Tag: Devtorium Team

Devtorium Information Security Services: Introducing the Team

Posted on by mkoftielieva

The scope of information security services is extensive today, and Devtorium is proud to announce that we are expanding our offering in this area. Today, we are introducing our Information Security Team and explaining all the services we can provide to help protect your business on every level.

Let’s start with a quick recap: Devtorium offers a wide range of cybersecurity services to any business, regardless of industry. In addition to this, Morebis, a part of the Devtorium Group of Companies, holds the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification in the ISMS field. Moreover, this year, we became partners of the PECB Company. We can now conduct audits and provide training courses for those wishing to receive this ISO certification.

How Devtorium Information Security Services Can Benefit Your Business

Because Devtorium is a versatile team of professionals, we can offer multiple types of services to our clients. In regards to information security, we can help protect your business by providing the following:

  • Comprehensive information security system audit
    We can conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of your entire security system. Our audit covers everything, from the physical security of the building to the digital security of your products.
  • Threats and weaknesses investigation
    Our specialists will identify risks and vulnerabilities while going through your entire security system. The report we provide after a thorough risk assessment will list all your weaknesses and potential threats so you can understand where the danger is. It will enable you to make better decisions when building or updating your security system.
  • Security system checklist
    Devtorium specialists can provide you with a detailed checklist you can use to build a tight security system. The checklist is built based on our professionals’ investigation and custom-tailored to your company’s needs.
  • Security system design and setup
    You can employ Devtorium information security services when building a security system from scratch or updating the one you have. In this case, our specialists will conduct an audit, provide a plan, and help guide you through every step of securing your business.
  • ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification audit
    Devtorium is now a certified company that can conduct an audit you need to receive your ISO 27001:2013 certification. We are also authorized to provide the training necessary to achieve this certification level.

Information Security Services by Devtorium: The Team

Today, we want to introduce you to some Devtorium Information Security Team members. This team comprises specialists in different areas, each with outstanding talent in their field. They work together to cover different areas of digital and physical business security.

Our team is young but includes outstanding people with many years of experience in their respective fields.

Nataliia Kashuba: Chief Information Security Officer.

Nataliia Kashuba: Chief Security Officer/Deputy General Manager

The Head of Devtorium’s Information Security Department, Nataliia Kashuba, holds Cisco Networking Academy/CCNA Cybersecurity Operations, DPO and ISO 27001 SLA certifications. Nataliia is our foremost expert on information security services. Her job is to coordinate the team’s work at every level.

Moreover, Nataliia is also the founder of a charity fund that actively supports Ukraine’s defenders. They provide dehydrated homecooked meal packs to soldiers on the frontlines and work with volunteers to provide our forces with necessary equipment and meds.

From her position as Chief Security Officer, Nataliia takes on the leadership role when working with clients and developing a personalized strategy for each of them. She is also directly responsible for Devtorium’s security certification renewal and the growth of our services package in this niche.

Pavlo Kharchenko: responsible for all documentation regarding information security services.

Pavlo Kharchenko: Head of IT Department

The Head of Devtorium IT Department also actively participates in our Information Security Services Team. He holds the ISO 27001LA certification and has vast experience working with the documents necessary to achieve these certifications. Managing this area of security paperwork is his main focus in the team. The documentation that Pavlo audits covers everything from the company’s policies to instructions on keeping all their communication and offices secure.

Pavlo is also responsible for digital security within our own company and can offer these services to Devtorium clients. This part of his specialization covers:

  • Ensuring that all communication within the company and with outside agents is secure on every level
  • Monitoring and maintaining network security
  • Developing and managing the procedures to ensure the physical security of the company’s offices and equipment
  • Creating security protocols for working with third-party software and ensuring all such interactions are secure and the client’s data is protected
Anton Mikushyn: Head of QA Depatrtment and leader in information security services area of penetration testing.

Anton Mikushyn: Head of QA Department

QA professionals make up a vital part of the Devtorium Information Security Team. Even the Head of our QA Department, Anton Mikushyn, plays an active role. As a part of the team, his responsibilities are:

  • Projecting and implementation of secure architectures of applications to avoid security threats from the start
  • Performing penetration testing to find and remove threats in applications
  • Personnel education
  • Creation and realization of security policies
  • Organization of security monitoring for early identification and elimination of threats
  • Research of new threats and technologies
  • Reaction to security incidents, including analysis and recovery after incidents
  • Attack scenarios development
  • Evaluation of the acknowledgment level of employees in security areas and improvement strategy development

In regards to the relevance of information security today and his personal interest in the field, Anton had a lot to share:

This is a new and interesting area where I have a lot of space to grow, and it can be an additional technology that our company can handle as a developing area.

According to the latest situation in the world, information is essential, and its importance will keep growing in the future. I like to compare the real world with science fiction movies. For example, we were shown a world with electric self-driving cars (see I, Robot, Demolition Man, Blade Runner, etc.). Now, for the last ten years, vehicles with self-driving technologies have been mass-produced and are becoming the norm. Even the creation of a flying taxi is merely a question of time ( remember the 5th Element).

So it’s time to look back to Johnny Mnemonic, where loading information into an implant is safer than sending it via the web. Cybersecurity today is not about keeping someone’s data private but about keeping systems functional. Your systems must be able to communicate with other systems and recover after an attack. This area will broaden as the number of systems we use daily grows. Today, technology controls almost everything, starting from smart kettles and finishing with applications to run nuclear plants. So, security is paramount.

Nadiia Ovsiannikova: Information security services QA testing knowledge lead.

Nadiia Ovsiannikova: Senior QA Engineer

Another member of our Information Security Team from the QA side is a senior-level professional with 10+ years of experience, Nadiia Ovsiannikova. Nadiia started studying security as a personal interest because she enjoys learning everything connected to testing. Moreover, Nadiia understands that it’s imperative for everyone today to be aware of the dangers waiting for you online. Therefore, she wanted to know how to protect herself and quickly expanded this to teaching others in the company.

At the moment, Nadiia’s specialization in the team mainly concerns knowledge-sharing and penetration testing. Nadiia can use her experience in QA testing and understanding of contemporary security practices to implement various types of testing.

Dmytro Chernenko: DevSecOps and responsible for network information security services.

Dmytro Chernenko: Junior System Administrator/DevSecOps

Dmytro is one of the youngest members of the Devtorium Information Security Services Team, and he is one of the most motivated. He holds several certifications, including Cybersecurity Essential, CCNA Cybersecurity Operations, Get Connected, and NDG Linux. As a part of the team, he acts as a DevSecOps and is responsible for the following:

  • Threat monitoring, classification, and evaluation of threat level
  • Risk management
  • Comprehensive systems monitoring
  • Implementation of authentication and authorization systems
  • Implementation of automated information security tools

Dmytro is developing fast in his career, and his plans for the near future include obtaining the CISCO Cybersecurity certification. His main ambition for now is to grow to the Security Architect position.

Devtorium Information Security Services: Plans for the Future

Devtorium continues its work in developing a wider offering of information security services to any business interested in protecting itself. We are also now able to help those who are looking to achieve their own ISO 27001:2013 certification. If you want to learn how we can help you, contact us for a free consultation.

More on the topic of cybersecurity from Devtorium:

Devtorium R&D Department: Meet the People

Posted on by mkoftielieva

As you already know, Devtorium has a Research and Development Department that helps our team understand and master cutting-edge technologies. Currently, they are focusing on AI and Machine Learning and have workshops that anyone willing to learn can join.

