With constant updates happening in the tech world, it can be hard to keep up and keep track of all the latest improvements software faces. Today, I’m here to share new insight and offer a look into the specific world of Spring Boot 3, Spring 6, and Java 17+.
My study of these technologies first began when I discovered Bryan Hansen’s insightful Pluralsight Course. If you’re like me, and want a more in depth analysis of the change, I recommend watching his course. This blog however is to provide a quick overview of the changes, why you should pay attention to them, and a tips for upgrading your existing apps.
Why should I care?
Before we really jump in, I do want to acknowledge a pertinent question that may have crossed your mind: “Why should we care?” It’s a legitimate question and the previous changes lately in both Spring and Java often seemed like surface-level adaptations in response to emerging technologies like Kotlin. However, allow me to present a counterargument.
Spring 6 and Spring Boot 3’s exclusive support for Java 17 signifies a pivotal shift. Those seemingly minor updates from Java 8 to 17 have collectively transformed Java for the better. What’s more, they’re quickly becoming interview essentials for innovative teams adopting Spring 6 and Spring Boot 3. Embracing these changes is not just prudent; it’s also remarkably accessible. A few hours of study or even a viewing of the Pluralsight Course mentioned earlier, equips you to effortlessly harness these enhancements as they become mainstream. It is also important to note that Java 21, a new LTS version, was also recently released on September 19, 2023. While we won’t be covering Java 21 much in this blog, you can learn more about its features in our informative Java 21 Webinar.
What’s new in Java?
Many teams I’ve encountered tend to stick with Java 11 or Java 8, both of which are LTS (long-term support) versions and excellent choices for production applications. However, Java has seen a slew of new features added in recent years, making it worthwhile to consider an upgrade.
Here is a short list of the new things in Java 17 you should know about:
Records: Records are a new type of class designed to be lightweight and easy to use. They provide a concise way to represent data, and can be used to improve the performance and readability of your code. Records are immutable by default, which can help to improve the safety and security of your code.
Sealed classes: Sealed classes are a new way to restrict the subclassing of a class. This can be used to improve the safety and security of your code. Sealed classes can be used to create a hierarchy of classes where only certain classes are allowed to extend or implement a particular class. This can help to prevent unauthorized extensions, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
Switch expressions: Switch expressions are a new way to write switch statements. They are more concise and expressive than traditional switch statements, and they can be used to improve the readability of your code. Switch expressions also allow you to assign values to variables directly within switch cases, which can make the code more concise and eliminate the need for break statements.
Pattern matching for switch statements: Pattern matching for switch statements is a new preview feature in Java 17. It allows you to match against patterns in switch statements, which can be used to improve the readability and safety of your code. Pattern matching can be used to simplify complex conditional logic and make your code more concise and expressive.
Foreign Function and Memory API (incubator): The Foreign Function and Memory API is a new API that allows Java applications to access code from outside the JVM. This can be used to improve the performance of your applications by offloading tasks to native code. The Foreign Function and Memory API is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to significantly improve the performance of Java applications.
In addition to these new features, Java 17 also includes a number of other improvements, such as:
Improved performance
Improved security
Improved stability
If you are considering upgrading to Java 17, I recommend that you read the Release Notes to learn more about the new features and improvements. You can also find a number of tutorials and articles online that can help you get started.
What’s New in Spring Boot 3 and Spring 6
Spring Boot 3 brings a host of exciting updates and improvements to enhance your development experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the key features:
Java 17 baseline: Spring 6 is based on Java 17, which is the latest LTS version of Java. This means that Spring 6 will be supported for at least 8 years, which gives you peace of mind when building your applications.
Improved performance: Spring Boot 3 has been optimized for performance, with improvements in areas such as startup time, memory usage, and garbage collection.
Support for Jakarta EE 10: Spring 6 and Spring Boot 3, don’t just support Jakarta EE 10, they were designed with Jakarta EE 10 in mind. This is one of the bigger changes that you will likely have to make to your existing projects to get them upgraded and inline with where the industry is heading.
AOT (Ahead-of-Time) compilation: Spring 6 provides built-in support for AOT compilation, which can significantly improve the startup time and memory consumption of your applications. AOT compilation is a process that converts Java bytecode into machine code, which can be executed directly by the operating system. This can be a major advantage for applications that need to start up quickly or that need to be very memory efficient.
Support for GraalVM native images: Spring Boot 3 now supports GraalVM native images, which can be used to create native executables of your Spring Boot applications.
Improved observability: Spring 6 and Spring boot 3 provides built-in support for Micrometer and Micrometer Tracing, which are open source libraries for collecting and exporting metrics and traces from your applications. This makes it easier to monitor and troubleshoot your applications.
ProblemDetails API: Spring 6 introduces the ProblemDetails API, which is a standard way to represent errors in HTTP APIs. This can be helpful for improving the interoperability of your applications and for making it easier for users to understand and troubleshoot errors.
Improved Security: Security is a top priority, and Spring 6 and Spring Boot 3 introduces improvements to ensure your applications remain resilient against evolving threats.
Improved Documentation: Clear and comprehensive documentation is crucial for any framework, and Spring and Spring Boot continues to refine and expand its documentation to provide developers with the resources they need.
Improved Testing Support: Testing is a fundamental part of the development process, and Spring 6 and Spring Boot 3 enhances testing support to help you write robust and reliable tests for your applications.
Tips for upgrading your app
Use Spring Boot’s new Migration Tool and follow the readme instructions carefully – it is pretty helpful. Also make sure you don’t have your application running on 8080 as that is the port the migration tool will run on.
In Spring Boot 3, you don’t need to include Jakarta.servlet as a separate dependency; it’s automatically included. If you encounter an error related to this, it’s likely because some of your dependencies are still using the older javax package instead of Jakarta. Notably, Springfox, commonly used for Swagger, is an example of this. Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a compatible version of Springfox for Spring Boot 3, and it’s unlikely to receive updates.
To continue using Swagger, I recommend transitioning to Spring Docs, which is a good choice regardless. To do this, simply remove your Springfox configuration and dependencies and replace them with Spring Docs. View Documenting a Spring REST API Using OpenAPI 3.0 to find a step by step easy implementation guide.
If you encounter dependency errors, it’s possible that the new spring boot migrator might have overlooked some of the dependencies you need to upgrade. If you see errors related to a specific dependency, consider researching the version it requires to function seamlessly with Spring Boot 3, before digging in too deep on the error.
We’ve covered a lot about what is new in Java, so now it’s your turn to dive in and explore on your own! If you have any questions, thoughts, or insights to share, please reach out to our team via our Contact Us Page or on any of our Social Media Channels, we’d love to hear from you. Remember, the world of tech is ever-evolving, and staying updated is the key to success. Until next time, happy coding!
Looking for a software company in Salt Lake City? Custom software can offer numerous benefits to your business. If you’re looking for a technological solution to improve the productivity and efficiency of your business, then a software company can assist you and make the process a lot simpler. They’re able to stay up to date with the latest software advances, and you’ll find they can analyze and optimize your business’s technological practices. Given that a software company can make a huge impact on your business, it’s important to take your time when choosing one. So here are a couple of considerations to keep in mind before you decide to partner with a software company.
1. Do their services match your needs?
Software companies offer a wide variety of services. Some are willing to develop bespoke software solutions while others focus on implementing existing solutions. Some could also provide long-term support for the software solutions they create, while others are more focused on helping you complete single projects before their contract is considered complete. Make sure you’re doing your research by looking at the services that the software company offers. “Software services” can cover a wide range of different services, and each company uses different work processes in order to meet your specific needs. If you’re unsure of the services they offer, it’s a good idea to contact them directly to arrange a meeting to see if they can offer the services you’re looking for.
