KDG

With the field of software development being as competitive and in-demand as it is, it’s no surprise that devs are in-demand. Even we here at KDG are always on the lookout for new talent to add to the team.

On the other side of that coin, devs are always on the lookout for companies that are looking to hire. They can easily find a company that’s hiring, but finding a company that knows how to handle software and software developers with the respect they deserve? That’s a bit trickier.

We here at KDG want to help as many developers as we can, even if that means admitting that we’re not the team for every developer. We believe that every dev should be treated properly, so we’re sharing the qualities that make for a good software company.

For senior developers, they can look at this and consider if they can improve their organisation.

Good leadership

“The buck stops here” as the old saying goes, and that’s definitely important to remember for people in leadership positions.

For developers, it’s important to consider not just the nature of a software company, but what kind of leadership a company has. A good software company not only has good resources related to software and development, but a good culture that’s flexible and software-savvy.

Collaboration

Software is becoming increasingly important for all kinds of businesses, so that means that organisations need to foster collaboration, not just among developers, but among developers and other people in the hierarchy; this is one of the most important things to ensure that software is the best it can be.

Better software development infrastructure not only leads to better software and faster development cycles, but also more efficient use of resources, better communication and knowledge sharing amongst members, as well as improving transparency.

Continuous learning and upskilling

Anyone who works in the software development field, us here at KDG being no exception, knows that the field is constantly, well, developing.

The thing with being in software development is that the industry is always changing and developing, so devs and professionals have to be adaptable and flexible.

We here in KDG know how cutthroat the industry can be, and while it does demand that professionals be up-to-date, there are some core skills that never become outdated, or make for good long-term investments in the field. We’ve gone through the trouble of listing down some of the skills software developers need for award-winning software development in 2021, regardless of their specialization. This is by no means comprehensive, of course, merely a starting point. Never be afraid to branch out and diversify your skillset.

Data structure and algorithms

There’s no getting around it; no award-winning software development ever happened without data structures and algorithms coming into play. It’s a key component of pretty much every programming job, and, as such, is mandatory to put forward a proper application.

Being well-versed in Data Structures and Algorithms will really help out, so it’s worth taking classes for it, even if only for a refresher.

Cloud computing skills

With how many companies are embracing cloud computing technology thanks to better scalability and more affordable costs, dealing with cloud computing and cloud-native applications is becoming increasingly common.

We here at KDG are no exception to this trend, as we’re also dealing with clients in the fields of Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI, which all demand cloud computing due to the sheer amount of computing power they demand.

There are multiple cloud platforms like Amazon Web Service (AWS), or Microsoft Azure, but the smart thing to do is start with one, then branch out. The core ideas are the same between them, anyway.

Git and Github

Device setup, security, and support will be handled by KDG so that the remote workforce can enjoy the benefits of a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) from anywhere. VDI is a desktop virtualization technology that uses the desktop operating system, usually Microsoft Windows that is managed through a data centre.

What is virtual desktop infrastructure?

In the virtual desktop infrastructure, a virtual desktop image is delivered to an endpoint device over a network so that the user can interact with the operating system and the applications that are running locally. Endpoint means the user’s traditional PC, mobile device, or thin client device.

How the user accesses VDI depends on how the organization is configured. It can range from automatic presentation of the virtual desktop upon logon to a user being required to select virtual desktop before launching it. Once a user has been allowed access to the virtual desktop, he can select the necessary applications for his work. The look and feel of the virtual desktop are similar to that of the traditional desktop.

How does VDI work?

VDI is usually based on a server’s or workstation’s operating system. When the server’s operating system is used as the platform for VDI, Microsoft Server Desktop Experience will be enabled to closely imitate the user’s workstation’s operating system.

Until recently, the workstation’s operating system could only serve a single user; however, the availability of Windows Virtual Desktop enabled multi-user functionality on Windows 10. Windows Virtual Desktop provides a secure virtual desktop infrastructure that allows end-users to work from a cloud-based platform that they can sign into from any device, from anywhere.

