Web Application Development

Developing a platform, a set of discrete applications or a single software require a lot of planning, domain knowledge, ability to sniff out the pain points and problems that you can address through your product and turning these pain points and the customer dissatisfaction that existing products and services haven’t been able to deal with, into opportunities that help your business grow. The user need has to be transformed into a tangible product in the form of an application.

While general expectations are often clear, expectations of the client or the customer from a particular application or a suite of applications will have to be analyzed and understood before the best possible features can be developed, integrated and introduced in the market. Apart from people with technical knowhow, it should also consist of marketing professionals who can get feedback from prospects and the target market and also inform the market how the product would address problems and provide a credible solution in a cost-effective manner.

1. Web Software platform

Software platforms according to blogger Jonathan Clarks “are structures that allow multiple products to be built within the same technological framework.” A software platform is a suite of related products that have the same functionality. A software platform is an underlying computer program or code that can be used to run software codes written for applications that form the basis of the suite. A DBMS, an OS or software running in the public cloud are all examples of software platform because they can make multiple applications work.

However, some products also have an element of duality. For example, Facebook is considered to be an independent software product and also a platform since it provides support for the development of other software products and platforms.

A platform makes the products related and discrete from other software applications and this is the common ecosystem, which provides crucial control factors and parameters that are tweaked and modified to make the external interface of the applications function without glitches.

Application platforms play a crucial role in today’s computing and application development fields because no application will work without a suitable software platform. Usually the object code works on one platform alone. However, open source developments have thrown open the vista and sped up collaborative efforts since in these cases, the object codes are usually functional across multiple platforms. Since applications are run across a host of devices, application platforms need to provide different services to the applications to make them meet the requirements of running successfully within a particular ecosystem. Different applications within a suite may have different needs and requirements that the platform must meet properly.

At Globibo Media, we have experienced people who have worked on development of single-user and multi-user applications as well as application platforms and know which tools will create the most appropriate and effective platform that can solve the problems of your customers, whichever application they may be using from the suite.

2. Content Management Systems & Website Builders

Content management system uses

Content management system is a software application that stores the content on your website, allows you to make changes and updates to your website and also allows multiple web administrators with login credentials to collaborate on updating your website. It also means that you can reduce chances of unauthorized access and unsanctioned changes because all the editors won’t have access to all the information or areas on your website. A CMS will have tools for SEO, email marketing, social media marketing and blogging and can be leveraged to increase visibility and traffic.

It allows even those without knowledge of hardcore coding languages, make changes and updates as and when required without being over-dependent on developers. It is like a key which can be used to even make design changes without making a complete overhaul. A CMS allows you to keep your design updates and changes different from your content and both can function independent of each other.

A CMS also allows global changes. This means using reusable files, assets, features and templates, you can make changes across the entire website without having to make changes to individual pages. When certain elements are common in every page like display of contact details, header files or your logo, making a single change on your CMS will enable you to make similar changes on all the pages at one go.

CMS software can also help you to collect analytical data that helps you to measure the performance of your dynamic website based on various parameters or enable integration of third party tools that can be used for site analytics. Since a CMS can be placed as an application behind your firewall, a decoupled CMS can ensure that your website remains secure from the shenanigans of hackers.

Quality CMS software can also streamline scheduling of content. You can view the status and assign tasks to individual editors so that the content is updated collaboratively and with great speed.

Uses of Website Builder

A website builder is an online tool that allows web masters to create their websites without the help of professionals. It help will help you to reduce costs as you won’t need a graphic designer and a designing team with core coding skills to help you create a decent website with high functionality. It is also easy to use and manage.

Almost any website builder, worth its salt, has the drag and drop feature which means that updates can be made to your website without writing difficult codes. A website builder has a number of ready-made template options to choose from and like a CMS, it also has a WYSIWYG editor to make quick and easy updates to your website. It is ideal for those with resource constraints- time, money or both.