Today, we’d like to tell you more about the Head of R&D, Oleksii Makarov, and the amazing team the Department has already assembled.

Oleksii Makarov: Head of Research and Development Department in Devtorium.

Oleksii Makarov: Solution Architect/Head of Research and Development

Oleksii is Devtorium’s leading expert in AI and ML technology, who loves to share his knowledge as much as he enjoys learning new technologies. He has 24 years of experience in development, and over this time, Oleksii has worked with multiple projects and technologies, including:

  • Developing desktop applications for Windows (C++)
  • Web development (.NET)
  • Front-end development (HTML, JavaScript, React, NodeJS)
  • Deep Learning and AI (Python)

For the last seven years, Oleksii has been dealing with Machine Learning and Deep Learning technologies. He has experience developing several AI-related projects where he was actively working on the following:

  • Computer Vision: object detection, video processing, data filtering, behavior tracking.
  • LLM + prompt engineering + GPT Engine

Oleksii says that Deep Learning is one of his main interests in technology right now. It enables us to teach computers to perceive the world similarly to humans. This is one of the things involved in the work of the Devtortium R&D Department, and studying this technology offers excellent opportunities for personal growth. In addition, this looks great on your CV😉

Research & Development Team: Not Only for Developers

We’d also like to introduce some of the R&D Team members who have been studying new technologies with Oleksii for the last few months. We were surprised to learn that not all members of the Department are developers. Some Devtorium team members are very active and forward-thinking. Therefore, they want to discover everything they can about cutting-edge tech to stay sharp and expand their professional skills and opportunities.

Olha Romanets: Senior front-end engineer

Olha Romanets: Senior Front-End Engineer

Olha is one of the most active members of the R&D Department. Her drive is contagious, and her interest in the topic has no bounds. Olha has a successful career in front-end development, so we wondered what pushed her to take on this new challenge.

She said joining the R&D Team was essentially an ‘impulse purchase’. For some time, the topic of AI was popping up all around her, so when the opportunity to study it deeper presented itself, Olha took it immediately.

She is a highly dedicated person who enjoys studying things to their full potential. This is exactly how she approaches R&D workshops and never fails to impress her teammates.

Oleksandr Shapran: Business Analyst

Oleksandr Shapran: Strong Junior Business Analyst

As mentioned before, not all members of the Research and Development study group are developers. One of our business analysts, Oleksandr, is a good example of a person who doesn’t allow any perceived limitations to prevent them from reaching their full potential.

We asked him why he decided to join and spent some of his time studying something far removed from his primary specialty. His answers were truly inspiring.

First of all, Oleksandr highlights the importance of knowledge about AI for any professional working within the IT industry. This is the most cutting-edge technology that is already revolutionizing the world. Therefore, everyone must understand at least the basics of how it works and what it’s capable of.

Moreover, as Oleksandr wisely notes, the level of professionalism one has is determined by the depth and versatility of their knowledge. Simply put, any professional can bring more value if they are knowledgeable in many relevant areas. This way, they can be most helpful to the team, and that’s precisely how he wants to be.

That said, studying AI on your own is extremely difficult, especially for someone without a technical background. Joining the Devtorium Research and Development Department allowed him to learn from a great mentor and get support from his colleagues. They face challenges and grow together, each contributing something valuable to the work of this Department.

Also, Oleksandr notes that the knowledge and skills gained while working with the R&D Team help predict future trends. By learning these complex topics as an analyst, he can better understand changes in technology trends. Therefore, he can see what to pay attention to and how to benefit his current and future projects.

Ivan Danyliuk: Senior front-end endgineer

Ivan Danyliuk: Senior Front-End Engineer

Ivan is one of Devtorium’s leading front-end developers. He has shown tremendous talent and interest in working with AI through our Research and Development Department workshops.

According to Ivan himself, joining the R&D Team aligns with his passion to stay up-to-date with any changes in the industry. Due to his participation in this Department, Ivan broadened his horizons significantly. His direct quote:

Being a part of the R&D team has shown me new perspectives, encouraging me to approach everyday matters from a fresh and innovative standpoint.

Excited to be on this journey and eager to explore the limitless possibilities that our AI endeavors bring, I am confident that our collective efforts will shape the potential of our company.

Serhii Bevz: Senior full-stack engineer

Serhii Bevz: Senior Full-Stack Engineer

Serhii Bevz joined the Devtorium team not long ago but has proven to be an exceptionally talented full-stack engineer. However, despite being busy with his project, he makes time to actively participate in the work of the Research and Development Department. When we asked why he chose to join this team, he said that, first of all, it’s a highly promising direction for professional development. His second reason is that it’s a fascinating field for developers. Studying and working with AI enables you to move up to a completely different level of skill and knowledge.

In addition, Serhii mentions how he loved math in school and how working with AI requires a deep knowledge of mathematics. Moreover, studying a new programming language is much easier when you have real-life tasks for practice. Therefore, he enjoys mastering Python with the R&D Team and is progressing quickly in this area.

Serhii notes that expanding your personal tech stack is an outstanding professional opportunity. Also, he very much enjoys the way Oleksii teaches these complex subjects. The subject matter is very complicated, so it’s crucial to have someone who can explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. As a full-stack developer, Serhii knows he must know AI and how it works. This knowledge is vital for any ambitious developer today.

The only thing that Serhii does complain about is that he wishes to have more time for this exciting project. However, he hopes that working with the Research and Development Department on these topics will allow him to be near the start of changes in tech trends. Similar to how it was with NodeJS, AI has launched a revolution now, and those who are proficient with technology have a much better chance of professional success. Serhii also notes how important it is for a development company to have a team of professionals with these trending skills, as Devtorium has.

Oleksandr Kostylenko: strong-middle .NET engineer

Oleksandr Kostylenko: Strong Middle .NET Engineer

Oleksandr is a very experienced and talented developer in his professional life and a highly artistic person outside of work. When we talked to him about his reasons for joining the Research and Development Team, he showed that both parts of his character played into it. 

We can already feel the presence of AI everywhere, and personally, I use ChatGPT and DALL-E in my daily life. The future of the IT industry is inseparable from AI technology, and I’m sure studying it will help me in my work. Moreover, this outstandingly fascinating technology allows you to realize your artistic potential in development, which is crucial for me.

Oleksandr states that he enjoys being a part of the R&D Team and how Oleksii teaches such a complex subject. He especially commends the fact that Oleksii, as a teacher, encourages the team to write their own code and experiment. It’s a very productive and efficient method of teaching such complicated topics.

According to Oleksandr, knowledge is the main benefit he gets from joining Research and Development. Despite being a team member for only a few months, he already understands the core principles of Deep Learning and looks for ways to apply this in practice. He is looking forward to learning more about AI and reaching new heights with the help of this technology.

Devtorium Research and Development Department: Progress Report 2023

Despite being so new, the Devtorium R&D Department has grown fast and attracted many talented people who wish to expand their knowledge of innovative technologies. According to Oleksii, who heads the Department, the main achievements so far were:

  • Building a core team of people who are interested, driven, and have an aptitude for this type of work.
  • Covering the basics of Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python, and Algebra needed for understanding and further work with AI technology.
  • Bringing the team to approximately the same level of knowledge.
  • Starting to work on simple model training tasks.

Currently, the Research and Development Team will continue to expand their knowledge and learn more about AI programming. We hope the team will soon have new exciting projects to work on.

