Author: oleshchenko

Scam Alert! Devtorium’s Disclaimer

Posted on by oleshchenko

Devtorium would like to state that we are not affiliated with the so-called “Devtorium Solutions” service in any way. We strongly suspect this company to be a scam and would like to alert the public about the threat.

The so-called “Devtorium Solutions” that has been sending people emails using the address info@devtoriumsolutions.com is NOT A PART OF THE DEVTORIUM GROUP OF COMPANIES!

Please be aware that our domain is devtorium.com. No other variation of the domain name is genuine and should not be trusted.

Please stay safe and verify any information you find online.

End-to-End Development: Benefits for Business Success in 2022

Posted on by oleshchenko

End-to-end development can provide a software product that will enable your business to grow considerably. An end-to-end solution opens multiple opportunities for improving workflows and increasing profitability. Understanding the advantages of this type of development will help you decide whether it’s a good investment for your business. We would like to help you make the best choice for your company.  In this post, our experts will explain both pros and cons of end-to-end software development.

What Is End-to-End Development?

When it comes to end-to-end custom software product development, a vendor has to provide you with

  • Establishing all the necessary software or hardware requirements
  • Solution installation services
  • Solution integration with third-party software (if needed)
  • Complete solution setup
  • Software maintenance

All in all, no other service providers should be involved in the end-to-end development process. For example, an end-to-end e-commerce solution aims to address business needs regarding order processing, stock and warehouse management, and accounts systems.

One of the most significant advantages of the end-to-end model for the customer is reduced business risk. When employing this type of development service, the same professionals will be responsible for the entire creation and maintenance process. Therefore, any issue can be dealt with immediately. In addition, you won’t have to spend extra resources to manage various software development and maintenance stages by several separate teams.

Why end-to-end development is a good investment for s business.

End-to-End Development Benefits for Your Business

Custom-tailored end-to-end solution (E2ES)

The main benefit is getting a solution that is ideally in tune with your business. Depending on your requirements for the product, it might provide you with an aerial view of all the workflows. Therefore, you’ll be able to monitor every aspect of the business in real time. Such help can be invaluable if your goal is to maximize profit and reduce waste and redundancy. Solutions created by an enterprise web development company can be highly complex and flexible to account for every tiny business detail.

Moreover, your total control of the business process through such solutions will enable faster and more efficient modernization. It will also help grow overall productivity and improve the performance of every unit within the enterprise.

Reduced costs and extra income

Calculating the cost of end-to-end software development is a complicated process that largely depends on the customer’s requirements. However, you can be sure that hiring an end-to-end solution developer will be cheaper than hiring several contractors to create and manage the software.

Moreover, some mistakes and issues will surely happen when different people work on one project. Therefore, it will mean losses for your business on several levels. Therefore, having a single team handle every step of the software product lifecycle is more cost-efficient overall.

In addition, consider the extra income you will gain from the productivity boost. No one can argue that top-quality custom software helps increase profits. So, the result of hiring a dedicated end-to-end development company is a reduction of your costs and the growth of your income.

Operational efficiency

Human error is an essential factor that every business must consider. Using top-grade custom software is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of human error today. However, you must remember that people who create and manage this software are liable to make mistakes. This chance increases if several unconnected teams work with the same product. Therefore, the foremost benefit of an end-to-end solution (E2ES) is reduced risk of human error.

Of course, people might make mistakes in these teams. However, if the solution is closely monitored by people who understand it fully, they can resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

Using end-to-end development also often helps businesses boost their operational efficiency through automation. It can help you optimize workflows and improve overall resource management.

Security

End-to-end development is safer in every way. First of all, you only need to have an airtight NDA with one company. But even more important is that an end-to-end solution (E2ES) has fewer security risks.

It’s important to remember that every third-party software integration makes a solution more vulnerable to outside attacks. Also, in this case, you would rely on each of those other solutions being up-to-date with security.

In addition, it’s pretty common for different solutions to fail at integration after their separate updates. Therefore, your whole business might be at risk.

Meanwhile, an end-to-end enterprise web development company can create a highly secure software product. The developers will also update its security regularly as part of maintenance. So, you can be sure that your business is always protected from the latest cyber threats.

Why end-to-end solutions development can be the right choice for you.

Scalability

For the majority of businesses, growth is one of their foremost goals. And every business owner understands that workflow disruptions at a critical time can cause a loss of growth opportunities. Those chances might not come up again. Moreover, the business might lose a lot of money. For example, if a significant disruption happens during some big seasonal sale or a costly marketing campaign.

The ability to scale fast is one of the most significant benefits of end-to-end development. These solutions are literally designed to grow with your business. Therefore, the vendor can collaborate with the software developer to facilitate any changes in business workflows.

This way, you will not only ensure that your company runs smoothly at any time. But you will also maintain top-grade efficiency with new parameters. So, you’ll have a better chance to retain the loyalty of new customers.

Scaling up your business becomes easier and more affordable with an end-to-end solution. Moreover, you can benefit from the development company’s analytical data to help you choose the best moment and build an efficient strategy.

Transparency

Transparency is essential for any business. End-to-end development allows you to have more transparency in matters related to software. Working with a single team, you will have more effective communication. In addition, you will have access to everything that’s happening on the project.

It means more control over the development process. So you’ll be sure that you are making the best use of your resources. In addition, you will have guarantees that your data is well-protected. If you want to be sure of its safety, choose a development company that holds recognized security certificates.

Cons of end-to-end development for small businesses.

Is End-to-End Development for Everyone?

While the benefits of end-to-end solution development cannot be denied, there are some cases when it’s not the best option. The foremost concern is, of course, the cost. End-to-end development isn’t cheap. Therefore, it’s out of reach for the majority of businesses.

Remember that it’s a long-term investment. So, you’ll need to pour a lot of funds into it long before it pays off fully, let alone starts bringing a profit. Moreover, this project will require a constant flow of funds as developers will need to provide maintenance for the product.

Another thing to consider is that you’ll be stuck with the software development company you hire first. Of course, if some issues arise, it’s possible to change your contractors eventually. However, this will increase the cost and might cause multiple problems on the development side. Therefore, you must be 100% sure of the company you employ for end-to-end solution development.

Scalability can also be a concern. On the one hand, it should be easier for your development team to expand the product. They know all the ins and outs of the project and can work with it most efficiently.

Meanwhile, an end-to-end solution might not be very flexible by design. For example, adding some new advanced features might be impossible because they won’t sync with the original architecture. So, your growth opportunities might be limited down the line. Also, expanding the solutions might be too costly as you might need to rework all of it to accommodate additions.

All in all, you need to consider end-to-end software development with extreme care. Talk to the developers and discuss all pros and cons of this approach. A trustworthy custom software development company will advise you on the best choice for your business.

Bottom Line: End-to-End Development Services You Can Trust

There are many ways in which an end-to-end solution can benefit your business. However, it’s essential to understand that you would be able to enjoy these benefits only when the custom software development company you hire can deliver top-quality services.

When choosing a development team, you need to consider the following:

  • Expertise.
    Check the company’s case studies and discuss their expertise during a meeting. You need to ensure the developers have experience with the exact types of tasks you will set for them.
  • Reputation.
    Look up the company’s reviews online and ask for referrals whenever possible. However, you must also remember that restrictive NDAs cover many software development projects. Therefore, you might not be able to contact the company’s other clients directly.
  • Professionalism.
    You should be able to get a reasonable estimation of the developers’ professionalism at the early stages of negotiations. A reliable development team must be open with you from the start and ready to work with you to achieve the best business outcomes. In addition, evaluate the communication and time management skills of the people you interact with. Would you trust them with your investment?

