Geisel Software

Maximize Productivity: 5 Essential Strategies for Leading Remote Software Teams

kwattu — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:57:41 +0000

Maximize Productivity: 5 Essential Strategies for Leading Remote Software Teams

kwattu Wed, 11/29/2023 - 16:57

Navigating the world of remote work can be like trying to synchronize a cross-country orchestra: Sarah in San Francisco is just beginning her day, Mike in New York is already eyeing his lunch break, and Emily in Chicago is deep into her morning meetings. Meanwhile, you're there, attempting to align their schedules for a single standup meeting. Yes, remote work broadens your talent pool and offers unmatched flexibility, but it's not without its hurdles. Fear not, whether you're a seasoned pro in management or just stepping into the realm of virtual leadership, steering a remote software team can be more seamless than you think. Here are 5 practical tips to transform these challenges into triumphs:

Tip #1: Master the Art of Communication

Good communication is the lifeblood of remote teamwork. Consider adopting various communication styles for different needs: quick check-ins might be perfect for project updates, while more complex discussions can be reserved for video calls. Set clear remote meeting rules and ensure every voice is heard to significantly improve team dynamics and productivity. Embrace tools like shared calendars for scheduling and digital whiteboards for brainstorming sessions. And remember, overcommunication is better than leaving room for assumptions.

Tip #2: Embrace Your Digital Toolbox

The right set of tools can make or break a remote team. Tools for email, file sharing, instant messaging, project management, and video conferencing are essential. Favorites like Slack, Zoom, Trello, and Google Drive can help facilitate seamless collaboration. Investing time in picking the right tools isn't just smart; it's a game-changer. And don’t forget about cybersecurity – ensure that your team uses secure, encrypted tools to protect sensitive information.

Tip #3: A Personal Productivity-Enhancing Workspace

A dedicated workspace can significantly boost focus and productivity. Finding a quiet space equipped with essential technology like a reliable internet connection, computer, microphone, and video camera will create a distraction-free zone and is crucial for maintaining professional and personal life balance. Encourage your team to personalize their workspaces. Ergonomic chairs, noise-cancelling headphones, good lighting and even desk plants can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency.

Tip #4: Ssshhhhh! Implement Quiet Hours

To foster deep focus, introduce communication quiet hours. During this time, team members turn off instant messaging apps and email notifications. This can be a team-wide quiet time or individual zen hours. Consider allowing team members to choose hours that work best for them, acknowledging their different work rhythms and time zones.

Tip #5: Champion Self-Care

Last but not least, encourage your team to practice self-care. Breaks are vital for mental and physical well-being. Promote practices like “walking” phone meetings to combine physical activity with work. Regular check-ins on workload and well-being can help keep burnout at bay and keep your team motivated and healthy. Consider flexible working hours to accommodate different life responsibilities and rhythms, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Leading a remote software team effectively is all about striking the right balance. It's a mix of choosing the best tools, implementing smart communication strategies, and maintaining an empathetic approach towards your team members. By embracing these five key strategies, you're setting the stage for building a team that's not only cohesive and productive but also genuinely content.

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Biden’s AI Executive Order: A Catalyst for Innovation or a Regulatory Conundrum?

kwattu — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:09:48 +0000

Biden’s AI Executive Order: A Catalyst for Innovation or a Regulatory Conundrum?

kwattu Wed, 11/01/2023 - 18:09

Remember when Apple's Face ID was tricked by twins? Or the incident with Uber’s self-driving car? And the time Strava’s heatmap inadvertently exposed military bases? These AI misadventures not only grabbed headlines but also underscored the urgent need for enhanced privacy and safety protocols in the realm of artificial intelligence.

Enter President Biden with his executive order to create AI safeguards. It's a move that's sparked debate: Can such regulations enhance innovation in AI, or might they inadvertently hinder the pace of technological breakthroughs?

The Objective

The Executive Order sets out to affirm the United States' leadership in AI. It's a delicate balance to strike — fostering innovation while protecting American values and security. The question at hand is not about the objective but the approach: Will regulation truly serve as a springboard for innovation in the AI sector?

Trust in AI

The order places a premium on creating AI that's safe, secure, and transparent. It's a noble aim, but how will these principles be implemented in a way that doesn't curb the very creativity and risk-taking that drive technological advances?