2. Do you connect with the software company?
Software companies typically introduce you to a representative who will help you communicate back and forth with the company itself. It’s important to establish a friendly working relationship with this individual in order for communication to be effective, resulting in a faster work process that delivers results that are accurate to your needs. There could be a number of reasons why you don’t get along with your software representative. They might fail to listen to your needs as a client, they might be offering you solutions you don’t intend to implement or they might be taking too long to update you on the bespoke software they’re developing. If the initial impression of your software representative isn’t good, then you may want to consider an alternative option.
3. Finding the right software company for your needs.
When choosing a software company, one of the best ways to ensure you’ll get a quality experience is to be critical of every aspect of the company. For instance, you’ll want to seek references if possible, look at reviews and interview the company before you even consider putting them on a shortlist. You should also look at their track record and if they’ve completed any projects that are similar to yours in the past. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask about any red flags you’ve noticed, such as a representative that doesn’t ask you questions about your company and its culture or if they offer you unrealistic expectations for your partnership.
Looking for a software company in Salt Lake City? Contact us today!
Mobile app development in Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing field due to Utah’s strong background in the technology industry. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of 17 software developers met at Snowbird Resort and signed the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, laying the foundation for a tech boom in the last two decades. The stretch of land beside I-15, once largely undeveloped, is now home to many of the thousands of tech and start-up companies in Utah, earning it the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” Various start-ups have emerged from what was once farmland, nurturing technology leaders and developers as well as transforming the landscape to the now highly recognizable sea of buildings that comprises Silicon Slopes.
Software Technology Group’s Beginning
However, before the flood of tech companies, before the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, Jeff Sodeberg and his wife Camille started Software Technology Group (STG) at their kitchen table in 1996. STG takes a different approach because while Jeff began his career in software development, he fell in love with the business aspect of the work, even going back to school to earn a Master’s degree in business. His early career experiences inspired him to combine what he enjoyed about software development with a business model that maximized professional development for employees along with talent and skill for clients. Now, nearly 30 years later, STG employs over 200 people and is at the forefront of the technology scene and mobile app development in Utah.
How STG Leads Mobile App Development in Salt Lake City
STG’s edge all comes back to our unique model: The company matches clients with app developers to complete projects. Depending on the need of the client, developers may work with the client’s pre-existing team to bring in new ideas and provide support or a team of STG developers may take full responsibility for the project. No matter the team structure, this approach leads to some of the best mobile app development solutions in Utah. With STG, any client can count on a deep well of knowledge and creative solutions because the STG team has seen projects across a broad range of industries, technologies, and project types and we bring all of that experience to bear no matter the project. We also prioritize professional growth for our developers between projects to ensure they can always bring their best. When clients choose to work with STG, they gain access to the knowledge and expertise we’ve been building for decades. With this broad scope of experience gained by working with a diverse range of clients, STG has a unique view into the industry trends, which allows us to steer clients toward technologies that will work for the long-term. We’ve experienced the ups and downs of the field and have seen what works and what doesn’t. Because of this, STG provides powerful perspectives and skilled service delivery, driving mobile app development in Utah that is both functional for the client as well as fresh and interesting for the developers. Our model provides strong benefits to all participants in a project, both the client and the employee.Areas of STG Expertise Regardless of the scope of the project, STG provides clients and team members the tools to solve problems and provide unique perspectives. With a wide variety of practices, STG offers focused expertise to many areas of mobile app development in Utah: We emphasize full-stack development, which includes front-end, business logic, and database functionality along with developer certifications in Java Spring REST, React (full-stack component), and Angular (full-stack component).STG developers are current with Microsoft technologies, including .Net Core, .Net Framework, Azure, and cloud services. Certifications are offered in Azure Fundamentals, with forthcoming additional certifications in Azure Intermediate and .Net Core.Scripted development is a rapidly changing field, and STG works to lead app development in Utah with a focus on these evolving practices. Certifications offered include React and Angular (full-stack component), with additional certifications in Vue and Express coming soon.STG is passionate about user-centered software. Developers work to make programs profitable, accessible, and effectively designed. Certifications include UX Master, Front End Coding, and Certified PortfolioSTG has an exclusive team dedicated to producing software for iOS and Android applications. Certifications include iOS Level 1, with Android Level 1 coming soon.STG uses both scripted and automated technologies to achieve the quality expected of app development leaders in Utah. Certifications are offered in Python / Webdriver / Unittest, Node / Webdriver / Mocha / Chai, and Java / Webdriver / TestNG at both the associate engineer and solution engineer levels.
Benefits to Clients
STG’s leadership in the Salt Lake City technology space, both in mobile app development and beyond, offers a number of benefits to clients. Broad Experience & Unique Perspectives STG clients have the unique opportunity to pull from a pool of developers with broad experience. Because STG works on projects across a wide variety of industries and technologies, developers have a deep well of knowledge to draw from as well as unique and varied perspectives as they seek innovative solutions. The STG model promotes creativity and ingenuity, preventing companies from getting stuck in the rut of doing things the same old way and keeping clients ahead of technology trends.The Best Developers Within the technology space it’s all too easy for developers to get comfortable doing things the way they’ve always been done. STG makes sure to shake it up with ongoing professional development for team members to ensure clients always get cutting-edge expertise from STG. Between projects, STG employees spend time in the Development Center, learning new technologies, practicing new skills, and applying new thought processes. This is an STG priority because the more experience a developer has, the more perspective and talent they bring to solving clients’ unique issues.Varied Teams & Consistent Resources Teams can be built or supplemented depending on clients’ needs. STG offers developers along with project managers, business analysts, quality assurance providers, and user experience professionals. Whether clients need only one or two team members to supplement their own teams or whether they need to build a team from the ground up, STG can assign people with the skill set that exactly matches the need. And if a client is particularly impressed by a developer, they’re welcome to request a certain team member on future projects! STG employees are always learning and growing, and each additional project adds another layer to their expertise, resulting in multi-faceted, qualified professionals to help clients succeed no matter the project. Broad experience, a focus on professional development, and consistency due to employee retention all make STG an attractive choice for any Utah company’s app development needs. If you’re interested in having STG help you on a project, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. After we’re clear on exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be paired with the team that will be the best fit for your project—along with the assurance that you’re working with the top talent in the field. Interested? Contact STG for additional information.