If, after reading all this, you realize that end-to-end development is the way to go for your business, contact us! We’ll be happy to discuss your ideas and requirements in more detail during a free consultation.

Top 7 Programming Languages for Web Design and Development Services

Posted on by oleshchenko

Everything is turning online these days, so every business requires web design and development services at some point. People can’t imagine their lives without technology, and the Internet and programming languages are becoming the most important instruments for developing these systems. If you are new to this topic and don’t know how to select the best programming language for your future website or software, just keep reading. We’ll explain the top 7 programming languages you should know about before hiring a custom web development company.

Top programming languages for web design and development serrvices today

Choosing Web Design and Development Services: Top 7 Programming Languages

JavaScript

JavaScript is the most popular programming language for web developers worldwide, according to a StackOverflow survey. Its popularity is so high that one can say that JS is one of the core components of the modern Web. Note that this technology is so popular and versatile it’s used not only in front-end development. There are also Node.js for back-end development, as well as JS in Adobe Acrobat and Apache CouchDB.

Over 64% of developers today use JavaScript for programming. So, it’s highly likely that any custom web development company will offer this type of service.

The main reasons for the insane popularity of JS are:

  • Flexibility.
    The main benefit of JS is that it’s implemented by all browsers and is exceptionally versatile. It can be used both at the client and server side in front and back-end development.
  • Framework libraries.
    Extensive framework libraries of JavaScript further increase the flexibility of applications. The most popular among them are React.JS, jQuery, Angular, Express, Vue.js, and Svelte. Using these frameworks makes it possible to create highly complex apps, but their overhead will be reasonably low.
  • Quick communication.
    Another great advantage of JS comes from JavaScript package managers. They enable fast and efficient communication, which helps teams work more productively.
  • Node.js.
    Node.js deserves a separate mention in the JS benefits list because it allows developers to have back-end and front-end code in a single language. Therefore, mastery of JavaScript proves that a custom web development company is able to create an astounding application from the ground up

Your design must solve people’s problems. Therefore, you need to get to know the real people the product will serve.

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Python

Python is a programming language that is becoming very popular for eCommerce solution development. The rise of machine learning caused this boost in popularity. Therefore, if you are looking for a provider of web design and development services that will provide you with highly innovative solutions, consider the masters of Python.

This language is both simple and efficient. It’s incredibly flexible as well and has multiple framework libraries. Notably, Python makes it easy to scale apps. Therefore, it’s an excellent option for businesses that are developing fast and want to provide continuous top-level experience to their users.

Developers often appreciate this language for its relative ease. It has English-like syntax, and learning it is probably the fastest compared to other programming languages. It’s one of the reasons why this particular language is often applied in AI development. According to Deloitte analysis (2019), startups that offer AI-powered software increased ROI by $704 million over one year.

Note that Python also makes it easier to identify mistakes in the code. It’s executed line by line. And if a line has a mistake, the system sends out an alert about the issue instead of executing it.

Another significant benefit is that one doesn’t need to write different codes for use on different devices. With Python, only one code can run on any platform. However, remember that there might be platform-specific features that you won’t be able to use this way.

Java

With JavaScript being the most popular programming language for web design and development services, Java might seem obsolete. In fact, it’s common knowledge that experts expect not to see it at the top of programming languages every year.

But Java remains there, and its position is quite firm. Even companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon are still actively using Java. And it’s highly possible that Java will remain one of the top choices for enterprise-level software development. The main reason for this is security.

It’s a fact that Java is one of the most secure options for software development. According to IBM, data breaches can cost businesses nearly $5 million on average. Of course, any enterprise wants to have the highest security level possible. So, Java is the method they choose to protect their precious data.

Also, Java is a language that doesn’t depend on the platform. Therefore, it’s easy to move Java apps from one platform to another using the Java Virtual Machine. Millions of available libraries further increase the flexibility of development. There are very few things that can’t be created using Java.

Another advantage is that Java is stable as clockwork. It might not be the top trendiest language. However, it’s religiously updated once every six months. Due to this, it’s often jokingly referred to as an ‘immortal language’.

C#

C#, or C-Sharp, is a programming language that enables a custom web development company to create nearly any kind of application you can imagine. It’s a great option for web design and development services if your goals are scalability and integration with other software. That’s an important detail, as applications in C# can easily integrate with other languages.

Microsoft developed this language. Therefore, it receives a lot of top-grade support that’s constantly updated. There is also a ton of literature on this language. So, it’s one of the easiest to learn for a developer. Extensive libraries also make it a lot easier to implement many features.

C# has an advantageous type of safety feature that helps identify and fix mistakes during the development process. When used with the .NET framework, C# allows developers to achieve incredible results. Also, its high level of security makes it a common choice for businesses and enterprises.

This language is one of the most popular for game development today. In particular, it’s the default programming language choice for VR and AR games.

PHP

The first thing you ought to understand about PHP is that it’s a server-side programming language. Therefore, it allows the developer and, by extension, your business to use sessions. Meaning it will process information the server stores about a user and send a response based on it in real time. It’s an important advantage for web design and development services if you want to achieve a high level of personalization.

Note that about 80% of all websites use PHP. So, any custom web development company worth its salt should have expertise in it. There are multiple tools and modules for PHP, which is an open-source language by default. Therefore, this language is highly versatile. It can be used to create static and dynamic websites.

One of the biggest advantages of PHP is that it allows for the speedy creation of web apps. Those apps are also very easy to maintain and upgrade with time. All in all, PHP is a cost-efficient option for those who need to launch their website or application fast. It’s often used in CMS, eCommerce, data analytics, and image processing apps.

Also, note that PHP apps are loading faster compared to others. Therefore, this might be the best option if you plan to launch a web application in a region with slower Internet connections.

TypeScript

First of all, you need to know that TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript. That’s an important thing to consider regarding web design and development services powered by TS. The popularity of TypeScript has been growing over the last few years. It’s not a surprise, as this language gets a lot of support from the giants Microsoft and Google.

The main thing about TypeScript is that it’s a better version of JavaScript with static typing. It allows the detection of a larger number of bugs. So, it makes any code work more efficiently by default. It’s also easier to transfer codes from other languages, like C# or PHP to TS, compared to JS.

Overall, TypeScript can help reduce bugs and is even easier and more intuitive to use for programming. However, there are some coexpression issues between TS and JS. Therefore, while the advantages of TypeScript are many, you should consult your custom web development company on whether this is the best option for your case. It’s important to take into account all pros and cons of this specific language.

But considering its consistently rising popularity. TS could likely become the more cost-efficient option for many businesses.

See how we did it in our case study

View case study

Ruby

In terms of choosing a provider of web design and development services, business owners must understand that Ruby programming won’t be cheap. It’s because this programming language isn’t as common as JS, PHP, C#, etc. Therefore, the services of a high-class Ruby developer are expensive.

That said, those services can be a worthy investment for many companies. Ruby is definitely one of the most efficient programming languages there are right now. To give you some idea of how efficient it is, just think that GitHub and Airbnb use it.

At the moment, the Ruby on Rails ecosystem has over 3.5K contributors on GitHub. This programming language is one of the most flexible and secure options. Therefore, it’s a good option for enterprise-level companies that are looking for top quality.

In addition, Ruby also allows for rather fast development. So, enterprises get even more benefits as they can launch their project quickly without compromising quality or security.

Also, bear in mind that Ruby developers are highly paid. The framework itself is open-source. Therefore, it’s possible to find a cost-efficient solution when working with a reliable custom web development company. That’s why many startups also choose to use Ruby for their websites and apps.