Building on Previous Foundations

Building on the National AI Initiative Act, which promotes AI research and development, the new order seeks to further its objectives and directives. The consideration at play is the execution — will these policies possess the agility required to keep pace with the swift progress characteristic of AI's evolution?

Key Highlights

Public Trust: The order advocates for AI systems that are transparent and accountable. The challenge will be in ensuring these systems don't sacrifice innovation for the sake of oversight.
Public Participation: The order advocates for public involvement in shaping AI policy. The question is how to successfully incorporate public feedback into the rapidly advancing cycle of AI development.
Scientific Integrity: AI is to be developed on a foundation of sound science. Yet, one wonders if regulatory interpretations of 'sound' will align with the industry's cutting-edge aspirations.
Safety and Security: The safety of AI systems is emphasized, but the real test will be in the practical application of these safety standards.
Federal Agencies' Role: Agencies are tasked with updating AI strategies. But will bureaucratic processes match the agility required by the AI field?
Collaboration: The order encourages collaboration, yet it remains to be seen how competitive interests will balance with the call for shared progress.
Research & Development: There's a commitment to research funding, but will it be sufficient and timely enough to fuel the next wave of AI innovation?
Workforce: The order highlights the need for workforce training in AI. It raises questions about whether current educational systems are equipped to fulfill this growing need.
Implementation & Reporting: The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is overseeing the order's implementation, but will this facilitate or complicate the path to innovation?

Wrapping Up

The Executive Order indicates a commitment to steer AI development responsibly, prioritizing safety and ethical standards. In a domain as fluid and fast-paced as AI, striking the right balance between direction and restriction is crucial. We’ll have to wait and see how the order will translate into practical outcomes.

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Achieving Success in Software Outsourcing Partnerships: 8 Essential Tips

snorris — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:25:04 +0000

Achieving Success in Software Outsourcing Partnerships: 8 Essential Tips

snorris Thu, 10/19/2023 - 17:25

Introduction

As technology continues to play an increasingly central role in the business landscape, software development partnerships have proven to be an invaluable resource for organizational success. By working with a software development partner, your organization gains access to transformative, custom solutions that drive enhanced productivity and innovation. This is because custom solutions offer unparalleled opportunities to address unique organizational needs and challenges, optimize processes, and stay ahead in the market.

But how can you make sure to get the most out of these pivotal relationships and projects? The essence of a successful partnership lies in effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision. We've taken our decades of experience working with businesses to identify strategies and offer tips on how to foster a productive and valuable relationship with a custom development partner.

8 Tips for a Successful, Productive Relationship

1. Clear Communication:

Clear, concise, and open communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership. Practices like regular check-ins and updates keep both parties informed about project progress and any emerging roadblocks. The use of live communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams can help facilitate these real-time conversations, ensuring alignment and mutual understanding. It’s also beneficial to share insights about your communication style and preferences with your outsourcing partner as a way to set out on the right path before the project goes into full swing.

2. Define Expectations and Goals:

Setting clear expectations and goals from the outset of the project is paramount. Explicitly articulating the project’s objectives, deliverables, timelines, and quality standards ensures alignment and serves as a roadmap, preventing misunderstandings and fostering mutual satisfaction. With the expectations and goals clearly set, your outsourcing partner will be able to hit the ground running and move with confidence through the development process.

3. Establish a Collaborative Culture:

Whether your outsourcing partner is undertaking all of the project’s development work, or simply augmenting your organization’s development team, creating a culture that values collaboration and inclusivity is crucial. You can help foster this type of environment by encouraging all team members to voice their ideas, feedback, and concerns openly. This type of inclusive environment ensures that every team member feels valued and heard, promoting a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

4. Commit to Proven Development Methodologies:

Software development project success hinges on efficient processes. Seasoned development teams utilize various, proven development methodologies like Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall to enhance adaptability, efficiency, and project success. These approaches involve processes like regular sprint reviews and retrospectives to facilitate continuous improvement and adjustments to changing requirements, ensuring the project remains resilient to emerging needs and challenges. Make sure your team understands and, if applicable, utilizes these proven methodologies to enhance your overall project success.