Let us look at a few now :

Typo3: Typo3 is a free, open source CMS written in PHP and is a universal system, having over 2000 extensions. The extensions keeping adding functionality to the CMS without eclipsing the core functions. The extensions can be managed using the Typo3 backend. It has a page tree that allows you to group parts as necessary and reuse parts of the page tree using other parts through shortcuts or mount points. It has an effective editor suing which you can create optimized content in different formats. It has a strong support community and its modular design means it is easy to manage and keep organized.
WordPress: Arguably the most popular CMS, it is popular not only because of the easy management and accessibility of its features but thousands of plug-ins that keep it updated and keep the sites running on it, secured. It has a simple and highly functional menu management which is functional and can be modified to include categories, pages, etc. Since you can add fields to the forms yourself, it can be easily customized and new descriptions and categories can be created on the blog pages and web pages. It has a strong community and set of users and can be used for on-page search engine optimization.
Wix: Wix is the most popular website builder in the world today. Wix allows you to use their tools and build your website on their platform. It is free for basic functions. It is convenient and you won’t have to worry about the security features and infrastructure management. You will still be in charge of your content, themes, design templates and UI. It is cost-effective as it lets you use the free version without compromising on functionality for an unlimited period. Even the pricing options for additional features are reasonable and site development and management of your website using Wix would cost much less than when you get a professional development firm to build your website. It is also easy to use and manage. More than 200 templates are available and you also get a WYSIWYG editor to create your own graphical interface.

At Globibo Media, we can provide you with all the assistance of choosing the right CMS and/ or site builder and then we can manage them for you, in case you don’t have the time to manage the everyday, scheduled updates yourself. We can also design your website from scratch if you have a bigger budget and want complete control and personalization.

3. Website Localization Options

Website localization is a process through which a website is adapted to local culture, tastes, languages and popular preferences, from an existing website. It is more than simple translation of texts. The cultural sensitivities have to be reflected when localization of website content is being undertaken.

When the website is adapted perfectly into a different cultural or linguistic context than one in which it was originally designed, the website is bound to see a high traffic and footfall. Internet is being accessed by people from different cultures, countries, ethnicities and demographics. It makes a lot of sense for global players to localize their exiting websites and fit them in the local context so that it appears natural. However, it is easier and more cost-effective than creating a website and supplementing it with a steady flow of content, from the scratch.

Different countries have different sensibilities which need to be incorporated while localizing the content. Similarly different languages have unique structures, forms and expressions. Hence, the process of adaptation needs to be undertaken with a lot of care. Literal translations won’t capture the essence of the culture or the language. Since localization is a continuous process, the content management needs to be automated so that whenever there is any change in the parent website, it is also reflected in the daughter website.

Also, remember to take the date and time formats into account when displaying your shipping and other logistical details. Remember to use images and content that are culturally relevant and appropriate. Don’t embed texts in the design files because the translation of the text, while localizing, becomes complicated. Instead the web designers should overlay text within the HTML.

Make sure to use good global gateways which navigate the user to find specific localized versions of website content. Also make sure to factor in the differing internet speeds in different countries. If you don’t optimize the speed, the user may not have an uninterrupted experience and may bounce out due to poor loading speeds.

At Globibo Media, our designers and content managers would help you with the issue of culture sensitivity and also lay down a specific framework within which the designs have to be adapted for the localization to be successful.

4. Website Test Management

Test management is a management process through which computer software testing is managed. A test management tool is a software tool that is used to manage manual/ automated tests. Usually the tests are already specified by a test procedure. Every tester must understand the importance of test management. In the product development stage, testing takes about 30-50% of the total time taken to get the product market-ready. A test management tool allows a tester to test the software according to previously specified and defined parameters.

Some of the important steps that constitute the test management process according to software testing help are as follows :

Creating and maintaining information regarding release/ project cycle/ components.
Creating and maintaining test artifacts specific to each release or project cycle.
Establishing traceability and coverage between the test assets.
Support for executing a particular test perfectly. This may include creation of a test suite, execution of the test, etc.
Analysis of vital parameters and metric generation and analysis.
Tracking errors and bugs and managing the defects to create an error-free product.