Benefits to Job-Seekers
In addition to being a leader in mobile app development for clients, STG also appeals to those looking to build their careers—as attested by our long-term employees who stick with us year after year in an industry notorious for short employee tenure. Here’s why: Project Variety with Job Stability All too often developers get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over again, day in and day out. In all honesty, it’s a large driver of the frequent job hopping we see in the tech space—which means that if professionals can enjoy project variety without requiring a job change, you’re approaching the holy grail of tech jobs. STG offers just that with the opportunity to work on projects across industries and companies, giving employees the experience needed to become leaders in app development in Utah and beyond. And professional opportunities don’t end at work experience. The time spent in the Development Center makes it easy for developers to stay relevant, grow their expertise, and avoid getting pigeonholed in a particular niche. Professional Development STG provides our software developers with unique opportunities for professional development, going above and beyond standard work experience. Typical projects last about 12-18 months, and there is often a little bit of time in between wrapping up a project and starting a new one. We’ve solved this problem by shifting our developers to the Development Center when a project ends. The Development Center provides the opportunity to focus on building skills that support the employees’ passions and career goals, as well as the chance to apply these new skills through pro-bono work for non-profit organizations such as The Road Home, an organization helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the greater Salt Lake area, and Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal rescue. The combination of practicing new skills and serving charitable causes in the Development Center empowers STG developers to reach pinnacle levels of expertise, which in turn benefits clients. Mentorship Opportunities All STG employees are vetted through a thorough hiring process, including a screening interview over the phone, face-to-face interview, technical proficiency test, and reference checks. As a company that prides itself on a long history of meeting Salt Lake City’s app development needs, STG is committed to hiring only the best—individuals who are passionate about software, committed to their own professional development, and creative in finding solutions. STG takes that one level further by providing mentorship opportunities for newer developers to ensure the very best results for everyone involved. In this program, veteran employees and career guides help direct new employees down the path that will lead to the fulfillment of their career goals. This shared knowledge escalates the talent each developer brings to the table, helping build their confidence and capability. The engagement and fulfillment on the part of the employees leads to client satisfaction—two primary goals of the company that work hand-in-hand. Are you looking to be a leader in mobile app development in Utah? Contact STG for more information about careers.A History of Leadership STG’s decades of experience in Salt Lake City’s technology industry makes them a clear leader of mobile app development in Utah. Clients are satisfied with their experienced developers and innovative results, while employees are consistently gaining new skills and broadening their expertise—all clear signs that STG will continue to contribute to mobile app development in Utah as a major player in the industry.
Mobile app development in Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing field due to Utah’s strong background in the technology industry. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of 17 software developers met at Snowbird Resort and signed the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, laying the foundation for a tech boom in the last two decades. The stretch of land beside I-15, once largely undeveloped, is now home to many of the thousands of tech and start-up companies in Utah, earning it the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” Various start-ups have emerged from what was once farmland, nurturing technology leaders and developers as well as transforming the landscape to the now highly recognizable sea of buildings that comprises Silicon Slopes.
Software Technology Group’s Beginning
However, before the flood of tech companies, before the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, Jeff Sodeberg and his wife Camille started Software Technology Group (STG) at their kitchen table in 1996. STG takes a different approach because while Jeff began his career in software development, he fell in love with the business aspect of the work, even going back to school to earn a Master’s degree in business. His early career experiences inspired him to combine what he enjoyed about software development with a business model that maximized professional development for employees along with talent and skill for clients. Now, nearly 30 years later, STG employs over 200 people and is at the forefront of the technology scene and mobile app development in Salt Lake City.
How STG Leads Mobile App Development in Salt Lake City
STG’s edge all comes back to our unique model: The company matches clients with app developers to complete projects. Depending on the need of the client, developers may work with the client’s pre-existing team to bring in new ideas and provide support or a team of STG developers may take full responsibility for the project. No matter the team structure, this approach leads to some of the best mobile app development solutions in Utah. With STG, any client can count on a deep well of knowledge and creative solutions because the STG team has seen projects across a broad range of industries, technologies, and project types and we bring all of that experience to bear no matter the project. We also prioritize professional growth for our developers between projects to ensure they can always bring their best. When clients choose to work with STG, they gain access to the knowledge and expertise we’ve been building for decades. With this broad scope of experience gained by working with a diverse range of clients, STG has a unique view into the industry trends, which allows us to steer clients toward technologies that will work for the long-term. We’ve experienced the ups and downs of the field and have seen what works and what doesn’t. Because of this, STG provides powerful perspectives and skilled service delivery, driving app development in Salt Lake City that is both functional for the client as well as fresh and interesting for the developers. Our model provides strong benefits to all participants in a project, both the client and the employee.Areas of STG Expertise Regardless of the scope of the project, STG provides clients and team members the tools to solve problems and provide unique perspectives. With a wide variety of practices, STG offers focused expertise to many areas of app development in Utah: We emphasize full-stack development, which includes front-end, business logic, and database functionality along with developer certifications in Java Spring REST, React (full-stack component), and Angular (full-stack component).STG developers are current with Microsoft technologies, including .Net Core, .Net Framework, Azure, and cloud services. Certifications are offered in Azure Fundamentals, with forthcoming additional certifications in Azure Intermediate and .Net Core.Scripted development is a rapidly changing field, and STG works to lead app development in Utah with a focus on these evolving practices. Certifications offered include React and Angular (full-stack component), with additional certifications in Vue and Express coming soon.STG is passionate about user-centered software. Developers work to make programs profitable, accessible, and effectively designed. Certifications include UX Master, Front End Coding, and Certified PortfolioSTG has an exclusive team dedicated to producing software for iOS and Android applications. Certifications include iOS Level 1, with Android Level 1 coming soon.STG uses both scripted and automated technologies to achieve the quality expected of app development leaders in Utah. Certifications are offered in Python / Webdriver / Unittest, Node / Webdriver / Mocha / Chai, and Java / Webdriver / TestNG at both the associate engineer and solution engineer levels.
Benefits to Clients
STG’s leadership in the Salt Lake City technology space, both in mobile app development and beyond, offers a number of benefits to clients. Broad Experience & Unique Perspectives STG clients have the unique opportunity to pull from a pool of developers with broad experience. Because STG works on projects across a wide variety of industries and technologies, developers have a deep well of knowledge to draw from as well as unique and varied perspectives as they seek innovative solutions. The STG model promotes creativity and ingenuity, preventing companies from getting stuck in the rut of doing things the same old way and keeping clients ahead of technology trends.The Best Developers Within the technology space it’s all too easy for developers to get comfortable doing things the way they’ve always been done. STG makes sure to shake it up with ongoing professional development for team members to ensure clients always get cutting-edge expertise from STG. Between projects, STG employees spend time in the Development Center, learning new technologies, practicing new skills, and applying new thought processes. This is an STG priority because the more experience a developer has, the more perspective and talent they bring to solving clients’ unique issues.Varied Teams & Consistent Resources Teams can be built or supplemented depending on clients’ needs. STG offers developers along with project managers, business analysts, quality assurance providers, and user experience professionals. Whether clients need only one or two team members to supplement their own teams or whether they need to build a team from the ground up, STG can assign people with the skill set that exactly matches the need. And if a client is particularly impressed by a developer, they’re welcome to request a certain team member on future projects! STG employees are always learning and growing, and each additional project adds another layer to their expertise, resulting in multi-faceted, qualified professionals to help clients succeed no matter the project. Broad experience, a focus on professional development, and consistency due to employee retention all make STG an attractive choice for any Utah company’s app development needs. If you’re interested in having STG help you on a project, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. After we’re clear on exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be paired with the team that will be the best fit for your project—along with the assurance that you’re working with the top talent in the field. Interested? Contact STG for additional information.