5. Constructive Feedback:

Constructive feedback can come from both sides of the custom development partnership. When either partner misses the mark, constructive feedback is a powerful tool for timely pivots and improvements. For example, one organization might offer constructive feedback to the other organization’s team through a code review or make suggestions for improving its development processes.

It’s necessary that both parties not only feel comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback, but also promptly acting on it. This approach refines processes and outcomes, enhancing the overall quality of the project.

6. Embrace Transparency:

Transparency is integral to building and maintaining trust with your development partner. Openly sharing information regarding project status, challenges, and progress enables informed decision-making and contributes to the overall success and integrity of collaboration. Transparency goes both ways as well. A good development partner should provide transparency and honesty regarding all aspects of the development process on their end.

7. Develop a Shared Vision:

Creating a shared vision sets a compass direction for the partnership. Collaboratively developing a mutual understanding of the project’s purpose and the impact you aim to achieve serves to foster commitment and purpose among team members. Sharing information about your vision from the project’s onset will help ensure that the end product fits within the greater scope of your needs and ambitions.

8. Address Challenges Proactively:

Proactively addressing challenges is crucial for the longevity and success of any partnership. Collaboratively exploring solutions and learning from each experience strengthens the partnership and ensures its sustained success.

The Value of Custom Software Solutions:

Outsourcing custom software development is beneficial for businesses seeking cost-effective and scalable solutions, as well as startups with limited resources who are looking to quickly build and launch their software products.

Custom developers like Geisel Software offer the following benefits:

Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing can be more cost-effective by reducing overhead costs, eliminating recruitment and training expenses, and offering scalable solutions with predictable budgeting. Additionally, faster development cycles and access to the latest technologies can accelerate revenue generation and reduce maintenance costs.

Scalability: External partners can quickly scale up or down based on your project’s requirements. This relieves both the financial and time burden of hiring, training and later laying off full-time employees from internal teams.

Risk Mitigation: The responsibility of delivering a project successfully is shared with the outsourcing partner. If any issues arise, both parties work together to resolve them, distributing the risk. Outsourcing can also help in mitigating operational risks such as recruitment challenges, employee turnover, and training costs.

Faster Time-to-Market: External partners’ deep expertise and resources allow them to deliver products faster than internal teams, allowing you to capture revenue earlier, establish brand leadership, and drive innovation in your industry.

Innovation: Partnering with an external team gives you access to a diverse set of technical skills and engineers who are passionate about staying ahead of the technology curve. Additionally, outsourcing partners often bring new perspectives and ideas, leading to innovative solutions that an in-house team might not have considered.

Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing your software development needs to an external partner allows your team to focus on its core competencies. By channeling resources and energy into what you do best, your organization can differentiate itself in the marketplace and deliver unparalleled value to its customers.

By aligning with a software outsourcing partner, organizations can leverage specialized skills and expertise to quickly develop innovative solutions that keep them a step ahead of the competition.

Final Thoughts

The journey to building a successful partnership is continuous and rewarding. It involves nurturing the relationship, leveraging each other’s strengths, and collaboratively working towards common objectives. A well-forged partnership with a custom developer means ready access to powerful custom software solutions. And, if managed correctly, that partnership will live beyond your initial project, and remain a vital resource to your organization far into the future.

Let’s get to work on your next project! Get in touch with our team and take that first step towards powerful, game-changing software solutions.

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One Giant Leap for Productivity: Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT - Tech Talk

geisel — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:22:39 +0000

One Giant Leap for Productivity: Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT - Tech Talk

geisel Wed, 09/06/2023 - 17:22

At GSI, one of our core values is continuous education. To foster this culture of learning, we hold weekly tech talks. You’re invited to sit in on this tech talk given by GSI CEO, Brian Geisel, where he delves into how to boost your productivity using ChatGPT!

Use the button below to download our ChatGPT quick guide for developers which lays out the 10 best & worst uses for ChatGPT in software development!

