The demand for outsourced software development is increasing for various product development needs, including web development, mobile app development, and voice development. Nowadays, many companies prefer this approach to product development by outsourcing multiple services and solutions related to development and maintenance. Regarding web development outsourcing, businesses can transfer development activities to a self-managed company with the necessary controls over the project. Depending on the complexity of the software, security requirements, and other factors, a development plan is created to build and maintain a SaaS product for companies.

## What is software development outsourcing?
Software outsourcing refers to allocating third-party vendors for the required software development activities. The most common services outsourced are web design and development, mobile application development, and other related development and maintenance activities.
Considering modern business needs, the demand for outsourcing services is only growing. Companies of different sizes are constantly looking for a way to build new products and thus consider hiring dedicated remote resources to deliver value at a reduced cost.
After considering your development needs, a decision must be taken about outsourcing software development to a software developer. In-house development enables you to employ internal software developers to create software. In outsourcing, you will use a professional provider specializing in quickly developing your project.

## Why should your startup outsource software development?
![Why should your startup outsource software development.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/Why_should_your_startup_outsource_software_development_16e8ab2b0c.png)

Startups are outsourcing software development at an increasing rate. Unless you have professional knowledge of product development or in-depth technical expertise in the relevant fields, it is recommended to opt for professional services. But that's not it.
Let's dive into the main reasons why your startup should outsource software development.

## Benefits of Outsourcing

- **Application of the Agile methodology**

The conventional waterfall process is used in traditional software development. Teams should create a clear project strategy before launching it through a linear, step-by-step development process. They have stringent timelines with no room for error. If you need to modify something later, you won't be able to; if you do, it will be pretty expensive.
This is where Agile teams come in - rather than preparing the entire project ahead of time, Agile teams focus on planning continually throughout the project, giving you the flexibility to make changes as needed. And to make the best out of the Agile methodology, you need good experience in it. Software development outsourcing ensures your product is developed under the experts' supervision while utilizing the Agile method correctly.
- **Access to deep knowledge and experience**

There must be more than a well-defined plan to develop a competitive product. You must follow the proper development process, adopt the most influential tech stacks, and take the appropriate architectural approach while developing a product.
And that's why you need more theoretical knowledge to launch it successfully. Outsourcing software development from professionals with years-long experience ensures that your product is developed with the proper expertise. Such in-depth knowledge and experience during product development are only possible if you use third-party professional software development services.
- **Access to a superior-tech talent pool worldwide**

You need a tech background with expertise and experience in diverse technical domains to understand the technological areas during the development, the relevant technical trends, their applicants, and other tech-related factors. Basic knowledge of the technologies will be necessary for quality product development.
And that's where outsourcing software development works wonders. As per your requirements, budget, technical requirements, and product development requirements, you can have a lot of options to choose from, no matter where you are located.
- **Ability to assemble the best professional team for the project**

You must opt for professional developers and testers to develop your product. Because no matter which type of product you are developing, the market for that is expected to be quite competitive.
It is essential to have a professional approach during product development to launch a competitive product that fits the target audience's requirements properly. Opting for software development outsourcing opens the path to establishing a quality product that aligns with your startup's goals.
- **No need for micromanagement**

Through software development outsourcing, you get a fully-managed software development solution that doesn't require any micromanagement or even much management from your side. The professional team looks after everything, including the development workflow, process, milestones, and deadlines. As a result, you can focus on the more critical areas of your startup instead of micromanaging everything.
- **Optimal balance of skills and rates**

Having the proper skill sets is pivotal for any product development. But at the same time, it requires heavy investment to hire in-house experienced tech professionals.
Furthermore, you may not need the professionals' services once the app is developed. So, instead of going through such a costly and lengthy process, you can outsource software development to have your preferred skills onboard within your budget.
- **Easy scalability**

Scalability is a significant factor to consider while developing your product. How easily can you scale it up to cater to the growing demand of the end users? How well can your product adapt to the changes? How easily can you integrate it with different platforms, third-party systems, and solutions? Outsourcing software development ensures your product has all the qualities to aid in high scalability.
- **Effective communication within the team**

Communication is often the key to successful product development. Software development outsourcing ensures proper communication among the team members, as all are dedicated to your project and aim to make the best out of it. You can also take timely updates and effectively communicate with the team to have a transparent idea about the development process.

## Cons of Outsourcing

- **Limited motivation**

Little motivation implies that the outsourced team needs encouragement to give their best or finish the project on time. It is mainly common when startups hire freelancers without proper professional expertise or proven experience, or there is a communication gap that leads to a lack of understanding of your project, or if your budget needs to be higher to motivate them. You can avoid such a scenario only by working with a professional team, preferably a third-party product development company with various services and solutions.
- **Lack of clarity**

Lack of clarity can be an issue for outsourced software development if you don't plan it well or don't have a detailed contract with the outsourced team. However, it can be avoided by making a software requirements specification document and discussing every detail of your project before the development process starts.

## Software development outsourcing models

It's important to have a clear idea on various software development outsourcing models. Each outsourcing model has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important for companies to carefully evaluate their needs and choose the model that best fits their goals and budget. Let's delve into this.

## Models of contracts in IT outsourcing services
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### Fixed-price

#### Pros
- A predictable outcome
- An easy-to-manage process
- Transparency

#### Cons
- A lack of accountability
- Inflexibility

In the fixed price model, every project detail is well-defined and fixed, including the cost, scope, specifications, and others. Also, the pricing is set for each milestone completion. This can be a suitable model if you have a strict budget or a very well-defined project scope that doesn't need much modification.

### Time and Materials

#### Pros
- Dynamic work scope
- Ability to change
- Better timing

#### Cons
- Low budgeting control
- Deep involvement

The time and materials model is a famous software development outsourcing model. This model is based on the hours required from the developers and the relevant resources to be used. This model is easy to adopt and offers high flexibility to a startup to change or modify their requirements related to the project development, such as their features, solutions, scope, and others.

### Dedicated Development Team

A dedicated team model lets you hire a full team that includes developers, testers, QA engineers, designers, and others utterly devoted to your product development.
As this model doesn't require hiring an in-house team and enables you to launch a quality product without much hassle, it is often the first choice of startups.

### Should be used when:

- Projects require a team of a tester, developer, QA engineer, and others.
- Projects that require high expertise.
- When you need an in-house developer team.
- Complex projects for competitive markets.

## How to set up your outsourcing strategy?
Once you are ready with your preferred software development outsourcing model, you must set up your outsourcing strategy.
The following steps will let you nail it like a pro.
![How to set up your outsourcing strategy_.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/How_to_set_up_your_outsourcing_strategy_17c2dd93a7.png)

### Define your goals
A well-defined set of goals helps you throughout the software development process and ensures that your product is developed exactly as per your requirements. The following pointers will help you with this step.

- What is the primary goal of developing the product?
- What are the required features, solutions, and overall product quality?
- What is your target market and audience?
- What is your targeted market positioning for the product?
- What are your available resources and budget?
- What expertise do you have relevant to product development?
- Do you have an in-house coder, tester, or anyone with proper technical knowledge?
- Do you have enough exposure in the product category and the associated market?
- What are your preferred outsourcing location and upper cap of budget?
- What are your expectations from the team regarding product development approaches, process flow, and others?

A transparent idea of all these will help you develop a proper outsourcing strategy.

### Define tasks for delegation
Defining your tasks ensures that all your requirements are met, and there is no confusion during or after the development process. A well-defined study implies that all the project-related information, milestones, specifications, criteria to meet, quality to maintain, and others are detailed and conveyed to the team for smooth execution.

### Determine your technological profile
Undoubtedly technology plays a crucial role in software development. And it would be best if you determined your technological profile so that the relevant technological prowess can be classified as per a predefined system or scale. It will also help you strategize the technical aspects of the product development process. It will ensure that the technical expertise of the outsourced team is efficient in bringing out the best in your product.

### Create a positive work environment
Looking after what the outsourced team feels while working on your project is essential. You can only optimize its efficiency when the work environment is motivating.
This applies to more than just onsite work and even to remote work. To establish a good job climate, you must be transparent about the work policies, rules, and ethics while maintaining good communication, timely payout or rewards if needed, and a delicate and neutral working approach. These all together will help you strategize your software development outsourcing process.