Benefits to Job-Seekers
In addition to being a leader in mobile app development for clients, STG also appeals to those looking to build their careers—as attested by our long-term employees who stick with us year after year in an industry notorious for short employee tenure. Here’s why: Project Variety with Job Stability All too often developers get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over again, day in and day out. In all honesty, it’s a large driver of the frequent job hopping we see in the tech space—which means that if professionals can enjoy project variety without requiring a job change, you’re approaching the holy grail of tech jobs. STG offers just that with the opportunity to work on projects across industries and companies, giving employees the experience needed to become leaders in app development in Salt Lake City and beyond. And professional opportunities don’t end at work experience. The time spent in the Development Center makes it easy for developers to stay relevant, grow their expertise, and avoid getting pigeonholed in a particular niche. Professional Development STG provides our software developers with unique opportunities for professional development, going above and beyond standard work experience. Typical projects last about 12-18 months, and there is often a little bit of time in between wrapping up a project and starting a new one. We’ve solved this problem by shifting our developers to the Development Center when a project ends. The Development Center provides the opportunity to focus on building skills that support the employees’ passions and career goals, as well as the chance to apply these new skills through pro-bono work for non-profit organizations such as The Road Home, an organization helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the greater Salt Lake area, and Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal rescue. The combination of practicing new skills and serving charitable causes in the Development Center empowers STG developers to reach pinnacle levels of expertise, which in turn benefits clients. Mentorship Opportunities All STG employees are vetted through a thorough hiring process, including a screening interview over the phone, face-to-face interview, technical proficiency test, and reference checks. As a company that prides itself on a long history of meeting Salt Lake City’s app development needs, STG is committed to hiring only the best—individuals who are passionate about software, committed to their own professional development, and creative in finding solutions. STG takes that one level further by providing mentorship opportunities for newer developers to ensure the very best results for everyone involved. In this program, veteran employees and career guides help direct new employees down the path that will lead to the fulfillment of their career goals. This shared knowledge escalates the talent each developer brings to the table, helping build their confidence and capability. The engagement and fulfillment on the part of the employees leads to client satisfaction—two primary goals of the company that work hand-in-hand. Are you looking to be a leader in mobile app development in Utah? Contact STG for more information about careers.A History of Leadership STG’s decades of experience in Salt Lake City’s technology industry makes them a clear leader of mobile app development in Utah. Clients are satisfied with their experienced developers and innovative results, while employees are consistently gaining new skills and broadening their expertise—all clear signs that STG will continue to contribute to app development in Salt Lake City as a major player in the industry.
App development in Salt Lake City is a rapidly growing field due to Utah’s strong background in the technology industry. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of 17 software developers met at Snowbird Resort and signed the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, laying the foundation for a tech boom in the last two decades. The stretch of land beside I-15, once largely undeveloped, is now home to many of the thousands of tech and start-up companies in Utah, earning it the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” Various start-ups have emerged from what was once farmland, nurturing technology leaders and developers as well as transforming the landscape to the now highly recognizable sea of buildings that comprises Silicon Slopes.
Software Technology Group’s Beginning
However, before the flood of tech companies, before the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, Jeff Sodeberg and his wife Camille started Software Technology Group (STG) at their kitchen table in 1996. STG takes a different approach because while Jeff began his career in software development, he fell in love with the business aspect of the work, even going back to school to earn a Master’s degree in business. His early career experiences inspired him to combine what he enjoyed about software development with a business model that maximized professional development for employees along with talent and skill for clients. Now, nearly 30 years later, STG employs over 200 people and is at the forefront of the technology scene and app development in Salt Lake City.
How STG Leads App Development in Salt Lake City
STG’s edge all comes back to our unique model: The company matches clients with app developers to complete projects. Depending on the need of the client, developers may work with the client’s pre-existing team to bring in new ideas and provide support or a team of STG developers may take full responsibility for the project. No matter the team structure, this approach leads to some of the best app development solutions in Utah. With STG, any client can count on a deep well of knowledge and creative solutions because the STG team has seen projects across a broad range of industries, technologies, and project types and we bring all of that experience to bear no matter the project. We also prioritize professional growth for our developers between projects to ensure they can always bring their best. When clients choose to work with STG, they gain access to the knowledge and expertise we’ve been building for decades. With this broad scope of experience gained by working with a diverse range of clients, STG has a unique view into the industry trends, which allows us to steer clients toward technologies that will work for the long-term. We’ve experienced the ups and downs of the field and have seen what works and what doesn’t. Because of this, STG provides powerful perspectives and skilled service delivery, driving app development in Salt Lake City that is both functional for the client as well as fresh and interesting for the developers. Our model provides strong benefits to all participants in a project, both the client and the employee.Areas of STG Expertise Regardless of the scope of the project, STG provides clients and team members the tools to solve problems and provide unique perspectives. With a wide variety of practices, STG offers focused expertise to many areas of app development in Utah: We emphasize full-stack development, which includes front-end, business logic, and database functionality along with developer certifications in Java Spring REST, React (full-stack component), and Angular (full-stack component).STG developers are current with Microsoft technologies, including .Net Core, .Net Framework, Azure, and cloud services. Certifications are offered in Azure Fundamentals, with forthcoming additional certifications in Azure Intermediate and .Net Core.Scripted development is a rapidly changing field, and STG works to lead app development in Utah with a focus on these evolving practices. Certifications offered include React and Angular (full-stack component), with additional certifications in Vue and Express coming soon.STG is passionate about user-centered software. Developers work to make programs profitable, accessible, and effectively designed. Certifications include UX Master, Front End Coding, and Certified PortfolioSTG has an exclusive team dedicated to producing software for iOS and Android applications. Certifications include iOS Level 1, with Android Level 1 coming soon.STG uses both scripted and automated technologies to achieve the quality expected of app development leaders in Utah. Certifications are offered in Python / Webdriver / Unittest, Node / Webdriver / Mocha / Chai, and Java / Webdriver / TestNG at both the associate engineer and solution engineer levels.
Benefits to Clients
STG’s leadership in the Salt Lake City technology space, both in app development and beyond, offers a number of benefits to clients. Broad Experience & Unique Perspectives STG clients have the unique opportunity to pull from a pool of developers with broad experience. Because STG works on projects across a wide variety of industries and technologies, developers have a deep well of knowledge to draw from as well as unique and varied perspectives as they seek innovative solutions. The STG model promotes creativity and ingenuity, preventing companies from getting stuck in the rut of doing things the same old way and keeping clients ahead of technology trends.The Best Developers Within the technology space it’s all too easy for developers to get comfortable doing things the way they’ve always been done. STG makes sure to shake it up with ongoing professional development for team members to ensure clients always get cutting-edge expertise from STG. Between projects, STG employees spend time in the Development Center, learning new technologies, practicing new skills, and applying new thought processes. This is an STG priority because the more experience a developer has, the more perspective and talent they bring to solving clients’ unique issues.Varied Teams & Consistent Resources Teams can be built or supplemented depending on clients’ needs. STG offers developers along with project managers, business analysts, quality assurance providers, and user experience professionals. Whether clients need only one or two team members to supplement their own teams or whether they need to build a team from the ground up, STG can assign people with the skill set that exactly matches the need. And if a client is particularly impressed by a developer, they’re welcome to request a certain team member on future projects! STG employees are always learning and growing, and each additional project adds another layer to their expertise, resulting in multi-faceted, qualified professionals to help clients succeed no matter the project. Broad experience, a focus on professional development, and consistency due to employee retention all make STG an attractive choice for any Utah company’s app development needs. If you’re interested in having STG help you on a project, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. After we’re clear on exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be paired with the team that will be the best fit for your project—along with the assurance that you’re working with the top talent in the field. Interested? Contact STG for additional information.
