Selecting an ideal software development company for your business is an increasingly important decision. Surprisingly, only about 10% of software development firms are capable of delivering high-quality software within a period exceeding six months.

With so many options available, choosing the right one can be daunting, and a poor choice could result in wasted resources, lost time, and an inferior product. How then can you pinpoint the best company for your needs? Here are five comprehensive steps to guide you in this crucial decision-making process.

1. Define Your Software Requirements Clearly

The initial step in choosing a software development company is crystal clear about what you want to build. Before you even start looking for a developer, spend significant time with your internal team discussing what you need. This discussion should cover the technical requirements, the user experience you aim to provide, the scalability you anticipate needing, and the security features essential to your business. Document everything in a requirements brief, which will serve as a foundational document that outlines your expectations and serves as a reference throughout the development process.

Consider the following when defining your requirements:

• Functionality: What specific functions must the software perform?
• User Interface: What should the user interaction look like?
• Performance Metrics: How fast should it load, and what kind of load should it handle?
• Compliance and Security: Are there industry standards or regulations to follow?

2. Evaluate Their Industry Experience

While many software development companies might boast a long history of development, the key is to find one that has relevant experience to your project’s needs. When reviewing potential candidates, look at their portfolios and case studies. These resources should give you a detailed understanding of their expertise areas and the diversity of their experience. More importantly, discuss with them the projects they’ve handled that are similar to yours.

Questions to ask potential development companies:

• Can you provide examples of similar projects you have developed?
• What were the challenges in those projects, and how did you overcome them?
• What technologies do you specialize in, and why are they suited to my project?

3. Ensure Effective Communication

The success of a software project hinges significantly on how effectively you can communicate with your development team. You need to ensure that the company you choose practices transparent communication and is proactive in managing client relationships. Assess this by setting up initial meetings to discuss your project and observe how they handle your queries and concerns.

Key communication factors to consider include:

• Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond to your inquiries?
• Clarity: Are they clear in their communications and able to explain technical concepts in layman’s terms?
• Project Management Tools: What tools do they use for project management and client communication?

4. Detail Your Expectations and Project Scope

Once you know what you need and have a potential company in mind, the next step is to communicate your expectations clearly. This involves more than just sharing your requirements; it involves setting clear, actionable goals for the project, anticipated timelines, and success metrics. Prepare a detailed project scope document that outlines all these aspects. This document should serve as the contract’s backbone and help avoid scope creep, which can lead to project overruns and increased costs.

Elements to include in your project scope document:

• Deliverables: What exact outputs are expected from the development process?
• Timeline: What are the key milestones, and what are their expected completion dates?
• Budget: What is the budget allocation, and how are payments structured?

5. Start the Search and Evaluate Client Feedback

With your needs and expectations set, you’re now ready to actively search for the right software development company. Use various resources such as online searches, industry contacts, and business networking sites to compile a list of potential companies. As you narrow down your list, pay careful attention to feedback and reviews from past clients. This feedback can provide critical insights into the reliability, professionalism, and effectiveness of the companies under consideration.

What to look for in client feedback:

• Satisfaction: Are previous clients satisfied with the company’s services?
• Reliability: Did the company meet deadlines and budget requirements?
• Support: What type of post-launch support does the company offer, and how effective is it?

Evaluating Technical Competence in Software Development Companies

Understanding the technical expertise of a software development company is crucial in selecting the right partner for your project. Here’s why technical skills are indispensable:

1. Expertise in Relevant Technologies: Specific projects require specific technological expertise. For instance, Python is essential for data analysis tools, while Swift is key for iOS applications. A lack of expertise in the required technologies can lead to significant challenges or outright project failure.   
2. Quality Assurance Capabilities: Companies with robust technical skills can guarantee software quality. They employ thorough testing procedures, such as unit tests, performance tests, and security audits, which are vital for identifying issues early and ensuring that the software operates flawlessly.   
3. Future Compatibility: With technology evolving at a breakneck pace, a company that keeps up with the latest technological trends and coding practices is invaluable. Such foresight ensures that your software remains compatible with emerging technologies and evolving user needs.

As you search for a software development company, diligently assessing their technical prowess can critically influence the success of your project.

Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Software Development Company

Selecting the right software development company is a significant decision that should be made with caution. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

1. Unrealistic Promises: Be skeptical of companies that promise unusually fast deliveries or costs that seem too good to be true. These are often indicators of rushed work and potential compromises on quality;
2. Insufficient Inquiry: A competent software development firm should ask detailed questions about your project, akin to a doctor understanding a patient’s symptoms before prescribing medication. A lack of questions and a premature rush to quote prices are major red flags;
3. Disregard for Budget: If a company ignores your budget constraints and constantly tries to upsell their services, this could be a sign of potential future conflicts regarding project costs and deliverables;
4. Integration and Adaptability Concerns: Ensure that any potential software development partner can integrate the new software with your existing systems, such as professional services automation software. A company’s inability to adapt to and work with your current systems is a significant concern.

By being vigilant and recognizing these red flags, you can better navigate the selection process and choose a software development company that aligns with your project needs and goals.

Conclusion

Choosing the right software development company is a critical decision for any startup. It can be the difference between a product that scales and succeeds and one that fails to meet market needs. By following these detailed steps—defining your requirements, evaluating industry experience, ensuring effective communication, detailing your project expectations, and starting your search with a focus on client feedback—you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your strategic business goals.

Employing a thoughtful, structured approach to selecting your software development partner will not only help you build a better product but also establish a foundation for future business success. Remember, the best relationships are built on clear expectations, robust communication, and mutual respect. Choosing a software development company is just the beginning of what can be a transformative business journey.