ChatGPT 10 Best & Worst Uses Quick Guide

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Geisel Software Clinches a Coveted Spot on Inc. 5000's List of America's Fastest-Growing Companies For Second Consecutive Year

kwattu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:47:10 +0000

Geisel Software Clinches a Coveted Spot on Inc. 5000's List of America's Fastest-Growing Companies For Second Consecutive Year kwattu Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:47

GEISEL SOFTWARE CLINCHES A COVETED SPOT ON THE INC. 5000'S LIST OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

A robust growth rate of over 237% earns the company a spot at the top half of the list.

WORCESTER, MA (August 15, 2023) – Today, Geisel Software, an innovator in custom software development, proudly announces its second consecutive recognition on Inc. magazine's prestigious list of America's fastest-growing private companies. The Inc. 5000 is more than a list—it's a testament to business resilience, innovation, and foresight. Brands like Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, and Patagonia all began their journey to national acclaim on this very list. Now, for the second year running, Geisel Software has solidified its position, ranking at 2,327 among 5,000 standout companies.

"Our team doesn't just develop software; we tackle some of the industry's most complex technical challenges, especially in the realms of robotics, AI/ML, and IoT," asserted Brian Geisel, CEO of Geisel Software. "Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 for the second year in a row isn't just about growth numbers; it's a testament to our relentless pursuit of solutions where others see barriers."

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. The Inc. 5000 recognition puts Geisel Software in the top 47% of all privately-owned companies in America in terms of multi-year growth.

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000 — with the fast growth that requires — is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

About the Inc. 5000

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent — not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies — as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. The entire Inc. 5000 list can be found at  http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

In-house (DIY) vs. Outsourcing: a Crucial Software Development Showdown

snorris — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:59:56 +0000

In-house (DIY) vs. Outsourcing: a Crucial Software Development Showdown

snorris Thu, 07/27/2023 - 19:59

Introduction

In today's tech-centric world, custom software solutions are not only a boon but a necessity for businesses to maintain a competitive edge. By tailoring software to meet specific business needs, companies can optimize their operations, deliver unmatched customer experiences, and unlock unprecedented growth avenues. However, the question arises - should businesses assemble in-house teams to develop custom software (DIY), or should they outsource the process to expert software development companies?

The Allure and Pitfalls of In-House Software Development

If you’re in need of a new custom software solution or software development in general, you have two main options: outsource your needs to a custom development team, or develop in-house (DIY). There's something appealing about developing your own software in-house. The perceived control over the process, the intimate involvement in shaping the project, and the general feeling of accomplishment can make it sound like the ideal approach. However, the reality is often more complicated and less rosy.

In this article, we’ll cover the hidden challenges and pitfalls of the DIY development approach, and why outsourcing your development needs is the safer, smarter approach.

What You Need to Know

Creating a New Team:

Creating a new software development team from scratch isn't as simple as it sounds. It requires a substantial amount of time and resources in terms of recruiting, onboarding, training, and retaining talent. Hiring software developers is a costly endeavor, not just in terms of their salaries, but also the expenses related to their workspace, equipment, software licenses, and continual professional development. In addition to top-notch developers, you’ll need software development managers and Q&A folks. Lastly, you might assemble a team only to discover that you’re missing some key expertise that’s crucial to your project. As projects evolve, it’s common for the solution to complexify, and with that comes an unexpected need for certain skills and expertise. Running into this common scenario could set your project back weeks or months.

Timelines and Setbacks:

The business world moves fast and your software development projects should too. While creating an in-house software development team might feel like the quickest path to completion, it usually isn’t. It can take many months to fully form a functioning software development team, and additional months after that to finish your first project. Furthermore, new teams tend to face more roadblocks than well-established teams, meaning that you’ll likely experience numerous disruptions in your development process.

Distraction from Core Competencies:

Managing an in-house team can create a significant diversion from your company's core competencies as it requires the attention of senior management, administrative overhead, and infrastructure, which can be utilized more effectively in core operations or strategic endeavors. Instead of focusing on your primary products or services, you may find you and your teams caught up in software development, which can be a complex, demanding, and ever-evolving terrain. This can cause general frustration and reduced productivity across your teams. The worst-case scenario here is that the project fails while also deterring organizational progress elsewhere.