## How is software development usually done?
Even if you opt for software development outsourcing, you should know the software development process to monitor and assess the progress for good product development. Let's take a look at the steps of a software development process.
![How is software development usually done_.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/How_is_software_development_usually_done_68533aff22.png)

### Ideation
In the software development process, ideation is the first step, meaning one needs a clear idea of what software product to develop. You need to have a clear concept from the product type and category to its key or competitive features.
Apart from defining your product's functional and non-functional requirements, you need to focus on the competitiveness of all its features and solutions. For instance, what can be the USP of the product or what's unique in its solutions, etc.?

### Planning
In this phase, one needs to plan everything about software development. What will be the starting point for the software development, which architectural method will be followed, what will be the project development approach, which tech stacks or programming languages will be used, and what will be the milestones and the respective deadlines - these all are planned in this stage.

### Design
Software design is the next step which is a more technical approach to define and represent the whole software architecture, design, and related specifications. In this phase, a professional mainly outlines and designs a software artifact to align with your product development goals.

### Coding
In this phase, the developers begin coding and building your product. The programming languages or tech stacks, and the coding approach are all determined in the previous phases. Based on the design, architectural method, and product development requirements, a developer opts for the coding best practices for fast, smooth, and quality product development.

### Testing
The product is tested for any possible bugs, issues, or loopholes in the testing stage. And they are fixed and tested again to ensure the final product is error-free and efficient.
Some of the most popular software testing methods are Unit testing, Environment testing, Regression testing, and Automated testing, to name a few. The professional tester chooses the most suitable testing method for your product.

### Deployment and maintenance
Once the above phases are completed, now is the time to deploy your product and maintain it thoroughly to keep it updated, efficient, and relevant. Apart from reviewing the technical aspects regularly, you must consider the current market trends, audience demand, and other competitive factors. You need to maintain, modify, and update your product accordingly to keep it relevant.

## How much does outsourcing cost, and where can you find it?
Now comes the most crucial question, where and how to outsource your software development to launch a high-quality product? You have a specific set of requirements in mind. You already know what you want to achieve. Budgets and timelines have been established. Finally, it's time to seek a software development firm capable of translating your specifications into high-quality software.
Also, knowing the cost efficiency is essential as it will help the business get the best developer at affordable prices. Moreover, the business house must know how and when to spend to maintain the balance of cost efficiency. To reduce costs, you should never compromise on product quality. It is not a healthy business practice and will take you nowhere in the long run.
Below is a table that will give you a bigger picture. This table explains how regional differences impact the hourly rate of software outsourcing companies.

![Where to outsource and how much does it cost_.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/Where_to_outsource_and_how_much_does_it_cost_1f16ebe675.png)

## Benefits of Outsourcing Software Development: Final words
Software development outsourcing isn't just a cost-effective technique anymore. It's a common practice among both established companies and startups that benefits business growth. 
It helps you develop, test, and launch the product faster. You cannot do software outsourcing with your eyes shut, but preparing for it reduces risks and ensures your expectations are met. 


This article describes the benefits of outsourcing software development and why you should consider it to grow your business. 😉📈📈

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Benefits of Outsourcing Software Development: Why Outsourcing it's a Smart Business Strategy

**DevOps** is an essential part of modern software development. The term DevOps refers to the integration of software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) with the goal of creating a more agile, efficient, and reliable software development process. DevOps engineers are critical to this process and play a vital role in ensuring that the DevOps pipeline is optimized for maximum efficiency.
In a Grand View Research, Inc. study, DevOps Engineers ranked No. 4 on [Glassdoor's list of the 50 Best Jobs in the USA](https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm{externalnofollow}) in 2022. By 2025, the global DevOps market is expected to reach US$12.85 billion, growing at a compound annual rate of 18.60%. 

DevOps has seen a substantial increase in investment from companies in recent years. It is common for users to leverage tools like Chef, Docker, and Puppet. Due to this, there is an increasing need for qualified DevOps engineers.

## What does a DevOps engineer do?

DevOps engineers are involved in coding and scripting for various software development kit components, including APIs.

A DevOps engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams by automating the software development lifecycle and streamlining software delivery. They create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement to help organizations achieve faster time-to-market, improved product quality, and more reliable software delivery.

Automation tools, containerization tools, cloud computing platforms, and monitoring and logging tools are among the tools and technologies that DevOps engineers typically use. The tools automate the software development process, integrate and deploy code changes, and monitor and troubleshoot applications.

Working effectively with cross-functional teams requires strong communication, collaboration, and technical skills. Building and maintaining solid relationships with developers, operations, and other stakeholders is their responsibility.

A DevOps engineer is critical to software development, ensuring that software is delivered quickly, reliably, and with high qualifications.

## 7 Must-have DevOps Engineer skills

Here are some essential DevOps engineer skills you should know:

### Understanding of the software development lifecycle

A DevOps engineer must have a solid understanding of the SDLC and be familiar with Agile methodologies. Additionally, they should be able to assist developers in writing code that is ready for testing and deployment.

### Knowledge of automation tools

Automation is a core part of DevOps, and DevOps engineers must be familiar with various automation tools. Tools that can automate infrastructure, such as Ansible or Puppet, as well as continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools like Jenkins and containerization tools like Docker, can be utilized to automate these tasks.

### Cloud computing skills

DevOps engineers need a good knowledge of cloud computing and databases. With the rise of cloud computing, DevOps engineers must have knowledge of cloud-based services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. They should also be familiar with cloud deployment models such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

### The ability to use source control systems

Source control systems are essential tools for facilitating collaboration between developers. As DevOps brings together individuals from various sectors, it is critical for DevOps engineers to have expertise in source control or version control systems. These systems enable tracking changes in an application and maintaining different versions of the application. Becoming proficient in version control systems requires effort, as each tool has advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding the importance of version control systems in the DevOps culture is crucial. For example, they prevent dependency issues in modern containerized applications, directly impact DevOps performance, and help build more reliable applications.

Therefore, every DevOps engineer should have experience working with at least one of the following tools: Git, CVS, SVN, or Mercurial. By mastering these tools, DevOps engineers can streamline collaboration and contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality software products.

### Networking and security principles

Almost everyone needs a strong knowledge of security, particularly DevelOps coding skills. DevOps skills include code analysis, change management, threat research, security courses, and vulnerability assessments.DevOps engineers need a strong understanding of networking and security principles, such as TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, and VPNs. Furthermore, they should be knowledgeable about privacy and security regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.

### Collaboration and communication skills

As DevOps engineers work closely with developers, operations teams, and other stakeholders, they must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills. Working in a team, communicating complex technical concepts, and bridging departmental gaps are all skills they should possess.

### Problem-solving skills

DevOps engineers must be capable of troubleshooting complex technical issues and developing solutions quickly. As well as being able to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, they should also be able to come up with efficient and effective solutions.

## Final thoughts

Becoming a DevOps engineer requires a wide range of skills, including understanding the SDLC, knowledge of automation tools, cloud computing skills, networking and security, collaboration and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Any organization looking to streamline operations and improve software development processes can benefit from these skills. By mastering these essential skills and continually developing new ones, DevOps engineers can ensure that their teams are working efficiently and effectively while delivering value to their customers. With the right skills and mindset, DevOps engineers can truly make a difference in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape.

DevOps always prioritizes the customer, recognizing that delivering a product that satisfies their needs is paramount. To achieve this, DevOps engineers must have a comprehensive understanding of the big picture and a clear understanding of the customer's requirements. However, DevOps engineers often lack this ability, many of whom come from a software development background without specific DevOps training. Consequently, there is a significant gap between software development and DevOps engineering. To successfully bridge this gap, it is crucial for DevOps engineers to appreciate the broader context and focus on satisfying the customer. At the same time, a software developer is primarily responsible for coding what has been requested. By understanding this distinction, a DevOps engineer can deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations.

⚡️This article describes essential DevOps engineer skills for successful collaboration and delivery 🤝

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7 Must-Have DevOps Engineer Skills for Successful Collaboration and Delivery

As businesses continue to rely more and more on technology, the importance of having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place is becoming increasingly critical. In the event of a disaster, whether a natural disaster or a cyberattack, a well-designed disaster recovery plan can help ensure that your business can quickly and effectively recover and resume normal operations.

Cloud disaster recovery services have emerged as a popular solution for businesses of all sizes, offering several key benefits over traditional disaster recovery solutions.

## What is Cloud disaster recovery?

Disaster recovery in the cloud (cloud DR) involves backing up data, applications, and other resources to a public cloud or a dedicated service provider. When a disaster occurs, the enterprise can restore the affected data, applications, and other resources to the local data center - or the cloud provider.