The post 5 Steps to Hire the Best Enterprise Software Development  appeared first on Web-Entreprise Solutions.

Expanding the Role of Cybersecurity Firms

Cybersecurity firms play a crucial role in the protection of organizational assets marked by increasing digital threats. Their services cover not only software but also include hardware, networks, and data systems to form a strong defense against cyberattacks. These firms work to prevent the theft, damage, or disruption of information, improving operational continuity and the integrity of sensitive data.

Comprehensive Services Provided by Cybersecurity Companies

Network Security

• Implementation of Advanced Security Protocols: Deploying state-of-the-art protocols and technologies to shield networks from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats;
• Intrusion Prevention Systems: Installing systems that not only detect but also prevent attempts of unauthorized access or breaches before they infiltrate the network;
• Regular Security Assessments: Conducting scheduled analyses to identify and address vulnerabilities within the network.

Monitoring Tools

• Real-time Monitoring Systems: Utilizing tools that continuously scan the network for any unusual activities, allowing for immediate detection of potential threats;
• Automated Alert Systems: Implementing automated systems that notify IT personnel of security anomalies, enabling rapid response to mitigate risks;
• Traffic Analysis: Analyzing network traffic to detect patterns that may indicate a security threat, securing timely and effective responses.

Cloud Security

• Encryption Techniques: Employing strong encryption methods to secure data from unauthorized access and breaches;
• Regular Data Backups: Implementing frequent backups to prevent data loss and to facilitate recovery in the event of an incident;
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Improving security by requiring multiple forms of verification to access data, thus protecting against unauthorized access.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Regulatory Compliance: Securing all cloud services and operations comply with international, regional, and industry-specific data protection standards;
• Risk Assessment Programs: Developing comprehensive programs to identify, analyze, and manage risks associated with cloud services;
• Continuous Compliance Monitoring: Implementing tools and protocols to continuously monitor compliance with data protection regulations.

Endpoint Security

• Advanced Malware Protection: Utilizing anti-malware solutions to defend against sophisticated malware and ransomware attacks;
• Security Software Updates: Guaranteeing that all endpoint devices operate with the latest security software versions to mitigate vulnerabilities;
• Physical Security Measures: Implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices.

Access Controls

• User Authentication Protocols: Creating strong authentication processes that require users to verify their identity before accessing sensitive information;
• Role-based Access Controls: Limiting access to data based on the user’s role within the organization, thereby minimizing the risk of internal threats;
• Audit Trails: Keeping comprehensive logs of access and activities to monitor and evaluate the security posture continuously.

Incident Response and Forensics

• Rapid Response Teams: Creating dedicated teams trained to manage and neutralize security breaches as they occur;
• Incident Response Plans: Developing structured plans that outline specific procedures and responsibilities during a cyber incident.

Investigation and Analysis

• Forensic Analysis: Conducting detailed forensic investigations to uncover the root cause of the attack and gather evidence;
• Impact Assessment: Analyze the extent of damage or data loss caused by the incident to understand its full impact;
• Preventive Measures: Based on insights gained from investigations, implementing measures to strengthen defenses and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

Utilization of Cutting-edge Technologies

Cybersecurity firms power a variety of advanced tools and methodologies to improve organizational security:

1. Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Forming the first line of defense against external threats by blocking unauthorized access and detecting malicious software;
2. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): These systems provide a second layer of security by identifying potential security breaches based on traffic patterns and known vulnerabilities;
3. Comprehensive Incident Response Plans: Outlining procedures and roles for a coordinated response to security incidents to minimize damage and restore services swiftly.

Overview of Software Security Companies

Software security companies provide essential services that target the safety and integrity of software throughout its development lifecycle. Their primary focus is on fortifying software against potential security threats that could be exploited by malicious entities. This specialized focus is particularly critical during the development stages of software to mitigate risks that could lead to significant financial and reputational damage after the software is deployed.

Core Services Provided by Software Security Companies

1. Application Security Testing

• Purpose: To detect and address security weaknesses within applications;
• Process: Conduct thorough testing at various stages of development to uncover vulnerabilities that could be potential targets for cyberattacks;
• Tools and Techniques: Utilize a mix of static application security testing (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), and interactive application security testing (IAST) to ensure comprehensive coverage.

2. Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) Consulting

• Objective: To integrate robust security measures throughout all phases of the software development process;
• Benefits: Minimizes security risks early in development, reducing the cost and effort of addressing security issues post-deployment;
• Implementation: Advising on best practices, such as threat modeling, risk assessments, and security-centric code design to enhance the security posture of the software.

3. Code Review

• Focus: Detailed examination of source code to identify and rectify bugs that could lead to security vulnerabilities;
• Methodology: Employ both automated tools and manual review techniques to scrutinize code for potential security flaws;
• Outcome: Guarantee cleaner, more secure code that adheres to security best practices and reduces the likelihood of security breaches.

4. Compliance and Governance

• Requirement: Guaranteeing that software complies with necessary regulatory and security standards;
• Standards Covered: Includes, but is not limited to, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and others depending on the geographical and sector-specific requirements;
• Strategy: Implement compliance checks and balances throughout the development and deployment processes to maintain adherence to legal and security standards.

Selecting an Optimal Security Partner for Your Business

The decision-making process for businesses when it comes to security partnerships is essential and can greatly influence the safeguarding of their digital operations. Companies must assess their unique needs within their IT infrastructure to determine the most appropriate type of security collaboration.