At I/O 2021, Google took some time during their keynote to discuss privacy and security, which they’ve been campaigning for and implementing as part of their updates. The search engine then followed up that discussion with a “We protect your privacy” message, displayed prominently in Google Mail and Google Photos.

This new banner will be visible to users in Google Mail, Photos, and Drive. In Mail, the banner shows up above the list of messages, with similar positioning in Photos and Drive. The banner even comes with the same blue shield that Google uses to symbolize privacy and security. Notably, people with free accounts get started here seeing the message, while those that use Workspace don’t see it.

This new banner is one of the latest moves from the search engine aimed at improving user privacy across the board. These have changed how companies and advertisers implement their SEO strategy, especially with regard to how they handle user data.

One of the more recent updates was Google letting users password-protect their Web & App Activity page, effectively letting them put up an additional layer of protection for their web searches and Google Maps history.

This particular update won’t affect things like SEO strategy and the like much, as it’s more aimed at preventing a user’s activity from being accessed by other people who use their device, but it’s still a notable development.

A user’s Web & App Activity page holds a lot of private data, as it is responsible for tracking and recording activity in Search and Maps, YouTube, Google Assistant, and Google Play, among others.

It’s a way for users to retrace how they found something online, but Google tracks it closely for personalized ads and search results.

The update effectively locks this data away, which could be easily accessed in the past by typing in activity.google.com in their address bar.

The update adds a verification option that lets users set passwords that control access to the Web & App Activity page.

For those looking to password-protect their Web & Activity page:

Log into Google Account

Access activity.google.com

Navigate to Manage My Activity verification

Activate Require Extra Verification

Save

WordPress designers and developers are obviously familiar with UI and UX particularly nowadays where the user is first priority. Websites are competing for the attention of users and they have to ensure that the user interface and user experience is tailored to each customer’s behaviour and tastes.

The history of UI and UX

Years ago, graphics were created to be able to accommodate screens that only displayed green or ember and where beep sounds came from a built-in speaker. For most systems, UIs were text-only interfaces. In the middle of the 1980’s GUI’s that were developed for years became popular. Graphics were certainly improved but 320 pixels was considered as high resolution. When everything was upgraded during the Pentium years, the design of UIs was based on the general population having 14k modems. This meant going lean with colours, fewer images at lower resolutions and few clickable regions on a page.

After a while design trends started to accommodate 24k modems and then 56k modems. Today, limits are relatively few and the only limitations in website design being the imagination and the abilities of the developer.

UX or user experience has been around since 1990 but it did not include effective factors and behavioural concerns in the design of systems. The term only included more of these factors when the machine age introduced the need for productivity improvement activities that will improve user experience in all aspects of work.

Most of the changes in WordPress UI took place at the backend. The first version of WordPress UI was limited in its features and did not include a dashboard. The 2005 release included a dashboard, added pages and supported multiple themes. The spelling-check was added in the 2007 release including the menu structure for comments, tags, update notifications for new plugins, URL redirect and the button for advanced visual editor.

Making good UI take energy, resources, and time, in no small part due to the fact that the process requires a lot of iteration; lots of little things to tweak, to update, and, maybe, to remove.

We here at KDG understand how much effort UI design can demand; it can take a lot. But we also understand that few things can match the satisfaction of getting your UI just right. That’s why a lot of UI designers do it, right? Money is a good motivator, but passion drives improvement.

Look at us, getting all sentimental.

Where were we? Right, UI design.

It can be a lot of work, which is why we want to help. Even if you’re not going to avail of KDG's UI design service, it’s still worth getting some free advice. Nothing to lose from it, eh?

Here are some tips for improving UI design.

Make sure elements are well-defined

Make sure things on the UI are easy to differentiate from each other and the background. Even something as simple as subtle borders, those just a bit darker than the shadows in the UI, can do a lot.

Nothing wrong with sticking to one typeface

Really, there’s nothing wrong to sticking with 1 typeface if it works. Don’t fix what ain’t broke, as they say.

This can provide stronger results with a more consistent feel. Mixing up weights, sizes, and colours will do a good job of creating hierarchy and differentiation.

