With nearly two decades of experience as Calgary and Kelowna app developers, our team at Vertical Motion has dedicated hundreds of thousands of hours to working with countless startups and businesses across North America. Throughout this time, we have gained invaluable insights into an array of challenges and hurdles our clients face while crafting software solutions and mobile applications for their businesses. To support you in embarking on this journey into the software industry, we have compiled three essential insights you should know before engaging with a software and mobile app developer. By applying this knowledge, you will not only help foster a strong working relationship with your development team but also contribute to the successful planning, building, launching, and maintenance of your software solution.
1 | Creating Accurate Project Estimates Takes Time, but Preparing the Right Information Can Help Accelerate This Process
At Vertical Motion, prospective clients often ask, “What does a project like mine cost?” or “Can you give me a ballpark estimate?” While it’s reasonable to inquire about project expenses before selecting a service provider, it’s necessary to understand that developing accurate and transparent estimates is a complex process. Several variables, including the application type, features, functionalities, and user categories, all play pivotal roles in influencing the overall cost. In today’s market, software application costs can span from $5,000 to well over $500,000; this is why Vertical Motion, as a top Calgary and Kelowna app developer, invests considerable time and effort to formulate accurate estimates that give our clients the information they need to make sound business decisions.
For businesses interested in accelerating the project estimation and requirements-gathering process, we recommend preparing the following documentation before your first meeting (please see the list below). However, don’t feel alarmed if you lack some of this information; our adept Canadian project managers at Vertical Motion are qualified to collaborate with you in developing this documentation through our industry-tested Discovery process. Through specialized workshops, our team will work with you to formulate a robust Statement of Work (SOW) document that details the project scope, objectives, deliverables, milestones, risks, assumptions, and more.
Learn more about the deliverables listed above by selecting each item individually
2 | Client Participation Is Essential For Successful Agile Software Development
It’s not uncommon for our clients to be unfamiliar with the methodology of agile software development and, in some circumstances, struggle to understand the significant role they play as customers in the development process. Agile software development finds its roots embedded in four fundamental values:
Individuals and interactions | over processes and tools
Working software | over comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration | over contract negotiation
Responding to change | over following a plan
These principles recognize that software development is inherently non-linear. They acknowledge that adhering to traditional, non-agile methodologies often results in unnecessary project expenses and poor-quality solutions. By embracing the agile methodology and actively involving our clients in the development process, we offer them the opportunity to witness the iterative construction of their software application in real-time. This helps us as a software and mobile app developer to gather instant feedback that enables us to shape their solution in ways that better align with their objectives. Through this proactive approach, we effectively conserve time and money while also mitigating costly end-of-project revisions.
So what can you do to help facilitate this dynamic process and reap the benefits that agile software development creates? Start by designating one representative of your organization as the primary point of contact throughout the project duration. Ideally, this individual should possess decision-making authority to request changes and modifications during regular sprint planning sessions and retrospectives. By appointing a member of your organization as the focal project collaborator you’ll help forge a strong working relationship with your development service provider that will ensure your business maximizes the advantages offered by agile software development.
3 | Product Launch Is the Beginning, Not the End, of Your Journey as a Software Provider
After launching your software application, it can be easy to fall into the misconception that your journey into the software industry has reached its end. However, this all too common misjudgement couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, releasing your software or mobile app into the market signals the beginning of your role as a software provider.
As a local Kelowna app developer, surrounded by lush fruit trees that flow through the Okanagan Valley, we have found an interesting comparison between the software and mobile apps we create and the fruit-bearing trees in our backyard. Much like nurturing a fruit tree to yield quality produce demands attentive care through watering, pruning, and fertilization, your software or mobile application requires critical post-launch maintenance to ensure a consistent return on investment (ROI). These tasks often include resolving bugs, implementing security updates, optimizing performance, enhancing features, configuring compatibility, and an array of specialized measures tailored to your unique solution.
Therefore, before starting a software development project, it’s important to consider how you will maintain your application and allocate resources for ongoing maintenance beyond its launch.
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Starting a new project and connecting with a software and mobile app developer can be daunting, especially if you or your business lacks technical expertise. The good news, however, is that working with an experienced app developer in Calgary and Kelowna, like Vertical Motion, is easier when you follow these three industry-tested insights:
- Come with the understanding that project estimates take time, but you can accelerate this process by providing clear documentation.
- Be prepared to actively engage in the process and designate one member as the lead collaborator.
- Launching your application is the beginning, not the end, of your journey into the software industry.
Ready to connect with a Canadian software development team you can trust? Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation!
Vertical Motion is a trusted Canadian software development and entrepreneur assistance company that has supported the global efforts of startups, non-profits, B2B, and B2C businesses since 2006. With headquarters in Calgary and Kelowna, and team members coast to coast, Vertical Motion is recognized as an award-winning leader in the technology industry. Our team of executive advisors, project managers, software developers, business analysts, marketing specialists, and graphic designers have extensive experience in several industries including — Energy, Finance, Blockchain, Real Estate, Health Care, Clean Technology, Clothing & Apparel, Sports & Recreation, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR).
Come chat with us and let us take you “From Idea to Execution and Beyond!” 🚀
Marketing | Communications | Sales Specialist at Vertical Motion