Reinventing the Wheel:

Lastly, the DIY approach may lead to a 'reinventing the wheel' situation wherein companies end up spending their precious time solving problems that custom development companies have already encountered and resolved. If there’s a problem you’re facing and a need that arises out of that problem, odds are that others have encountered the same situation and the solution already exists. Because custom development companies see all kinds of problems come through their doors they tend to have ready-made solutions to common problems, which can save your organization months of development time.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Software Development

Right now, it probably sounds like software development is just a big headache and that you should avoid it like jury duty. But the good news is that there’s a simple solution!

Outsourcing your software development needs is by far the easiest and most surefire way to get the results you want without the headache. Not convinced yet? Let’s talk about why outsourcing is the preferred approach for so many companies.

Access to Top-Tier Talent:

One of the primary advantages of outsourcing is instant access to a wide pool of talent. Outsourcing partners have dedicated teams of experts who are already versed in the best practices and current trends in software development. Your outsourcing partner can build a strategically selected team that hits the ground running, significantly reducing the project's lead time.

Reduced Cost:

Outsourcing is often more cost-effective. Businesses can avoid the large, upfront investment associated with hiring an in-house team and instead pay for the specific services they need only when they need them. This is in contrast to using an in-house team, where you’ll need to keep paying your team of developers after your project is over, and until your next project begins. And you might discover that your team’s skillset doesn’t even cover the scope of your next project. This is where the flexibility of outsourcing shines!

Flexibility and Scalability:

As projects evolve, your needs will evolve too! A project that started with a full team of developers might end up requiring only one or two developers as the end of the project approaches. On the other hand, your project might actually require you to quickly scale up your resources and add developers at a moment’s notice. Custom development companies can quickly allocate and scale-back talent when needed to ensure a smooth development lifecycle. This means that you only pay for what you need and get it exactly when you need it!

End-to-End Project Management:

You can rely on your software development partner to manage the entire project lifecycle, from design and development to testing, deployment, and maintenance. Seasoned custom development companies are perfectly equipped to manage every step of the process and ensure that your project stays on track and doesn’t become a burden to your team or organization.

Faster Time to Market:

All of the aforementioned factors add up to one of the most important aspects of project management, time. Top-tier talent under expert leadership combined with seamless flexibility and scalability means that your project will be finished on time and within budget. When it comes to mission-critical projects, there’s no room for guesswork, and that’s why outsourcing your development needs is simply the best approach for your next project.

For more about the benefits of outsourcing your development needs, check out Why You Should Outsource Software Development: 5 Proven Reasons.

Conclusion

While developing software in-house might sound appealing, it’s crucial to be aware of the challenges involved. Outsourcing software development to an experienced partner offers a more flexible, cost-effective, and efficient way to develop custom software solutions while allowing your team to concentrate on what it does best.

Let’s get to work on your next project! Get in touch with our team and take that first step towards powerful, game-changing software solutions.

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Why You Should Outsource Software Development: 5 Proven Reasons

snorris — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:39:23 +0000

Why You Should Outsource Software Development: 5 Proven Reasons

snorris Thu, 07/20/2023 - 19:39

Introduction:

In today's fiercely competitive and technology-driven landscape, software development has become the cornerstone of business success across virtually every industry. Yet, many companies fail to capitalize on the power of custom applications and solutions because they lack the resources and expertise needed to tackle complex software projects.

Companies in this position have two choices. They can either try to get an in-house team together and DIY the project, or they can outsource software development to a seasoned custom development team.

In this article, we outline all of the reasons why companies should consider harnessing the power of partnerships to revolutionize their software development endeavors and avoid the pitfalls of the DIY path.

5 Reasons to Outsource:

1. Access to Top Talent:

Custom development companies offer clients a vast pool of top-tier talent in an on-demand fashion and come equipped with both internal quality control measures and expert project management. By outsourcing software development, you can tap into this talent pool without the need to invest time and resources in hiring and training new developers, software development managers, and QC professionals, internally.

Only pay for what you need! Many custom development companies offer flexible engagement models, allowing you to scale your development team based on your project's needs, further optimizing costs. This means that if you suddenly only need a couple of engineers when you initially needed a dozen, that’s okay! The team will scale back to fit your needs and is always ready to scale up when needed. No need for internal layoffs or developers twiddling their thumbs.

2. Cost Savings:

Working with a seasoned development team will save you money for two main reasons: 1) you don’t have to incur the initial costs of creating your own team, and 2) you’ll get a finished and ready product the first time around, every time.