Devtorium Offshore Software Development Company: Progress Report 2023

Posted on by mkoftielieva

As an offshore software development company, Devtorium did not escape the turmoil shaking up the global economy today. However, no matter how trying the times might be, we firmly believe that investing in people is the best way for any business. That’s the core of our values, and we are proud to say that putting our trust in our employees has never failed this company. We can see evidence of it when looking at the 2023 company performance report results.

This year was wrought with conflict, and many businesses struggle with the volatility of markets and economic downturns. Devtorium also faced many challenges during this year. However, we are happy to say that the year’s results are positive despite it all.

What We Achieved as an Offshore Software Development Company in 2023

  • Devtorium started five new projects in 2023, engaging 40 developers and other technical professionals. The projects come from a range of industries, including Health and Education.
  • Over the year, our company welcomed 14 new specialists. Our teams grow, and we actively search for new talent when the projects demand it. You can always find a list of our open vacancies here. If there isn’t a suitable position at this time, leave your CV using the form on the page. Our Recruiting Department will reach out to you when we have an opening.
  • To ensure that Devtorium developers master cutting-edge technologies and can offer top-quality services to our clients, our company launched a Research and Development Department. This department is currently focused on NLP, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Neural Networks Training. Developers working within the R&D Department also study Python and contribute to our AI software development services greatly.
  • According to our project statistics, React, NodeJS, .NET, and Angular are the most popular technologies today. However, the interest in no-code development services is also growing. This year, we had some clients interested in developing solutions using Bubble.io.
  • Devtorium launched two in-house solutions in 2023. One is an ERP system that mainly serves our Accounting, HR, and PMO Departments. However, all our employees use it to track working hours on various projects and manage leave requests. The solution is created using the Bubble no-code platform, and it’s constantly evolving. The second in-house project we launched is a CMS system based on Frappe.io. Our Sales Department is using the many capabilities of this platform to manage and grow our leads database.
  • Devtorium completely redesigned our website, devtorium.com, to ensure its design matches our updated brand style and expanded list of services.

Devtorium: Plans for the Future

Our main priority as an offshore software development company is to focus on trending technologies and ensure we can deliver the services our clients need. At this time, this means shifting the focus to the rapidly evolving AI industry. We are proud to see that our developer teams have mastered this technology and learned how to use it to its full potential in the service of our clients.

Next year, we will continue our work to expand the company and introduce new technologies to our tech stack. Moreover, we will continue searching for projects in a variety of industries. However, our primary focus is maintaining the integrity and quality of service that our clients value.

Progress of Devtorium offshore software development company in 2023.

How Outsourcing Software Development Company Devtorium Stands with Ukraine

Posted on by mkoftielieva

Devtorium is an outsourcing software development company with offices in several countries and remote employees spanning the globe. However, the core of our developers resides in Ukraine, a country torn apart by russia’s invasion. We are invested in supporting the country that’s fighting for its freedom and its heroic defenders.

Devtorium has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning by donating some of our earnings to specialized funds. However, we are proud to say that we didn’t stop at that. Devtorium’s strength is its people, who are passionate, driven, and courageous in the face of even the darkest trial of war.

Since day one, the vast majority of Devtorium employees became active volunteers, the unsung heroes of the war as referred by Times. Even the members of the Devtorium team who do not directly participate in volunteering activities make regular donations and other contributions to the support of Ukrainian defenders. Over this time, they provided multiple types of equipment and materials to strengthen the soldiers. Some examples of this support include:

  • Equipping multiple defenders with essential gear, such as headgear, body armor, first aid kits, etc.
  • Supporting medical teams with specialized kits, tourniquets, equipment, etc.
  • Purchasing autos for army squads.
  • Providing power stations and generations to units fighting on the frontlines.

However, some members of the Devtorium team took their volunteering activities to a new level. We are immensely proud that these people work within our company and would like to draw attention to their noble cause.

How Devtorium outsourcing software development company staqnds with Ukraine through a Cherkasy-based charity fund.

Devtorium Outsourcing Software Development Company Cherkasy: Creating a Charity Fund to Help Support Ukrainian Defenders

A team from the Cherkasy Office of the Devtorium outsourcing software development company set up a charity fund to become more efficient in their support of the army.

Since the beginning of this cruel invasion, a team from the Cherkasy Office started preparing dry rations for the defenders. They do this completely voluntarily, using their own kitchens for the bulk of this hard work. They haven’t stopped even once, providing the heroes who risk their lives with essential and delicious nutrition.

According to Nataliia Kashuba, the Regional Manager of the Cherkasy Office and Devtorium’s Head of Cybersecurity Department, their goal is to support soldiers in the trenches by providing a taste of a home-cooked meal. These gestures mean the world to people who face unimaginable cruelty every minute of every day. Most importantly, this little ‘taste of home’ can offer invaluable emotional support.

As of right now, the team’s dry rations are booked out in advance. As all these dehydrated meals are prepared by regular people at their homes, their capabilities are limited. Therefore, if any of you reading this would like to support the cause, you can contact the charity fund Mamyni Obiymy ta Tatove Pleche (Mother’s Hug and Father’s Shoulder) created by Nataliia Kashuba.

Multiple people join the cause, each providing the level of support they can. Some help with cooking, and some provide produce, including homegrown fruits and vegetables. No help is ever too small! The team greatly appreciates every bit of support.

We stand with Ukraine: Devtorium outsourcing software development company.

Team Involvement: Going Way Beyond Outsourcing Software Development

As for our Cherkasy team, their whole families are involved in meal preparation. For example, Nataliia’s son got inspired to become a chef, and he is the one making marinades for meat-based components of their rations. This Thanksgiving, the team prepared dehydrated turkey that would be sent directly to the squads that are currently stationed at the frontline.

Another example is our Head of IT Department, Pavlo. On the professional level, he is expanding his skills and holds specialized security certifications. Moreover, he is currently developing as a DevOps professional and is actively engaged in projects.

However, even with such a busy schedule, he contributes to the dry rations preparation regularly. Pasha is an expert on homemade crackers. We have it on good authority that his crackers are greatly loved and appreciated by the heroes who are stationed in the most dangerous zones.

Charity fund to support Ukrainian defenders.

Why Set Up a Charity Fund?

Nataliia is a person with a heavy workload demanded by her position within the company. The added load of preparing rations and additional volunteering activities is definitely not easy to bear. Therefore, we asked her why she decided to set up and manage a charity fund.

Her reply was simple:

“Nothing we do can compare to the sacrifices of our defenders. The fund enables us to cut through many legal issues and ensure that we deliver the help that’s needed faster.”

According to Nataliia, they faced multiple obstacles in their work, from scammers and outright thieves to corruption at the customs. As a legal expert herself, Nataliia chose to create a charity fund as the most expedient way to make the whole operation legal and overcome the hurdles of corruption.

Nataliia expresses her great worry and disappointment in the fact that many people she meets today claim to be fatigued by the war. She stresses, and we wholeheartedly support her, that the people who are truly tired are those who fight at the frontlines. And yet, they get up every day and risk their lives to defend their country. Therefore, doing our very best to support them is the least we can do.

At Devtorium, we agree with Nataliia’s position. Therefore, we encourage everyone to join the cause and help in whatever way they are able. Our company has been doing its best to provide every kind of support. As a result, in spite of all the hardship, 2022 was a good year for Devtorium’s growth. We will continue doing our best and are 100% confident that our developers will continue to perform above and beyond the clients’ expectations.