Benefits to Job-Seekers
In addition to being a leader in app development for clients, STG also appeals to those looking to build their careers—as attested by our long-term employees who stick with us year after year in an industry notorious for short employee tenure. Here’s why: Project Variety with Job Stability All too often developers get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over again, day in and day out. In all honesty, it’s a large driver of the frequent job hopping we see in the tech space—which means that if professionals can enjoy project variety without requiring a job change, you’re approaching the holy grail of tech jobs. STG offers just that with the opportunity to work on projects across industries and companies, giving employees the experience needed to become leaders in app development in Salt Lake City and beyond. And professional opportunities don’t end at work experience. The time spent in the Development Center makes it easy for developers to stay relevant, grow their expertise, and avoid getting pigeonholed in a particular niche. Professional Development STG provides our software developers with unique opportunities for professional development, going above and beyond standard work experience. Typical projects last about 12-18 months, and there is often a little bit of time in between wrapping up a project and starting a new one. We’ve solved this problem by shifting our developers to the Development Center when a project ends. The Development Center provides the opportunity to focus on building skills that support the employees’ passions and career goals, as well as the chance to apply these new skills through pro-bono work for non-profit organizations such as The Road Home, an organization helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the greater Salt Lake area, and Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal rescue. The combination of practicing new skills and serving charitable causes in the Development Center empowers STG developers to reach pinnacle levels of expertise, which in turn benefits clients. Mentorship Opportunities All STG employees are vetted through a thorough hiring process, including a screening interview over the phone, face-to-face interview, technical proficiency test, and reference checks. As a company that prides itself on a long history of meeting Salt Lake City’s app development needs, STG is committed to hiring only the best—individuals who are passionate about software, committed to their own professional development, and creative in finding solutions. STG takes that one level further by providing mentorship opportunities for newer developers to ensure the very best results for everyone involved. In this program, veteran employees and career guides help direct new employees down the path that will lead to the fulfillment of their career goals. This shared knowledge escalates the talent each developer brings to the table, helping build their confidence and capability. The engagement and fulfillment on the part of the employees leads to client satisfaction—two primary goals of the company that work hand-in-hand. Are you looking to be a leader in app development in Utah? Contact STG for more information about careers.A History of Leadership STG’s decades of experience in Salt Lake City’s technology industry makes them a clear leader of app development in Utah. Clients are satisfied with their experienced developers and innovative results, while employees are consistently gaining new skills and broadening their expertise—all clear signs that STG will continue to contribute to app development in Salt Lake City as a major player in the industry.
By: Andrew Syme
Developing software is expensive! Not only can it be expensive, but since the software development industry generates immense revenues the software companies that support the industry feel justified in charging massive licensing fees. All of this contributes to start ups and small teams often being priced out of tools that are considered ‘industry standard’. So how do I, a project manager with limited resources, start my project without incurring massive costs before I even start development? You’re in luck. There are low / no cost tools that you can utilize to take your project from ideation to development with no pain to your pocket book. Let me walk you through the process I’ve used with some of these tools. The tools I suggest specifically facilitate and encourage collaboration and communication, as all good agile tools should. Mind mapping: Early on, dragging features and needs out of stakeholders can be grueling. I’ve found that an effective method is to get all the stakeholders together for a brainstorming session. The problem is that the ideas come in bursts and it can be difficult to capture everything. One of the best methods I’ve found for capturing these ideas is creating a mind map. This can be an excellent tool for eliciting features from stakeholders and recording and building on them without slowing the flow of ideas. There are many free mind mapping tools. image1 I’ve used and can recommend Coggle and Miro, but there are a lot of other options, with similar functionalities. I like to use these tools to break down needs and features by users personas and then use cases for that user, and since these tools are multi-user everyone can help to capture the feature set. One of the benefits of this method is that the results are easy to translate into a set of user stories. (i.e. As a <user type> I want <feature function> so that <expected result>.) Once these feature level stories are written it’s time to multi-vote with your stakeholders for prioritization. Multivoting: I hate the amount of time wasted in the back and forth required to prioritize features for an MVP. I love using the multi-user support in Google Sheets to bring the stakeholders together and get consensus as to what is truly required. I like to put up a list of the feature set that was collated from the previous mind mapping session. Image2 I set up the sheet so that users have 3 tiered weighted voting. Stake holders are allowed less votes than there are features, so we’re certain to have the most valuable and vital items, agreed on by the team, rise to the top. Since the most important things become obvious, the decision as to the cut line for the MVP is a lot easier to arrive at, with a minimum of argument for the features that should be included. Once the MVP is established and prioritized it’s time to start development. Requirement writing and backlog: There are a lot of free tools that can be used to track tasks, but the one I’ve found that works best, out of the box, for small development teams is Wrike. It allows for Agile workflows and makes communication and collaboration simple. You can even write stories as a team working on the same story at the same time. I like to take the prioritized list of User Stories from the multi-voting session, and enter them in order in the backlog. Image3 Top priority stories can then be elaborated, story points agreed upon, tasks assigned and acceptance criteria set. Once you have enough stories for your team to work on for a few weeks you’re ready to go. Start your sprint, develop, and conquer my friend.
By: Jared Wright
In many UX circles carousels may be considered long dead. They’ve been replaced with alternatives like tiles or separate content sections on the homepage.
The latest in UX research, however, shows that carousels can still be an effective use* (Caveat: *Only when applying the following seven guidelines). Of the top 60 US and European eCommerce sites 32% of these sites still have a carousel, this stat is down from 52% in 2013. For the rest of the sites that don’t know to follow the seven guidelines [using a scale of Interruptive at the low end, to Disruptive in the middle, and Harmful at the high end] those sites risk causing disruptive issues to their visitors and this, unfortunately, occurs with the most frequency.
The following seven guidelines may be somewhat complex, but adhering closely to their implementation proves carousels work much more effectively.
Never make a carousel the only path to content. Or let’s put it a positive way: Always provide another way to content in addition to the carousel. Users rarely see all the slides of a carousel on a site visit so it’s imperative that content reserved for a carousel slide also be searchable in the navigation or other areas of the homepage. That said, a carousel is only as good as its relevant, well curated, and high quality content. Identifying what “high quality” means is a topic for another post, nevertheless, there are guidelines to help companies maintain standards for their carousels.
This Nike example shows how key content should never be accessible only from the homepage carousel, because many users will never see it.
This not good example from Toys-R-Us illustrates how their “Easter Deals” are only accessible from the carousel, not the main navigation.
This not so good eBags example shows a ‘Sale’ slide but the flower image can be misleading or confusing to users that have no idea what eBags offers. This homepage attempts to offset the possible confusion with image tiles below displaying bags, but the primary carousel slide should showcase primary products.
2. Rotation time between slides should be 5-7 seconds for the images to be reliable in their effect. People are scanning sites so quickly that if a slide catches their attention, they need time to: a) register its relevance to them, b) read the offer, and c) make a decision to click the slide. All of that can happen in the space of 5-7 seconds, that’s the sweet spot.
3. Always pause the auto-rotation on mouse over. This is the most important of the guidelines. (42% of sites don’t get this right). Mouse over indicates a user’s interest, so the auto rotation needs to pause.
This not so good example from BestBuy shows a timer on the slide which makes the user click the pause button instead of auto pausing on mouse over.
4. When users change slides themselves – Stop rotation permanently on slide change. A user’s control of the slide rotation also means they’re fully confident and capable to take it over. To do otherwise tends to create user frustration and impatience.
5. This one has two parts:
(a) Use overly clear carousel controls. This means having a dedicated next button (this also means being aware of contrast issues and background checks so the next button is noticeable), i.e. Arrows. Just using small dots is not enough to help users.
This somewhat good example from Walmart shows clear arrows to navigate the slides, nav dots at the bottom that indicate a reference point, and a pause button — although the pause button makes it clear to the user how to pause the slides, this still puts the burden of action on the user to click a pause button instead of pausing on mouse over.
This bad example from Newegg is very difficult to tell there are control arrows available to use, the arrow contrast is so low on the background they get lost.
OR
(b) design ‘Table of Contents’ (TOC) Carousel tabs’ inside the carousel real estate area instead.
Amazon displays a TOC on the right hand side to indicate the carousel slide reference point.
This other Amazon example illustrates the TOC solution on the right hand side.
6. On Mobile: disable auto-rotation altogether (31% sites don’t get this right either). Because there is no mouse over ability on mobile, users risk going to the wrong page if the slide flips. Prevent this frustration by disabling the auto-rotation on mobile.