The cost of setting up an in-house development team, including salaries, benefits, infrastructure, and ongoing training is immense. Additionally, getting a new team off the ground takes many months to achieve, which means pushing your project timeline back considerably. These fixed costs can only be avoided by working with an existing, external team that’s ready to go.
Top-tier developers bring valuable expertise to the table, including knowledge of best practices, industry standards, and the latest technologies. This experience enables them to deliver high-quality software efficiently, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes or reworks. This means that the client can count on getting the right product on time, the first time around.

3. Focus on Core Competencies:

The power of collaboration and specialization is that each party can focus on what they are best at. Software development is a highly specialized discipline and trying to DIY your software needs can drain the energy and resources you need elsewhere.

Outsourcing software development allows companies to focus on their core competencies and strategic initiatives. Developing high-quality software requires specialized skills, knowledge, and experience. By entrusting this responsibility to a dedicated software development partner, companies can redirect their internal resources and expertise toward their core business activities, such as product development, sales, marketing, and customer service.

When companies try to handle software development in-house, they often face significant challenges. Building and maintaining a skilled software development team requires substantial time, effort, and investment. It involves recruiting, training, and retaining talented professionals, as well as providing the necessary infrastructure and resources. By partnering with a custom software development company, companies can avoid these challenges and instead focus on what they do best. They can leverage the expertise of the software development company to create tailored solutions that meet their unique business requirements while allowing their internal teams to concentrate on strategic initiatives and adding value to their core operations. This division of labor enables companies to improve efficiency, productivity, and overall business performance. This will protect your organization's productivity and efficiency while avoiding needless distractions.

4. Faster Time to Market:

Speed-to-market is crucial in today's competitive business landscape. Whether you’re trying to get a new product to market or implement a new internal solution it’s crucial that you move quickly and efficiently. Custom development companies can accelerate your project timelines significantly compared to those who choose to build their own internal team.

Custom software providers have well-established development processes, streamlined workflows, and a dedicated team solely focused on delivering your project within the agreed timelines. With their expertise and experience, they can efficiently handle various aspects of the development cycle, from requirement analysis to quality assurance, resulting in faster project completion and quicker time to market. Lastly, you can be sure that you’ll get the right product the first time around, with no need for de-bugging and no unnecessary delays.

5. Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability:

Software development needs are rarely static, and requirements can change throughout the project lifecycle. Custom development companies offer the advantage of flexibility and scalability to adapt to your evolving needs. Their diverse talent pools allow them to plug in engineers with specialized skills when and where they’re needed. They can quickly allocate additional resources or adjust the project scope based on your changing requirements, ensuring that your software development project remains on track. This scalability enables you to respond to market demands, incorporate user feedback, and make necessary adjustments without significant disruptions or delays.

Conclusion:

Outsourcing software development to custom development companies presents numerous benefits for businesses seeking efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality software solutions. Instant access to top talent, cost savings, the ability to focus on core competencies, faster time to market, and enhanced flexibility are key reasons why companies should consider this approach and why our trusted clients would tell you the same.

Let’s get to work on your next project! Get in touch with our team and take that first step towards powerful, game-changing software solutions.

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CI/CD: Are You Doing It Right?

geisel — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:36:59 +0000

CI/CD: Are You Doing It Right?

geisel Wed, 06/28/2023 - 19:36

Intro

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) is a powerful development methodology that can significantly benefit software development teams. Simply put, CI/CD aims to optimize and automate most of the labor usually needed to get software from a commit to production. However, as with any approach, CI/CD needs to be carefully and thoughtfully implemented in order to yield the best results.

It’s essential to set up a robust infrastructure that can handle the demands of continuous integration and deployment before you adopt the methodology. This includes using automated testing and deployment tools, establishing clear workflows, and ensuring that team members are trained and knowledgeable in the methodology. By doing so, teams can reap the benefits of CI/CD, like increased productivity, faster turnaround times, and fewer production errors.

As Hunter S. Thompson wisely noted, anything worth doing is worth doing right, and CI/CD is no exception.

If your team is looking to implement CI/CD or already has but is struggling to maximize its benefits, then keep reading for some best practices you should follow.