Cloud DR has the same goal as traditional DR: to safeguard valuable business resources and ensure they can be accessed and recovered to maintain business continuity. Any business continuity (BC) strategy must include disaster recovery (DR).

## In what ways does CDR work?

Traditional disaster recovery methods differ significantly from cloud disaster recovery methods.

There is no comparison between the system and dedicated servers with the same operating system (OS), software applications, and patches as the previous configuration. A cloud solution stores all software, data, patches, and the operating system. Virtual server images contain all of this information. 

Virtual server images can be quickly accessed in a secure virtual environment if a disaster occurs. All data within the organization is fully restored, allowing users to access resources and software as before the disaster. A few minutes are needed to accomplish this.

It is unnecessary to have hardware installed before using a virtual server image. As a result, all data assets can be transferred quickly from a data center to the cloud environment, much faster than using a traditional method. 

## Cloud Disaster Recovery: Who Needs It?

IT-related issues should not be the focus of disaster recovery plans, which should work alongside an overall business continuity plan. Planning and coordinated processes are also necessary to overcome disruptions caused by external factors.

To protect your data and business operations, disaster recovery has become even more crucial in light of the growing trend of cybercrime targeting companies of all sizes.  

To be sure that cloud disaster recovery is right for your organization, you must ask yourself these **five questions** below: 


1. **_Are you able to access your backup data easily?_**
2. **_If your hardware fails, can you quickly obtain and set it up?_**
3. **_After restoring the system, how easy will it be for your users to access software and data?_**
4. **_Will your plans be fully protected once they have been restored?_**
5. **_Does your IT department know what to do in case of a disaster?_**

If any of these questions are answered no, then a cloud DR solution may be the best option for avoiding unnecessary downtime and inefficiency caused by a standard key. 

Getting your business back online as soon as possible after a disruption is essential. A disaster recovery strategy can ensure operations can restart almost immediately during a disaster. 

## What is a Cloud Disaster Recovery Strategy?

A cloud-based disaster recovery strategy (CDR) allows organizations to quickly recover digital assets and restore systems, whether artificial or natural, following a disaster. A managed solution allows remote access to all systems within the organization, minimizing downtime or eliminating it. 

The traditional disaster recovery strategy relies on secondary data centers to back up assets and systems. It can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Recovery times are also much slower when compared to a cloud solution. 

With a cloud disaster recovery strategy, there is no need for any traditional infrastructure. The service can work seamlessly with your existing IT department to ensure rapid recovery at lower costs.

## Why is a cloud disaster recovery plan important?

A comprehensive disaster restoration plan ensures the rapid recovery of essential business data needed for the return of normal business activities. Traditional disaster recovery strategies can be difficult. Adding cloud infrastructure may make your calculations even longer. It makes establishing and maintaining a proper recovery process a critical component of a recovery process. The use of cloud technology for backups requires more significant expertise than traditional DR techniques. Cloud DR still is relatively new for many organizations, but your DR plan should include all critical elements for disaster recovery.

## What do Cloud disaster recovery services mean?

Cloud disaster recovery services are a type of cloud computing service that provides businesses with the ability to recover their data and IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster, such as a natural disaster, cyber attack, or other disruptive events.

These services typically involve replicating data and applications to a remote location in the cloud, which can be accessed and used in the event of a disaster. Cloud disaster recovery services can provide businesses with a number of benefits, including reduced downtime, improved data protection, and lower costs compared to traditional disaster recovery solutions.

Some **examples of cloud disaster recovery services** include Amazon Web Services (AWS) Disaster Recovery, Microsoft Azure Site Recovery, and Google Cloud Disaster Recovery. These services typically offer features such as automated failover, continuous data replication, and flexible recovery options to meet the specific needs of businesses.

- **Amazon Web Services (AWS) Disaster Recovery:** This service provides an automated disaster recovery solution for your critical workloads running on AWS. It offers a fully managed, cloud-based disaster recovery service that replicates your applications and data to a secondary region.
- **Microsoft Azure Site Recovery:** This service provides disaster recovery for applications and workloads running on-premises or in the cloud. It offers replication, failover, and failback capabilities, with support for multiple platforms and workloads.
- **Google Cloud Disaster Recovery:** This service provides a fully managed, cloud-based disaster recovery solution for your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) workloads. It offers replication to a secondary region, automated failover, and continuous data protection.
- **IBM Cloud Disaster Recovery:** This service provides a comprehensive disaster recovery solution for your mission-critical applications and data. It offers rapid failover and failback, with support for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
- **Zerto:** This service provides disaster recovery and business continuity solutions for virtualized and cloud environments. It offers continuous data protection, automated failover and failback, and multi-cloud support.

These are just a few examples of today's many cloud disaster recovery services. Each service has unique features and capabilities, so evaluating your specific needs and requirements is essential before choosing a solution.

In addition to public clouds, many dedicated disaster recovery vendors now offer Disaster recovery as service products that enable access to dedicated clouds.

**Top DR providers** include:

- Bluelock
- Expedient
- IBM DRaaS
- Iland
- Recovery Point Systems
- Sungard AS
- TierPoint

DR as a service is also being offered by **more traditional backup vendors**, such as:

-  Acronis
-  Arcserve UDP
-  Carbonite
-  Databarracks
-  Datto
-  Unitrends
-  Zerto

It is essential to regularly update and test DR platforms to ensure they are available and perform as expected.

## Benefits of Cloud disaster recovery services

The benefits of cloud disaster recovery services include the following:

- **Cost-effectiveness:** Cloud disaster recovery services can be significantly more cost effective than traditional disaster recovery solutions, as they eliminate the need for expensive hardware and software.
- **Scalability:** Cloud disaster recovery services can quickly scale to meet the changing needs of your business, whether you need to recover a few files or an entire data center.
- **Reliability:** Cloud disaster recovery services are designed to provide reliable and consistent performance, ensuring your data is always available when needed.
- **Security:** Cloud disaster recovery services often incorporate advanced security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication, to help protect your data from unauthorized access.
- **Accessibility:** Cloud disaster recovery services allow you to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to recover your data even if your physical location is affected by a disaster.

## Final thoughts

Cloud disaster recovery can reduce downtime and data loss, reduce the risk of data loss or other damage and ensure compliance with regulations. If an earthquake, tornado or flood destroys your manufacturing system, downtime could ruin you and your business. With cloud disaster recovery, the company synchronizes your data and backup to an infrastructure located 150 miles from your production network. This geographically isolated location is crucial if you wish to minimize a possible loss of data on production systems or cloud recovery sites.

In 2023, the need for cloud disaster recovery services will likely continue to grow as businesses become more reliant on technology and as the threat landscape continues to evolve. By implementing a cloud disaster recovery plan, companies can help ensure that they are prepared for any disaster that may occur and can quickly and effectively recover their critical data and systems.

A cloud disaster recovery plan is a viable alternative to a traditional disaster recovery plan in practically every way. From simple deployment to lower costs, and faster recovery, it is a viable strategy for organizations of any size. 

A cloud solution also offers additional security as the backup server can be located anywhere worldwide, further protecting sensitive data. 

This article explores why cloud disaster recovery services are so essential for business continuity in 2023.

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Why Cloud Disaster Recovery Services are Essential for Business Continuity in 2023

**AngelList** is a cloud-based startup investment & job posting platform enabling startups to develop and manage their talent pipelines. Businesses can recruit candidates by broad search keywords such as profile, job type, location, etc.

[AngelList](https://www.angellist.com/{externalnofollow}) is used by many people, including entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers. Entrepreneurs use the platform to find investors interested in their companies and raise funds for their startups. Investors use AngelList to find startups interested in investing in and connecting with other investors. Job seekers use the platform to find job opportunities at startups.

Nowadays, AngelList is a kind of constellation. Modern AngelList is comprised of six primary entities, which have shifted and split throughout its history:
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- AngelList Venture
- AngelList Talent
- AngelList India
- CoinList
- Republic
- Product Hunt

## What are AngelList advantages?

AngelList is an excellent opportunity for startups, helping them connect to investors and employees.

_Defining "AngelList" is tricky._ AngelList isn't just one company. Technically, three entities leverage the brand: AngelList Venture, AngelList Talent, and AngelList India. That's without mentioning businesses that spun out from the company, including Republic and CoinList. Or, indeed, Product Hunt, which AngelList owned between 2016 and 2020. 