This mobile example from HomeGoods shows how the TOC and swipe gestures eliminate autorotation for users.
7. Be very careful of any embedded text or buttons in the image of the carousel. On Mobile what typically happens is that the graphic usually gets designed for desktop and then scaled down for mobile. This tends to make the Call To Action (CTA) too small to read and, therefore, compromises the image’s purpose. It’s necessary to either design at least two static sized versions of the graphic: one for desktop, one for mobile, or design an HTML responsive version with any text offers coded as a layer over the image. This coded version ensures that text will be legible on mobile screen sizes.
This bad example from HP shows that the main carousel image was originally designed for desktop and scaled down for mobile. The problem is when the CTA text is so small it loses legibility.
A word to the wise: If these seven guidelines are not used — its simple really, a carousel should not be used. Instead, reference the above alternatives and this should keep your site out of UX trouble.
This Gilt example uses tile sections in lieu of a carousel.
After all, no one wants any users abandoning your site when we know better. And when we know better we do better. Happy UXing out there.
App development in Utah is a rapidly growing field due to Utah’s strong background in the technology industry. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of 17 software developers met at Snowbird Resort and signed the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, laying the foundation for a tech boom in the last two decades. The stretch of land beside I-15, once largely undeveloped, is now home to many of the thousands of tech and start-up companies in Utah, earning it the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” Various start-ups have emerged from what was once farmland, nurturing technology leaders and developers as well as transforming the landscape to the now highly recognizable sea of buildings that comprises Silicon Slopes.
Software Technology Group’s Beginning
However, before the flood of tech companies, before the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, Jeff Sodeberg and his wife Camille started Software Technology Group (STG) at their kitchen table in 1996. STG takes a different approach because while Jeff began his career in software development, he fell in love with the business aspect of the work, even going back to school to earn a Master’s degree in business. His early career experiences inspired him to combine what he enjoyed about software development with a business model that maximized professional development for employees along with talent and skill for clients. Now, nearly 30 years later, STG employs over 200 people and is at the forefront of the technology scene and app development in Utah.
How STG Leads App Development in Utah
STG’s edge all comes back to our unique model: The company matches clients with app developers to complete projects. Depending on the need of the client, developers may work with the client’s pre-existing team to bring in new ideas and provide support or a team of STG developers may take full responsibility for the project. No matter the team structure, this approach leads to some of the best app development solutions in Utah. With STG, any client can count on a deep well of knowledge and creative solutions because the STG team has seen projects across a broad range of industries, technologies, and project types and we bring all of that experience to bear no matter the project. We also prioritize professional growth for our developers between projects to ensure they can always bring their best. When clients choose to work with STG, they gain access to the knowledge and expertise we’ve been building for decades. With this broad scope of experience gained by working with a diverse range of clients, STG has a unique view into the industry trends, which allows us to steer clients toward technologies that will work for the long-term. We’ve experienced the ups and downs of the field and have seen what works and what doesn’t. Because of this, STG provides powerful perspectives and skilled service delivery, driving app development in Utah that is both functional for the client as well as fresh and interesting for the developers. Our model provides strong benefits to all participants in a project, both the client and the employee.Areas of STG Expertise Regardless of the scope of the project, STG provides clients and team members the tools to solve problems and provide unique perspectives. With a wide variety of practices, STG offers focused expertise to many areas of app development in Utah: We emphasize full-stack development, which includes front-end, business logic, and database functionality along with developer certifications in Java Spring REST, React (full-stack component), and Angular (full-stack component).STG developers are current with Microsoft technologies, including .Net Core, .Net Framework, Azure, and cloud services. Certifications are offered in Azure Fundamentals, with forthcoming additional certifications in Azure Intermediate and .Net Core.Scripted development is a rapidly changing field, and STG works to lead app development in Utah with a focus on these evolving practices. Certifications offered include React and Angular (full-stack component), with additional certifications in Vue and Express coming soon.STG is passionate about user-centered software. Developers work to make programs profitable, accessible, and effectively designed. Certifications include UX Master, Front End Coding, and Certified PortfolioSTG has an exclusive team dedicated to producing software for iOS and Android applications. Certifications include iOS Level 1, with Android Level 1 coming soon.STG uses both scripted and automated technologies to achieve the quality expected of app development leaders in Utah. Certifications are offered in Python / Webdriver / Unittest, Node / Webdriver / Mocha / Chai, and Java / Webdriver / TestNG at both the associate engineer and solution engineer levels.
Benefits to Clients
STG’s leadership in the Utah technology space, both in app development and beyond, offers a number of benefits to clients. Broad Experience & Unique Perspectives STG clients have the unique opportunity to pull from a pool of developers with broad experience. Because STG works on projects across a wide variety of industries and technologies, developers have a deep well of knowledge to draw from as well as unique and varied perspectives as they seek innovative solutions. The STG model promotes creativity and ingenuity, preventing companies from getting stuck in the rut of doing things the same old way and keeping clients ahead of technology trends.The Best Developers Within the technology space it’s all too easy for developers to get comfortable doing things the way they’ve always been done. STG makes sure to shake it up with ongoing professional development for team members to ensure clients always get cutting-edge expertise from STG. Between projects, STG employees spend time in the Development Center, learning new technologies, practicing new skills, and applying new thought processes. This is an STG priority because the more experience a developer has, the more perspective and talent they bring to solving clients’ unique issues.Varied Teams & Consistent Resources Teams can be built or supplemented depending on clients’ needs. STG offers developers along with project managers, business analysts, quality assurance providers, and user experience professionals. Whether clients need only one or two team members to supplement their own teams or whether they need to build a team from the ground up, STG can assign people with the skill set that exactly matches the need. And if a client is particularly impressed by a developer, they’re welcome to request a certain team member on future projects! STG employees are always learning and growing, and each additional project adds another layer to their expertise, resulting in multi-faceted, qualified professionals to help clients succeed no matter the project. Broad experience, a focus on professional development, and consistency due to employee retention all make STG an attractive choice for any Utah company’s app development needs. If you’re interested in having STG help you on a project, schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. After we’re clear on exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be paired with the team that will be the best fit for your project—along with the assurance that you’re working with the top talent in the field. Interested? Contact STG for additional information.
Benefits to Job-Seekers
In addition to being a leader in app development in Utah for clients, STG also appeals to those looking to build their careers—as attested by our long-term employees who stick with us year after year in an industry notorious for short employee tenure. Here’s why: Project Variety with Job Stability All too often developers get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over again, day in and day out. In all honesty, it’s a large driver of the frequent job hopping we see in the tech space—which means that if professionals can enjoy project variety without requiring a job change, you’re approaching the holy grail of tech jobs. STG offers just that with the opportunity to work on projects across industries and companies, giving employees the experience needed to become leaders in app development in Utah. And professional opportunities don’t end at work experience. The time spent in the Development Center makes it easy for developers to stay relevant, grow their expertise, and avoid getting pigeonholed in a particular niche. Professional Development STG provides our software developers with unique opportunities for professional development, going above and beyond standard work experience. Typical projects last about 12-18 months, and there is often a little bit of time in between wrapping up a project and starting a new one. We’ve solved this problem by shifting our developers to the Development Center when a project ends. The Development Center provides the opportunity to focus on building skills that support the employees’ passions and career goals, as well as the chance to apply these new skills through pro-bono work for non-profit organizations such as The Road Home, an organization helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the greater Salt Lake area, and Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill animal rescue. The combination of practicing new skills and serving charitable causes in the Development Center empowers STG developers to reach pinnacle levels of expertise, which in turn benefits clients. Mentorship Opportunities All STG employees are vetted through a thorough hiring process, including a screening interview over the phone, face-to-face interview, technical proficiency test, and reference checks. As a company that prides itself on a long history of meeting Utah’s app development needs, STG is committed to hiring only the best—individuals who are passionate about software, committed to their own professional development, and creative in finding solutions. STG takes that one level further by providing mentorship opportunities for newer developers to ensure the very best results for everyone involved. In this program, veteran employees and career guides help direct new employees down the path that will lead to the fulfillment of their career goals. This shared knowledge escalates the talent each developer brings to the table, helping build their confidence and capability. The engagement and fulfillment on the part of the employees leads to client satisfaction—two primary goals of the company that work hand-in-hand.Are you looking to be a leader in app development in Utah? Contact STG for more information about careers.A History of Leadership STG’s decades of experience in Utah’s technology industry makes them a clear leader of app development in Utah. Clients are satisfied with their experienced developers and innovative results, while employees are consistently gaining new skills and broadening their expertise—all clear signs that STG will continue to contribute to app development in Utah as a major player in the industry.