20pt is a good spot

Long-form content needs to be the right size; too small and it’s not worth it, too much and it’s overwhelming.

Same for the font for it. Around 20pt is a good spot for your long-form content, like your blog posts or your project descriptions. We here at KDG say “around” because it depends on the typeface you’re using. It’s a bit bigger than 18pt without being too big, so it’s good for users.

Keep your shadows consistent

Don’t make it look like your UI’s shadows are coming from all sorts of random light sources from random directions. Keep it consistent.

Custom software is a great tool for businesses; it can do a lot for a growing organization. However, it’s still just another tool, meaning that, to make the most of it, organizations need to know how and when to use it.

What we mean is that custom software development can be expensive, and it’s not for everyone. Getting custom software can be expensive, can be longer to implement, and require a bit more maintenance than off-the-shelf solutions.

Custom software can do a lot for a business; that’s why we here at KDG deal with it a lot, and provide more info on our website, as well as offers. However, we know that they have their limitations. Sometimes, off-the-shelf software might just be more cost-effective.

Before you go around trying to get custom software for your organization, figure out if you actually need it. Start by asking important questions regarding the operations of your organization and/or the business.

Remember to take note of the following facets of custom-made software.

Custom software works great for unique problems. Off-the-shelf software is best used for dealing with common issues, so for regular business challenges, it works great. The more unique the business and the challenges it faces, however, the more likely you’ll need a custom solution.

Custom software works best for long term. Off-the-shelf is great if you only need a solution for a short amount of time. Custom is better if you’re thinking in years instead of months; award winning development isn’t cheap, after all, so stick for an off-the-shelf option if the operation period isn’t long enough to justify the cost of custom development.

Off-the-shelf

PROS

Lower cost upfront

Faster to implement

Commonly has support, or allows for easy addition of support

CONS

Requires you to make adjustment to operations

Requires the adding of external manual processes, if specific needs aren’t met

No control over support or future updates

Custom

PROS

Lets you start with minimum requirements, while allowing for additions later.

Helps with innovation

Can be tailored for your specific needs

Scalable

CONS

More and more people are relying upon their mobile devices in order to get the information, products, and services that they need. That means that the mobile app development industry is only continuing to grow and grow.

Good news for us here at KDG, as well as any mobile app development company, of course, but with that growth comes competition and expansion. Any mobile app developer worth their salt now needs to know multiple languages, be adaptable and able to work with multiple platforms.

While it seems daunting, it’s not necessarily required that you know every language. After all, the languages change, but the fundamentals stay. You just need to be flexible and willing to learn.

Back on point, here are the most popular languages for mobile app development.

Java

The language of choice for the Android platform since its creation, Java is popular due to cross-platform capability and easy portability. People in the industry say that Java apps are WORA (Write Once Run Anywhere); capable of running on any Java-enabled device without any necessary changes.

It’s one of the older languages out there, but it’s stuck around for a good reason.

Swift

Apple’s language of choice to replace their older Objective-C, this language is primarily aimed at iOS development. The language to learn if you’re looking to work with a mobile app development company that handles iOS apps, it’s also got support for macOS, Windows, and Linux, with unofficial support for Android.

Though it’s replaced Objective-C, it also runs that language, as well as C and C++ runtime libraries fine.

Rust

Another fairly new language, Rust has gotten popular thanks to its memory management and security. This one’s fairly flexible, with cross-platform support for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Unix.

It’s a bit like C and C++, with the flexibility for web apps, and the power to handle OSes and the like.

HTML5

While it’s not necessarily a mobile language, HTML5 is something known to everyone on the mobile app development industry; we here at KDG are no exception.

Software engineering is the study and practice of engineering to develop software; building, designing, maintaining, and, of course, retiring them.

It’s no surprise that software engineers are a mainstay of the staff for any application, being involved throughout the entire lifecycle of any software. While there are discussions wondering how much education or certification should be required for the field, there’s little doubt in to the importance of its professionals. You don’t need the people here at KDG to tell you how important good software engineers are to award-winning development; there are plenty of news and testimonials saying that.