Stand with Ukraine by providing homemade dry rations and other help via a specialized charity fund.

Do AI Code Generation Tools Help Developers?

Posted on by mkoftielieva

AI code generation tools became a huge hit fast, just like ChatGPT. Naturally, we wondered whether professional developers are worried about becoming redundant. Will human programmers be replaced by AI sometime soon?

We decided to discuss this matter by talking to some of the most experienced Devtorium developers. It turns out that they aren’t worried at all. In fact, they are actively exploring and using AI code generators in their everyday work.

AI software development is one of Devtorium’s core services. Therefore, our specialists spend a lot of their time researching artificial intelligence tech and what it can do. We asked some of our senior software engineers which tools they are using and what they think about their capabilities. Read their replies below.

Are AI Code Generation Tools Useful for Developers Today?

Head of Development Department: AI code generation is too limited to help developers now.

Andrii Bohatyr: Head of Development Department

Over the last six months, I used:  

I would admit these tools are raw right now. In general, they don’t offer a lot of value. However, they are capable of helping with some rudimentary tasks.

The issue is that prompts require tweaks and improvements, even when you have a clear understanding of how to engineer prompts. Therefore, 9 out of 10 tasks could be easily completed faster in the old-fashioned way.

The same results could be achieved by using Google. I mean if the task requires diving deeper into a domain you need to research more.

AI code generation tools have good potential. However, as of now, they have too many issues and are still limited. The biggest problem is that even IDE pluggable tools lack the context of the whole project. Therefore, they are largely unusable. They don’t have an understanding of a particular project’s code style, conventions, issues, etc.

I would say, AI-based solutions indeed may help to automate some routine tasks. However, in coding experience is crucial. At least, if you’re not an LLM expert or a prompt engineering guru.

Senior .NET Developer: AI code generation tools make many mistakes but give good ideas.

Alina Nor: Senior .NET Developer

 decided to try GitHub copilot immediately when I heard about it. It gave me a ‘wow’ effect – like magic when you’re writing a sentence about what should be here and it writes some meaningful code or when it completes the writing function for you – this impressed me. 

I like to witness this magic. It’s a special kind of pleasure seeing how someone adds code for you. The problem is that you can’t rely on keeping that code as is. You need to review that and make sure it’s correct. For me, mostly it wasn’t. I had to rewrite it or improve it all the time.

However, it might give you a couple of ideas when you’re stuck. Also, I should admit that the code written by this tool is clean and follows the best practices. 

Unfortunately, AI code generation tools don’t improve my workflow. I’ve been using Copilot for two months. Most of that time I didn’t accept its suggestions because I didn’t want to spend time reviewing or rewriting the code generated by it.

However, I’m using ChatGPT 4 for ideas or when I need to do some routing work. It’s a really powerful solution and it can save developer’s time. Especially if you need a general functionality, for example, some math functions or time calculations, etc. When there are no custom rules, its code works well. I think this is a powerful assistant for developers, even though you cannot rely on it completely.

Senior Front-End Engineer: AI code generators can be really useful when used right.

Maksym Kharkovenko: Senior Front-End Engineer

I have been using GitРub Copilot for about 3 months. If you’re looking to optimize your code, I would recommend giving Copilot a try. It can help you generate new code and patterns quickly and efficiently. In addition, I use GitHub Copilot Chat, which is also a good helper for improving your code.  

Github Copilot is a really powerful tool that can enhance the coding workflow. However, sometimes it requires some examples before it can generate anything that can be integrated into your project. This AI code generation tool provides syntactically correct code but it still has trouble referencing types across different files and packages.

Using Copilot really improved my coding efficiency by providing relevant and accurate code suggestions. I like its intuitive handling of function creation, code completion, and creation of unit tests. It makes the coding process more efficient and enjoyable.

Head of R&D Department: AI code generation can be good but only when your prompts are great.

Oleksii Makarov: Solution Architect/Head of R&D Department

I have been using Copilot for several months. From my experience, AI code generation assistants are not a panacea or a way to completely escape coding. Therefore, you can’t rely on them to do all the work for you. Naturally, you need to match the generated code to your expectations. Sometimes, Сopilot can’t generate something I want. However, in most cases, it defines the context correctly and offers good suggestions. 

Most of the time, I write in NodeJS and Python. Copilot helps to save time when writing my code. I’ve been doing more RnD lately, and in this mode, sometimes I must make some major changes in the project generated by AI.

Copilot defines the context of the code and the next block I want to implement quite well. For example, Copilot knows that this particular file implements a layer of database accesses. Therefore, based on the name of the method I introduced, it proposes changes with data that match the method name and my expectations. Even at the moment of the suggested completion, I see whether the Copilot understands what I need, and then I can accept or reject this completion.

Will AI Code Generation Tools Replace Developers Anytime Soon?

As you can clearly see, developers aren’t worried about AI taking their jobs. On the contrary, the leaders of them spearhead the innovation and use AI code generators to improve their workflow. Moreover, they use this opportunity to expand the limits of what AI can do.

As a provider of AI-based solution development services, Devtorium strives to contribute to the development of artificial intelligence technology. We understand that AI is the future and we are happy to use all it can offer and then expound on it for our clients.

If you want to know how AI-powered development can help your project, set up a free consultation with our team!

Devtorium Software Product Development Company: 2022 Progress Report

Posted on by mkoftielieva

The war in Ukraine, the worldwide COVID-induced supply chain collapse and the global economic crisis are the things that defined the year 2022. Of course, no software product development company remained unaffected by these major factors. As a result, the already competitive industry has become a cutthroat battle for new projects. Devtorium is proud to report that despite all challenges, we are closing the year with new projects, promising negotiations with prospective clients, and mastering innovative technologies.

Devtorium Software Product Development Company: Yearly Report

At Devtorium, we’ve always believed that the true strength of a business is the people. This year provided us with solid proof of that. Our teams turned the trials they faced into opportunities to show their strength of spirit and admirable work ethics. Delivery schedules became the topmost priority for every developer as they refused to get behind on their work regardless of the circumstances.

The results of this dedication and professionalism speak for themselves:

  • Many of our developers work from Ukraine and struggle with disruptions caused by the war. However, wartime challenges didn’t make us lose a single client. We remain firmly within project deadlines regardless of any power outages and missile strikes.
  • We’ve started two new projects in 2022. One is a comprehensive insuretech solution that consists of several products. It’s powered by .NET, React, and PostgreSQL technologies and is completely cloud-based (AWS). Another is a React-powered travel app focused on accessibility.
  • We’ve completed negotiations and will launch two new projects in January 2023. One is a large-scale ad-tech solution powered by .NET and Angular. The other is a verification software product based on Node.js and React.
  • We’ve launched two proprietary products developed by Devtorium teams. Our AI-powered content generation platform Marquètte is currently receiving a big upgrade with the release of the Templates feature. Now it’s even easier for copywriters to use it for creating top-quality original content. Devtorium also used the Bubble no-code platform to develop our own ERP solution. Our HR and recruiting specialists are currently testing it, and developers are improving the solution based on their feedback.

Happy New Year! Devtorium software product development company plans for 2023

Devtorium Software Development Plans & Goals for 2023

Devtorium is always looking into the future as a software product development company. We are implementing innovative technologies in our workflows to achieve better results. Our primary focus for 2023 is AI development.

The company already has experience in creating our AI-powered platform, Marquètte. Working on this project has been both challenging and exciting. Most importantly, it gave us the experience of interacting with AI engines and a better understanding of what we can achieve with this tech.