Another important advantage is the scalability afforded by Ruby on Rails. It’s one more reason why it’s a good choice for innovative startups that have excellent ideas and expect fast growth.

most popular programming languages for web design and development services according to a StackOverflow survey

Bottom Line: Top Programming Languages for Web Design and Development Services in 2022

Choosing a programming language for your website or application is something a customer should discuss with your custom web development company. In fact, this is a decision that should be made only after you outline the idea and goals you have. Experienced developers would be able to offer the best options to achieve your specific goals.

Remember that there is no such thing as an ‘ultimate’ programming language for web design and development services. Each option available today, even those not listed here, has many pros and cons. The choice of language should be based on the scope, budget, and purpose of your project.

However, you can be sure of one thing, there is a perfect way to bring any idea to life through custom web development. So, if you want to see your project take form and help grow profits for your business, contact us.

Our highly experienced team of developers has expertise in multiple programming languages. We’ve successfully completed projects in the energy, security, sports, media, beauty, and insurance industries. Our developers have extensive knowledge of back-end and front-end development using different languages. Share your idea with us, and we’ll make it a reality!

17 Best eCommerce Platforms for End-to-End eCommerce Solution Development

Posted on by oleshchenko

$5.4 trillion by 2026, that’s what the size of the eCommerce market will reach, according to predictions from Morgan Stanley. That number proves that you are clearly missing out if you aren’t looking for an end-to-end eCommerce solution development already. In fact, experts from the World Economic Forum state that the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the global switch to eCommerce by five years. So, if you want to have a whisper of a chance in sales, you must launch an online store of some kind today.

The good news is that eCommerce platforms are also evolving fast to meet the growing demand. But because of this, there are so many of them that it’s hard to choose which is best.

Fear not, as we are here to help you with a detailed guide listing the pros and cons of every top platform in the industry.

Top 17 Platforms for End-to-End eCommerce Solution Development

What is the best platform for end-to-end eCommerce solution development?

Adobe Commerce (used to be Magento)

If you are looking to create an end-to-end eCommerce solution for a large enterprise, there is no better option than Adobe Commerce. Most people will know it better by its previous name, Magento Commerce. The main benefit of this platform is that it offers you complete control of your website. It means that your eCommerce web application development company has total freedom to create a 100% unique product. You’ll get to distinguish your web presence but keep full server autonomy.

However, it’s worth noting that after becoming Adobe, the platform has changed its direction to focus on business customers. You’ll need to contact the platform to get a quote, and some reviews state it’s prohibitively expensive. However, no one can deny its robust sales, customer service, and analytics features.

Pros:

  • Suited for high-volume eCommerce businesses
  • Intuitive design
  • Doesn’t require a developer for updates
  • Free open-source software
  • Huge SEO capabilities
  • Highest level of customization available today
  • 1,000+ extensions and themes

Cons:

  • Expensive for fully-hosted websites ($1,500+)
  • Open-source software doesn’t have support

Open-source Adobe software is free, but Adobe Commerce Pro packages are not. The cost of this service package will vary depending on the Annual Gross Merchandise value. Visit the Adobe Commerce Pricing page for more information.

Shopify

Shopify is a highly flexible platform that can be integrated with Oberlo. Therefore, if you want to create an end-to-end eCommerce solution for dropshipping, this would be the best option. Shopify is easy to use, especially for adding items to your shop quickly. In addition, the platform has some outstanding features, such as social media sync and Live Chat.

Shopify offers flexible payment plans for businesses of different sizes.

Pros:

  • Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
  • 3,200+ apps for customizing your shop
  • 100+ payment gateways support
  • Dropshipping tools integration
  • High-speed website loading

Cons:

  • Foreign currencies are only accepted through third-party apps
  • Non-Shopify payments are subject to additional fees
  • The selection of free themes and extensions is limited

Shopify offers three monthly subscription plans that cost $24, $69, or $299. You can save up to 25% with annual plans. Check out the Shopify website for more details.

BigCommerce

The main advantage of the BigCommerce platform is that it can fit both small and big businesses. In fact, this platform is an excellent choice for scalability. Your eCommerce end-to-end solution development team will appreciate this choice for its flexibility. Moreover, they will be able to make your store both functional and beautiful. Also, the pricing model is flexible and affordable overall.

Pros:

  • All plans offer unlimited bandwidth, storage, and product listings
  • Allows you to add a blog
  • 65+ payment gateways
  • Accepts international payments
  • Multi-channel sales support
  • Bulk uploads of products
  • Support of multiple languages
  • Many valuable features (reviews, shipping times, etc.)

Cons:

  • Takes a while to master by non-developers
  • High-volume sales can be expensive
  • A limited number of free themes

BigCommerce allows you a free trial and a flexible pricing model. You’ll need to reach out to BigCommerce for details.

Top end-to-end eCommerce solution development platforms.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is one of the best platforms for your end-to-end eCommerce solution development due to its flexibility. It’s effortless to use and customize for your needs. WooCommerce is based on WordPress and would be the best choice for those used to working with this platform. Also, it has excellent SEO capabilities.

WooCommerce is free. So it’s perfect for small businesses that are just starting their eCommerce journey.

Pros:

  • Free platform
  • Allows high level of customization
  • Open-source software
  • Easy integration with multiple solutions

Cons:

  • Not all updates synch well with WordPress
  • A challenging platform for those who don’t know WordPress
  • The platform is free but hosting, development and maintenance costs add up

WooCommerce is free. But you can get extensions that offer proper functionality in bundles or separately. See the best offers on the WooCommerce website.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a super-scalable platform. It’s one of the best choices for a startup’s end-to-end eCommerce solution because of its capacity for customization and growth. It also offers a wide range of promotional tools to make money quickly. The website design functionality is straightforward to use, and the designs are beautiful. In addition, Squarespace provides extra SEO guidance to every customer.

Pros:

  • A drag-and-drop website builder that’s easy to use
  • Great selection of designs 
  • Email marketing features
  • Impressive website analytics functionality (conversion and sales tracking)

Cons:

  • Not many integrations are available now
  • Extra fees for payment processing
  • No phone support available

With Squarespace, you get a free trial. Then, you can choose from four plans that cost $16, $23, $27, and $49 a month. You can cut the cost by buying an annual plan. See more at Squarespace.com.

How to choose the best end-to-end eCommerce solution development platform?

Wix

Wix is the best eCommerce platform for those who need to start selling as soon as possible. It’s very easy to use and lets you get an online shop up and running within minutes. You don’t even need to hire an end-to-end eCommerce solution developer to get started. The drag-and-drop website builder is intuitive and enables you to create some beautiful designs. Also, despite its simplicity, the Wix platform has multi-channel sales capabilities.

Pros:

  • Excellent choice for small businesses that need a shop fast
  • Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) tool for creating beautiful website designs
  • Multi-channel sales support
  • Integration with all major payment providers

Cons:

  • Small storage for the Basic plan
  • Plans above Basic aren’t cheap
  • Limited add-ons and scalability

Wix is an affordable platform with many plans, starting at $4.5 a month. Business and eCommerce plans cost $17, $25, or $35 a month. You can learn more at the Wix website.

Shift4Shop (3dcart)

Shift4Shop is an end-to-end eCommerce solution formerly known as 3dcart. It’s a good option for those interested in a fast setup and mobile-first design. The platform also has robust SEO features, making marketing your shop easier. In addition, Shift4Shop has a straightforward interface. Therefore, it can be a good option as a small business end-to-end eCommerce solution. Also, the platform is intuitive and offers multiple features that can customize and optimize your store fast.

Pros:

  • Provides real-time shipping data
  • Supports 200+ payment methods
  • Offers various SEO tools
  • Multiple reporting options are available

Cons:

  • Few free themes
  • Limited customization features (compared to other top platforms)
  • No customer support by phone for some plans

Shift4Shop has a very peculiar payment model. At the moment, US customers can enjoy the platform’s services and set up a store for free as long as they use the Shift4Shop payment processing service. However, customers from other countries can sign up for plans that cost $29, $79, and $299 per month. See more details at Shift4Shop.