1. Cybersecurity Firms: These companies are often the go-to for businesses looking to fortify their overall digital defenses. They provide an array of services that protect against a wide range of cyber threats that can compromise data and disrupt operations. Ideal for companies facing high risks of cyber-attacks, cybersecurity firms offer solutions like threat intelligence, intrusion detection, and incident response that are vital for robust digital protection;
2. Software Security Companies: For businesses whose core operations involve software development, partnering with a software security company is essential. These firms specialize in integrating security from the initial phases of software design to its final release and updates. They focus on identifying and mitigating risks in the software development lifecycle, ensuring that the applications are secure from vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious entities.

For optimal security posture, some businesses may find it beneficial to engage both types of security firms. This dual approach allows for:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Securing all aspects of the business’s digital and developmental environments are shielded against potential threats;
• Specialized Focus: While cybersecurity firms provide broad protection against external threats, software security companies can deeply embed security measures within the software’s architecture, offering a more tailored security framework.

For those interested in more detailed aspects of software security or looking for companies that excel in developing secure software solutions, you can refer to the companies that develop security software solutions for further insights. This resource offers a comprehensive look into firms that specialize in creating robust security software tailored to modern threats. 

Conclusion

Understanding differences between cybersecurity and software security companies is essential for making informed decisions about protecting your digital assets. Each type of company offers services that cater to different aspects of security needs, whether it’s safeguarding your entire digital environment or focusing specifically on the software component. By understanding these differences, you can better assess which services align with your specific security requirements, guaranteeing that you invest in the right protection for your systems and data.

The post What is the difference between cybersecurity and software security companies? appeared first on Web-Entreprise Solutions.

Introduction to the Online Casino Landscape

Online gaming has taken the world by storm, with virtual casinos leading the charge. But behind every smooth spin of the roulette or shuffle of the cards, there’s a backbone: the software. Without it, the thrill would merely be a pipe dream.

The Significance of Software in Online Casinos

Imagine playing a game of online poker, and just when you’re about to win, the game lags! Or even worse, you’re spinning that slot machine, and just as you’re about to hit the jackpot, it crashes. Ugh, nightmares! This is where top-notch software comes into play.

Why’s the Software Such a Big Deal?

Well, think of software as the brain behind the operations. It’s like the director of a movie – ensuring everything runs smoothly, looks great, and gives you the feels! Here’s why it’s the MVP:

• Gameplay: The better the software, the smoother your game experience. No one wants a poker game that’s lagging, right?;
• Graphics and Sound: We all love those 3D graphics and dramatic sounds when we win. It’s the software that’s pulling all these strings to set the ambiance;
• Security: Ever got cold feet about putting your card details into a site? Good software ensures your personal and financial info is locked up tighter than Fort Knox;
• Variety: Like trying different games? Thank the software again! It’s the reason why you’ve got such a vast array of games to choose from;
• Live Play: Want to play with live dealers and feel like you’re in Vegas? Good software ensures your live streaming doesn’t buffer and ruin the fun.

Overview of Live Casinos

Now, stepping into the ever-evolving realm of live casinos. It’s the closest virtual encounter to a real-world casino you’ll get.

Introduction to Live Casinos

Live casinos transport you right into the heart of the action, where you can even interact with real dealers! But again, imagine streaming your favorite show, and it buffers. Annoying, right? The same principle applies here: the software ensures everything runs buttery smooth.

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Speaking of live casinos, ever checked out aviatorbetting.com? It’s a fascinating world there, encapsulating the essence of live casino gaming. Give it a whirl!

Different Categories of Casino Software

Delving deeper, there are primarily three giants in this realm:

Gaming Software

The heartthrob of casinos. These ensure your slots spin, cards shuffle, and roulette wheels turn. Essential, right?

Operational Software

Think of this as the backstage crew. They manage accounts, transactions, and more. Not glamorous, but indispensable.

Security Software

Guardians of the casino galaxy! They ensure your data remains locked away from prying eyes.

Key Players in Casino Software Development

There are a few bigwigs like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech who dominate the scene. They’re the masterminds ensuring your gaming remains uninterrupted and vibrant.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Casino Software

Before you splash around and make your pick, let’s have a chinwag about some vital tidbits you’ll wanna bear in mind. After all, ain’t nobody got time for lousy software experiences, right?

1. Compatibility is King

First off, imagine this: snagging the flashiest software only to realize it doesn’t gel with your device. Ugh! So, always check if the software vibes with your PC, mobile, or whatever gadget you’re on. You want them to be like PB & J – perfect for each other!

2. User Experience (UX) – Keep it Snazzy

Ever been on a site that felt like navigating through a maze blindfolded? Yeah, steer clear of that. Go for software that feels intuitive. It should be easy-peasy and make you think, “Man, even my grandma could rock this!”

3. Graphics & Sound – The Heart and Soul

Imagine playing poker and the cards look like they’ve been drawn by a 5-year-old. Nope, not cool! Stellar graphics and crisp sound? That’s the dream. It should feel so real that you can almost smell the virtual casino air.

4. Security – The Unsung Hero

You wouldn’t leave your front door open, would you? Then why compromise on security online? Choose software fortified with top-notch encryption. Your personal info and moolah need a digital knight in shining armor.

5. Game Variety – Spice It Up!

Monotony is a buzzkill. Ensure the software boasts a wide array of games. From spinning slots to intense poker bouts, variety is the zest of life…and online gaming!

6. Speed – No One Likes a Sloth

Remember the last time you waited ages for a page to load? Frustrating, right? Steer clear of software that moves at a snail’s pace. Life’s too short for buffering roulette wheels.