After all, the vast majority of industries rely on some form of specialized software. Once the award-winning development is over, the software engineers stick around to make sure any issues that pop up are addressed as soon as possible.

That isn’t to say software engineers can handle everything. They do, after all, need input from other people in the IT department. As such, communication is a key skill for any software engineer to possess, as they’ll deal with designers, writers, coders, testers, as well as users of varying computer literacy.

Lifelong learning

The StackOverflow Survey 2018 showed an interesting aspect of software engineers; they’re lifelong learners. 90% of their respondents stated that they picked up a new language, framework, or tool that wasn’t covered by their formal education.

The most common option is…

Like humans, computers have several languages, some of them more common than others. A few of the more common ones are C, C++, Java, Python, and Visual Basic. The aforementioned StackOverflow Survey 2018, however, noted that JavaScript is the most popularly used, which is the sixth year it’s claimed that title.

Notably, even more recent publications, like the list from Boston’s Northeastern University, show that, while the other languages have grown in popularity, JavaScript remains highly sought after.

The future

So, software engineers are definitely here to stay. You don’t need us here at KDG to say that; just look outside. Consider how much software people, organizations, and businesses interact with on a daily basis.

Code reviewing is useful for making sure your organization puts out clean, maintainable code. Automated tests and quality assurance can spot some bugs, but nothing beats the power of an expert’s perspective.

That’s code reviewing services exist; experts are brought in, and they'll give your codebase a second look to make sure things will work long-term. It keeps the development cycle moving, and cut down on technical debt, on top of outsourced code reviews being easily scalable to the organizations’ needs and schedule.

Not to toot our own horn here, but we here at KDG know a great deal about code reviews. We know how useful it can be for organizations, and how it can help the development process. Some people think that QA is enough, but that’s not the case. Some people need more convincing, and that’s why we’ve put this little article together.

Better code, with less ego-bruising

Looming deadlines put pressure on everyone, which is why critiques can be received, let’s say, in “less-than-ideal” ways.  Without the right systems in place, pressure can hurt morale and drag the organization and its coding down.

Outsourcing code review means that the critique is handled by an unbiased third party, who’ll focus on the code itself, not the developer that made it and the environment leading to it. This means that they can focus on the big picture, catching details and flaws that internal reviewers might miss.

Faster reviewing, with less bugs Developers are busy people, there’s no denying that. We here at KDG work with them a lot, so we know how busy they can be. That means that, if they’re reviewing code, they might not be able to focus on it, if their schedule even lets them squeeze that in.

When you outsource code review to a third party, they'll give your codebase a second look and that’s it. They’re not weighed down by anything else, so they can focus on that task, resulting in better and faster results. This, in turn, frees up the developers to work on the code, including any particular issues that the reviewers spot.

Better error discovery and correction

Good code reviews catch accidental and structural errors. While accidental errors are usually just typos, they can actually be particularly hard to spot; hence, all the jokes about semicolons. Structural errors, meanwhile, are more varied, covering things like dead code, performance problems, and the like.

The importance of KDG and its remote workforce management team cannot be understated in the new normal. Over the last few months, the majority of employees have to work from home and continue with remote work beyond the pandemic. The good thing is, there is technology that has helped in the transition from an office environment to remote work without compromising productivity and efficiency.

However, while technology has effectively helped remote work in the short run, it is important to address the long-term challenges of going permanently remote. Protecting the company involves more than data security; there must be a remote workforce management team that can provide help desk support in cases of hardware and software issues or if the computer has to be fixed. The network has to be managed and optimized by a remote workforce management team to minimize security breaches, cyber-attacks, and data theft.

Security is very important for employees who are working from home. For example, if an employee emails a document to a work computer from a personal computer, there is a risk for the file to come into contact with malware on the personal device and then transferred to the work computer. A few security basics must be strictly followed on all fronts.

In order to minimize the feelings of isolation, some employees may opt to work remotely at public places like coffee shops and parks. If there is a need to connect to Wi-Fi, the employee must ensure that there is a secure connection that will not allow hackers to see data. Devices that are used inside or outside the home must always use the two-factor authentication that requires a code in addition to a password.    