End-to-end eCommerce solution for small business.

Weebly

If your retail business’s primary focus is your brick-and-mortar store, Weebly is your platform. The end-to-end eCommerce solution development team you hire will be able to create a fantastic website using it. But, most importantly, you can use it to add the ‘buy online’ functionality to your brick-and-mortar business fast and without spending too much money. The platform’s drag-and-drop builder is easy to use and leaves much room for creativity. Moreover, there’s a free Weebly plan for small businesses that want to get results from online sales immediately.

Pros:

  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • A free plan is available
  • Extra-fast and easy store setup
  • Can be integrated with 300+ eCommerce apps

Cons:

  • Cannot be integrated with Amazon
  • Supports only a few payment systems
  • Phone support isn’t available for some plans

Weebly has a rather nice but limited free plan. If you are looking for more storage, bandwidth, and functionality, you’ll have to pay for one of the paid plans ($5, $126, or $25 a month). You can save up by buying an annual plan. See Weebly to learn more.

Smoolis

Smoolis isn’t a specialized end-to-end eCommerce solution but a website builder. However, it’s rather versatile and easy to use. Also, it allows you to set up a multilingual website easily. Therefore, small businesses that want to start selling internationally can benefit from choosing this solution., Meanwhile, even though it’s not a dedicated eCommerce platform, Smoolis enables you to accept international payments.

Pros:

  • Built-in currency converter
  • Can accept international payments directly
  • Supports 58 languages
  • Easy  multilingual website setup

Cons:

  • A limited number of products for upload
  • A limited number of available web pages
  • Few integrations and add-ons compared to other platforms

Smoolis offers a free trial as a chance to create a free landing page. Then, you can upgrade it by paying for an eCommerce plan (6CHF per month). Note that this plan only offers 50 products, and you’ll need to pay an extra 2CHF for every other 50 products you want to add. Check out the Smoolis website to learn more.

Which end-to-end eCommerce solution development platform is best for enterprises?

Square Online

Square Online is a great platform choice for your end-to-end eCommerce solution if your budget is tight. It’s a platform that allows you to use up to 500MB of storage for free and has no limit on sales. Beyond that, you’ll have to use paid plans. But they are affordable as well. Also, the platform is intuitive and can have you launch a shop within a day. However, note that only more expensive plans support some payment methods, like PayPal.

Pros:

  • A Free plan is available for budget-sensitive small businesses
  • No limit on products or monthly sales
  • Built-in multichannel selling capabilities

Cons:

  • The free plan only offers limited storage
  • No international selling capabilities
  • The platform is not a good fit for scalability

Square online has a highly flexible pricing structure. So you can get a package that costs a few dollars a month or a comprehensive solution worth $60 and more. Take a look at a more detailed cost breakdown on the Square website and contact the company for a custom-tailored offer.

Ecwid

Ecwid is a great platform to use if you want to launch a small online shop right now. It’s a very easy-to-manage end-to-end eCommerce solution. Most importantly, you can launch a free store very fast. The Free account is with you for life. Ecwid can integrate with Amazon, social media, and websites. So you can sync your store across all platforms to grow your business in the best way. You can also use it for in-person live shops. The Free account functionality is minimal, but you can buy Venture, Business, or Unlimited packages for $14.08/29.08/82.50 a month, respectively.

Pros:

  • Add a store to your website in moments
  • Easy to sync with popular online marketplaces and social networks
  • Instant shop set up is free
  • Lifetime use of the Free plan
  • Very easy to use and manage
  • Supports integration of 75+ payment gateways

Cons:

  • Cheaper plans are limited
  • Limited support for Free and Venture plans (no phone)
  • Not too many integrations in the Ecwid app store

Ecwid is an eCommerce platform that makes launching a store very easy. However, if you want to set up a big professional business, you’ll need to invest in more expensive plans. In addition, if you already have a business and want to use Exwid to expand online, ensure that it supports all product integrations you need.

Top end-to-end eCommerce solution for big businesses.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Comprehensive service is the name of the game when it comes to Salesforce Commerce Cloud. There are separate platforms for B2B and B2C businesses. This is a proper end-to-end eCommerce solution that allows you to integrate all your sales channels into the cloud. Moreover, this includes your brick-and-mortar shops as well. The pricing ranges from $25 to over $1000 a month. Additionally, there are multiple subscriptions and service packages. Therefore, you should study the offer to pick what you truly need.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive all-in-one support for running the shop daily
  • Flexible for businesses of different sizes
  • Can include a comprehensive customer service solution
  • Includes a wide range of tools and integrations for building a well-rounded eCommerce business

Cons:

  • Not cheap, especially for larger service packages
  • Peed and quality of support leave a lot to be desired

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is definitely a business-grade adaptable solution that can help you build an excellent eCommerce shop. This is the platform you should use to enhance an existing business or to launch a big store with a suitable budget. In addition, the platform supports Stripe and popular digital wallet payments.

Oracle CX Commerce

Oracle Cloud is another comprehensive cloud-based end-to-end eCommerce solution for B2B and B2C businesses. It’s integrated with a CRM, and businesses can connect it to their financial and other operational software. The result is the creation of personalized shopping experiences and effective store management. You’ll need to get a quote and use Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to build a shop on this platform.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive services and integrations
  • Allows to unify all admin tools in one interface for easy management
  • Highly customizable to meet unique business needs
  • Multiple add-ons and integrations available

Cons:

  • You must use Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
  • Pricing based on individual quotes

Oracle CX Commerce integrates with PayPal Express Checkout, Chase Paymentech, and CyberSource. It also features a generic payment webhook that you can use for integrating other payment cards and gift cards.

What is the best eCommerce platform?

Volusion

Volusion has been around since 1999, which makes it one of the oldest eCommerce platforms. However, it’s much smaller than other ‘aged’ giants, like Shopify and BigCommerce. Its functionality is good but not as extensive. Nonetheless, it’s an all-in-one eCommerce platform development solution that can be a good choice for smaller businesses. The pricing ranges from $35 to $299 a month.

Pros:

  • Good choice as an all-in-one platform for a big and mid-sized store
  • Offers many integrations and Zapier integration to extend the list

Cons:

  • Much harder to use than the majority of modern eCommerce platforms
  • Not mobile-first (but has responsive templates)

Volusion is an end-to-end eCommerce solution that has been around for a while, which proves its value in itself. It may not be the biggest or easy-to-master platform. However, it offers all the features and integrations an online shop needs, including multiple payment gateway integrations.

Vendasta

Vendasta goes far beyond an end-to-end eCommerce solution. It’s a platform that allows you to sell, market, bill, and even fulfill orders. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to start selling digital solutions from scratch. The platform has all the products you might need, and it’s highly customizable. However, that kind of comprehensive service comes with a hefty price tag. Vendasta subscription costs $199/579/1159 a month.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable for businesses of any sizes
  • All-in-one platform
  • Can improve workflow fluidity and productivity
  • Features an AI-driven marketing automation tool

Cons:

  • Limited integrations
  • Designed for selling digital products

Vendasta is a platform for digital product sellers to build a successful business and grow it at a scale. It features all the necessary tools to manage the business and its growth fully. In addition, it supports multiple payment methods.

Best end-to-end eCommerce solution development platform for lifestyle and fashion brands.

Centra

Centra is an eCommerce platform created for fashion and lifestyle brands specifically. It offers no open pricing, so you’ll need to contact the platform directly to learn the costs and get a demo. The commerce platform uses a headless model, which should make it easy to manage for globally distributed businesses.