Test management involves various functions which are necessary for accurate and efficient testing of your product and also ensuring that it fits in with the remainder of the natural development process. That is how you can optimize the speed of the process and also minimize resource wastage.

Test management is an important function that we perform at Globibo Media. We can manage it for you as well. We would choose the right test management tool depending on the nature of your applications, platforms and the ecosystem under which the development takes place.

5. In-house vs Outsourced Development

As the IT needs of most departments and companies increase, an on-going debate takes precedence. Should you as a manager create an in-house team of IT professionals or should you outsource the work to a freelancer or a contractor. There are advantages and disadvantages in both and a hybrid approach is often the most feasible.

In-house development

Pros : In-house development allows the company to be in charge of the entire coding, development and maintenance process. Although the initial financial outlay may be higher as you put together a team, the costs may be lower in the long run as the rate of payment is far lesser and you can use them for specific software development tasks but also to solve general IT problems. They are most handy in times of emergencies like a security breach, when time is of essence and you don’t have enough time to get an external IT firm to look into the problem on an urgent basis. Even if there is a problem, the tasks may be prioritized as per the management and turnaround times may still be kept low, as per the requirement. There is greater flexibility.

Cons : You will not only have to put together a decent team with good understanding of various IT solutions, coding languages but also invest in the software platforms, infrastructure and tools that they will use to solve problems. Resource allocations among the team may be unfair and the management may be biased towards a particular member creating disparity. Also, while hiring, you may not comprehend the specific skill sets that the player is bringing while coming onboard and fail to utilize them effectively. If a senior develop quits the team, there is always fear of duplication and also loss of time as you might have to replace him and also train the new recruit.

Outsourced development

Pros : An outside team of developers are very professional and focus urgently on the problem at hand. Resource management and utilization is much better. You have the flexibility of hiring someone with a specific skill set and if you don’t require their skills as service after this, you can end the contract and find another team. You also don’t have to worry about the platforms, infrastructure, test management software and other ecosystems that require big investment. This may be a viable model for both large and small players in the market.

Cons : The cost of communication may be high and if not managed effectively, could outmatch the benefits accrued through outsourcing. If there is a communication gap or the team fails to understand your exact needs, there will not only be a loss of time, one of the most critical operational parameters but also wastage of resources and having to repeat the entire task. You can’t control the exact work flow and be in charge of the security apparatus. Also, you are not in charge of how much the code written is adaptable and in sync with internal app design and policies. You can’t control the maintenance standard as well.

Globibo Media is a leading company when it comes to software development. We ensure time bound action and delivery of your projects, while maintaining operational transparency and documentation of every stage of the development process.

6. Performance Management/ Monitoring

Performance management and monitoring software are often used at the enterprise and management levels to assess the performance of a company’s workforce at the collective and individual levels.

This helps employees to stay motivated, plan their future, optimize their output by eliminating task duplication and redundant operations, providing challenges and puts in place a proper training module, providing incentives for performance and speed optimization of the tasks they perform, taking into account metrics like Source Line of Code (SLOC), which measures the time and effort required to manage a problem, depending on its complexity and size, ability to manage operational efficiency and costs, ability to fix bugs and line check ins.

However, it has been accepted now that measuring the performance of a team is better than measuring the performance of individuals and looking at their KPIs in a project. Ability to communicate and collaborate in a team setup, are also importance performance indicators.

Apart from these the number of code review requests received in individual parts of the total development process, the completeness of tests and also percentage covered in their codes, can also be reviewed. Mastery level of each technical area and ability to deliver complex tasks within deadlines need to be appreciated.

Performance management software can help managers look at performances on an objective basis.

At Globibo Media, you will get guidance and help with the development/ selection of your performance monitoring and management software. This way, you can ensure quick turnaround and delivery with successful bug management and high success rate with each application development.

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