_AngelList Venture is an efficient unicorn._ According to an exclusive AngelList's Venture team shared, the company is now worth $4.1 billion, thanks to a recent $100 million funding round. Its targeted spending means it has achieved that outcome with relatively little capital.‍

_Spinning out aligns incentives._ Companies like Republic exemplify a crucial component of AngelList's playbook: some innovations are best served by going solo. AngelList founder Naval Ravikant believes it produces more effective teams, largely thanks to better alignment of incentives. 

_Hiring founders increase leverage._ AngelList employs an unusual number of former entrepreneurs, especially those with an engineering background. The company looks to build around individuals who understand how to leverage their labor and can take a product from zero to one.‍

_AngelList's most essential products are just getting started._ Ask Naval Ravikant what products he believes are most important to AngelList's future, and he'll point to Rolling Funds and the software suite Stack. Both have been around for less than two years. 

And now, let's explore the benefits and possibilities for **Startups**, **Investors**, and **Job seekers**.

## Benefits for Startups

AngelList offers several benefits for startups, including:

1. **Access to investors**: Startups can connect with investors interested in their industry and stage of development. AngelList offers a database of over 100,000 accredited investors who can invest in your startup.
2. **Fundraising tools**: Startups can create fundraising profiles with their pitch deck, financials, and team information. AngelList offers a suite of fundraising tools, including fundraising templates and investor CRM tools, that help startups streamline their fundraising process.
3. **Hiring tools**: Startups can post job listings, review resumes, and connect with job candidates. AngelList offers a database of over 2 million job seekers interested in working for startups.
4. **Community**: Startups can connect with other entrepreneurs and industry experts on AngelList. The platform offers a community forum where startups can ask questions and get advice from other members.
5. **Visibility**: Startups can get more exposure for their business on AngelList. The platform has over 1 million registered users, including investors, job seekers, and other startups.

## Possibilities for Startups

AngelList also offers several possibilities for startups, including:

1. **Funding opportunities**: Startups can apply to accelerators and incubators on AngelList, which can provide funding, mentorship, and other resources.
2. **M&A opportunities**: Startups can explore mergers and acquisitions on AngelList. The platform offers a database of over 43,000 startups, which can be searched by industry, location, and other criteria.
3. **Partnership opportunities**: Startups can connect with other startups and industry experts on AngelList, leading to partnerships and collaborations.

## Benefits for Investors

AngelList also offers several benefits for investors, including:

1. **Access to startups**: Investors can find startups that match their investment criteria. AngelList offers a database of over 43,000 startups, which can be searched by industry, location, and other criteria.
2. **Investment tools**: Investors can use AngelList's investment tools to evaluate startups, including pitch decks, financials, and team information.
3. **Syndication opportunities**: Investors can join [syndicates on AngelList](https://saasholic.com/most-popular-syndicates-on-angellist-you-should-be-following/{externalnofollow}), which allows them to invest alongside other investors.
4. **Community**: Investors can connect with other investors and industry experts on AngelList. The platform offers a community forum where investors can ask questions and get advice from other members.
5. **Visibility**: Investors can get more exposure for their investment portfolio on AngelList. The platform has over 1 million registered users, including startups, job seekers, and other investors.

## Possibilities for Investors

AngelList also offers several possibilities for investors, including:

1. **Early-stage investing**: Investors can invest in early-stage startups on AngelList, offering high potential returns.
2. **Diversification**: Investors can build a diversified portfolio of startups on AngelList, which can reduce risk.
3. **Social impact investing**: Investors can invest in startups that have a social impact on AngelList, which can align with their values.

## Benefits for Job Seekers

AngelList also offers several benefits for job seekers, including:

1. **Access to startups**: AngelList provides job seekers access to a wide range of startups actively hiring. This is particularly beneficial for those interested in working for early-stage companies.
2. **Transparent hiring process**: AngelList promotes a transparent hiring process by providing job seekers with detailed job descriptions, company profiles, and salary information. This allows job seekers to decide which companies to apply to.
3. **Networking opportunities**: AngelList enables job seekers to connect with startup founders and employees, which can be a valuable networking opportunity. This can lead to potential job opportunities in the future.
4. **User-friendly interface**: AngelList's user-friendly interface makes it easy for job seekers to navigate and apply for jobs. The platform also allows job seekers to create a profile that showcases their skills and experience, making it easier for them to stand out to potential employers.
5. **Customized job alerts**: Job seekers can set up customized job alerts that match their preferences, such as job type, location, and salary range. This saves time and effort by sending relevant job opportunities directly to their inbox.
6. **Job search assistance**: AngelList provides job seekers with additional resources such as job search tips and advice. This can be helpful for those who are new to the job search process or want to improve their chances of landing a job.

## Possibilities for job seekers

1. **Job Listings**: AngelList features job listings from thousands of startups in various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and more. Job seekers can search for job listings based on their skills, location, and preferences.
2. **Job Matches**: AngelList's algorithm matches job seekers with relevant job openings based on their skills and preferences. Job seekers can create a profile and indicate their job preferences, and the platform will provide them with job matches that meet their criteria.
3. **Networking**: AngelList provides job seekers with opportunities to network with other professionals in the startup ecosystem. Job seekers can connect with other professionals in their industry or attend networking events to expand their network and learn about new job opportunities.
4. **Investor Jobs**: AngelList also features job openings at venture capital firms and angel investment groups. Job seekers can explore these opportunities if they want to work in the investment industry.
5. **Remote Work**: Many startups on AngelList offer remote work opportunities, making it easier for job seekers to find a job that fits their lifestyle and work preferences.

AngelList provides job seekers with various resources and opportunities for startup job openings. Whether job seekers are interested in a particular industry or job function, AngelList can help them find relevant job listings, connect with other professionals, and expand their network in the startup ecosystem.

## What is an AngelList syndicate?

A syndicate is an investor group that invests in [SVP deals](https://learn.angellist.com/articles/spv{externalnofollow}). When you back a syndicate, you will have access to deal-by-deal deals. No commitments can be made in a transaction with a syndicate.

## AngelList: Final words

AngelList is a valuable platform for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem and who wants to connect with other like-minded individuals. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or job seeker, AngelList can provide various opportunities and resources to help you achieve your goals.

AngelList has revolutionized the way startups and investors connect. It provides startups access to a wide range of investors, a streamlined process, and a supportive community. It also provides investors access to a wide range of startups, a simplified process, and a supportive community. The possibilities of AngelList, including Syndicates, Job Listings, and AngelList Venture, provide even more opportunities for startups and investors to connect and collaborate. If you are a startup or an investor, AngelList is a platform that you should consider.

😏😇The article provides an overview of the benefits and possibilities of AngelList for startups, investors, and job seekers.

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AngelList: benefits and possibilities for startups

**DevOps** entails more than just bringing development and operations together. Tools and practices are just the beginning. Defining DevOps as a mindset, a cultural shift, involves adopting new ways of working.

By understanding user requirements and needs better, developers in a DevOps culture get closer to the user. As part of the development process, operations teams add maintenance requirements and customer needs. In contrast to traditional software development methods, DevOps teams follow the following fundamental principles that allow them to deliver services and applications at a faster rate and a high quality.

A company that employs separate development and operations teams may require a complete overhaul of the organization to implement DevOps. DevOps can only be implemented with the right people, culture, and tools.

## Benefits of DevOps

_By bringing development and operations together, teams can reduce lead time, deploy more frequently, and produce better-quality software_. 

DevOps benefits fall into **three categories**: technical, cultural, and business.

_Technical benefits_ include reducing complexity, accelerating delivery, and quickly eliminating problems. DevOps practitioners usually deploy higher-quality code faster than traditionally [siloed teams](https://nbold.co/working-in-silos/#:~:text=Working%20in%20silos%20describes%20a,their%20work%20separately%20without%20coordination.{externalnofollow}).

Customers are happier and more productive as a result of the _cultural benefits_.

_Business benefits_ include faster delivery times and more stable operating environments, resulting from greater collaboration and trust between team members.

## What Is DevOps Lifecycle?
![Mask group (2).png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/Mask_group_2_70fee41c74.png)

**DevOps lifecycle** describes software development processes that use DevOps best practices for planning, building, integration, deployment and monitoring. It is no specific software or specialized team.

The DevOps lifecycle combines **continuous development, integration, testing, deployment, monitoring, operation, and feedback**. DevOps lifecycle phases are continuous. So, influential DevOps engineers combine all seven steps in each agile development sprint in ways that make the most sense to them. For example, some teams implement testing before integration. The other one runs continuous feedback before deploying a build in production.