Pros:

  • Has multiple features that specifically target lifestyle and fashion businesses
  • Offers scalability to such businesses

Cons:

  • Limited to a specific industry
  • Has a limited number of third-party integrations

If you are running a lifestyle or fashion brand and want to use an end-to-end eCommerce solution that will meet your unique needs, Centra is for you. Otherwise, there are many other more universal and flexible platforms out there.

CommentSold

CommentSold is another highly specific but valuable platform for its niche. This solution is made specifically for selling through social media comments. Don’t mix that up with ‘selling comments’, which is a very bad and punishable black-hat practice! This platform allows you to sell through comments on Facebook and Instagram quickly, set up your shop fast, and even automate answering and invoicing. In essence, it’s a one-stop tool that can help automate your hustle. However, it’s not cheap. Moreover, you’ll pay a monthly subscription fee and a percentage of your sales. There are three pricing plans, $49 and 5% and $149 and 3% monthly. Contact the team for pricing on the enterprise-level plan.

Pros:

  • Automates selling through social media comments
  • Features automated answers
  • Offers invoicing integration

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Highly specific, for one niche use only
  • Requires paying a percentage of your sales

There is no doubt that CommentSold is extremely useful for people who want to minimize the actual labor cost of selling through social media. But you need to be prepared to pay the price for it. This might not be a sustainable platform for very small businesses and private entrepreneurs.

What to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform?

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Platform for Your End-to-End eCommerce Solution Development?

As you can see, each of the top eCommerce platforms can be a good choice, depending on your business needs. That’s why you need to consider the following things when making your decision:

  • Budget.
    Decide if you can afford to hire a developer team or if you need to start with a limited free platform. You can expand as your business grows.
  • Scalability.
    Remember that while moving a store to a different platform is possible, it can also be complicated and stressful. Therefore, it will be best to choose a scalable platform from the start.
  • Features.
    Think about your business plans and make a list of features that are most important for your store. Then, look for a platform that offers them at a reasonable cost.
  • Marketing.
    If you are launching your first online store, it’s imperative to market it actively and even aggressively. So, it will be better to choose a platform that has robust SEO and other marketing features.

Did this help to relieve some of your confusion over the matter of which eCommerce platform is the best for your business? If you have any questions or need expert help making the decision, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team of end-to-end eCommerce solution developers. We’ll gladly assist you in designing a store that’s guaranteed to succeed.

Have an Idea for an App: Use Custom Mobile App Development Services to Start Your Business

Posted on by oleshchenko

If you have an excellent idea for an app, hiring a custom mobile app development services provider is the next logical step you should take, right? Well, it turns out there are quite a few things you’ll need to do to create a successful product.

The following guide will take you through every step of this process and offer all the resources you’ll need. Then, armed with a plan of action, you’ll create an app that will turn in profit while helping people.

Now is a great time to get into custom enterprise application development. The industry is piping hot, and the number of app users is growing fast. In addition, smartphone users today spend close to three hours daily using different apps. With the smartphone penetration rate growing rapidly, you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to launch an app that will become the next big sensation. Mobile app development is the future, so act on your ideas fast.

Introduction to custom mobile app development services.

Custom Mobile App Development Services: Going Above and Beyond

Why having a great idea for an app is not enough

Mobile and web apps are popular, everyone knows this. But have you ever thought about exactly how popular they are?

In the last quarter of 2020, over 3.14 million apps were in Google Play Store and over 2 million in App Store. However, bear in mind that those aren’t the only app stores on the Web. Also, there are specialized custom apps that only work within enterprises or businesses. Therefore, the actual number of unique applications is enormous.

It shouldn’t be a surprise as the mobile app revenues are projected to reach over $935 billion by 2023. So naturally, everyone wants a piece of that pie.

All things considered, even if your idea is unique and lucrative, getting noticed will be tough. That’s why you need to think well beyond end-to-end application development. You’ll have to finance, market, and support your product to give it a chance at success. Moreover, you’ll require assistance from experts in various fields. It can make the difference between launching a breakthrough product and failure.

Follow the steps below if you are hyped up and sure that your idea has a fighting chance.

Before You Get to Custom Mobile App Development Services

Conduct a thorough market research

When you get an idea for an app, the first thing you should do is research the market. Questions you need to answer:

  • Who is your target audience?
    Decide who will use your app. First, you need to understand these people’s age, gender, and education level. Also, research the apps they are using already. Finally, find out what devices they prefer.
  • How is your app going to benefit people?
  • Are there already apps similar to the one you have in mind?
    If yes, how is yours going to be different?
  • What are the current trends in custom mobile app development services?
  • What apps are most popular now?
    What’s unique about their design or functionality?
  • Who are your future competitors going to be?
  • What do those companies and their products offer to customers?
  • How can your app be better?
  • Should you look for end-to-end application development or a different type of development service?

Quality market research takes a lot of time and effort. However, any business that wants to succeed today must be built on relevant Big Data analysis. You can’t create a project using only conjectures, rumors, or subjective opinions. Therefore, you’ll have to do dozens of searches and study multiple industry reports.

Custom mobile app development services: where to start?

Develop your USP by studying future competitors

As an aspiring app creator, the primary source of information on mobile application development solutions should be your competitors. As Mark Twain said, “there is no such thing as a new idea.” Therefore, there’s a high chance that a product similar to the one you want to launch already exists. You’ll need to study all these solutions to make sure that your own stands out. That’s how you’re going to develop a unique selling proposition (USP).

In case you have the incredible luck of being the first, study the apps most popular with your target audience. Then, install those yourself and analyze them thoroughly.

Analyze the following:

  • What kind of UI/UX design do they have?
  • What features do they offer?
  • How do they benefit the user?
  • Why do you think people like them?

If you have direct competitors, you’ll need to do your best to find out everything about their products. 

  • What programming languages did they use?
  • How do they market their products?
  • What kind of monetization strategy do they use?
  • What are the exact features of their apps?

Also, you should take the time to go through reviews of your competitors’ products on AppStore and Google Play. Take notes of the features users like and their most common complaints.

Finally, analyze all this data and highlight the weaknesses and holes in the strategies of your competitors. Then, start building your own plan by turning those issues into your product’s strengths. Again, the enterprise mobile app development company you choose should help you with this.

Create an app monetization plan

Obviously, the app you are building should bring profit. And to do that, you need to decide precisely how you are going to monetize it. This decision will be an essential part of the business plan you’ll use to obtain financing. Therefore, be sure to think about this carefully and compare the pros and cons of every method. In addition, take a look at how your competitors monetize their products. 

The most common mobile app monetization strategies are:

  • In-app purchases.
    The number of purchases made through mobile apps keeps growing steadily. So, this can be an excellent option for many industries. However, if you plan to use this method, you’ll need to discuss it closely with your end-to-end application development team. They will need to create this type of functionality for your product or integrate a third-party payment provider.
  • Data monetization.
    You might not require any additional custom mobile app development services if you choose monetization through selling data. Of course, you’ll have to be upfront about this and ensure complete confidentiality. If you can do this, selling some types of user data to third parties can be highly lucrative. For example, this information can be used in market studies, like the ones you used to develop your business plan.
  • Subscription plan.
    Use the freemium model if you want to go with a subscription plan. You should either offer a free trial of the app or make some of its basic functionality free to use. So people will be motivated to try it and see if they want to buy the product.
  • In-app advertising.
    Remember, if you use in-app ads, make sure they aren’t annoying.

Develop an app wireframe

After settling with your idea and developing a business plan, it’s time to create an app wireframe. It’s a task for your custom mobile app development services provider.

