Table of Contents
Few businesses can afford to be working with faulty software. It can slow down their work processes, or in the worst cases, lead to significant hacks on their data.
After all, outages with any tech can leave entrepreneurs bitter, causing them to reconsider their dependency on it all. When it comes to your own software, there is no need to second guess your reliance on your tech. It is there to be used to its utmost potential. Instead, you may need to employ a few measures to keep it functional so that you can confidently depend on it.
Of course, if you and your workers are now working from home, then the stakes have never been higher for keeping your software working. Keep reading for some basic tips on keeping your business software functional, whether you have created it or downloaded some from elsewhere.
Question Developers and Testers
The developers and testers you hire need to be highly competent. Once on the payroll, the high standards you have come to expect must never slip for a second.
You can secure the best software engineers at the interview stage by presenting them with hypothetical situations. How would they plan a software testing process? Do they work well as part of a team of developers? Put their analytical skills to the test. The insights into these types of scenarios could be invaluable.
You should still regularly engage with the developers you have hired. Does each worker have everything they need? What actions from you might better support them in their roles? How can you feed their creativity? Maintain this dialogue over time so you can be sure the software you create is constantly optimized.
Appreciate that many industries are struggling to hire software professionals in current times. These talented workers can be hard to come by, so retaining those you have hired is vital. Establish a strong working relationship, and your business software may be more functional for it.
Create a Suitable Work Environment
If your software developers work on small business premises, you need to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. It might seem like an elementary point to make, but a worker’s environment can hugely influence their mood, and thus their productivity.
Remember that your developers will often be sat working at a computer. Therefore, comfortable chairs and a well-lit room are essential. They also need space, so do not isolate them to isolated cubicles or crowded and noisy office spaces. Concentration is key with coding and software development. Your team of developers should have their own space so that they can collaborate quietly.
Additionally, some business bosses can be strict with developer workspaces due to the high stakes of their work and the quality equipment they are using. Do not follow these examples. So long as they are not bringing in lots of liquids, allow your developers to personalize their workspaces. The more ‘at home’ they feel, the faster they will be settled, content, and ready to work.
Be open to making changes if developers approach you with suggested improvements. Make yourself more approachable if possible. Be conscious of the fact that those working in specialist roles know what they need better than anyone else, including you, so trust in that and do all you can for them. They may also report problems faster in a more communicative workplace.
Utilize Software Testing Tools
Developers cannot keep software functional through willpower alone. They need great tools to do a stellar job. ForAllSecure provides some insights on the best software testing tools available today. An explanation of fuzz testing is also offered, identifying unknown risks in your software wherever they might be. They can show you the value of continuous testing and how to manage these processes effectively. Under this guidance, your software will not be susceptible to hidden defects of any kind.
In the world of hacking and trending technologies, developments occur all the time. Keep furthering your education on these matters. Exchange findings with developers and testers and invite dialogue around these issues to express any concerns. Keeping your business software operational should be a more manageable effort once everybody is in the know and on the same page.
There are many different types of software testing, including integration, stress, and general performance testing. Diversify your approach to these matters and research each testing measure. Test with automation as well. That way, you and your team of developers can be prepared for anything.
Download Trusted Software Only
The world of software is enormous. Many programs are available for business use, but not all of them are as reliable as their architects might claim them to be. You will struggle to keep software functional if it was a problematic program in the first place. Even the big names are not immune to large-scale hacking, so aligning yourself with less capable software providers may open up avenues to yet more risk.
Make sure you schedule all software updates promptly, so they are equipped with the latest security features. Check that firewalls are firmly intact and operational. Ensure all your workers are adhering to the same standard.
Some developers may get a little too comfortable in their roles. Make sure that nobody goes rogue and unknowingly downloads harmful or poor-quality software. Implement policies double-check policies. That way, if a developer finds some potentially great software, they need to recommend it to the rest of their team and their superiors before any download takes place.
Note the Competition
How do your competitors maintain their software? What innovations have they developed recently? Comparing your situation to that of your competitors could give you some direction.
Every business has a different relationship with software, whether they are creating or using it. Their attitude to quality control may differ, as may their strategies around testing. While some of these insights will not be public knowledge, you can still learn a lot from anything they talk about in their marketing materials online.
Functionality is just the first step in your efforts around the software. Quality and further innovation are the next priority, as well as yet more testing. Keep listening, keep learning, and your software development and usage will evolve for the better.