Let's look at each phase in detail.

## Continuous operation

As part of the continuous operations phase, customers are ensured maximum performance, security, compliance, and smooth service.

You'll maintain a competitive edge, high customer satisfaction/ratings, and service reliability when you consistently do this. By increasing your [monthly recurring revenue](https://www.zoho.com/subscriptions/guides/what-is-monthly-recurring-revenue.html#:~:text=Monthly%20Recurring%20Revenue%20(MRR)%20is,but%20excludes%20one%2Dtime%20fees.{externalnofollow}) (MRR), you can attract more subscribers, retain your customers longer, and increase your MRR.

## Continuous Development

Continuous development involves developing software. This way, development is split up into small cycles. DevOps teams are also able to a similar process to speed development processes. Developing and testing software development programs helps developers fully understand projects and expectations. The unit can then visualize its final destination. The development environment doesn't require a DevOps tool, but several software version control tools can be used. These processes of code maintenance can be referred to as source code maintenance.

Tools like [Git](https://git-scm.com/{externalnofollow}), [CVS](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Concurrent-Versions-System-CVS#:~:text=Concurrent%20Versions%20System%20(CVS)%20is,a%20common%20repository%20of%20files.{externalnofollow}), [Subversion](https://hackbrightacademy.com/blog/svn-vs-git/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20advantages%20of%20SVN%3F,to%20create%20a%20new%20feature.{externalnofollow}), [Mercurial](https://www.trustradius.com/products/mercurial/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons#reviews{externalnofollow}), [Maven](https://www.devopsuniversity.org/maven-tutorials/{externalnofollow}), and [Garden](https://garden.io/{externalnofollow}) help organize, ease, and speed up the process.

## Continuous Integration

Continuous integration (CI) is an [agile software development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development{externalnofollow}) practice allowing a developer to regularly merge changes in one repository before automating the build or test. This phase aims to find and fix bugs faster, and increase product quality. In other words, it helps creating a useful product that is also secure and user-friendly.

Besides, the updated code must seamlessly integrate with the other systems you built it to work with. CI involves reworking the source code frequently, as a result.

## Continuous monitoring

Software products are monitored to evaluate overall production efficiency. It processes essential information regarding developed applications. Using continuously monitorable software, developers can identify patterns and gray areas that require more work. Continuous monitoring is an operational stage aiming to increase software applications' overall effectiveness. It also monitors app performance. The DevOps lifecycle is the defining point in the process.

## Continuous Delivery

The continuous delivery method relies on changing code developed and adapted automatically. This extension for Continuous integration enables the deployment of code updates in test and production environments. If continuous delivery has been effectively implemented, a developer always deploys artifacts that have passed a standard test process.

## Continuous testing

Testing is essential to the DevOps process because it involves checking for bugs, errors, configuration issues, UX/UI problems, and other issues. There are various types of software testing, including component testing, unit testing, and system integration testing.

Tests are conducted by QA teams to make sure that every software component works as intended by your DevOps team and end users. The best continuous testing tools include Selenium, Ranorex, [Test.ai](https://test.ai/about-us{externalnofollow}), TestSigma, [TestNG](https://testng.org/doc/{externalnofollow}), and [JUnit](https://junit.org/junit5/{externalnofollow}).

This phase is the final step before the software code can be deployed to the production environment. The programmer who iterated the code to fix the issue will be notified if it doesn't work through the continuous integration tool (regression automation).

## Continuous feedback

The continuous feedback phase of DevOps helps improve products by allowing all stakeholders to share their feedback. In contrast to traditional software development methodologies, DevOps involves many stakeholders, including the client, product team, development, cloud operations, finance, and management.

In this phase, data is collected from the software being run in real time and monitored by real users. All parties continuously improve the product through continuous feedback.

## Continuous deployment

After testing and validating the code/build, the next step in the DevOps lifecycle involves releasing it into production. Continuous deployment is the last step in the [CI/CD pipeline](https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/devops/what-cicd-pipeline{externalnofollow}) in which teams deploy validated code changes to real users.

Unlike continuous deployment, continuous delivery primarily prepares validated builds for human review before deploying. The difference is that continuous deployment releases validated build to live production automatically.

CD software and CI/CD tools like [UrbanCode Deploy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh5KsH-JByw{externalnofollow}), [DeployBot](https://deploybot.com/#:~:text=DeployBot%20lets%20you%20execute%20or,%2C%20after%2C%20or%20during%20deployment.{externalnofollow}), and [Juju](https://juju.is/{externalnofollow}) can automate both CD processes. Or, use all-in-one solutions like GitLab, CircleCI, and Travis CI. A hassle-free application performance can be achieved using tools like Puppet, Chef, and Ansible.

Your service delivery can be improved by implementing the complete DevOps lifecycle. Continuous improvement of your DevOps pipeline can also help you meet customer needs and business goals more quickly.

## DevOps Methods and Tools
![Frame 3828.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/1/24/Frame_3828_ac2f5f6638.png)

Measurement and analysis can determine how successful a company can become with DevOps practices. We provide automation solutions for development operations in all phases.

To speed up and improve product releases, organizations can use **DevOps methods**. They are embodied in software development methodologies and practices. Popular processes include Kanban, Agile, and Scrum:

##### Kanban
Originally developed on the Toyota factory floor, Kanban has gained much traction. The Kanban method prescribes tracking the state of work in progress (WIP) on a Kanban board.

##### Scrum
Using scrum, team members can work together more efficiently on development and quality assurance projects. As part of Scrum practices, there are specific workflows and terms (sprints, time boxes, daily scrums [meetings]), as well as designated roles (Scrum Master, product owner).

##### Agile
DevOps practices and tools continue to be heavily influenced by earlier agile software development methods. Agile programming is incorporated into many DevOps methods, including Scrum and Kanban. By performing daily standups, documenting requirements as user stories, and incorporating continuous customer feedback, some agile practices enhance responsiveness to changing needs and requirements. Agile prescribes shorter software development lifecycles as an alternative to lengthy, traditional "waterfall" development methodologies.

## Prioritize security practices

Data breaches are seen as an integral part of organizations' systems. Developing and managing automated processes is an essential aspect of security monitoring and ensuring the success of DevOps processes. No coding is needed for any application and only verified versions control methods will apply.

It is also essential to deliver multiple DevOps Managed Services, allowing for simplified Devops transformations. 
Providing comprehensive defenses from unauthorized access and a potential attack is a key component of this strategy.

Typically organizations with less than 80% securing compliance concerns have a person responsible for security. It can sometimes prove a problem because security is a last thought, and it'll become much harder to secure software after it has been designed and installed than when you design the software to keep it secure.

## What are DevOps services?

DevOps is a mix of cultural philosophies, practices and tools which improve the company's ability to develop and improve products at faster speeds compared to traditional software development and infrastructure management.

Effective tooling is essential to enabling teams to deploy and innovate quickly and reliably in the DevOps model. DevOps tools automate manual tasks, manage complex environments at scale, and keep engineers in control of the high velocity. AWS provides services designed for DevOps and built first for use with the AWS cloud. Using these services can assist you in implementing DevOps phases.

## What is a DevOps engineer?

DevOps engineers are generalists with broad experience in software design, infrastructure development and operations, including code management. Likewise, developers need to have interpersonal skills in their roles so that they can work with different departments in order to build more collaborative environments. DevOps developers must understand common systems architecture, provisioning, and administration, but they should be familiar with the typical toolset.

### Top 9 DevOps Engineer Skills

The skills needed by DevOps Engineers depend on team structure, technology, and tools used. However, good communicative skills are vital to the success of any organization. DevOps Engineers must understand all components of a delivery pipeline. 

The **essential skills** for great DevOps developers are Linux Fundamentals, Scripting, Automation, Coding, Security, and [Cloud skills](https://www.simplilearn.com/top-cloud-computing-skills-article{externalnofollow}), Testing skills, Configuration, Version Management, Learning Proactive monitoring, and [Soft skills](https://www.ecdevstudio.com/blog/top-ten-essential-soft-skills-for-engineering-professionals/).

## The future of DevOps

Since DevOps entered the game, it has proved to be effective in many ways: From speeding up development processes to bringing more value and high-quality products.
DevOps isn't going anywhere, but it doesn't stand still. Here are three DevOps trends for the near future.