We plan to further this work next year. At the moment, our company is in the process of negotiations for an auspicious AI project. It could result in the development of an AI-powered chatbot for foreign language learning. The team will be creating it from scratch using GODEL by Microsoft.

We are delighted to share that the company is currently negotiating with several prospective clients. Moreover, our potential projects will engage not only our outstanding developers, Business Analysts, and Project Management specialists. In addition, we have plenty of exciting work planned for our Data Science team.

Also, we keep searching for new opportunities constantly. Our sales and marketing teams are always active, looking for clients both online and offline. In January, our American management representatives will present Devtorium at a big conference in Las Vegas. ASW is one of the foremost hubs for IT service networking, so we look forward to this event’s results.

All in all, our work never stops!

Devtorium is proud of what we have accomplished this year, and we are looking at a brighter future with new opportunities.

We’d like to thank our incredible team. None of it would have been possible without you!

It’s not All Devs: How PMs Keep Software Product Development on Track

Posted on by mkoftielieva

There’s a common misconception that devs are the only people involved in the software product development process. However, that’s far from the truth. Creating and launching a product requires input from a wide range of specialists. Project Managers should take the place of pride among them. But they are downright criminally undervalued.

In our humble opinion, Project Managers, or PMs as we call them, are magicians. They often hold the entire project together and ensure everything stays on track. They are the ones who settle all the miscommunication issues and even battles of wills between clients and devs. But above all, PMs articulate the client’s requirements in a way that developers can understand.

Devtorium has an extensive Project Management department comprised of extraordinary people. Today we talked to them about their profession so you could learn what it’s like to be a PM from PMs’ own words.

What PM does for outsourced software product development.

Victor Savinov, Senior PM/Delivery Manager: What Does a PM Do During Software Product Development?

We decided to start our interviews with Victor, a senior PM with years of experience in outsourced software product development. Victor can find humor in everything and can bring under control even the most difficult situations.

What does a PM do during software development?

Nothing 😁 Well, at least, it may look like that at first glance. Especially when you, as a PM, are utterly exhausted after another work day during which you have resolved dozens of issues. However, you have nothing to show as a result of all that work. There’s nothing tangible, at least.

Nowadays, PM’s work is not about paperwork, reports, or following a well-prepared plan. It’s more about interactions with people, quick response to changes, coaching, and maintaining a healthy, happy, and highly motivated team. Meanwhile, you also keep the customer satisfied by delivering a high-quality, valuable product.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

To maintain a high level of quality while balancing the budget, time, and scope (see PM Triangle). At the same time, I also need to keep up a healthy pace and save my team from burnout and exhaustion.

How do you handle troublesome clients who can’t explain what they want?

It’s an absolutely normal situation when a client isn’t a professional Product Owner. It can be challenging for them sometimes to express what they really need in terms of software product development. We can use quite a few techniques that can help gather product requirements. I usually suggest starting with visualization and using analogies to explain one’s concept or idea. A piece of paper and pencil are extremely useful when you’re not sure where to start😉

What do you do when a developer fails?

Well, first off, no finger-pointing! Instead, we should embrace a culture of collective commitment to improvement as a team and measure our successes and failures. Then we look at what went wrong and how we can do better next time. The whole point is to focus not on the failure but on what can help you move forward.

Can an IT project survive without a PM?

Sure! The only question is how successful the project will be. What will be the quality of that survival? How well-informed will the key stakeholders be? Who will manage risks and deadlines? What about budget and costs?

We can actually eliminate any role in a project. First, however, we must ensure all essential responsibilities and activities that the ‘role’ manages are reassigned to other people.

How can a PM impact the overall software product development process?

A PM/SM/Agile Coach is often a bridge between the business and engineering, stakeholders and developers or operations, or customers and providers facilitating their interaction. Although a PM is a composite role, it can sometimes coordinate the majority of the vital aspects of the organization. This includes budget, resources, staffing, costs, deadlines, risks, and quality. Taking that into account, it’s pretty difficult to overestimate a PM’s impact, whether positive or negative.

What is project manager's role in software product development.

Diana Novytska, Strong Junior Project Coordinator: PM’s Role in the Software Creation Process

Diana is only growing into her role as a Project Coordinator, but she is doing so with style and success. Her gentle nature might make it both easier and more challenging for her to manage complex communications within teams. However, no one can argue her reliability and dedication to making every project run smoothly to completion.

What does a PM do during software development?

A PM is the person who organizes the whole process by starting from the idea of the future project/product to its realization and support. It means that communications between customers and the team, development planning, and solving various problems are all PM’s duties. In reality, it’s only a small list of a PM’s responsibilities.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

For me personally, it’s being a good leader and having strong ‘soft skills’.

How do you handle troublesome clients who can’t explain what they want?

The secret here is asking the right questions related to his/her idea, time limits, and expectations.

What do you do when a developer fails?

We are all only people, not robots. So, we will discuss the cause of this failure and how to resolve it. Then, I just wait to check the fixed result.

Can an IT project survive without a PM?

This is a good question. Every role in the development team is very important, including a PM’s role. Without a PM, other team members should cover his/her responsibilities. Therefore, their workload increases above their individual responsibilities. As a result, the lack of a PM impacts the overall quality of work.

How can a PM impact the overall project?

A well-organized workflow, easy communication scheme, and quick resolution of unexpected issues are markers of a PM’s positive impact.

How a project manager impacts software product development process.

Artem Levenko, Middle Project Manager: What a PM Does for Outsourced Software Product Development

Artem is new to Devtorium but not new to being a Project Manager. He is highly efficient in his approach and makes every project run like clockwork.

What does a PM do during software development?

The role of a Project Manager in the software product development process encompasses a lot of different activities. The responsibilities may vary depending on a particular project. However, to put it simply, PM’s work includes:

  • Managing stakeholders
  • Collecting and analyzing requirements
  • Setting tasks for the team
  • Coordinating work processes
  • Monitoring progress
  • Ensuring that the project stays within time, budget, quality requirements, and according to scope

What is the most challenging part of your job?

For me, the hardest part of the job is to keep everything in focus and not miss anything. Also, it can be hard to make sure that neither stakeholders nor the team’s (company’s) interests are neglected.

How do you handle troublesome clients who can’t explain what they want?

I always try to get to the bottom of the situation by asking them pointed and specific questions about their requirements and needs. I do everything possible to make sure there is no room for misunderstanding and misinterpretation.

What do you do when a developer fails?

When a developer fails, I usually try to discuss the situation with them directly so that we can find the reason. Then, together, we work out steps of action to improve the situation.

Can an IT project survive without a PM?

I believe an IT project can literally “survive”. However, it will be at a high risk of failure on all parts of the PM triangle. In addition, it likely won’t meet the stakeholders’ expectations.

How can a PM impact the overall software product development project?

A PM can constantly work with the team so that the team stays productive and motivated. Also, we keep up transparent communication with clients to make sure their needs are satisfied. Also, we constantly try to find bottlenecks and improve processes, which will benefit the project’s success.

What project manager does as part of software development.

Anton Shpak, Junior Project Manager: PM’s Outlook on the Software Product Development Process

Anton is a PM who is not afraid of challenges. He is full of energy to resolve any issue and always strives to get to the button of it. He works closely with clients to help create products that meet their exact requirements.

What does a PM do during software development?

