According to market analysis done by Grand View Research, the business and software services market is expected to reach a whopping US $525.77 billion in 2023. And it’s expected to grow even further between now and 2030.
While the industry is enormous (and has numerous facets), to many people, it can seem as though it is shrouded in mystery. At Findan Software, we pride ourselves in offering an educational, transparent approach and being trusted guides on our segment of the market.
We believe in delivering quality code, secure software and reliable support to our clients. We’re specialists in cloud-based web applications, but we also have experience and knowledge in developing high-quality desktop and mobile solutions.
Our commitment to delivering first-rate solutions that meet our clients’ needs has seen us work with the likes of Xerox and Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as startups and small to medium-sized businesses.
No matter the project, we take our clients through the custom software development process from A to Z and are on a mission to demystify our work. In that spirit, this is the Findan process for custom software development projects.
What is custom software?
Before we get granular, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what custom software is. Sometimes called bespoke or tailor-made software, custom software is created for a specific organization and need. Usually developed to maximize an opportunity or to alleviate a particular problem, it’s the opposite of mass-market, out-of-the-box software (think Salesforce or Photoshop).
Custom software can help automate tedious tasks or create something totally new – the opportunities are endless.
The Findan Software development process
It all starts with an idea
A client is looking for a software solution that can do X to automate a process, alleviate a problem or grow their business. They come to us, and we have a detailed conversation about how we can help. At Findan, we listen to our clients and ask the right questions so that we can develop custom software solutions that work.
Requirements gathering
Once we’ve heard the client’s idea and asked our questions, our team takes a deep dive into figuring out what the exact requirements of the software will be, solidifying the scope and determining proof of concept (basically, we see if/how the idea can be turned into a reality).
Initial estimated budget
Having determined the requirements, we work backwards to get to the MVP (minimum viable product) that will achieve the desired result for our client. From there, we present our client with an initial estimated budget for the project.
Statement of work
After the client approves the estimated budget, we deliver a statement of work which outlines the project as we understand it and details the work we will undertake on behalf of our client.
Design time
In this phase, we get into the user experience design, the overall technical software architecture and workflows.
Statement of work revisions
If necessary, we adjust the existing statement of work based on the outcomes of the design phase.
Updated estimate
With more project information now available to us, we further refine the estimated budget to give our clients an even better understanding of what it will take to develop their software solution. Again, the goal is to determine what is necessary to achieve the MVP.
Timeline
With a solid statement of work and an approved estimated budget, we outline our timelines. At Findan, we favour the agile project management approach, which sees us work towards short-term deadlines in quick sprints. Our goal is to get your product to MVP in the shortest amount of time.
Development time
The main event. This is where the coding begins, and our team starts developing, testing and modifying the software to ensure it meets the client’s specific requirements. This includes multiple demos so clients can see the software in action and have input on any adjustments they would like to see.
Weekly status meetings
At Findan Software, Integrity, Curiosity, Improvement, and Fulfillment are our core values. As part of our commitment to our values, we have weekly status meetings with our clients during the project’s development phase. These meetings enable us to provide weekly updates and answer any questions that our clients may have.
Testing, testing
During the testing phase, the software is thoroughly analyzed and put to the test with the goal of identifying any bugs and addressing security issues.
Release candidate
Once the software has been thoroughly tested and meets the client’s desired expectations, it becomes a release candidate. In our industry, this is sometimes called “going silver” as a beta version of the product is released and monitored for significant bugs.
Release-to-manufacture (RTM)
After the RC phase, we move into the release-to-manufacture (RTM) phase, also referred to as “going gold” in the industry. This means the product is officially ready, and the customer handover can take place. In other words, it’s launch time!
Post-launch care
After launch, we offer ongoing support to all of our projects. This can be in the form of updates and security patches to help maintain the software’s lasting performance. Given the ever-changing nature of our fast-paced digital world, bugs are sometimes inevitable. As part of our process, we collaborate with our clients on a certain number of allowable bugs so everyone is on the same page. For instance, depending on the specific situation, we may all agree on the following:
- Priority 3 Bug (least severe) – perhaps five bugs that are considered Priority 3 are allowed
- Priority 2 Bug – maybe three bugs that are considered Priority 2 are allowed
- Priority 1 Bug (most severe) – zero bugs that are considered Priority 1 are allowed
From the moment we first hear an idea through to post-launch maintenance and support, we work closely with our clients to ensure they’re getting a product that is right for them. Continuous communication and collaboration are vital parts of our agile approach to custom software development.
Preparing for a software development journey?
If you’ve got an idea and are looking for experienced guides to help you turn it into a reality, we’d love to hear from you. Since our launch in 2018, we’ve worked on a wide range of projects with clients in diverse industries. It all starts with a chat, so no matter what you’re thinking, get in touch, and we can explore the possibilities together.
Findan Software is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and we’re proud to serve clients throughout North America. We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
How does Findan Software prioritize features and functionalities within the custom software development process, particularly when clients have competing demands or budget constraints?
Findan Software prioritizes features and functionalities within the custom software development process by carefully assessing the client’s needs and goals. We engage in thorough discussions with clients to understand their priorities and constraints and then work collaboratively to determine the essential components for the minimum viable product (MVP). Throughout this process, Findan Software aims to optimize functionality while adhering to the client’s budget and timeline.
Can Findan Software provide examples or case studies of how they’ve addressed complex technical challenges during the development process, especially when working with clients from various industries with unique requirements?
Findan Software has a track record of successfully addressing complex technical challenges during the development process. We leverage our expertise and experience to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Check out our case studies to learn more about how we tackle diverse challenges across various industries.
What measures does Findan Software take to ensure the security and confidentiality of client data throughout the software development lifecycle, especially considering the increasing concerns around cybersecurity threats in the digital landscape?
To ensure the security and confidentiality of client data throughout the software development lifecycle, Findan Software implements robust security measures. This includes adhering to industry best practices for data protection, employing encryption techniques, and implementing secure coding practices. We also conduct thorough testing and audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the software. Additionally, Findan Software maintains open communication with clients regarding security concerns and collaborates with them to establish protocols for handling sensitive information. Through these efforts, we aim to mitigate cybersecurity risks and safeguard client data against potential threats.