As more organizations migrate to the cloud, DevOps will be tightly connected with cloud-native security bringing changes in how software is built, deployed, and operated. With [SecDevOps](https://www.xenonstack.com/insights/secdevops#:~:text=in%20the%20SDLC.-,What%20is%20SecDevOps%3F,than%20being%20held%20by%20them.{externalnofollow}), companies can integrate security into the development and deployment workflows.

Some experts predict the broader adoption of [BizDevOps](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/definition/BizDevOps-Business-Development-and-Operations{externalnofollow}), a new approach to software development that eliminates the boundaries between developers, operations teams, and business staff so companies can build user-oriented products more quickly.

⚡️This article describes DevOps benefits, principles, tools, and the DevOps engineer role. 

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DevOps: principles, tools, and DevOps engineer role

**Cybersecurity** plays an essential role in the operational processes as the system protects against the theft and destruction of personal data. With an effective cybersecurity policy, your company can defend itself against the threats of unauthorized access. 

Cyber security protects various devices, data, electronic systems, and networks from malware attacks. Also, it can be named information technology security. It is the kind of organization's strategic efforts to protect information resources. Cyber security threat monitoring describes revealing cyber threats and data breaches, which can cause significant damage and disruption.

## Types of CyberSecurity

Cyber security applies in various contexts - from business to mobile computing. It can be divided into such types:
![Types of CyberSecurity.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/Types_of_Cyber_Security_0e36e608cc.png)

##### Application security

This type of cyber security focuses on protecting software and devices free of threats. A hacked application could provide access to the data designed to protect. Successful security should be begun in the design stage before a program or device is deployed.

##### Information security

It guards the privacy of data, both in transit and storage.

##### Network security

It is the crucial practice of protecting a computer network from intruders if targeted attackers or malicious software.

##### Operational security

This type of security works with data assets. Permissions for accessing a network and procedures for storing or sharing data fall within the scope.

##### Encryption

It takes plain text, like a text message or email, and scrambles it into an unreadable format — called cipher text. The purpose of encryption is confidentiality—concealing the content of the message by translating it into a code.

##### Access control

This type of cyber security is an essential element that determines who can access specific data, apps, and resources—and in what circumstances. Access control aims to minimize the security risk of unauthorized access to material and logical systems.

##### End-user education

It addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Any person can accidentally bring a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and other essential lessons are vital for any organization's security.

##### Disaster recovery and business continuity

This type learns the companies' response to cyber security incidents, which cause data loss or operations. Disaster recovery policies determine how the organization restores its information and functions to return to the operating capacity as before the damage. Business continuity is the organization's plan while trying to operate without specific assets.

## Cyber security management
![Cyber security management.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/Cyber_security_management_1e4abb5f1b.png)

In IT, cybersecurity management protects sensitive information from unwanted guests and cybercriminals. It can protect the company's computer networks and information systems from cyber attacks, threats, intrusions, malware, and data breaches. 

Cybercriminals always look for new ways to take advantage of computer systems' vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated. Individuals' computer infrastructure may also be affected by some of these viruses. Now, organizations and companies are reevaluating their strategies against these threats. Organizations and businesses are developing better ways to prevent more damage by hiring cybersecurity managers or professionals who understand the importance of keeping information secure. 

## What makes managing cyber risk so challenging today?
![Frame 3827 (1).png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/Frame_3827_1_2201421621.png)

Let's start with cloud services and third-party vendors interacting with sensitive information. Approximately 583 third parties share confidential information with companies, according to a Ponemon Institute study. IT security teams have their hands complete, managing complex infrastructures full of vendor risk.

Meanwhile, organizations face many laws and regulations governing how confidential data must be protected. Modern enterprises are held accountable for third-party data processing on their behalf. If handling your risk wasn't challenging enough, today's organizations must also manage vendor risk.

What is the responsibility for each part of the security risk? Everyone - is entirely responsible and shares ownership. The situation becomes complicated when four business functions have a stake in the outcome.

Functions often lack empathy for one another and understand each other's agenda. Rather than taking security and compliance seriously, it often views them as annoying roadblocks. The security industry knows about safety but must also be aware of evolving technology and regulations. Security audits are a top priority for the sales team as they want to keep their customers happy. It is common for compliance to operate without understanding security and follow strict regulations to stay out of trouble.

Cybersecurity risk management requires specific responsibilities and clear roles for all functions. It is no longer the case that siloed departments stumble along in disconnected confusion. We need a unified, coordinated, disciplined, and consistent approach to manage risk effectively today. Here are some key risk management components that all organizations should consider:

- Assessing vendor risk with robust policies and tools
- Identification of emerging threats, such as new regulations that affect the business
- Finding weaknesses in internal security, such as a lack of two-factor authentication
- Training programs or policies and controls can be used to mitigate IT risks
- An overall security assessment
- Provide documentation of vendor risk management and security to satisfy regulatory requirements or prospective customers

## What programming languages are used for Cybersecurity?
C and C++, Python, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL are a few of the preferred programming languages used for cybersecurity.

### C and C++

The C programming language has been used in the development of some of the most popular operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows. C and C++ provide access to low-level IT infrastructure, such as RAM and system processes. Hackers can easily exploit these lower-level operations if they are not properly protected.

### Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages for cybersecurity because of its ease and functionality. Python is used for developing both web-based and software-based applications. Cybersecurity professionals use Python to develop analysis tools and hacking scripts, as well as to design secure programs.

### JavaScript

This language is primarily used to design interactive web pages and apps. JavaScript is extensively used, and it can be manipulated by hackers to gather information. Learning JavaScript can help to identify vulnerabilities in web design and fend off malicious users.

### PHP

PHP is used on the server-side to develop websites. Because most websites are created using PHP, learning this language will be helpful for cybersecurity jobs that focus on protecting websites.

### SQL

Structured Query Language (SQL) is primarily used in the design and management of databases and is widely used to maintain and retrieve data. Learning SQL is particularly helpful to prevent SQL injections, a type of cyber-attack where the attacker manipulates SQL statements to steal or modify information.

## Best Practices in Cybersecurity Management

Here are the **tried-and-tested best practices** for cybersecurity management.

- **Understand Your IT Assets and Environment**

A comprehensive cybersecurity management strategy demands deep knowledge of your firm's IT environment, including all your organization's data and digital assets, BYOD devices, networks, systems, third-party services, technologies, and endpoints. 

It is crucial to be aware of all aspects of your IT landscape, as they can all be exploited to breach your network. Moreover, your IT environment should be continuously monitored and maintained.

- **Implement a risk management strategy**

Risk management without an effective cybersecurity risk management strategy is counterproductive. Organizations must maintain up-to-date systems and plans. 

You should determine your risk tolerance before planning. Incorporate employee roles and escalation strategies, as well as information on the roles of key stakeholders.

- **Integrate cybersecurity risk management into the company culture**

A well-crafted cybersecurity risk management policy and process are only helpful if implemented effectively throughout the organization. Communicate your ideas, plans, and procedures to all stakeholders. Establish cybersecurity risk management as part of the company's culture and values. Each party managing cyber threats must know, understand, and embrace its responsibilities.

- **Assess risks continuously, adaptable, and proactively**

Identifying and assessing risks are crucial components of risk management. Cybersecurity risks are constantly evolving. For example, changing company procedures or introducing new technologies can significantly change your chances. Therefore, the organization's general risk assessment needs to be adjusted. Your strategies should be continuously assessed for deficiencies to ensure sufficient security.

Risk assessments are critical because they provide the business with information about where vulnerabilities currently exist and which threats are on the horizon.

- **Implement Strict Security Protocols**

Effective risk mitigation requires a security system that is both comprehensive and user-friendly. Here are a few techniques:

1. Use [a web application firewall (WAF)](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/web-application-firewall-waf/{externalnofollow}) managed and situated at the network's edge to keep track of traffic, offer immediate and actionable information, and continuously protect against known and unknown threats.
2. Extend security to[ BYOD devices](https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/byod{externalnofollow}) and all other hardware in your IT environment.
3. Implement stringent security procedures for remote employees.
4. When possible, use automatic patching to keep all security systems up-to-date.
5. Implement stringent access controls and authentication policies.
6. Consolidate systems and data whenever possible. Data that is segregated and dispersed is more challenging to manage and secure.
7. Set up a consistent, reliable backup system.

- **Enhance Visibility into Your Network**

Visibility into all areas of your network is critical to preventing and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. Factors like insider threats, third-party components with built-in vulnerabilities, and human error can endanger your environment. Real-time and trustworthy visibility into your organization's risk profile is essential.