He must ensure that the customer is satisfied. In my opinion, it’s the most important thing. More specifically, the PM makes sure that everything is done as promised.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Doing tasks that you don’t believe in when you don’t understand why you have to do them at all. However, that issue probably isn’t exclusive to PMs. Speaking of PM’s duties, the biggest challenge is not having complete information about the project. The less information PMs have, the less effective they are.

How do you handle troublesome clients who can’t explain what they want?

This is where you have to make assumptions and clarify whether you’re assuming correctly. Then, step by step, we’ll find out what the exact requirements are.

What do you do when a developer fails?

It depends on the situation. First, you can determine whether or not some extra time will help and how much is needed. If a little more time solves everything, then the developer continues to work on the problem. If the developer feels that it won’t work, we ask colleagues with more experience for assistance or brainstorm how to solve the problem with the team.

Can an IT project survive without a PM?

Of course, it can. However, the project manager’s role must still be performed by someone. In many cases, it falls to the main developer in the team. Sadly, in these situations, the person might get frustrated because they are doing so much extra work. Sometimes they might get angry and leave the project entirely.

How can a PM impact the software project development process?

I feel it’s important to note that a bad PM might ruin a project. However, we can help developers solve problems faster. Being the main contact point for the client, we can protect the project and the team. We do it by communicating to clients what’s happening now, why it is needed, and when it will be over. We do it in a language that a non-developer person can understand, which is key to avoiding conflicts and miscommunications.

What it's like to be a project manager for IT.

Kateryna Mazur, Middle Project Manager: Being a PM Can Be Like Herding Cats

Kateryna is a very experienced Project Manager. She worked with a versatile selection of projects and aced many different challenges. Due to this experience, she can handle any task and bring the software product development process in order in any circumstances.

What does a PM do during software development?

Sometimes our work is similar to kindergarten teachers who need to corral a group of unruly kids. It’s because clients and developers often suffer from miscommunication issues. The PM’s duty is to be the bridge between them to ensure that everyone is satisfied and the development process runs smoothly.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Personally, the hardest part of my job is to stop working. You get used to working with time differences in the outsourced software product development industry. However, I find it hard to stick to my schedule and NOT answer emails at all times of day and night. It’s critical to draw a firm line between work and personal life.

How do you handle troublesome clients who can’t explain what they want?

When working with clients, I document absolutely everything. We discuss their ideas in detail, and I ask as many questions as needed. I also explain risks and maintain clear lines of communication to ensure all requests, risks, and adjustments are well-documented.

What do you do when a developer fails?

I’ve had my share of issues caused by irresponsible devs in my career. In this case, I believe that the most important thing is to warn the client as early as possible that something is going wrong. It’s imperative to be absolutely transparent and explain the situation, as well as offer several solutions. All in all, I do my best to smooth out the situation while being completely honest.

On the developer’s side, I talk to them to find out what caused the issue and how we can resolve it. I analyze the entire case in detail to prevent this from repeating.

Can an IT project survive without a PM?

Yes, it can. But it’s only if the whole software product development process and team-client communications are set.

How can a PM impact the software project development process?

A PM connects every person involved in the project and manages all processes to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s a critical role because no project can succeed without efficient organization.

Project Manager’s Role Is Crucial for Outsourced Software Product Development

Being a Project Manager can be hard, but all PMs we interviewed agree that it’s extremely rewarding. Most importantly, it’s a non-developer role that has a huge impact on the success of the software product.

Software development is a complex process, and communication is key to it. So, Project Managers’ role is huge, and we value our PMs greatly. An efficient PM department with high quality standards is definitely one of the important elements of our and, therefore, our clients’ success.

Devtorium Building an ERP Solution Using the Best No-Code Tools

Posted on by mkoftielieva

Do you agree that Bubble is among the best no-code tools today? The Devtorium investigative team studying low-code/no-code platforms seems to think so. That’s why our talented young developers are now using that platform to create their first ERP product.

According to the HR department, it’s looking great so far.

At Devtorium, we strive to stay ahead of all the latest technology trends, and no-code development is on that list. We’ve discussed this technology’s history in one of our previous posts. Today our team of devs, Anastasiia Shtopko and Roman Dziuba, will explain why they think Bubble is among the best no-code tools and how it can be used for building efficient ERP solutions for SMBs.

Best No-Code Tools Analysis: Why Bubble?

Devtorium’s resident expert researcher of the best no-code tools, Anastasiia, investigated all the leading platforms. She concluded that Bubble, while not perfect, is best-suited for developing highly functional software solutions with minimum input from the developer.

According to her, the biggest advantage of Bubble is that it’s similar to JavaScript in the sense that the developer can write their own logic for the solution. This feature gives Bubble users the flexibility to create highly versatile solutions.

Another massive advantage of Bubble is that it’s a highly comprehensive platform for no-code development. Of course, having some understanding of software development is an advantage. However, the platform is so easy to use that literally anyone can build an app with it.

Bubble also offers an excellent selection of courses called Bubble Academy. They guide students through mastering the Bubble platform and using its technical capabilities to the maximum. You don’t need any background knowledge of coding to succeed in these courses and use the platform efficiently.

On the downside, Bubble isn’t as flexible as a developer might expect from one of the best no-code tools. During their work with this platform, Anastasiia and Roman discovered that it has some serious design limitations.

According to Anastasiia, the way to overcome this drawback is to have the application design ready before you start building it in Bubble. This way, you can set everything up the way you need it.

However, it’s extremely hard to change the design of the ‘bubble’ you created. Therefore, if you choose to develop and improve your ‘bubble’ further, it might be hard or even impossible to upgrade its UI and UX.

ERP developed by Devtorium using the best no-code tools.

Custom ERP Made by Devtorium, or Our Experience of Working with Low-Code/No-Code Platforms

Of course, to explore the best no-code tools, our team needed to use them to create solutions. So we chose to develop an ERP, enterprise resource planning app to use within our own company first.

There are some fantastic cloud-based ERPs in the software market. However, the majority of them are designed for large-scale businesses. Our company needed some particular features and a solution that would be fast and efficient for an SMB-level business. So, that’s what Roman and Anastasiia are now working on using no-code development.

Both devs creating this in-house ERP system have just started their careers, and it’s their first project of this type. That’s why the resources offered by Bubble, and the extensive plugin library this platform has, are so necessary.

It might be just the beginning, but already our HR department has a chance to appreciate the solution. At the moment, the Devtorium ERP (sadly, it has no cooler name yet) can automate and facilitate essential tasks.

  • HR professionals can compile a database of all company employees with added important information. For example, when the work is finished, HRs or any other system user will be able to see what project the employee is working on or their vacation/days-off information. This can help small businesses track and manage their human resources more efficiently.
  • Our ERP can already manage the entire review process. At Devtorium, all employees receive 360-degree feedback. The Review functionality of our system allows the HR department to collect and process feedback, generate reports, and put in additional data, such as superior’s reviews and salary raise notifications.

According to updates from Roman and Anastasiia, there are more features to come. We are all looking forward to the things they will create!

ERP solution built using no-code development.

In Conclusion: Will Devtorium Use the Best No-Code Tools in Future Projects?

We are futurists at Devtorium, so we use cutting-edge technologies to their utmost potential. Being a company of developers, we also create such technologies.

It means that we greatly value our developers’ time. Therefore, we are sure to keep looking for and using the best no-code tools.

It’s true that today some people are anxious about rapid AI development and its impact on our society. However, we are 100% sure that AI-powered low-code/no-code technologies won’t replace developers. On the contrary, they offer fantastic assistance to software engineers.