Think of a wireframe as a blueprint for your product. Many people mistakenly believe that a wireframe must include application design. However, it’s not true. The purpose of a wireframe is to show what exactly your product will do. Therefore it must consist of:

  • Page elements
  • Possible actions
  • Object categories
  • Conversion and navigation areas
  • Content prioritization

You will present this wireframe to possible investors. In addition, you’ll use it within the team to ensure everyone is on the same page about the product.

When developing the wireframe, keep in mind that it has to show every step of the user’s journey. It will also help you see whether you need to cut some of the steps. Do not forget that users prioritize convenience above all in mobile apps. Therefore, every additional click or page load might bring down your revenue.

It doesn’t really matter what the wireframe looks like. So, you don’t have to invest in designer services before making it. However, you can provide some concept art for possible designs to add to your business plan presentation.

You don’t even need to have a logo at this stage of the project. Therefore, you can use your resources efficiently to maximize app functionality while looking for financing.

How to get financing for a mobile application development project.

Where to Get Financing for Mobile Application Development Solutions

The cost of custom mobile app development services varies depending on multiple factors. Sadly, many great application ideas never make it past that stage because people cannot secure financing.

The good news is that today, you can explore many avenues to get money for your app. So, even if you don’t have a starting capital and banks refuse you a loan, you still have options.

  • Crowdfunding.
    Crowdfunding is a great financing option nowadays. It’s a very effective way to fund custom mobile app development services. However, you’ll need to launch a good marketing campaign early for your crowdfunding efforts to be effective. Otherwise, people won’t know much about your idea, and they won’t have the motivation to fund it. Today’s best crowdfunding platforms are Indiegogo, Gofundme, Mightycause (for non-profits), and StartEngine.
  • Angel investors or venture capitalists.
    Both angel investors and venture capitalists are businesses or individuals who can fund your app if they consider it promising. Angel investors usually offer funds at the beginning stages of development. On the other hand, venture capitalists are more likely to join when the app creation process is already in the works.
  • Startup finance programs.
    A wide range of small business grants and financing programs are available in the US and worldwide. These financing options are highly versatile, and often entrepreneurs don’t know that there might be government-backed help open to them. Therefore, be sure to research these options and look up any programs available in your community. But remember that such programs and grants usually have rather specific requirements. So, you might need to adjust your product plan to make it compliant.

How to choose a provider of custom mobile app development services.

Custom Mobile App Development Services: How to Find the Right Developers for You

After you secure financing, you should start looking for a reliable provider of custom mobile app development services. Your development company should be trustworthy and consist of people you can connect with on a personal level. These professionals will translate your vision into a real-life product. Therefore, they must be able to assume your perspective and understand exactly what you want to accomplish.

The search for such professionals should start with studying their portfolios and case studies. It’s usually best to hire developers who have experience with the type of apps you want to create. It means that to get a fantastic online store, you should hire an experienced eCommerce application development company. This way, you can ensure that developers understand the niche and know how to overcome its challenges.

However, you shouldn’t discard the idea of hiring an enterprise mobile app development company that’s new to the niche. If the company’s case studies are impressive and versatile, they prove that these developers are skilled and creative no matter the challenge.

Overall, the qualities you should look for in an end-to-end application development provider include:

  • Impressive portfolio and customer testimonials
  • Willingness to sign an NDA from the start to ensure the security of your idea
  • Effective project management skills
  • Good communication with the customer to keep you updated about the progress
  • High development and testing standards
  • Wide range of QA testing measures to make sure your app performs well when it’s launched
  • Putting the client’s needs and vision first

Remember, you should hire an app development team that will work with you to bring your idea to life.

Next Level of Custom Mobile App Development Services: Launch an MVP

One of the best ways to start your mobile app business is to launch an MVP to start attracting people as soon as possible. MVP stands for a minimum viable product. Basically, it’s a ‘barebones’ version of your application. However, it’s good enough for people to actually use.

An MVP of a mobile application must have all the essential features so customers can use it. Those users then can provide truly invaluable feedback. It can help you understand what works and what doesn’t. But most importantly, you will be able to see the right direction for moving forward.

Releasing an MVP is essential not only to start making money sooner. The main goal of this business model is to avoid wasting your money on developing unnecessary features. In this case, the whole process of future development is based on the feedback loop you can build with your users.

Note that your MVP can validate the very idea of your product at the starting level. After that, you will get to see the market response to it. Unfortunately, some apps never make it past an MVP. But many more undergo complete transformations as the owners adapt them to real-life user responses.

In addition, you get a chance to find some new business opportunities. The feedback you get will be much more informative than impersonal market studies. So, you’ll be able to exploit other potential business avenues in the niche.

In essence, launching an MVP can be considered a large-scale type of A/B testing. Therefore, use this opportunity carefully to refine your idea into a product that will truly rock the market.

How to market your new mobile app.

Marketing: Must-Have Step for Custom Mobile App Development Services

It’s essential to understand that no matter how good your idea is or how well the custom mobile app development services company does its job, no one will know about your product without marketing. Nowadays, a good marketing strategy is not some kind of luxury for big corporations. On the contrary, it’s a must-have feature for any business, no matter how small.

Also, if you want to launch a successful app, you’ll need to think about marketing even before looking for an end-to-end application development company. It’ll be necessary to attract investors, as well as to generate some hype for the launch.

Start by creating a marketing plan for your app. You can find free templates like this one from HubSpot. While building your project, keep in mind that a marketing campaign for a mobile app should include the following stages:

Awareness generation stage: pre-custom enterprise application development

At this stage, you need to focus on raising product visibility. Therefore, it will be best to launch a social media campaign. You’ll need to establish your brand online and build up a following. Use advertisements and, if possible, influencer endorsements.

It’s also imperative to get involved in a variety of industry-specific groups. Bear in mind that you’ll need to post not only self-promotional content. To attract attention through social media groups, you’ll have to become an active member and build a reputation as an expert. Then, you can start sharing information about your upcoming product launch.

Note that these groups might help you attract not only future app users but also investors and business partners.

User acquisition stage

At this stage, your priority is to get people to download your app as much as possible. You also need to track all downloads to see which of your channels perform best. Then, focus on them to grow your user base.

Using paid ads will be very effective at this stage. However, you will also need to work on your app’s page optimization in the app store. It’s very similar to SEO, as you’ll also need to optimize the app description for searchable keywords. Your goal here is to increase app visibility on the platform.

In addition, you should try pitching your app to the app store’s editorial team to get it featured. It will boost visibility and increase your authority as a creator.

User retention stage

Having people download your app will be of little help if they don’t use it. Therefore, it’s imperative to establish communication with your users and keep them involved. You can do this through push notifications, email marketing, and organizing various in-app events and contests.

Also, be active with your social media marketing. Remember that you should communicate with users outside the app as well.

Finally, publish regular updates and request feedback. In addition, be sure to reply to all user comments.

How to Get More Downloads: App Store Optimization Tips

When uploading your app to any app store, you need to remember that these stores use an inner search protocol. It means that you need to apply SEO principles to your app page as you do for websites. This way, the chance of your app appearing in the store users’ search results will be higher. Therefore, your download rate should go up as well.

The most important thing for app store optimization is to use relevant keywords in your product description. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner to find the right keywords for your niche.

Bear in mind that you’ll also need to use these keywords in the title. The title must be compelling and stand out. After uploading it, search for your app yourself to see how easy it is to find using keywords. Compare with the other titles in your niche and think of what you can do better.

Another important part of app store optimization is choosing the images to include in the app description. From the app icon to screenshots, every image must be top quality. You also need to select the most compelling pictures to show off your product in the best possible way.

Finally, be sure to add a video as this is the most popular type of content today. Internet users prefer watching videos to get info quickly. Therefore, you need to give them a chance to see your app in action through a short clip. You can’t make it too long, so show the app’s most valuable feature first.