7. Support Squad – Your Lifeline

Even the best of us face hiccups. And when you do, you’ll need a stellar support team at your beck and call. 24/7 assistance? That’s the gold standard!

8. Flexibility & Updates

The digital realm is ever-evolving. Your chosen software should adapt, innovate, and keep things fresh with regular updates. Stagnation? Thank you, next!

9. Reviews & Reputation – Word on the Street

Before you dive in, do a quick snoop around. What are other gamers yammering about? Stellar reviews and a top-notch rep can save you from a world of regret.

10. Payment Options – Show Me the Money!

Whether you’re making it rain or cashing in your chips, you want smooth transactions. Multiple payment options, quick processing, and zero hitches? Yes, please!

The Future of Casino Software

Augmented Reality? Virtual Reality? The possibilities are endless. The future looks as bright as a jackpot light!

Conclusion

Online casinos are an exhilarating ride, and software is the unsung hero ensuring this journey remains smooth. So, the next time you’re engrossed in an online game, spare a thought for the software magic working behind the scenes.

The post Main Types of Software for Online Casinos appeared first on Web-Entreprise Solutions.

There is so much to learn about the ever-evolving human brand with controversy, and if you don’t know where you should start, we can help you with that. You can use this information to help grow your brand and become more successful.

The Relationship That Brands Have With Their Target Audience

Not all brands have the same relationship with their audience; this will differ based on various factors. These factors can include the brand’s personality and voice. A brand’s relationship with its target audience needs to be consistent with the rest of its branding; if it isn’t, this can send customers mixed signals that will confuse them and weaken your branding.

Your target audience needs to feel understood, and they should feel like your brand is helping them in every way that it can. This needs to be communicated to them to know your brand values. More brands than ever before communicating with their target audience, and this open dialogue benefits both the brand and the audience.

Why Brands Need To Be Open And Transparent

Customers have more leverage over the brands they engage with. This was not the case before, but we have seen this change occur, and some brands have handled this change better than others.

People expect more from brands and want to be kept in the loop. If you can not do this, you will be left behind by your target audience, looking for brands that can give them what they want.

Brands need to be transparent about what they are doing and why they are doing it. People are less likely to tolerate a brand that cannot do this. There are different types of controversies that a brand can have surrounding it, but you don’t want your brand dealing with people who don’t trust you anymore.

Brands And Controversy

Brands have embraced using different techniques to help them stand out when marketing what they have to offer. One technique that brands can use is controversy. Brands have started controversial campaigns that bring them more attention than they have ever received before, and they use this increased reach to introduce their brand and what they have to offer to anyone who will listen.

Some brands want to take this type of risk, and it works for them, but others don’t want to risk the trust and position they have already gained. A corporate branding agency can help brands create a strategy that will work for them and their target audience.

The Ever-Evolving Human Brand

Brands need to become more human if they want to communicate with the target audience and build customer loyalty. People want to know what a brand stands for, and if a brand can share this with people in a genuine way, they will have succeeded in gaining new customers and making them want to stay and find out more about the brand and what it is planning on doing.

To become more human, a brand needs to communicate with its customers often, but it also needs to understand its customers. If a brand doesn’t know who its customers are, it will have difficulty connecting with them. Branding agencies can help brands communicate with their target audience successfully and build long-lasting relationships that will benefit both the brand and the customers.

Making a brand feel human will not be easy, but the results will be worth it. You need to focus on your brand’s personality and voice and keep them consistent when communicating with your target audience. Creating a guide can help you stay consistent, and if you don’t know how you can do this, then a creative branding agency can do it instead and tell you what you need to know.

When making your brand more human, you need to make it seem like one of your customers. Your target audience should relate to what your brand is all about. If they can relate to it, they will support it and what it wants to do. Even if it’s a controversial campaign, your target audience will stand by the brand. This show of solidarity will cause other people to become interested in your brand and want to know why your customers are so loyal. This is the type of exposure you want to get when your brand is surrounded by controversy. It would help if you controlled the narrative to decide how people look at your brand.

Conclusion

People expect more from brands now than they have before, and brands need to keep up with these changes, or this will be left behind. Being open and transparent is essential to people, and brands need to give that to their customers. If a brand can do this, then if they decide to use a controversial campaign to increase the number of people they can reach, their customers will understand what the brand wants, and they may help the brand to get more people.

Not every brand can use controversial human branding, and using branding agencies to help you decide if it’s what you should do is essential for the best choice to be made.

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Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Small Business

The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

To compile this list of the top six project management software options, we reviewed 18 providers and rated them according to factors such as transparent pricing, types of dashboards available, integration compatibility, access to customer support and customer ratings. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Methodology

This list was a result of careful evaluation of 18 popular project management software platforms that small businesses use. We looked at each contender using our rubric that considers another 18 project management factors important to small businesses. Next, we gave each criterion a weighted score and tally all the scores together to land a final star rating.

Some factors we considered when choosing inclusions for this “best of” list include:

Cost and Fees

Small businesses must always be budget-conscious. For this reason, we looked for project management software with options for less than $8 per month per user. Companies with free versions received bonus points. Pricing accounts for 20% of the total score.

General Features and Functionality

We considered the software’s ability to offer basic project management tools (such as Kanban and Gantt charts) and customize the project management experience to your company’s needs, including via integrations or automation tools. We also checked to see if the platform offers a mobile app. General features amount to 20% of a product’s total score.

Additional Features

To further flesh out the scoring, we looked for functionality that goes above and beyond generic project management software. Tools that provide client access, invoicing functionality and budget tracking received extra points. This section makes up 20% of the final ranking.