Bubble and similar platforms are efficient and allow one to create very useful software. However, the resulting solutions are SMB-level at best. Professional and enterprise-level software is too complex, so no-code development can’t handle such tasks.

Moreover, developers today often need to spend a lot of time doing repetitive tasks or working on small projects. They are important, no doubt of that. However, this kind of work takes a lot of valuable time.

Low-code/no-code platforms can help automate tasks, saving time and effort for the developer. In addition, using those services cuts costs for the client. So, a software engineer has more time to work on more advanced and complicated tasks and test their ideas, while the client gets high-quality solutions at a lower price.

Everyone wins!

That’s the result we are working for at Devtorium. If you have a software idea and want to see how we can bring it to life in the most cost-efficient manner, contact us today!

Challenges for Ukrainian IT Outsourcing Services in 2022

Posted on by mkoftielieva

Did you know Ukraine has been the largest exporter of IT outsourcing services in Europe over the last few years? From 2016-2020, the total value of this export amounted to $16 billion. Of course, the COVID crisis of 2020 hit Ukraine the same as the rest of the world. However, the result was not an industry collapse but a reduction in the sector growth from 30% to 24%.

Ukrainian software developers are talented and unstoppable, as you can see. Moreover, the country itself promotes their work as the state doesn’t regulate this market. Therefore, Ukrainian IT outsourcing companies have the freedom to work with a wide range of international clients, offering them excellent conditions for collaboration. So, it’s not a surprise that over 30% of all services exported by Ukraine are IT services.

However, the war started by russia when it invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, impacted the outsourced IT services industry. As a result, many global businesses that hired Ukrainian developers rightfully became anxious.

But we are proud to say that the global business community did not abandon Ukrainian developers. As an IT outsourcing company, Devtorium took immediate steps to reassure customers and remain operational despite the outrageous challenges.

Devtorium hasn’t lost a single client in this difficult time due to our business continuity plan that ensures we can deliver top-notch services on time.

Challenges for IT Outsourcing Services in Ukraine in 2022

We asked our Global Partnership Lead expert Irene Matkovska about the main challenges to hiring Ukrainian developers for businesses that seek IT outsourcing services. Irene spends most of her time communicating with business leaders worldwide, and this topic is coming up right now. According to her, the main concerns of companies that have IT outsourcing projects in Ukraine today are:

  • What if the developer working on my project gets drafted?
  • What is the plan of action if the russians attack the city where my developer or team is located?
  • What will you do if russian forces start a more aggressive offensive making it impossible to work for developers?

These are all critical questions, and businesses that employ IT outsourcing services from Ukrainian devs have the right to be sure that their investments remain protected. At Devtorium, we took great care to build a system that will keep delivering high-quality IT services to our clients no matter the circumstances.

How Devtorium team oversomes challenges for IT outsourcing services in Ukraine during war.

How Devtorium Delivers Reliable IT Outsourcing During the War

We developed a business continuity plan that covers all possible scenarios to minimize risks for our clients employing IT outsourcing services.

  • Devtorium offices are spread out geographically.
    Our five offices in Ukraine are all located in cities that are mostly untouched by the war. Therefore, life and work continue there at the usual pace.
  • We have an office in Poland for those specialists who choose to move to this country.
  • Devtorium established efficient relocation protocols, so we can help move our experts fast if this becomes necessary.
  • All our employees can work remotely. Many have already opted to do so, and they currently operate in the Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary, Moldova, and other countries.
  • We adhere to coding standards. Therefore, even if we need to replace a developer on a project, the new person can integrate into the process immediately.
  • We build versatile teams that are also spread out geographically, so the risk of disruption is minimal.

Above all, all Devtorium employees take pride in their work. So, we prioritize ensuring it’s done at the highest level. The Devtorium team has been actively involved in supporting Ukraine in its time of need since day one of the war. And the best way to help for Ukrainian developers is to stay active and pay taxes as well as donate. That’s exactly what we do!

Moreover, we are supremely grateful to our clients, who accepted our business continuity plan and showed great support and understanding. All of them stayed with us, and many went even further to show their support of Ukraine. Some of our clients donated to the humanitarian funds and joined #StandwithUkraine rallies in their cities worldwide. Some offered paid time off for developers who needed to take personal leave and allowed our teams to work at their own pace.

We are grateful, and we made sure to meet every deadline and prove that our performance on every project won’t suffer because of the circumstances.

This dedication helped Devtorium keep all its IT outsourcing services projects and start several new ones since February. And we keep growing!

No-Code/Low-Code: Origins

Posted on by mkoftielieva

We live in the no-code/low-code technologies era. But to understand how big an impact this truly makes on the development of humankind, it’s crucial to see where it all started. In this article, we’ll share some history of coding evolution and its impact on the technological capabilities of our civilization.

First No-Code/Low-Code Technologies

No-code and low-code technologies are visual-based programming approaches that make coding available to a broader range of specialists. In essence, using this technology, you don’t have to be a skilled developer yourself. You can use the visual interface to build solutions, much like LEGO blocks. This approach is getting extremely popular now. It’s because global digitalization boosts the demand for customized apps that can be used for anything from sorting one’s emails to managing a smart home.

The term low-code was introduced only in 2016. But the technology had been in development for decades prior. In fact, the first technologies that evolved into the low-code of today appeared back in the 1970-1990s as a part of 4the Generation Programming Language and Rapid Application Development.

It might surprise many, but the first no-code platform was Microsoft Excel, released in 1985. It was working with spreadsheets that became the origin of technology that’s revolutionizing our world today.

The development of this tech was pushed forward by cloud computing in 1997 and Salesforce in 2000. Salesforce proclaimed the rise of SaaS and boldly stated that it’s now the end of history for traditional software development.

From then on, it was:

  • 2006 Formstack.
    The first no-code form builder by Ade Olonoh.
  • 2006 Shopify.
    The launch of a no-code eCommerce platform that is currently valued at around $37 billion.
  • 2007 iPhone.
    The launch of the first iPhone triggered the rise of mobile app builders.
  • 2012 Bubble.
    Launch of the first no-code web development platform.
  • 2013 Webflow.
    The first platform that allows for 100% no-code creation of websites and apps.
  • 2018 Microsoft Power Platform.
    PowerBI, Flow, and PowerApps become a part of the platform that grants better connectivity with minimum coding requirements.

Computer assisted software engineering as the origin of low-code.

CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering)

Let’s take a look at how the no-code/low-code approaches evolved. The very first technology using these methodologies was CASE, Computer-Aided Software Engineering. As the name states, this technology implies using computers to facilitate software development. It’s applied to increase quality and reduce the number of bugs.

CASE is a checkpointed approach that helps everyone involved in the project to observe its development milestones. Moreover, it’s used for storing project-related documentation. CASE is an excellent labor-saver, and it helps keep the project organized and increases team productivity.

As of today, this approach is considered outdated because there are more efficient technologies available. However, CASE made a valuable contribution to software development evolution.

CMS (Content Management System)

No-code/low-code approaches are widely used in CMS today. However, due to the versatility of content management systems, applications of these approaches and full code can be used in different combinations. We’ll list some of the best examples.