End-to-End Application Development Isn’t Really “The End”: Monitoring Your App Post Launch

Now that you’ve successfully built and launched your app, you need to decide what to do with it. There are two routes before you. One is to sell the project, thus entrusting its future to someone else. Or, you can keep working on it yourself.

If you choose the latter option, you’ll be in for a great ride.

In this case, you’ll need to determine KPIs to track the project’s progress. Then, perform detailed assessments, monthly or weekly, to see whether the app lives up to your expectations.

In the meantime, you’ll need to keep your iOS/Android app development company involved to monitor technical app performance. Also, a team of engineers will have to keep working on updates and improvements for the solution.

Finally, you’ll need to provide your product with maintenance and customer support teams. Luckily, these services can be largely automated and entrusted to AI-powered solutions.

It’s crucial to understand that your work as the product owner doesn’t stop at end-to-end application development. If you want people to keep using your app and spend money, you need to keep improving it. Adding new exciting features, organizing events, and tracking product performance will keep your product profitable for years to come.

Bottom Line: Using Custom Mobile App Development Services to Make Your App Idea a Reality

If you have a fantastic idea for an app, you should treat it as a full-scale business project, from creating a business plan and attracting investors to end-to-end application development. Launching your app and making sure it succeeds will take a lot of work. However, seeing the results is sure to be highly fulfilling, not to mention the product’s profit.

To bring your idea to life, you’ll need to study the market, make a great business plan, obtain funding, find a reliable enterprise mobile app development company, engage a marketing team, and ensure that your product has continuous support. The Devtorium team is ready to do all that and more! Contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist in bringing your vision to reality.

Software Developer Vs. Software Engineer: Encyclopedia of Custom Software Development

Posted on by oleshchenko

When looking to hire a custom software development company, you can get quite confused by the multitude of choices and professional jargon. One of the most important questions you’ll need to ask is whether you should hire a software developer or a software engineer. This choice will matter greatly, so you must understand the difference between these experts.

There has been a long debate about the roles and responsibilities of these two professions within a custom web development company. Some say that software developers and engineers are the same because their job descriptions are pretty similar. However, others believe that these professionals’ levels of engagement and skill are quite different despite this overlap.

Let’s put an end to this discussion today and explain who is who in the world of custom software development.

Breaking Down Custom Software Development Duties: Software Developer Vs. Software Engineer

Custom software development: software developer duties and skills.

What does a software developer do? 

Most people think that software developers are nerdy geeks. That may be true in their personal lives. However, these people have to be highly creative at work to bring cutting-edge ideas to life using tech skills. In addition, they are great analysts as they constantly compare and use various technologies, libraries, and approaches to create software.

Moreover, they must possess a high level of creativity to apply a limited number of structured tools in new ways to achieve original results.

The complexity of a developer’s position is that they must both engage in custom software development and negotiate with clients. These experts are responsible for different stages of product development, components design, and troubleshooting. Every dev must consider end-to-end development principles as they help monitor and analyze the software creation process.

Usually,  developers juggle several projects simultaneously. However, if the project is large and scalable, the dev might focus on it exclusively.

Dev’s responsibilities during custom software development

The scope of a software developer’s responsibilities is quite enormous. The list below gives some idea of it: 

  • Working closely with designers to ensure the result fits the client’s requirements.
  • Testing software and fixing all issues that come up.
  • Integrating the solution with third-party tools.
  • Writing clean and high-quality code.
  • Reporting about the completed tasks regularly.
  • Maintaining the systems once they’re up and running.

Must-have skills for a software developer

One of the significant differences between software developers and software engineers is the level of engagement with a project. While engineers manage the entire process, developers are responsible for one aspect of software building. Therefore, to succeed in custom software development, these experts require a specific set of skills: 

  • Solid analytical skills.
    Developers have to translate clients’ needs into functionalities using different programming languages, tools, and frameworks.  It means that analytical ability is crucial for the profession. 
  • Knowledge of several programming languages.
    A software developer doesn’t need to know all programming languages. However, it’s essential for them to know several. This way, they can come up with more creative and efficient solutions and have a better understanding of the products they design. The most popular languages today are Java, JavaScript, C#, C++, and Python. Software developers should understand the logic behind different languages. However, they usually specialize in one.
  • Skill in using open-source platforms and tools.
    Today’s leading developers should understand and have the skills to use open-source tools such as Azure, AngularJS, Atom, CloudForge, CodeCharge Studio, etc. But, again, the dev should specialize in a few. 
  • GitHub.
    Over 50% of all organizations use GitHub, so a software developer today must have an account there. In fact, showing off that account is an essential part of a dev’s CV.
  • Cloud computing.
    Every software developer should have a good understanding and experience working with cloud services. Today everything is moving to the cloud, so being an AWS certified expert or similar is a must.
  • Great self-organization skills.
    A good dev should be detail-oriented to successfully manage different projects and prevent minor bugs that can result in significant challenges. 
  • Strong communication skills.
    Remember that communicating with a customer is an important part of the dev’s work. So, this professional must have communication skills and good mastery of the customer’s language. Even a tiny bug or miscommunication can lead to severe operational and financial losses.

Interestingly, having an actual degree in computer science isn’t mandatory for a top-level developer. Many people start their work in custom software development from basic courses or even by learning independently. The most important things are the expert’s skill and proof of that skill through a portfolio.

Custom software development: software engineer skills and duties.

What does a software engineer do?

Software engineering is more complex than mere development. Therefore, this profession requires a higher level of education and expertise. Devs are solely engaged in building software that should be running seamlessly across different devices. Meanwhile, software engineers perform and manage multiple tasks to make sure that the solution as a whole works smoothly.

Engineers apply software engineering principles in UX/UI design, custom software development, QA testing, and maintenance. 

In the same way, any store manager worth their salt can operate the entire shop, from goods supply to utility management, and work with customers, a software engineer can run the whole software creation and maintenance process. Taking the comparison further, the engineer is often a network manager instead of a single store. Simply put, the engineer’s work is the next step above developers. But software development is something that an engineer must have knowledge and expertise in.

Engineer’s responsibilities during custom software development

  • Managing all components of the hardware system.
  • Creating tools to support every stage of software development.
  • Building resilient and fault-tolerant systems from scratch.
  • Software testing using various automation tools and QA specialists. 
  • Building and maintaining IT architecture, large-scale data systems, and cloud-based applications.
  • Developing scalable pipelines for deployment to support third-party integrations.
  • Working effectively with multiple teams.
  • Monitoring system analysis, UI/UX design, and development programs.
  • Supervising junior and middle developers.

Essential skills for a software engineer

Due to their critical role in the custom software development process, a software engineer must have all the skills of a dev. However, they must take it further. To succeed in this profession, you’ll need some highly specific skills that have little to do with the actual development process.

  • Computer programming and coding.
    An engineer should have a deep understanding of the most popular languages for their niche. For example, for a custom web development company, this can include C#, C++, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, and Python.
  • Object-oriented design.
     A software engineer must be able to come up with a design that will be efficient on every level, from production to marketing.
  • Software testing and debugging.
    While not replacing QA specialists, software engineers must understand precisely how to find and fix any product issues.
  • Problem-solving skills.
    An engineer must have the ability to solve immediate issues, minimizing trade-offs to other system’s parts.
  • Efficient teamwork with versatile teams.
    Software engineers need the ability to coordinate every team involved in tor product’s release.
  • Strong communication skills.
    Software engineers often have to clarify specifications with clients. They must be able to communicate effectively and sometimes intervene in the chain of communication between customers and developers.

Unlike software developers, it’s highly recommended for an engineer to have a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or programming.  