## What is a cyber security audit?

A cyber security audit is a comprehensive review of an organisation’s IT infrastructure. Audits ensure that appropriate policies and procedures have been implemented and are working effectively.

The goal is to identify any vulnerabilities that could result in a data breach. This includes weaknesses that enable malicious actors to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, as well as poor internal practices that might result in employees accidentally or negligently breaching sensitive information.

As part of their review, the auditor will assess the organisation’s compliance posture. Depending on the nature of the organisation, it could be subject to several information security and data privacy laws, creating a complex net of requirements.

The audit should be performed by a qualified third party. The results of their assessment act as a verification to management, vendors and other stakeholders that the organisation’s defences are adequate.

## Final words

Practicing cybersecurity can strengthen your security system and prevent data breaches. Employees must be loyal to your company and should not leak company data, confidential information, or other intellectual property details. Any suspicious activity on your network should be reported to your security department as part of your responsibility to ensure safe online behavior.

Preventative security technology can identify known signature-based threats, but cyber security threat monitoring can detect more sophisticated threats.


🧑‍💻🔐The article outlines cyber security's meaning, options, tools, and best practices.

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Cyber Security: meaning, options, tools, and best practices

Due to the digital age, businesses interact with customers in a completely different way today. It is not enough just to set up an online store or a website to go digital. You should integrate user experience, processes, funnels, services, and product deliveries.

Innovations like automation, digital platforms, and open-source software are changing the fundamental nature of work. Artificial intelligence, [ChatGPT](https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/{externalnofollow}), data analytics, and [the Internet of Things](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mBO2vqLv38{externalnofollow}) are among the technologies that influence these processes. Many companies seek large-scale change efforts to adapt to these technological developments or remain competitive. All these led to the necessity of digital product transformation, which gives the vision and destination of the product.

In this article, we will examine the core stages of the digital product development process, potential pitfalls, and best practices of DPD. But first, let's dive into the relevance of digital products.

## What is considered a digital product?
![What is a digital product_.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/What_is_a_digital_product_320f939152.png)

What is the most distinctive characteristic of digital products? Any digital product brings together the concept of products or services, providing value through the interactive point of view.

The term **digital product** refers to something that can be created, sold, and purchased online. The delivery of digital products is usually instantaneous after you buy them, instead of being shipped in a box with packing peanuts.

For creative entrepreneurs, digital products provide a fantastic **monetization option** since they can often be scalable indefinitely. You don't have to create new digital courses or ebooks each time you sell one. [Paywalls](https://rockcontent.com/blog/paywall/{externalnofollow}) allow users to access digital products. A creator has a huge advantage here.

However, their simplicity should be understood. There are many digital products on the market, but making a good one takes a lot of work and pitfalls. The digital product market needs to be more saturated, so slapping anything into a PDF and putting a price tag on it will likely attract few customers. The best digital products must be well-researched, well-executed, and constantly improved.

Also, the common types of digital products include mobile apps, [SaaS](https://www.ecdevstudio.com/blog/awesome-saas-ideas-for-product/) (Software as a Service), software-augmented hardware solutions, and IT solutions.

## What is digital product development?
![What is digital product development_ (1).png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/What_is_digital_product_development_1_750c919f38.png)

Digital product development transforms an innovative [digital product concept](https://thestory.is/en/process/concept-validation/digital-product-concept/{externalnofollow}) into reality by leveraging the best technology to develop and deliver exceptional designs.

The goal of digital product development is to develop an authentically helpful application that serves your customers and provides the most value for your business. A digital product agency with engineers, designers, and project strategists working towards a common goal can help you carry out this work with purpose and confidence.

Investing in digital product development will allow you to provide your end users with the experience they want and need, regardless of whether you are launching a startup or running a successful business.

## The digital product strategy - the basis of your business

Creating valuable products and implementing digital transformation requires a digital product strategy. 

The ability to predict **the future lifecycle of a product**, its value proposition, and the product's target audience allow businesses to make better decisions that will benefit both shareholders and customers.

The path for developing a digital product can help businesses create unique, scalable products. 

On the other hand, vague digital product strategies can impede project development, contributing to the failure of [95% of 30,000 new products](https://incafrica.com/library/marc-emmer-95-percent-of-new-products-fail-here-are-6-steps-to-make-sure-yours-dont{externalnofollow}) launched each year. 

Digital product strategies today include numerous standard components that are considered **best practices**. The following are some critical aspects of this strategy:

- The product's ability to address the pain points of customers
- Launch details 
- The way it attracts and retains customers
- The method for the product to grow rapidly and sustainably

Anyway, a digital product development approach includes a wide variety and encompasses all the steps of a software product. So, let's take a look at the critical phases of DPDP.

## The core stages of the digital product development process
![The core stages of the digital product development process.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/The_core_stages_of_the_digital_product_development_process_76b7539d63.png)

### Stage 1: Discovery stage

At this phase of digital product development, the general ideas of the project, the scope of work, the project's terms, and the future product's competitiveness should be determined.

**Testing of ideas**

In this step, you must determine whether your business idea is viable. It is vital to gather marketing requirements, and analyze your needs and demands, as well as competitive solutions, to define your potential users, avoid possible risks, and make your product unique.

**Gather requirements**

You should prioritize features and functionality based on your essential needs. In this way, a project backlog and vision are defined.

**Defined priority backlog**

With accurate detail elaboration, it describes the stack of features and their implementation to meet the needs of end users.

**Project vision**

It describes the entire project idea. Detailed descriptions of features and essential characteristics will be provided, as well as benefits and strengths your product will offer, along with a short competitive analysis.

**Wireframing**

When you have the project requirements, you are ready to start creating the product visualization. In most cases, it represents the initial product concept, page structure, layout, information architecture, user flow, functionality, and intended behavior. Furthermore, you can view the minimum level of product styling, color, and graphics.

**Infrastructure Architecture**

Depending on your business needs, you can choose the best infrastructure architecture. Various modules and development environments enable the operation of a system, the ability to scale, or the capability to support mobile devices.

**Estimation of the project**

By analyzing your requirements, you can determine the project's cost, time, and resources. Identifying potential risks is crucial for optimizing the budget and minimizing its effects.

### Stage 2: Development stage

In this stage, a product is tailored to the client's needs based on the technology stack.

**Proof of concept**

The purpose of [a proof of concept](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04VMhY0lo1A{externalnofollow}) is to test whether the idea is feasible. A minimal working prototype lets you check if the future product's key features will work with the proposed technology.

**MVP development**

During this stage, you [develop a product](https://vilmate.com/blog/mvp-in-software-development/{externalnofollow}) with only the most essential features and scalable architecture. As a result, the product can be tested, users' feedback is gathered, bugs can be resolved, and the end-users suggestions are integrated into the final product.

### Stage 3: Delivery stage

The final stage is where the product is tested, deployed to the production environment, and provided support for the product.

**Testing process**

A comprehensive testing process is included to ensure bug removal and smooth system operation.

**Continual maintenance**

All necessary upgrades and improvements will be provided for your digital products. A modern and innovative strategy will meet the needs of a fast-changing business environment and a digital transformation.

## Digital Product Development Services
![Digital product development services.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/12/20/Digital_product_development_services_87d9668187.png)

Products develop a business perspective to increase a firm's market share to meet consumer demand. Customer-focused value can be gained by offering quality goods and services to customers.

Digital products help companies become technology companies by providing innovative product teams that deliver digital solutions that can be easily marketed and implemented. The experts [help businesses scale up their software business](https://www.ecdevstudio.com/blog/what-you-should-know-about-hiring-remote-developers/) through various services.

The digital product development process includes conceptualizing, designing, prototyping, developing, and delivering new digital experiences to an organization's customers. To make these services effective, users must first understand existing needs, then use technology in new ways. 

Regarding innovation speed, **digital product development services** offer the most significant business benefits. Fast and agile innovation in sustained product engineering is crucial to engaging customers in a fast-paced and elegant environment. Prototypes for user testing can be developed quickly with effective digital product development services.

EcDev Studio takes your best ideas and makes them real using proven methodologies and research within the realm of design thought and UX/UI. Our engineers know the way users think. Our digital product development can be completed efficiently and effectively. The digital world is not limited to geographical terms. An excellent digital product development firm will increase your visibility and grow your brand globally.