A software consultant company can offer numerous benefits to your business. If you’re looking for a technological solution to improve the productivity and efficiency of your business, then a software consultant can assist you and make the process a lot simpler. They’re able to stay up to date with the latest software advances, and you’ll find that they can analyze and optimize your business’s technological practices. Given that a software consultant can make a huge impact on your business, it’s important to take your time when choosing one. So here are a couple of considerations to keep in mind before you decide to partner with a software consultant company.
1. Do their services match your needs?
Software consultation companies offer a wide variety of services. Some are willing to develop bespoke software solutions while others focus on implementing existing solutions. Some could also provide long-term support for the software solutions they create, while others are more focused on helping you complete single projects before their contract is considered complete. Make sure you’re doing your research by looking at the services that the software consultation company offers. Software consultation is a term that can cover a wide range of different services, and each consultant uses different work processes in order to meet your specific needs. If you’re unsure of the services they offer, it’s a good idea to contact them directly to arrange a meeting to see if they can offer the services you’re looking for.
2. Do you connect with the software consultation company?
Software consultation companies typically introduce you to a representative who will help you communicate back and forth with the company itself. It’s important to establish a friendly working relationship with this individual in order for communication to be effective, resulting in a faster work process that delivers results that are accurate to your needs. There could be a number of reasons why you don’t get along with your software consultant. They might fail to listen to your needs as a client, they might be offering you solutions you don’t intend to implement or they might be taking too long to update you on the bespoke software they’re developing. If the initial impression of your software consultant isn’t good, then you may want to consider an alternative option.
3. Finding the right software consultant for your needs
When choosing a software consultant, one of the best ways to ensure you’ll get a quality experience is to be critical of every aspect of the company. For instance, you’ll want to seek references if possible, look at reviews and interview the company before you even consider putting them on a shortlist. You should also look at their track record and if they’ve completed any projects that are similar to yours in the past. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask about any red flags you’ve noticed, such as a consultant that doesn’t ask you questions about your company and its culture or if they offer you unrealistic expectations for your partnership.
Want to find out if Software Technology Group is a good fit for you?
If you want to invest in quality assurance consulting, then you need to make sure that you take all of the right steps. If you don’t then you may find that you end up not making the right decision and that you also end up putting your business at risk. If you want to find out more about that then all you have to do is take a look below.
What is Quality Assurance?
When you measure quality, you have to pay a certain amount of respect to the design, reliability, durability and even the price of the product. Software quality assurance ultimately means monitoring the software and process, while also making sure that a varied approach is taken. It also involves making sure that the software conforms to the right standard as well. Auditing involves the inspection of various work products and the related information. It also means determining whether the required processes were carried out properly. Reviewing is another aspect of quality assurance, and this means ensuring that any comments that have been made are resolved while also inspecting any potential problems that could occur in the future. On top of all that, you have code inspection, which gives you another line of defence in terms of quality. Code inspection is the most formal kind of review and it involves finding bugs and defecting anything that could impact growth at a later stage. This is normally done by a trained mediator or a peer, and it’s based on rules, exit and entry criteria. All in all, quality assurance is imperative if you want your software to be the best that it can be, and it could save you a lot of time and effort in the future.
Benefits of QA Consulting
There really are so many benefits to QA consulting. You can easily measure your IT process while also being transparent throughout the whole process. The overall aim of QA consulting is to improve performance while also utilising your tools and employee skill set. When the problem areas have been identified, a QA expert can then decide the best way to eliminate these issues while also being able to implement new measures that will better ensure your success. When you hire a QA consultant, they will also be able to improve your software strategy while guaranteeing that you are effectively optimising your development overall. QA automation is another popular option amongst those who want to improve their process overall. If you have never looked into QA consulting before then you could be missing out. It may be that your customers are not entirely happy with the product that you are putting out or that your software could be made way more efficient overall. Either way, a consultation is invaluable to your overall business operation. When choosing a consultant, you need to make sure that you find someone who is able to accurately reflect your business while also being able to provide you with the support you’re looking for in terms of growth and profitability. Take a look below to see some of the questions you should be asking your QA consultant before you hire them.
Is the Vendor Well-Versed with New Software?
Your chosen vendor needs to maintain their status as being a qualified expert. Any good software vendor will make sure that they are up to date with the latest training and that they also understand any advancements in the testing world. The world of tech is always changing and it’s important that the testing methods change with it.
Are they Advocates for Change?
A renowned WA will be proactive when it comes to change. They should be at the forefront of the development process and they should also be understanding of risk and how it can be managed. They need to know how risk can be mitigated while also implementing the right measures so that a positive change can be seen in the future.
Are they Able to Make Sensible Recommendations?
Your QA expert needs to make sure that they are focusing on making recommendations and that they are also maintaining the budget for testing as well. If they are not able to explain to you why they are proposing a set course of action, then this may mean that they are not the right company to be steering yours.
Of course, software and QA consulting really do go hand-in-hand. Technology is now the backbone of most companies, and if you aren’t careful then you may end up falling behind.
Working with a Web Development Consultant brings many benefits, and any business striving to capture the attention of existing and potential customers should consider doing so.
Online Strategy
You need more than just a website, you also need a reliable online strategy, and web development consultants can help with this. They will work with you to outline a plan to attract and keep people on your site, filling it with high-value copy and information.
High-Quality Web Design
Web developers also prevent your website from looking amateurish, like it was designed in MS Paint V1.0. Developers can include plugins, codes, and headers that make it look professional, and with a wealth of experience, they will know what works and what does not.
A Competitive Edge
You are in a constant battle with competitors to attract customers, and a web developer consultant can help your website stand out among the rest. With this, you can stay ahead of trends and technologies that make your site a more attractive destination.
Time Efficient
Working with a web development consultant will save your business time. Rather than learning how to do everything yourself, you can work with someone who has the experience to overcome bugs and issues with ease.
Increased Trust for Consumers
If your webpage or platform look professional, it will encourage and inspire increased trust from consumers, clients, and investors. For most companies, the website is the first point of contact, so you must make a great first impression.
Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Web Development Consultant
Before starting work with a web developer, there are some questions you must ask to guarantee you are both on the same page. You can direct these questions to the developing firm or yourself, as this will help you get the best understanding of your needs and what the developers can accomplish.
1. Does the Portfolio Fit Your Brand’s Style?
No two web developer consultants are the same, and all of them have different styles. This is good news for your brand, as you get plenty of variety to choose from, but it can also be a challenge to decide which is best for you.
It’s important to consider whether the developer’s portfolio and graphic design style fit with your brand. Do you want something rustic and traditional, or do you want an elegant, cutting-edge design? Take the time to consider the styles and find the one which you feel best represents your brand.