Define Your Goals & Workflow

What are your goals for your software development process? Do you want to deliver software faster? Improve quality? Increase collaboration between development and operations teams? These are common goals for CI/CD, but each requires a slightly different approach. Once you’ve determined your goals, you need to define your workflow. This involves mapping out the steps involved in integrating and deploying your code like code reviews, testing, and deployment. Having a clear and concise workflow in place is essential, as this will help ensure that everyone on your team is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Automate Your Processes

The next step is to automate your processes. One of the key reasons to adopt CI/CD is the automation of software development processes, which allows you to release software faster and with higher quality. Additionally, automation can reduce the risk of human error.

So, when setting up your CI/CD pipeline, look for opportunities to automate every step of the process, from building and testing code to deploying code to production. This will enable you to quickly and efficiently integrate and deploy your code changes.

Choose the Right Tools

There is a variety of tools available for CI/CD, and choosing the right tools is critical to success. When selecting tools, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, cost, integrations, and compatibility with your existing systems.

Should we use open-source tools or proprietary ones? It’s probably better to ask, “What tools best fit with my environment and requirements?” In general, open-source tools will be free, but you may need to host them yourself. When iTunes first came out, someone commented that $1 per song was “cheaper than free”! This can sometimes be the case with proprietary tools (or even hosted open-source tools). You are paying a vendor to manage them, but saving yourself the time and maintenance of hosting your own solution. When cost is an issue, the proprietary tools often have entry-level tiers that can make the price more palatable until you’ve grown your business and use case.

Use Version Control

Version control is an essential part of CI/CD. It allows you to keep track of changes to your code, collaborate with other developers, and revert back to previous versions of your code if needed. When setting up your CI/CD pipeline, make sure that your version control system is integrated with your pipeline, so that every change to your code triggers a build, test, and deploy process.

Implement Continuous Testing

Continuous testing is a key part of CI/CD. It allows you to catch problems with your code early and prevent them from becoming larger issues later in the development process. When setting up your CI/CD pipeline, make sure that you have both automated, manual, and regression testing in place across your pipelines. This will allow you to catch issues early and fix them quickly, which will improve the overall quality of your code. Because testing is such an integral part of CI/CD, it’s important to test thoroughly to ensure that your code changes are functioning as intended.

Use Environment-Specific Pipelines

In a typical CI/CD pipeline, you will have multiple stages: development, staging, and production. Each stage will require different tests, configurations, and deployment processes. It's important to have separate pipelines for each stage to ensure that your pipeline is efficient and effective. This will allow you to run different tests for each stage and make sure that your code is deployed to the correct environment.

Monitor Your Results

When setting up your CI/CD pipeline, make sure that you have a monitoring system in place, so you can keep track of how your pipeline is performing. Monitoring your pipeline is important for two reasons. First, it will allow you to catch any issues with your pipeline early, so you can fix them before they become bigger problems. Second, it will provide insight into how your pipeline is performing, so you can optimize it over time. You should monitor the success and failure rates of your builds, as well as track key performance metrics such as build times and deployment times.

By following these principles, you can ensure that you are reaping the full benefits of CI/CD: streamlining the development process, reducing the risk of production errors, and improving overall productivity. If you are not currently using CI/CD, now is the time to start!

Are you and your team members getting the most out of code reviews?

The answer is "probably not." But we can fix that.

Read the article below to get the top code review tips from GSI's CEO, Brian Geisel, and start crushing your code review sessions!

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CEO Brian Geisel on Organizational Success, Vision & Responsibility: Worcester Chamber Exchange

snorris — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:54:22 +0000

CEO Brian Geisel on Organizational Success, Vision & Responsibility: Worcester Chamber Exchange

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snorris Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:54

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CEO Brian Geisel on Organizational Success, Vision & Responsibility: Worcester Chamber Exchange

worcesterchamber.org

Geisel Software (GSI) CEO, Brian Geisel, sits down with Tim Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, to discuss Geisel Software's continued growth, success, and vision for the future. Learn more about how GSI is making a difference in Worcester and shaking up the tech space.

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shikha — Mon, 29 May 2023 09:31:15 +0000

Landing Page shikha Mon, 05/29/2023 - 10:31

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