Expert Score

A good project management software is one that any person on your team can learn to use with minimal tech training. The software options on this list offer tools to keep the learning curve manageable, such as pre-built templates.

When implementing new software into your company processes, you are bound to run into questions. We prioritized software solutions that offer the customer support needed to help you quickly and easily overcome these hurdles. All told, our expert analysis makes up another 20% of our score.

Customer Reviews

Finally, there is nothing more telling when assessing a choice than what customers who have used it think. We chose project management software options with at least 3.5-star ratings across their customer bases. These ratings encompass the final 20% of a company’s score.

What Is Project Management Software?

Project management software is a digital platform/tool that businesses or individuals use to plan projects, allocate and track project resources, schedule project timelines and tasks, assign tasks, track progress, capture and implement knowledge and ideas, and collaborate with team members for project completion.

How To Choose the Best Project Management Software

To choose a project management software, consider each provider’s cost and added fees, overall features and functionality offerings, reporting, integration capabilities, necessary features vs. feature overload, customer reviews and customer support. In this section, we walk you through how to approach this assessment.

Essential Project Management Software Features

Project management software has basic features that most projects need to be successful. However, extra or unique features make some software options better for certain teams or businesses. It’s important to do your research to understand what unique features might make your project more successful based on your team approach, type of business or type of project. Some highly utilized project management tools and features include:

• Budget planning tools. Budget planning tools allow you to upload your set budget, then track expenses and invoices to compare project costs to the planned budget. By tracking this variance, you can determine if you are running into a budgeting problem. Financial forecasting tools further help you to ensure you don’t run over budget or, worse, have to stop the project because of lack of funds.
• Resource management tools. Resource utilization tools allow you to plan, track and record where resources—such as your talent—are used in the project’s execution. In doing so, it helps to reveal gaps in availability or when certain team members are overused (risking burnout), then adjust resource allocation to prevent problems.
• Task management features. Task management features include automations (that eliminate redundant tasks from to-do lists). Examples include automating invoicing, the identification of critical project changes and managing project workflows. Other task management tools include boards (to visualize moving tasks through their stages to completion), calendars, timeline views, scheduling, task tracking and task prioritization.
• Risk management features. Common project risks include finishing over budget, with a lower-quality outcome than expected or not finishing on time. Many tools within a project management software can help you balance competing demands to finish the project as intended, including critical path charts, checklists, scheduling tools, cost breakdowns, cost variance reports and timelines.
• Reports and charts. Project management software offers digital charts for planning, tracking and readjusting your projects’ timelines, budget and quality as needed. For example, Kanban charts show tasks on a timeline board and their status. Gantt charts also give an overview of a project’s timeline complete with its phases, tasks and outputs. You can gather or feed data into these charts to update in real time.
• Mobile app. Mobile apps help teams easily track, manage and deliver project deliverables from anywhere, helping to ensure all members are always in the know no matter where they are. Real-time knowledge can help them make smart decisions that keep projects progressing as planned. Apps also offer personalized content so team members know the tasks, activities and milestones they must complete each day.
• Integrations. Integrations help to boost a project management software’s performance and cater it to your needs. Slack and Google Drive integrations, for example, allow team members to collaborate within the software on project deliverables. And, Stripe allows your team to invoice clients for deliverables. Many project management software offer hundreds or even thousands of integration options.
• Client management tools. Many project management software offer various features for including your clients in the project’s execution, keeping them up to date on the project’s status and maintaining a professional relationship. Such tools include video-conferencing tools, invoicing and the ability to add clients as users to the project management software while maintaining control over what they can and cannot see.
• Collaboration tools. Many project management platforms offer tools to help project execution team members work together seamlessly, even across locations. Some come in the form of integrations, such as Slack. Others, however, are built in. Such built-in tools often include shared calendars, group chats, document sharing, chat forums and team email.
• Demos and team feedback. Project management software may have all the right features but, if your team isn’t comfortable with it, it may underperform in project execution. For this reason, many software programs offer demos your team can use to test them, even allowing you to pilot them in a real project. From there, you can gather team feedback to learn the software’s appropriateness for your team and needs.

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These software tools are especially needed for small businesses, where the management of individual business aspects is less specialised than in larger corporations. From bookkeeping to time tracking tools, these critical tools can ease the burden of small business management by allowing easily accessible and understood documentation of business activities. We’ve come up with a unique list of five essential pieces of software needed for small businesses to help you make your company run more efficiently.

How Does the Type of Business Affect What Software is Needed?

It is important first to identify what kinds of software will be most suited to your particular business needs. The operation of a small business works has vastly different needs to that of a larger corporation. Furthermore, each industry holds its own unique and essential requirements to ensure smooth business operation. A business with a large employee base will need a more comprehensive payroll software than a smaller business operating on the efforts of only a few individuals, while a business with a large base of clientele will need an accurate time tracking application to keep detailed documentation of which work is being done for which clients. Identifying and understanding what kind of business software is going to be most effective in adding value to your business practices is essential in making smart executive decisions.

Specific industry needs are also important to consider. The goods and services offered by your business will have a huge impact on your software requirements. Keeping a comprehensive track of client interactions or stock rotation can be more or less important depending on specifically what it is that your business is selling, and the market in which you are operating. Nevertheless, there are a number of software options that are essential for business operation.

1. Accounting Software

Accounting is, as everyone knows, an integral part of operating any business. Choosing the best accounting software for your business needs is highly important. But there are many types of accounting software which cater to a variety of different needs. Understanding what’s on offer will allow operators to select the best accounting software for small businesses, helping you to make more efficient use of your time and facilitating the monitoring of cash flow, expenditure, tax filing and other essential business data. Keeping your books accurate and up to date is integral to smooth business operation, and companies such as Xero, QuickBooks, and FreshBooks provide streamlined, easy to use accounting software for small businesses.