Conclusion: Role of Devs and Engineers in Custom Software Development

A custom web development company, as well as any other business that offers end-to-end solutions, must employ both software developers and software engineers. These experts work very closely together. However, they have distinctively different roles in the process of creating top-quality software.

To learn more about these professionals and how they can help bring your ideas and plans to life, contact us directly!

Clutch Names Devtorium Among North Carolina’s Top Software Developers for 2021

Posted on by oleshchenko

At Devtorium, we are here to help you make sense of the digital clutter in today’s technology marketplace. We are a solution-focused SaaS company enabled by software development, digital marketing, and UI/UX design. Over the years, our team of software developers has built numerous enterprise-level SaaS solutions, mobile apps, websites, and products for venture-backed startups and enterprise-level companies.

 

We offer a one-stop solution to create, implement, test, and run digital marketing campaigns to generate awareness. We provide UI/UX design work and full marketing services from content marketing and social media to video, PR/blogs, and media buying. We act as a super affiliate and find the most efficient ad network and affiliates for our clients.

 

With that being said, it’s with great pleasure to announce that our company was recognized by Clutch as one of the Top Software Developers in North Carolina.

 

For additional context, Clutch is a B2B resource based in Washington, DC. They evaluate technology service and solutions companies based on the quality of work, thought leadership, and client reviews.

 

There are lots of ratings and reviews websites out there, but what sets Clutch apart is that their trained business analysts perform in-depth interviews with clients about the quality of their interaction with each Clutch-registered company.

 

Throughout the year, Clutch highlights its highest-ranking firms across industries and locations. Receiving this award is no small feat, and we’re extremely appreciative of this recognition.

 

“We strive to grow and improve every day and this award proves that we are moving in the right direction.” – CEO, Devtorium

 

We truly appreciate our clients for the trust and support they accorded us. It’s such a great pleasure to have worked with them and an honor to have received great feedback from them. You can read more reviews on our Clutch profile.

 

“We were impressed by their honest efforts and, highly creative, and responsive approach.” – Marketing Director, AB Newswire

 

Do you have a software development project in mind? Send us a message today!

App Store Optimization Tips an Android App Development Company Needs to Know

Posted on by oleshchenko

Imagine a situation, an extraordinarily talented Android app development company creates a unique product that has the potential to rack up millions. The app is amazing, and when it’s launched, everyone is 100% sure it’ll be an instant success. And yet, weeks and months go by, but the number of downloads is pitiful, so the team starts to despair.

What went wrong? How could people not want to use this awesome app?

The answer is usually simple – they just don’t know about it. As of July 2021, there are 2,89 million apps available on Google Play Store. So, it doesn’t matter how incredible your product is. In order for it to be successful, it must be visible on that huge platform. What it means for business is that it’s not enough to develop a great mobile app. You also need to master the art of app store optimization (ASO) to get it to the top of the platform’s search results.

If you think that this sounds very much like SEO, you are right. In fact, many of the search optimization practices used for Google will also apply to the app store page. That’s because these stores are, in essence, limited search engines.

However, to achieve the best results, you’ll need to go beyond the basics. The tips below will show you how to do it.

Top App Store Optimization Tips for Google Play Store

Start with competition research

The first thing you should do when planning to launch an app is to find out what you are up against. In fact, competition research must be done when the app is still an idea. It’s necessary so that you can make your product stand out. Remember that it’s always best to base your own proposition on the gaps that exist in the niche. Armed with this information, an Android app development company can create a truly outstanding product.

Also, while studying your competitors, you will be able to learn what keywords they target. It’s an essential piece of data that you’ll have to use in your ASO. You’ll have to think very hard to decide whether you should focus on targeting keywords that your competitors ignore or try to compete for the top-scoring ones.

In addition, you’ll need to check out in which app store categories your main competitor products are located. Choosing the right category is a significant factor that affects application success.

Optimize the Title and Description with keywords

Speaking of keywords, the number one use for them you’ll have in ASO is to put them in the app’s title, URL, and description. Bear in mind that these sections in app stores always have limitations for the number of characters. Therefore, choosing the best possible keyword phrases is a must. It will literally make or break your ASO, so you don’t have room for mistakes here.

In order to succeed in keyword optimization, you can use some excellent SEO tools, like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner. Note that the first two are highly advanced but paid solutions. However, they will be a worthy investment on the same level as top-notch custom mobile app development services are. These solutions can really help your app get noticed and thus drive downloads.

Google Keyword Planner is free and the ultimate choice for when you are using GoogleAds. It will work well for a basic keyword search.

Extra tip: never use keywords that include the word ‘app’ or your competitors’ brand names in your title or description sections.

Use compelling images

A picture is worth a thousand words. This phrase is definitely overused, but it’s true nonetheless. And images become even more important when optimizing your app store page. That’s because you only have a limited number of both pictures and words. Therefore, images will have the greatest impact.

Start with designing a memorable app icon that stands out in your category. It must be simple but also something everyone would like to have on their phone screens, and possibly T-shirts.

The Android app development company creating the product must also invest a lot into the UI/UX design. The solution has to be not only useful but also visually appealing. That’s what you’re going to show off in screenshots.

Always post as many screenshots as the platform allows. In addition, design a beautiful template for them, so they aren’t merely rendered app screens images.

Finally, make sure that your app’s color scheme is different from your competitors. You can also read up on color meanings using this colorpedia to pick something out of the ordinary.

But the most important thing to consider when choosing screenshots for the app store is that you must show off the features that make your product unique.

Include a video

Mobile app development solutions might differ, but the marketing principles remain the same for every product, niche, and industry. And today, the supreme rule for a successful promotion of anything is ‘video makes it a hundred times better’.

People now consume more video than any other type of content, and this trend is only growing. So, including an attractive video that shows off how to use your app is an absolute must. You simply cannot forgo this step!

Even if you can’t afford some cool effects or order a clip from a professional team, it’s imperative to add the best quality content you are able to produce.

Drive traffic from your website & build up backlinks

Remember how ASO isn’t SEO but they are closely related? Well, one of those relations is that you need to use your well-optimized website and various SEO strategies to drive traffic to your app store page.

Basically, app store optimization options are limited. So, if you want to increase your outreach to the target audience, you need to do this through your website and social media channels. The trick is to set up links to the app store page for downloads. You’ll be able to use the full power of SEO for this.

You can also use various link-building strategies to drive more people to your app’s download page.

Work on obtaining app ratings and reviews

Critical ASO factors that you cannot affect directly are rating and reviews. The higher the numbers you can achieve there, the better is your app’s visibility. Moreover, they have a great impact on your brand authority. Therefore, they determine the Android app development company’s success as a business.

That said, you can see that it’s imperative to build a solid framework for generating reviews and encouraging high ratings.

A vital factor for the latter will be your updates. As a developer, you must always strive to improve your app in response to user feedback. Engaging with your users through commenting on said feedback is also a great way to build up your credibility. The freshness of the updates is also a ranking factor for app stores, so be sure to do it often.

In addition, you should use social media and your blog to encourage app reviews. Run contests or some specialized campaigns and consider offering some rewards for feedback.

Bottom Line: ASO – Must-Have for Android App Development Company Success

App store optimization isn’t rocket science, but you have to invest a lot of time and effort in it. Moreover, you need to understand that it’s intricately interwoven with SEO and your overall digital marketing strategy.

Last but not least, never forget that optimizing your app’s page once isn’t enough. You need to review its performance monthly and make adjustments to keep improving.

We are a team of 200+ qualified software engineers, business analysts, data scientists, project managers, and UI/UX designers. All our professionals hold specialized certifications in their niches and have expertise in complex projects for a variety of industries.

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