Crowdfunding is a unique tool that can be useful, but doesn’t see much use. It’s a fairly new fundraising model, after all. But Philanthropic crowdfunding is a powerful tool for raising funds for charitable causes, and one that can do a lot of good.

Here at KDG, we believe that philanthropy can do much for people and the world, which makes it worthwhile. Granted, there are risks; it is akin to an investment on that front. But the risks are worthwhile. If these problems were easy to fix, philanthropy would never be needed to come in and fix them.

Thinking about risks and sustainability

Every donor is concerned with how sustainable their work is, naturally. For example, nonprofits need to prioritize their donor base

Funds from foundations, corporates, and high net worth individuals account for a considerable amount of any organization’s funds, but there is also a lot to gain from expanding funding sources, which is where Philanthropic crowdfunding comes in.

This new tool allows for a more diverse funding portfolio that allows for reduced risk, as there are more sources; if a key source fails, there’s something to compensate for it. On top of that, it also lets an organization create a community that supports their cause.

Innovation

Traditional funding tends to be tied to programmatic work, or has limited room for experimentation and growth. That means that it limits the ability of organizations, us here at KDG being no exception, to prototype and try out new things. Crowdfunding isn’t conditional, and allows for new opportunities.

Forces improved communication

Crowdfunding doesn’t work for an organization who doesn’t know how to properly explain and relate what their impact is. That is actually a good thing, as a non-profit needs to be able to talk to and reach out to people in order to do their job. This is more than just for the organization, as it allows for more conversations and discussions, which helps the sector.

Networking

The secret behind the success of most philanthropic crowdfunding campaigns isKDG that provides the right message and engaging theme to attract more supporters. The way the crowdfunding web page is designed can generate a significant boost to online donations. Donors should know at a glance that they are in a donation page.

When setting philanthropic crowdfunding goals, it is important to consider the most important objective which isusually the overall fundraising amount. This is the amount that you hope to raise during the campaign. There must be a balance between pushing supporters to raise as money as possible and keeping the goal within their means.

Determining the goal of the philanthropic crowdfunding campaign is easier if there is a specific cause you want to fund. Aim for at least 30% more than the amount needed so that there will be a cushion if the goal is not met.

Once an overall goal has been set, it is important to determine the giving tiers or the suggested donation amounts that appear on the donation form. Crowdfunding campaigns tend to be more successful if the giving tiers reflect on the donor’s giving abilities. However, the giving tiers will also depend on the size of the donor base.

When designing the crowdfunding homepage, it is important to display the organization’s name and logo, images of recipients, the organization’s mission statement and relevant videos and infographics. Since donations are generally based on trust, it is important to generate a good reputation.

When adding images or videos, both quantity and quality are equally important. Images and videos must tell a story that will captivate the audience and gain an emotional response. Photos of people and communities served will help donors visualize the project. It will help them understand the cause where their money will be used. Videos will allow the supporters to view the organization in action.

Financial advisors are very helpful experts that provide proper money-management information. Of course, in order for them to do their job, their clients need to communicate with them properly and keep them informed of any relevant changes. Even the best financial firms, like Zoho Bookkeeping, can’t do their jobs if the client doesn’t cooperate.

That’s the thing with being a consultant; it’s a two-way street. We here at KDG know important it is for both parties to communicate properly; an advisor or consultant can’t do their job without information from the client, and the client isn’t helped by a consultant or advisor that doesn’t give them the full picture.

Working well with a financial advisor doesn’t just make it easier for them, but also ensures that their clients get better service and advice. In effect, everyone gets more out of the relationship.

So, here are a few things to keep in mind to make things easier for financial advisors.

Respond.

The most basic thing to keep in mind is to properly respond to inquiries made by your financial advisor. This ensures that they have the information they need to provide you with the best advice, timelines, and estimates for your financial needs. Remember, it doesn’t matter if it’s us here at KDG or someone at Zoho Bookkeeping, communicating with your advisor is key.Generally, it’s best to respond within the first 24 hours.

Let them know of big life changes before they happen.