2. Is any of the work outsourced?
Outsourcing is a fantastic way for firms to save costs and accelerate the work in progress. However, it is not always beneficial for you as a client. Due to the Broken Telephone-esque nature of outsourcing, ideas and requests may be misunderstood or lost along the way entirely.
There is also an issue of getting in touch with the outsourcing company. There are time zones and often language barriers to consider, and this could disrupt the process, even if the developing firm has the best intentions.
3. Will there be post-completion maintenance and support?
Once your website is complete, you may want to continue working with the developer to ensure continuous and reliable maintenance of the site. However, not all firms will do this. Likewise, some companies prefer to own all of the website and features following completion. In this instance, they are willing to undertake the maintenance and update the site themselves.
4. Will you receive the original files?
Similarly, you may want to think about whether you want to keep the original files following the project’s completion. For most companies, this is something you should request after the designer finishes the project.
Owning the original Illustrator or Photoshop files means you have a copy that you can pass onto new designers should your current developer be too busy to make changes themselves. It is also useful if they take an extended break from their work, which saves time should you need to redesign the web pages in the future.
5. Are there any past clients you can speak to?
It’s also essential to get input from previous clients to get an idea of project completion time frames, and even understand whether the developers are legitimate. It is easy to fake positive reviews, so speaking to a previous client can make you more confident that you will receive an excellent service.
If the web development consultants do not have or are unwilling to share previous client experiences with you, you can consider this a red flag and continue looking.
By asking these questions, you can decide whether the development firm is the best fit for your business, which allows you to proceed confidently.
Developed by Microsoft .Net (or DOT NET) is a software framework that runs primarily on Windows computers. Since its inception in the late 90s, it has become what is arguably the best choice for developing web-based and desktop-based applications, while also making these applications seem more manageable, no matter how complex they appear at first.
Some of the most popular websites worldwide embrace the .NET framework, including Amazon and eBay, among others. This demonstrates how any business or enterprise, no matter how great or small, can find benefits from using a .NET framework. These benefits are outlined in greater detail below.
Within the .NET framework, developers and users will find a variety of features that make it stand out and deliver efficient, reliable operation across your systems. These design features include:
Interoperability
Common Language Runtime Function (CLR)
Language independence
Base Class Library
Simplified deployment
Security
Portability
The .NET framework is ideal for students or those new to IT who aspire to become a programming expert. However, those who already hold an understanding of the basic programming concepts and HTML or CSS will also find a consulting session beneficial.
Benefits of .NET Consulting
In addition to a wide range of features, there are also plenty of benefits developers will find when working with a .NET Consulting firm. These benefits ensure simple and straightforward operation that makes it easy for anyone, regardless of previous experience using a .NET system, to pick up quickly.
Robustness
Smooth code is vital when working with software, and .NET can help alleviate any of the headaches you could encounter with other frameworks. By guaranteeing a robust development system for applications and software, users will enjoy seamless and stress-free coding.
Simple Caching System
The .NET caching system boasts a reputation of being both easy to use and extendable, regardless of the scope of the project. This allows developers to make changes and amendments that improve the performance and enhances the scale.
Object-Oriented
By using Object Oriented Programming (OOP), you can reuse code elements throughout the process. With these features, developers can save time and reduce the costs of the development process that you can focus on other areas of your business.
Security
Through the OOP, the security of software and applications is enhanced, and this security is backed up by additional features of the .NET framework.
Fast Development
The .NET framework is a more rapid and improved method of software development. This is because it works with the Visual Studio by Microsoft, which delivers the ideal environment for fast and efficient development that is also strong on quality.
Vast Community
The .NET boasts a worldwide community that enables users and developers to reach out when they encounter any issues they are unsure how to solve. Through this support, there is a spectacular backlog of information related to an array of potential problems to help developers solve bugs or other issues.
Cross-Platform Design
Because the .NET platform is entirely open source, you can run it across all operating systems and supports over 25 programming languages, which brings further developers into the fold who can seamlessly adapt their knowledge from one operating system to another.
Reduced Memory Leaks
Through the Garbage Collector, the .NET Common Language Runtime delivers an easily managed environment that helps maintain the memory to reduce leaks.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a .NET
It’s always important to ask questions regardless of what software or service you use. When approaching .NET Consulting, asking these questions will allow anyone, no matter their previous experience, to get a comprehensive idea of what to expect when using the .NET framework.
Questions you can ask include:
What are the essential components of .NET?
What is CTS?
What is CTR?
What is CLS?
What is the difference between Managed and Unmanaged Code?
How is a managed code executed?
What is ASP.NET?
What is State Management in relation to ASP.NET
What is an Assembly?
What are the different types of Assembly?
What are the different parts of an Assembly?
What are EXE and DLL?
Can you explain Caching?
What is CAS, and what are the different components?
What is GAC?
Is there a difference between Function and Stored procedure, and if so, what is it?
What is the Garbage Collector?
What do Globalization and Localization mean?
All of these questions involve jargon and acronyms that you encounter when working with a .NET framework and consultant, so it’s best to know what they mean to make the process more efficient.
For developers, seeking career development helps keep them up to date with the latest trends in coding and software, and working with a .NET consultant can make this possible.
Our in-house team is capable of building end-to-end solutions and advanced, web apps, desktop applications and mobile applications. Working with clients across all industries, STG Consulting routinely creates bespoke systems and applications to enhance business functionality.
With an emphasis on cloud-first architecture, STG Consulting has been integral in helping Utah’s businesses switch to new data management, storage, and connectivity models. Aiming to provide practical solutions to the issues companies face, STG Consulting provide cost-effective options to firms of all sizes. With such a stellar reputation, it’s no surprise we’re one of the best-known Salt Lake City tech companies.
As well as focusing on six core areas, STG offers a variety of other tech services too. From project management and technical writing to DevOps and business analysis, they have experienced consultants to assist with any technological issue.
While STG Consulting provides an all-round service to companies that don’t have their own in-house tech team, we also offer support to businesses with their own tech departments. If a firm requires extra manpower or team leadership, for example, STG’s consultants are ready to provide the appropriate amount of assistance, as and when it’s required.
Furthermore, STG helps Utah’s businesses to find the talent and skill they need when they’re hiring their own tech staff. For firms that want to recruit tech personnel, STG offers a complete tech recruiting service. From working with you to establish exactly which skills you need to determine where to advertise and who to hire, STG Consulting will make sure you’ve got the tech support you need.
As one of the leading Salt Lake City tech companies, STG Consulting is a critical part of the City’s future. As well as introducing new technologies to companies in the area, STG ensures businesses in Utah can benefit from the latest developments and compete on a global scale.
Eastwind Networks, Inc.
Developing effective network breach detection systems, Eastwind Networks, Inc. is a crucial player in the Salt Lake City tech scene. Founded in 2013 and routinely cited as one of the most exciting startups in the City, Eastwind is constantly finding new ways of improving online security.
Their cloud-based platforms are generally available to customers on a SaaS basis and are used to highlight potential security breaches and online safety concerns. With the ability to identify an anomalous flow of traffic, their advanced systems are offering increased security to businesses all over the world.
Instructure
A global web-based learning developer, Instructure delivers a variety of learning platforms to numerous industries. As well as enhancing the education sector worldwide, Instructure creates bespoke learning management platforms for companies, brands, and businesses. With headquarters in Salt Lake City, their innovative solutions are changing the way the world learns. Ensuring clients have access to workable learning solutions, their SaaS platforms provide budget-friendly options for educators, SMEs, and corporations across the world.