Payroll Software

One of the best accounting software options for small businesses to use is payroll software. A quality payroll software application, such as Xero software, will allow small business users to accurately and efficiently process payroll, pay slips, superannuation payments, year-end bonuses and a host of other payroll concerns common to any business operation. Easy to use payroll software can be a lifesaver for over encumbered small business owners, allowing smooth daily operation of business activities and making sure that employee satisfaction and morale is kept high through competent pay management. The ability to use streamlined software services like QuickBooks payroll software can take the hassle out of otherwise complicated and problematic processes and allow you more time to spend on what’s important for maintaining a successful business operation. Making sure your employees are paid correctly and on time, as well as keeping a comprehensive track of the expense of paying workers is a vital part of making sure your business is running smoothly. With companies such as FreshBooks competing to provide the best accounting software for small businesses, there has never been a wider array of tools available to make the lives of small business owners easier.

Tax Software

A comprehensive, easy to use and easily implemented tax software application can provide exactly what business owners need in order to navigate the complexities of any nation’s tax framework. It is well known that fulfilling legal tax obligations and calculating the best tax outcome for your business is one of the most important aspects of maintaining business integrity. The best accounting software programs on the market are those which provide small businesses with the ability to easily accommodate and deal with the complexities of different international tax regulations. Software applications such as Xero allow users to make efficient use of valuable time resources in dealing with tax.

2. Time Tracking Software

Time tracking software allows users to engage in effective time management through the detailed documentation of work performance on different tasks. Time is one of the most important resources a small business owner has, and the use of an appropriate time tracking tool allows businesses to better quantify their use of this precious commodity. Understanding how your and your workers’ time is spent by using time management software can let you identify areas of your business where you may be focusing too much or too little. Software from a company such as MinuteDock lets small businesses accumulate comprehensive data surrounding their time management, allowing you to record time spent on specific tasks or projects, by specific workers or groups, and therefore allowing you to better understand where your business can improve its use of time, to comprehensively document work effort spent on particular clientele, and also to better manage your charging of clients by quantifying the time resources spent on their projects. One of the most important things you can do as a small business is to check out a trial of free time tracking software from companies like MinuteDock: the value that can be added to your operation from time management software cannot be overstated.

3. Project Management Software

The best project management software can provide an invaluable logistical asset to your business operation. This type of software provides users with the important ability to organise complex projects by breaking them down into specific task segments while still allowing a comprehensive overall view of the project. Companies such as Trello allow the organisation and management of projects into easily understood segments, letting you increase your business efficiency by making the organisation of your complex projects a cinch. Not only will this kind of free project management software allow you to improve your organisational management of your business but it will also ensure that you know exactly how, where and why your resources are being expended toward the completion of a given project. A professional and well organised plan is furthermore essential to providing clients with the assurance of their project being completed in a timely, organised manner. In combination with a timekeeping program like MinuteDock, your clients will be able to understand exactly what is happening on their projects, allowing for simplified invoicing and payment processing. With the comprehensive documentation and organisation provided by these kinds of software services, a small business can remove hassle and make resource management easy.

4. Customer Relationship Management Software

One of the best ways to better understand your relationship with customers and to drive business growth is to use a CRM software tool in order to better analyse the ways in which your business interacts with its customer base. Small businesses are able to successfully manage customer relationships through the best CRM for small businesses. Companies such as Zoho provide users with a straightforward interface and present data in an easy to understand fashion in order to allow small business operators to gain valuable insight into business relationships, increase customer retention and drive the growth of sales. CRM software is able to provide vital and valuable assistance to small businesses which are trying to gain a better understanding of their interactions both with current and potential customers. The ability to identify valuable data trends within multiple interaction channels can add an innumerable amount of value to the operations of your small business. Better understanding the interactions you have with customers in your market is vital to the growth of your business, allowing you to identify appropriate areas to expend marketing resources and make the best use of the tools you have available to improve the performance of your company.

5. Communication Software

Effective and efficient communication, both internally within the business and externally towards customers, is vitally important to the successful operation of any small business. It is important to identify and make use of competent workflow software in order to maximise the efficiency of your business communications. Communication software, such as the likes of Skype and Slack, will allow your team to communicate and collaborate more effectively on all projects and allow your business to engage with customers and workers regardless of their locality. The ability for a modern small business to engage with global markets through the use of modern communication technology is almost unthinkable. Effective use of workflow and communication software will allow your business to expand the horizons of its market and help the organisation and communication between members of your team as much as any other software on this list. When used effectively in combination with streamlined management and timekeeping software applications, even the simplest of communication programs can allow your business to remain highly organised and efficient when working on any given project, as well as allow easier flow of communication to your customer base. Regardless of what industry you operate in, communication will remain an important part of your operation, and the choice of a suitable software to facilitate this can undoubtedly improve your business.

The post Essential Types of Software Every Business Needs appeared first on Web-Entreprise Solutions.

Following is a handpicked list of Top Decision Tools, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

Decision Making Techniques and Tools

1) SWOT Diagram

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT Diagram is an important management application that helps any organization to assess its current situation. It works as a basic guide for strategic planning.

Tool to create SWOT Diagram: Creately

Creately is an easy way to create SWOT diagrams online. It is one of the best tools in decision making that contains 100s of readymade SWOT analysis templates. It has a user-friendly interface that enables you to customize your diagrams. You can use this tool to collaborate around your organization strategies in real-time.