If you can let your advisor know that you’ll be going through a big change in your life, like a divorce, a new kid, paying a big loan, or any major financial decision, before it actually comes to pass so they can help you prepare for the changes instead of having to come in and help clean up the aftermath.

Don’t overreact.

News isn’t always good, that’s a given. Sometimes it feels like it’s always bringing bad tidings for your financials. But letting the day-to-day changes in the news dictate how you handle your financials is a bad idea; bad news sells, after all. Keep the news in perspective, do a bit of homework, find out how it affects you, and remember to think ahead. Bad news today might be cancelled out by good news later on.

Maintain good records.

With the ubiquity of mobile devices, it’s no surprise people spend more and more time on their mobile apps. That means that it’s more important than ever for brands and companies to have good mobile apps; having potential customers visit their site isn’t enough anymore.

A mobile app isn’t just a piece of software; it’s an extension of your brand. If you saw an Apple app, you immediately know it’s an Apple app; it’s all in the design, the feel, and the experience of the app. We all have our own brand, even us here at KDG, and putting that in the app is key to helping it do its job.

If you’re looking for help, we here at KDG have some tips for you.

Go for user-centric app design

Like mobile app development, branding with your mobile apps is all about meeting the expectations of users and making sure their experience is as smooth as possible. The app is used and judged by users, which means that its usability, and performance will affect how people perceive it and the brand it’s attached to. That means that you want to ensure that the center of the overall design process is the user.

Pick a catchy name

One of the easiest ways to make people remember an app is to give it an informative but catchy and creative name. When naming an app, consider first what it does and what it’s for, then build around that, remembering to keep it easy to pronounce and remember. It might not be a bad idea to have people look at it and judge the name.

Stay consistent

Nobody expected that a virus would change the global business environment but KDG promises to deliver the necessary solutions like IT inventory management, process development and business automation at any moment in business. Having an accurate picture of the stock is very crucial to determine which requires replenishment and which items cannot be purchased due to the pandemic.

Since the coronavirus has affected most of the world, companies that continue to run can expect shipping delays and material shortages. If the company has IT inventory management, inventories can be easily tracked during periods of shortages.  By being able to track the inventory properly, the company becomes more strategic about the inventory that will be assigned to the workforce. Field staff can enter the warehouse, grab the materials they need while maintaining social distancing.

Through IT inventory management, inventory will work through the cloud. This means that the inventory will be available to all the stakeholders and remote workers in real time. At this time when companies are experiencing supply chain disruptions, it is important to have a clear picture on what stocks are running low so that they can be reordered.

Strategic decisions can be made based on the inventory count. If certain jobs cannot perform due to the pandemic, it is useless ordering the materials that are necessary for their jobs. If the company has knowledge of inventory in advance, it is likely that they will have the correct number of materials for the jobs to continue.

Mobile inventory management is very important for field staff so that they will know whether the materials needed for their job are available. They can avoid unnecessary stopovers at the warehouse and minimize the time that they come into contact with other people. Field technicians can allocate jobs according to the materials that are currently on stock.

Data security is what you need if you want to protect your system and hardware from unauthorized access. It will also save your data from being corrupted. This is one of the reasons why from small to large sizes, a lot of organizations have started seeing how important data security is. At KDG, we believe that it will not only protect your data and information but it will also help you get rid of additional expenses. To know more of its benefits, here are some examples.

If you are running a business or organization, you would understand that your company has information that should not be read by your other people. Keep in mind that information is an important asset of an organization. For instance, if you are running a rehabilitation center, the statements of your patients should be confidential and it should only be shared to the person who is expert in the field. If you have data security, these statements will be safe from unwarranted readers.

Data security will also help your company in keeping up with the competition in the industry you are a part of. Since data security goes on and on, you can get updates on the most relevant and latest software. This makes your information safe against impending attack.

Data security also plays a huge role in development and support time. If your system has good security, the development and support time will decrease up to 70 per cent. Adding security features to your system means that you can save your company from the additional expenses of hiring new developers. Take note that if you have more codes to modify, you have more payments to fulfill.