APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
Leveraging software applications to drive business growth is quickly becoming a game-changer for
organizations around the world. From transforming end-user experience, creating new revenue channels,
and making business innovation-ready to targeting a wider customer base – IT software is one of the
single most important elements within an organization. This has made application development and
maintenance a strategic requirement for all of those looking to add value and improve business outcomes.
What is Application Development and Maintenance?
application
Application development goes through a process of planning, creating, testing, and deploying an
information system, also known as the software development lifecycle. Applications are also often
developed to automate some type of internal business process or processes, build a product to address
common business challenges, or drive innovation. Today, a majority of organizations are looking for
custom solutions to support their individual business needs, and to be on par with cutting-edge
technologies by developing robust applications that are scalable, secure, and easily maintainable.
For many software development projects, getting the product in the market quickly, ahead of the
competition is key. This is no easy task, considering that skilled domestic software developers come
with a high price tag, and the demand for their talents is high. Outsourcing software development is a
smart strategy for many businesses, as it enables companies to reduce development and production time
without draining budgets.
What is Application Maintenance?
Application maitenance is the continous updating, analyzing, modifying, and re-evaluating of your
existing software applications, This must be an ongoing task to ensure your applications are always
running to the best of their abilities. Due to evolving customer expectations, the fight to survive in
an existing market, and technological advancements, modifying and implementing new strategies is
critical in maintaining sustainability and staying competitive. Every competitive business needs to
constantly enhance and manage the IT solutions that have been developed in order to stay relevant and
meet the wavering needs of users. This is where application maintenance and support come into the
picture.
Contrary to popular belief, application maintenance is not just about fixing defects, but modifying a
software product after delivery to correct faults, as well as to improve performance. Application
maintenance and enhancement to existing applications begin with a thorough study of existing
applications to identify areas of improvement.
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Key Benefits of Application Development and Maintenance
Robust application development and maintenance enables companies to effectively manage their application
portfolio through customized solutions. Let’s look at four of the major advantages of application
development and maintenance provide:
The need for custom application development is at an all-time high – solutions that support individual
business needs, that are scalable, secure, and easily maintainable.
By leveraging proven deployment techniques and industry best practices to make improvements to IT
solutions, organizations can not only improve their application throughput but also ensure business
continuity and long-term value.
End-to-end application development services across a number of engagement models help support the
development, QA/testing, deployment, maintenance, and enhancement of legacy and new IT systems.
Expertise and domain experience across key industry verticals including marketing, healthcare, media,
e-commerce, manufacturing, and financial services and quality assured practices across a variety of
application lifecycle models helps to support and extend the quality practices of end-customers.
7 Best Practices for Successful Application Development and Maintenance
Developing and maintaining applications is not always easy, but, by following these best practices,
businesses can ensure quick time-to-market and ongoing success.
1. Use an Experienced Partner
An application development partner can be an invaluable tool when it comes to creating and maintaining
high-quality applications. For best results, select a partner who is experienced, communicative, and
offers ongoing support.
2. Train Your Team
Your internal team needs to be well-versed with your applications to deliver the best results, so
prioritize team training around new applications or existing application updates.
3. Document Your Strategy
Ensure all involved parties are on the same page about application development and maintenance
strategies by documenting and distributing fully.
4. Test for UX
User experience is key to a successful application. Test from an end-user perspective to find and work
out any possible kinks.
5. Remain Compliant
Keep up to date on application regulations, policies, and practices to keep your applications compliant
and avoid penalties.
6. Prioritize Communication
Communication is vital, especially if you’re using an external application partner. Communicate
frequently with all involved internal and external teams so you can work together as seamlessly as
possible.
7. Be Adaptable & Flexible
Your applications should fit your current organizational structure, market, and
finances, but be adaptable and flexible should these change.
These best practices ensure that applications are of high quality and are vulnerable to
minimal bug
interruptions.
Examples of Application Development and Maintenance
Flexible and scalable architecture and intuitive user interface have become prime requirements when
developing applications as user expectations become more intensified.
Gone are the days when application development and maintenance was restricted to just mobile and web
apps;
today they cover a host of enterprise systems ranging from marketing technology software,
cloud-based mobile apps using IoT, data management solutions, and more.
Successful application development companies today make use of the latest tools like Visual Studio, TFS,
VSTS, and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and technologies
like .Net 4.5, MVC, jQuery, MVVM, C#, VB.Net, and SQL Server to develop robust applications that have a
direct impact on process efficiency, quality control, and also improve workflow handling.
A well-developed and maintained application enables organizations to experience a substantial
improvement in
throughput, with a sizable reduction in time, resources, and overhead costs.
