical Devices
Wearable healthcare technology is gaining a lot of popularity worldwide among all age groups. The wearable medical devices market is expected to reach $14.41 billion by 2022 from $5.31 billion in 2016. There are literally hundreds of wearable medical devices and gadgets in the market that are promoting healthy lifestyle and fitness. Hospitals also use wearable technology to observe patient health status and improve patient care.

Virtual Health Assistants
Virtual Health Assistants are reshaping healthcare in several ways. A number of voice and chat based virtual assistants are being installed in healthcare organizations to help medical staff improve performance and enhance patient experience. These virtual assistants remind patients to take medicines on time, offer health advices, and also train them to follow treatment procedures. They also assist medical professionals with routine tasks.

IoT has introduced the healthcare industry to a smart world; and this is just the start. Almost 60% of the global healthcare enterprises have already introduced some connected services. Internet of Things (IoT) is soon going to become Internet of Everything (IoE), impacting all industries, all businesses and all aspects of human life in multiple ways. It has just begun to seep in the healthcare industry and the potential for the growth of IoT enabled services in healthcare is endless.

Why is your loyalty to legacy systems costing you?

by Estuate | Jan 22, 2018 | Digital Transformation, Product Engineering

Have you been carrying on with your old-school systems for too long? Here’s why you need to modernize your enterprise soon.

Digital transformation is at its peak and it’s becoming more of a necessity than an initiative for all digital enterprises. As much as businesses want to transform digitally and embrace latest technology, it’s not a perfect world.

Almost all businesses carry decades-old legacy systems and disposing off the old school hardware and software can be an overwhelming process.

CIOs often face a dilemma between retaining legacy technology and bringing in latest technology to their enterprise. The question is how far can you take your legacy technology in this competitive, rapidly evolving IT space? If you too are torn between continuing with your aging technology and modernizing your enterprise, here’s why legacy systems are no good for your enterprise anymore.

Legacy systems are slow and complex
Businesses running on legacy technology know how frustrating it is when it takes forever to load data in an application, hours to perform simple tasks and ages to generate reports. Regardless of how trustworthy these legacy applications are, they’re not as fast and agile as modern technologies. Moreover, they come with complex structures and manual intervention. With changing times, businesses need to speed up their operations and depending on legacy systems will only cause performance hiccups.

Maintaining legacy systems is a costly affair
CIOs believe that migrating to new technology could be an expensive deal, and hence it’s better to continue with the aging systems. Let’s break the myth here. The truth is, maintaining ancient applications involves greater costs as opposed to replacing them. On average, organizations spend from 60 to 85 percent of their IT budgets maintaining bulky hardware devices, staff training, vendor payments and support costs. So, if you’re thinking you aren’t yet prepared to spend on technology migration, you probably are already spending more than that on maintaining your legacy systems.

They’re incompatible with modern technology
In the modern business world, staying stagnant is not an option. Most mainframe applications are not compatible with new-age tools and software. This lack of flexibility restricts enterprises from being able to catch up with changing times and utilize latest market capabilities. This is a huge setback in terms of customer satisfaction and revenue management. Sticking to rigid legacy systems that fail to integrate with modern technology will put you much behind your competitors in the market.

Cybersecurity threats
Another myth associated with legacy systems is that they’re more immune to cybersecurity breaches compared to modern systems. While modern systems may be more vulnerable to security threats, it does not mean legacy systems are completely safe. Most businesses use mainframe systems for decades and they obviously carry huge sets of historical data, which could be exposed to malicious attacks at any given point in time. In fact, the older your legacy systems, the more they’re vulnerable to malware and security attacks.

Legacy systems do not support mobility
Your customers no longer depend on a desktop to access the internet. They use mobiles, smartphones and tablets to browse products, carry transactions and stay updated. As the need for mobile enablement grows for businesses, it is also imperative that the technology you use supports mobile engagement. Most legacy frameworks do not integrate with mobile technology, hindering mobile enablement for digital enterprises. If you want to catch up with your customers through mobile technology, you must consider migrating to a more modern and mobile platform.

Legacy systems were a thing back then. But today, a new wave of technology has taken over, and enterprises need to keep up with the changing times if they aspire to succeed. While technology modernization could be a very daunting decision to make, it is important to consider the pros and cons of continuing with mainframe systems. The wise option is to keep the ones that are still delivering business benefits, and replace the ones that are not.