2) Decision Making Diagram

Decision making diagrams are graphs that enable you to map out the decision you have taken. It is one of the best decision making methods that helps you to estimate eventual actions based on the outcomes and risks. You can use this diagram for planning team strategy.

Tool to create Decision Making Diagram: Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a tool that helps you to build decision tree diagrams. This software can be used to collaborate with your teammates in realtime. It enables you to visualize potential paths and examine outcomes. Lucidchart can simplify decision making process using technical diagrams.

3) Strategy Map

Strategy map is a diagram that can be used to document strategic business goals. This map is created during the planning process of business. It is used as a primary material to check-in and review meetings.

Tool to create Strategy: Cascade Strategy

Cascade Strategy is a decision making tool that provides a drag and drop interface to build strategy Map. This tool supports a wide range of frameworks. It is one of the best tools for business decision making which allows you to export map to the PDF file format.

4) Decision Matrix

A decision matrix is a technique that contains values that helps you to identify and analyze the performance of the system. The elements of a decision matrix show results depend on specific criteria.

Tool to create Decision Matrix: Mindtools

Mindtools convert your data into row and column. It represents table row as your decision and factor as a column. It is one of the best decision analysis tools which enables you to score each option from 0 (indicate poor) to 5 (indicate very good).

5) Pareto Analysis

Pareto Analysis is a method for decision-making. It is also known as 80/20 rule meaning, 20% of your activities will account for 80% of your results. It is used for prioritizing possible changes by identifying the problems and resolve them.

Tool to create Pareto Analysis: Visual Paradigm

Visual Paradigm helps you to add or input data to your pareto chart easily. It is one of the best tools of decision making that enables you to change chart’s fonts and colors without any hassle. This tool automatically generates a chart based on the data available in the Google Sheet. Visual Paradigm allows you to resize the chart to any dimension.

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Tracking projects in Jira through different views it’s an action directly related to the mechanisms the tools may provide to track projects, from a tactical or an operational perspective, while tracking project through reports has a high-level monitoring objective. 

How to track projects in Jira through its views?

As we have already mentioned, Jira projects are not what’s usually understood as a proper project within an organization, therefore, whenever we talk about monitoring projects in Jira or monitoring “whatever “, it has to be from the context of the issues and, for them, Jira has different views that will allow you to track them:

1. The Jira Issue Navigator

The Issue Navigator, is the main view of Jira for monitoring purposes, aims to display a set of issues that respond to one or more search criteria on a single screen.

To carry out these searches, you have a search engine that allows you to select these criteria (based on the data of the issues) in a basic or advanced way through a Jira search language called JQL.

This view allows to incorporate the columns you want (each column corresponds to a type of data regarding the issues), save these searches as filters to later consult them without having to create the search again, or simply share the searches with other users.

In addition to this, Jira offers default mechanisms to export issues to different formats, although in the Atlassian Marketplace you’ll find apps that incorporate considerable improvements to exporting options, there are other options that allows subscribing to these searches, and receive in your mailbox a weekly summary, or whenever you want to receive it, that will also help you in the tracking of your projects.

2. Jira Boards 

Jira boards are only available for those teams that use Jira Software or Next-Gen Projects in Jira Cloud, and there are two types of boards: Scrum Boards and Kanban Boards. 

Both of them are designed for agile teams that work with Scrum or Kanban methodologies. If for a moment, we ignore these views are created to support Scrum or Kanban, we can say that they are the mechanism that Jira provides to facilitate visual monitoring of the issues, converting their statuses into columns, and issues into cards.

1. Scrum point of view: this view allows to track the product backlog, as well as the sprints.
   
2. Kanban point of view: Jira allows to limit the WIP and keep track of it. Besides, it shows the times of the issues in each column so that later we can measure the Cycle Time (we will see better the latter in the reporting article).

If you aren’t an advanced Jira user, it’s important to emphasize: the Scrum and Kanban views are associated with the projects by default, that is, having a Kanban board or a Scrum board for each Jira project is normal. However, it is possible to have a Scrum board and / or a Kanban board associated with multiple Jira projects.

3. Jira Queues

Jira Queues are available only for teams that use Jira Service Desk, although we are talking about project tracking, it probably seems strange that we are talking about a Service Desk (because it’s a service-oriented product and not so much to manage projects,)let’s not forget that Jira organizes the portals by projects, that is, a Jira project is a Service Desk portal and each of these has an exclusive view to monitoring them, in this case, the view will be on the project tickets.

These views are called Queues and, in them, it’s possible to configure different filters, allowing people in charge, answering the tickets to view the issues that have meet their search criteria.

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If we get to classify the situations our customers face in their day-to-day when implementing Atlassian software tools, in most cases, the large majority of people who should use them, reject them because there are shortcomings that haven’t been considered beforehand the implementation. The cases vary, ranging from the use of office applications such as Excel and Outlook to ticketing tools such as OTRS, Zendesk, ServiceNow, and even unsupported versions of Jira.

Our first approach to deal with this situation, in order to achieve successful change management is to analyze it from a higher point of view to determine the root causes. Once that’s identified, we approach the situation from two viewpoints:

•    Technical: We understand the specific causes and procedures that have led the customer to decide to change their current tools for Atlassian products, allowing us to propose what products could potentially solve the problems and needs.
  
•    Cultural: Users’ perception of current software tools is usually one of the most common causes. People tend to perceive them as useless; therefore, they seek other solutions outside these tools (which initially were imposed without further consideration) and disrupt the system, which brings us back to the technical aspect.