Also, read <u>**[How EcDev Studio prevents 6 most common problems in software outsourcing](https://www.ecdevstudio.com/blog/how-ecdev-studio-prevents-six-most-common-problems-in-software-outsourcing/)**</u>

## Final thoughts

Digital product development is the architecture of successful products, and their successful execution depends on an aligned operation between managers, designers, engineers, and marketers. An effective digital product strategy must be meticulously and inclusively prepared. It must be premised on factors and variables from different stages of product development, including the team members involved.

While technical requirements are the most challenging, low-code plugin solutions are viable tools to circumvent complex product strategy and development processes, getting companies to plan, build and bring their product to market faster. 

Contact [EcDev Studio's development team](https://calendly.com/ecdev-studio/45min) if you want to create a scalable digital product with effective and easy-to-integrate low-code APIs.

📱📲This article describes the core phases of the digital product development process, strategies, pitfalls, and best practices to create or develop your brand.📈

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What you need to know about digital product development: strategies, pitfalls, and best practices

⭐️An article about the pros and cons of software development outsourcing destinations to the Philippines 🇵🇭 and Ukraine 🇺🇦

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Software development outsourcing destinations: Philippines vs Ukraine

It is often the case that engineers place a lot of attention on their technical skills and abilities, ignoring their soft skills primarily. Most roles and industries, however, require soft skills.

As our world becomes more globalized, teams operate across departments, and employees work closely with clients and partners, soft skills are in high demand. Let's take a look at the essential soft skills for engineering professionals.
![Communication.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/11/10/Communication_3016404ce3.png)
## Communication skills

Engineers need communication with others as they work, which is essential communication between them. Soft skills help improve the working environment and make engineers perform more efficiently. The importance of good communication skills is increasing, especially when dealing with clients.

As an engineer, you tend to focus on the technical details when clients are more interested in finding solutions to their problems and understanding the benefits. Clients are interested in something other than abstract theories or high-level science, particularly at the management level. It would help if you practiced communicating highly technical information while keeping the client's perspective in mind.

A third point to remember when discussing communication skills is that they are a category rather than a single skill. Enhancing your communication skills will also involve improving other soft skills. The following soft communication skills may not be necessary for everyone, but they are nonetheless important:

- Ability to listen actively
- A good writing ability 
- Developing presentation skills
- Non-verbal communication skills
- Empathy
- Patience

## Teamwork

There will always be times when you have to work with others. Whether it's a team of developers, designers, or a project team, developers need to work well with others to be successful. Working well with others makes what you're working on more fun and makes people more likely to help you in the future.

In addition, you may only sometimes agree with the people on your team, but having different viewpoints helps build more successful companies.

## Problem-solving

In your career, there will be times when you face a challenge. It could happen regularly or be rare, but it's inevitable. How you handle problems will significantly impact your career and the company you work for.

Problem-solving is a critical skill that employers look for in prospective employees, so the more examples you have of problem-solving, the better. Whenever you encounter a new problem, always view it objectively, even if you accidentally created one. Once you know the problem, what caused it? Finding a solution is easy once you know the cause.

It's also important to remember that whether you cause the problem or not, you don't have to fix it alone. Working with people in and outside your team helps you solve a problem faster than doing it alone.

## Time management

Knowing how to manage your time is crucial when you have a lot to do. How much time do you spend planning? Coding? Working with your team on new ideas?

Managing your time allows you to focus on what's most essential and get tasks done more efficiently.

Techniques like [the Pomodoro technique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique{externalnofollow}), where you work for a set period on one task, take a break, then go back to it, or [Kanban](https://www.atlassian.com/agile/kanban{externalnofollow}), where you visualize your tasks, are great ways to build a routine or learn how to focus your attention if you're prone to multitasking.

While sometimes the need arises for multitasking, and you may feel like you get loads done when you do it, studies have shown that it's bad for productivity. Not giving something your full attention means that tasks take longer, and you're more likely to make errors.

If you often multitask, prioritize your to-do list, then use one of the techniques mentioned above to help you focus. You'll be surprised how quickly you get things done when they have your full attention!

## Leadership

Soft skills are vital for a leader, as they are essential to productivity. Soft skills help you be an excellent employee. It includes work ethics, organizational communication, cooperation, and leadership. A complex skill is a skill acquired at school or on the job. They have everything from C++ programming to advertising campaigns to financial forecasting.

Soft leadership skills are crucial to productivity and performance. Successful leadership typically involves a good set of soft skills to help a team motivate themselves and inspire others. In turn, leaders' abilities are usually affected by their ability to strategize, listen to feedback and integrate ideas. Empathizing with your team allows you to fully understand their problems and find a way to make your project work for everyone.

Suggesting new ideas is much easier when there is an understanding between team members that there won't be any negative feedback or mockery, no matter how someone feels about an idea. Empathy allows us to predict how others will react to what we say, meaning we can tailor how we speak to our audience.

If you don't like someone's idea, ask yourself why. Then, when you give feedback, start by saying something positive about their suggestion, then what you don't like, and finish off with another positive. This 'sandwich' approach means that the person you're giving feedback will not dwell on the negatives but will understand the pros and cons of their idea.

Empathizing with your user allows you to see things from their point of view. They're the ones that will be using your product, so you must always try to see things from their point of view before your own. Just because you like how something looks/works don't mean your users will. Decision-making should be about more than personal preference.

## Strong interpersonal skills

Sometimes you'll be a part of a team or meeting that consists of more than just developers. That means you will have to explain the reasons behind your decisions and do so in a non-technical way. Some people will get everything straight away, while others will need more time. Teams must be patient with each other in these situations to work well together.

Only some understand how complex programming is or how long code takes to write. They may ask you to do something without realizing the scope of what they're asking. This can lead to frustration. Take your time to explain why it's not as simple as they think, and answer any questions they have. Once you've taken the time to do this, future sessions will become much easier!

## Adaptability

At some point, someone's going to want to ask you something. It could be about your tasks for the day, an issue or a bug, or just about your plans for the weekend. Being approachable is key.

If people don't feel they can approach you and ask you something, they're less likely to ask you for help when something goes wrong. That could mean that a little problem soon evolves into a big one. Not being approachable or helpful also means that others are less likely to help you should you need it. If you can establish a rapport with people, they're more likely to work with you and not against you.

You can tell people when you don't have time to communicate by putting headphones in when you're busy and setting yourself offline on the company chat. If someone still approaches you, set a time to meet to discuss things.

## Critical skills (self-awareness)

When your mind is open, you're more willing to accept new ideas, whether yours or someone else's. Even the worst pictures can inspire something great if you're ready to consider them before dismissing them. Having more ideas means you can work on more projects. While not every idea you have will turn into something, you only know what will once you've thought about it in-depth.

Keep your mind open to new ideas from your team, the rest of the company, and even clients. Clients are the ones who use your product, so they're the best people to tell you what works and what they need.

## Creativity

The best ideas and solutions often come to us when we approach things from a different, less obvious angle. This separates the most creative people — from programmers to entrepreneurs to authors — from everyone else.

Reading fiction, writing, art, crafts, and even cooking are ways of exploring creativity. The more forms of invention you explore, the easier it is to find different ways to approach the same problem.

## Striving for perfection

You should always ask for feedback. An impartial opinion from a colleague or mentor can be beneficial in assessing your level of soft skills. Consider asking someone who works with you to evaluate your performance at work. Coworkers can provide constructive criticism on how you can improve and suggestions on how to become a better software developer.

## How do you highlight soft skills in your CV?
![soft skills.png](https://ecdev-cms-dev-ecdev-cms-ecdev-cms-bucket.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/11/10/soft_skills_d0e236f228.png)
Software developer soft skills may be helpful to list on your resume to help the managers determine whether you are qualified for the job. Reviewing the job description, you can ensure your resume includes the skills the employer seeks in candidates. For example, it is a good idea to list soft skills such as public speaking and collaboration in your resume if the posting asks candidates to work well with others and to lead monthly assembly meetings.

In a cover letter, you can also describe the soft skills that make you a good fit for the position you're applying for. Your letter should highlight your skills and provide examples of how you have used them. In addition to empathizing with your teammates, you can write about how you supported their professional growth.

In the interview, you'll have the chance to show off your [soft skills assessment](https://www.bizlibrary.com/soft-skills-assessment/{externalnofollow}) and give examples of how you've applied them. Communicate your contributions in specific terms to the interviewer so they fully understand the situation. As well as describing your ability to improve your skills over time, you can also show the employer you're open to feedback.

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