  • WordPress.
    WP is a monolithic CMS that allows for low-code or completely no-code use from the front-end side of website development. You can literally set up a website using nothing but templates and have zero coding knowledge. Meanwhile, you can take it further by adjusting the PHP and CSS files. Therefore, you can apply the low-code approach.
  • Joomla.
    Joomla comes in second in popularity after WordPress, though it’s dwindling these days. It also offers lots of flexibility for no-code/low-code work. The framework is very user-friendly, so many businesses choose it to enable specialists to do immediate content work.
  • Shopify.
    Visual site builders relying on no-code/low-code technology became extremely popular with the rise of eCommerce. Shopify and similar eCommerce platforms allow launching a store within a day max. Shopify is very flexible regarding the low-code approach as it enables devs to customize the store. Therefore, it effectively resolves the issue of the limited visual branding, which is a problem for no-code platforms that only accept a small number of presets.
  • Wix.
    Wix isn’t exactly a CMS but a visual website builder. It’s one of the trendiest tools of this kind today, which isn’t a surprise. Using Wix requires no coding knowledge whatsoever. You can create websites extremely fast using a wide range of templates for any feature you need.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Application of no-code/low-code approaches allowed to take customer service as a whole to a new level. Customer relationship management systems handle aggregating, processing, and monitoring leads and customers. One can also use them for generating a variety of reports that can have a huge impact on business development.

No-code and low-code technologies make it possible for businesses to handle these tasks with minimal developer involvement. On the other hand, developers can focus on more important tasks and automate customer management for more efficient operation. When used well, these systems can collect and process vast amounts of data from all website interactions and produce valuable insights.

RAD (Rapid Application Development)

You could say that low-code, as we know it today, is a subset of RAD. Rapid Application Development platforms date back to 1991, and some of them evolved into the low-code platforms of today.

All in all, RAD is a part of the technology’s past. Meanwhile, low-code is what’s trending at present. However, RAD is still used occasionally. In particular, RAD is applied in projects that require integrating complex and highly specific business approaches with the UX-first approach.

For example, solutions that would benefit from the RAD approach include features like:

  • SaaS cloud monetization;
  • Multi-tenancy;
  • Developing a single code for cloud, mobile, on-premise, and web apps;
  • Establishing complex business rules;
  • No vendor lock-in.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

In a way, ERP is a more evolved and enterprise-oriented type of CRM. However, instead of managing customer data and information about their interactions with the business, ERP manages business processes and resources. The purpose of ERP solutions is to plan the most efficient use of resources to improve the overall efficiency and economy of the client-enterprise.

In the best-case scenario, a business should use both CRM and ERP software to enable the highest productivity and efficiency. In this context, no-code/low-code approaches allow the creation of solutions that one can adapt to unique business needs. Therefore, they help achieve the best possible results.

ERP development is where low-code technologies are developing most rapidly today due to high demand. As global markets enter a crisis and competition becomes fiercer, businesses have no choice but to seek maximum process optimization. No-code/low-code technologies provide them with solutions that can constantly achieve that result and improve.

Differences between no-code/low-code and pro-code.

Differences Between No-Code, Low-Code, and Pro-Code

To put it plainly, the difference between no-code, low-code, and pro-code approaches is the level of professional developer knowledge one needs to have to build applications.

With no-code, anyone can create an app even without any specialized knowledge. Low-code approach is more varied and requires some knowledge. It’s best suited for IT professionals or power users who need assistance from the machine to speed up, simplify, and automate processes. Pro-code, as the name suggests, is restricted to professional developers who can write the entirety of code from scratch.

From the app creation point of view, it looks like this:

  • No-code.
    Anyone can use the platform app builder to create a basic app using the ‘blocks’ afforded by the solution. No coding is necessary as the process is more like working with LEGO. Most no-code platforms have a simple drag-and-drop menu and can cater to a wide range of businesses.
  • Low-code.
    Low-code technologies allow customizing existing apps using scripts. You must have a decent understanding of coding. However, it’s rather low-level, so even non-professionals with some coding knowledge can do it. You can also study plenty of helpful guides and other materials online.
  • Pro-code.
    There are but a few things pro-coders cannot do. Regarding apps, they usually work on expanding their functionality through plugins. However, being total pro developers, depending on specialization, they can build an app from scratch.

It’s important to note that low-code and pro-code development aren’t mutually exclusive. It means that pros can use the low-code approach in some of their projects. In fact, this can help boost their overall efficiency and productivity.

How we use no-code/low-code approaches today.

No-Code/Low-Code Applications Today

Applications of no-code/low-code approaches are extremely versatile today. This technology helps strengthen enterprises, enhance smaller businesses, and open new opportunities for everyone.

Here are some examples:

  • Web-based portals for customers.
    Web-based portals are perfectly suited for customers as they enable them to handle many routine tasks. For example, searching for services, getting quotes, making payments, etc. Low-code allows businesses to launch such portals fast. Therefore, they can enhance customer experience and keep improving it continuously.
  • B2C mobile apps.
    Another way to enhance customer experience and satisfaction is by launching mobile apps. Again, low-code technology here allows to speed up the creation of such apps. Moreover, these mobile apps must be highly customizable. Therefore, a business can build a perfect match for its customers.
  • Core systems.
    No-code/low-code technologies offer an alternative to the traditional approaches of either buying a commercial core system or rebuilding the legacy one. The low-code alternative is more cost-efficient and flexible. It uses collaborative agile methodology applied to the application lifecycle. Cloud-native apps built on low-code portals are easily portable and can scale and ensure maximum uptime.
  • Monoliths to microservices transformation.
    Monolithic and microservices architectures both have pros and cons. However, microservices clearly are more popular now. Therefore, the number of enterprises switching to this type is increasing. Realistically, breaking down a monolith into microservices is hard and expensive. Low-code portals facilitate this task. Businesses can use them to launch microservices apps and functionalities. Essentially, today one can use APIs to ‘redevelop’ the architecture.
  • SaaS development.
    Building SaaS products can be challenging and risky. But with low-code platforms, the process becomes cheaper and faster. So, you can create, test, and roll out an app fast and see how it performs to plan future business strategies.
  • IoT-enabled apps.
    IoT solutions increase operational efficiency, but they are complex. No-code/low-code approaches allow easy integration with existing IoT platforms and the development of cost-efficient smart apps.

Devtorium no-code/low-code expert advice!

Presented by Viktor Kalinichenko, Devtorium No-Code/Low-Code Expert

According to Forrester surveys, about 75% of development shops are already adopting no-code/low-code technology or plan to do so. Considering the benefits and cost-savings it offers, this trend will only grow. We are already witnessing an unprecedented rise in low-code use, primarily among developers.

Here at Devtorium, we have it on good authority that no-code/low-code is the future that’s already happening. Our expert on this technology is Viktor Kalinichenko, who has worked in the IT industry since 1999. For over two decades now, Viktor has been watching technological approaches come and go. He used all the options listed above himself. Now he firmly believes that low-code is here to stay for a while. According to his expert opinion, it’s because the technology allows delivering top-grade results fast. Therefore, clients seeking to succeed in competitive markets are creating great demand. And compared to previous computer-assisted development technologies, no-code/low-code portals of today truly get the job done.

To those who wish to study this technology, Viktor recommends starting with something simple and popular, for example, Bubble or WebFlow, which you could learn using Bubble Academy or WebFlow university courses. The community there is also an excellent pointer to valuable materials on the subject. In addition, he says that all you need to jump into the no-code/low-code is to know how to use a mouse and have some business analytics skills. He promises to explain this in more detail in our upcoming articles that will focus on our own no-code/low-code developments and detailed studies of existing solutions.

See you soon in our future posts😉!

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