Whenever an enterprise software tool (management or ticketing) is changed, which is a significant change, it’s very likely to generate resistance to change among organization users. At DEISER, we know that proposing a technical solution is necessary; however, this proposal could be insignificant if it’s a cultural problem.

What should an organization consider when changing its software?

John Kotter, professor emeritus of Harvard University, twenty-one years ago, published a book called “Leading Change” there, Kotter presented eight phases to a methodology that helps to change. This process applies to different situations: for personal and organizational change.
In the case, an organization is considering changing its software toolset, and it’s expecting those to be accepted within the company culture, we propose to follow this series of steps designed to be focused from the company’s cultural point of view:

1. Create a sense of urgency

Getting people out of their comfort zone is one of the first steps to take during the process. This will allow people to understand the need for change, and it’s beneficial both individually and organizationally. Some keys to creating this sense of urgency include:

•    Before formulating the need, it’s necessary to discuss the current problems with the entire organization and gather all opinions.
•    Address all the concerns of the team.
•    Making the problem visible to the organization.
•    Create the need.

Spend time enough time on this step. This point is critical, and it’s necessary to have the entire organization on board.

2. Create a team or alliances

Identify team leaders. Involve them as part of the change to create a common front; this is a valuable strategy, especially if each of these people belongs to different teams; that way, you’ll have change agents in different places throughout the whole company. This team of people will be driven by a sense of urgency and will help convince the rest of the organization about the need to change. This team should, among other things:

•    Analyze risks and challenges related to this change.
•    Have regular performance measures available.
•    Assign roles and responsibilities to these change leaders.

3. Create a vision for the change

Change can be challenging to understand, especially for less involved teams. It’s necessary to create an easy-to-understand vision that summarizes the main objective. By making the vision more tangible and straightforward, it will be motivating.

These first three steps are relevant functions that, usually, the team of consultants should perform during the pre-sales and execution phases of a software tools change project; In this particular step should cover the following:

•    Before introducing the need, it’s necessary to discuss the problems with the whole team and gather every opinion.
•    Address all of the concerns of the team.
•    Make the organization aware of the problem.
•    Create the need.

4. Communicate the vision of change

Once the vision is defined, it must be shared with the organization. At this point, it’s common to find resistance among the different teams.
For change to be successful, it’s essential to detect what generates that resistance to the proposed change and create channels of conversation to explain the reason for the change through the established vision. To make communication effective, consider these factors:

•    Establish a mechanism to receive feedback based on people’s concerns and doubts.
•    Ensure the entire organization is aware of the motives for the change and has access to the vision; find a way to make them part of the change.
•    Communicate constant, straightforward, and simple.

5. Empower the team and eliminate the barriers

During the first four phases, the team will be detecting hindrances that could potentially slow down the change. It’s necessary to identify those as soon as possible and neutralize them. The actions recommended at this point are:

•    Analyze the obstacles from the worker’s perspective.
•    Clearly understand the obstacles and break them down for better analysis.
•    Provide proper training to empower individuals of different teams.
•    Ensure there’re channels to communicate about possible hindrances.
•    Convince people to collaborate in implementing the change actively

6. Define short-term objectives

Implementing changes is a long-term goal, and it can demotivate the team if they don’t have short-term objectives. It’s positive to define them for shorter time frames. It will help achieve them easier, providing a sense that the vision of change is implemented step by step.

Defining short-term objectives implies less pressure. When planning the implementation of these “bits of change,” the prioritization of the initiatives must also be considered. The failure to meet an objective at an early stage of change can lead to demotivation.

The post Change management tips when introducing new enterprise software appeared first on Web-Entreprise Solutions.

Traditionally, the professions usually fully devoted to track projects are Project Managers, Product Managers, Product Owners; from Jira’s point of view they would be equivalent to any person with enough knowledge, known as Project Lead, or just any other person interested in tracking project updates in Jira..

What is Project Tracking?

Project tracking is a broader concept, depending on the standpoint (needs, capacity, tasks, internal/external factors…). In this case, it’s the capacity of an organization to identify the status of each project, how these evolve over time, and the capacity of determining whether they are finished or about to, or even the capacity of determining whether a project could result in an economic hazard (or not.)

Aspects subject to project tracking:

When tracking projects, there are some common aspects to be followed to, such as:

•    Registering overall data of the whole context surrounding the project.
•    Economical attributes.
•    Completed tasks (or those yet to be completed.)
•    The capacity of the resources committed to the project.
•    Follow-up of current and potential risks.
•    Etc…

How to perform project tracking?

There are different ways and aspects of a project which can be tracked. However, it’s desirable to centralize all the project information. This will allow an easier collaboration along with each stakeholder. Spreading the project information in more than one platform may lead to communication faults or mistakes when performing project tracking.

Imagine the chaos when having the information related to a project it’s scattered over an agenda, a spreadsheet, a Trello board, and so on… Project tracking is cursed not to be very effective.

Project tracking is everyone’s business

Project tracking with Jira can be a job for Project Managers or simply for Jira Administrators with this responsibility on their shoulders or with the will to gain tighter control over the projects they administer on an instance.

Anyways, the obtained benefits are the same, the methodology or the role are not requirements to achieve project control in Jira with Projectrak. When making project tracking with this app for Jira you will be finally able to abandon the duplicated information around your Excel sheets, as well as over a variety of software platforms which probably causes disinformation and confusion among teams.

The time to encourage collaborative teamwork on projects has come; generate a greater sense of collaboration and responsibility among each project stakeholder it should be a standard, the tracking of projects is not an exclusive task for those responsible for the project, project tracking is everyone’s business.

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