Software development represents a huge opportunity for startups to achieve business goals faster. Its market had always evolved. But underlying pandemic scars entering had even incited faster trends in software development. Which means regular practice in web development today could become irrelevant in a few years time. A recent survey by Flexera established the rapid evolution. In the survey, 90% of respondents believe the pandemic increased cloud usage. So, for business owners, what do these software development changes mean?

To have an edge over your competitors, you have to exploit the latest development trends. Here we will detail the latest development trends in  software for startups, mid-sized enterprises and SMEs. Let’s get right in!

PWAs As Web Development  Alternative To Native Apps

Yes, native apps are the best solutions for user experience. But here is the problem, an Android app cannot work on iOS as their codebases differ. This often costs businesses big development and maintenance costs as they have to manage two or more code bases. 

But Progressive Web Applications break these barriers. PWAs are web applications that provide native-like experiences. Known as app-like websites, PWAs works with the internet but behaves like a native app. 

Unlike native apps, codebases do not determine the compatibility of your PWAs.  So, rather than scouring app stores, you find them on the internet and install them on your home screen. But what makes PWAs a more lucrative solution to startups than native apps?

PWAs load faster and save more data and space. Besides, it enjoys the latest web browser security updates. Thus, saving it from attacks. You also spend less on codebase maintenance, thereby saving startup resources.  You can also use PWAs for PoC or MVP software development as it costs a little.

Statistics have shown that PWAs improve website engagement by 137%. Twitter, Google, and Starbucks are good examples of companies with PWA solutions.

Low Code To Streamline Software Development

Coding has always been important to someone starting a software company or existing software startups.  But it is no secret that hands-on coding is loaded with setbacks. Resources and talents are meager while legacy systems maintenance could be costly. For SMEs, it’s important to find out new methodologies to keep up with the digital age.  

Low code solutions provide software for enterprises who can’t afford exacerbated costs of traditional development. How?

With minimal coding, low code solutions help teams to build, launch and maintain custom web applications. You design your website through drag and drop features and get it ready for launch. The platform also becomes responsible for your software’s maintenance and upgrades.  Mendix is a good example of a software development company that specializes in low code.

As the business owner, you can develop software that best suits your use case. You don’t have to spend extra money hiring IT talents. Besides, upgrades are maintained on the system and cost a penny. 

Being a simpler and cost-effective alternative, low code is gaining traction among SMEs and mid-sized enterprises. Study shows that 84% of companies are using low code solutions to optimize IT resources, and increase speed to market. You may want to learn more about low code and exploit its opportunities. Learn more about the technology here.

Internet Of Things

You may have

• Driven Tesla cars
• Check your body temperature through Apple watches
• Conversed with Amazon Alexa
• Made a video call with smart Tv

Or do many other things with IoT-enabled devices!

Internet of Things is devices or networks of devices built on APIs to exchange data through the internet. These gadgets are a mesh of various technologies including sensors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), AI, and Machine language amongst others.

IoT is unique basically because of its extended use cases. When combined with cloud computing, it presents even more opportunities for software development. But how exactly can it be used?

• Specialized mobile devices: These are sensor-embedded devices that can analyze situations and allow real-time control.
• Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors help large companies predict and analyze the lifecycle of their expensive machines and their components.
• Asset Tracking: With IoT devices enterprises can locate their assets, thereby, helping them streamline supply chain and logistics.
• Self Driving Cars
• Smartwatches
• Smart Cities
• Traffic management
• Industrial processes automation Etc.

Experts expect IoTs to create over $6 trillion in economic value by the end of this year. So, it’s pretty evident that the software development trend is staying for some time. So, as a business owner, you can incorporate IoTs into your future investment decisions. But how do you explore its potential for your business use cases? Check out the 30+ IoT Applications & Use Cases in 2022.

Cloud Computing Complements Remote Working and Scalability.

Covid 19 pandemic hit the world. Lockdown restrictions followed and business caved. Inability to operate scarred and spelled the end for many companies. Meanwhile, cloud computing stood to be the biggest benefactor.

Companies began considering IT alternatives. Many businesses sought online IT solutions while the market skyrocketed. Global cloud spending in 2020 spiked by 6% with $258 billion spent. The market is even predicted to double over the next few years.

Today, not only unicorns like Microsoft and Google provide cloud computing solutions. Startups, hospitals, legal offices, institutions, and government organizations are using cloud computing to streamline their services. Many companies now encourages their workers to work from home. This online methodology helps companies hire from a global talent pool, streamline services better and adjust seamlessly to scalability demands.

AI: Automating Everything To Improve UX.

One of the ever-growing trends in Web Development  over the past few years is Artificial intelligence. As big companies speed up adoption, the AI market is projected to reach $641.3 billion by 2028. So, to improve customers’ experience, artificial intelligence has proved to be the most effective software solution.

Artificial intelligence is a software development concept where a smart machine performs tasks and makes predictions that only humans can do. As Norvig and Russell explained the approaches that defined AI;

• Thinks humanly
• Acts humanly
• Thinks rationally
• Acts rationally

Constant evolution in Artificial Intelligence and other solutions even promises more impacts on software development trends. The AI technology can be combined with solutions including deep learning, Internet of Things(IoT), Internet of Behaviors(IoB), artificial neural networks, DevOps, etc.

AI solutions can be used to develop tools for startups Including CX automation, HR optimization, chatbots, voice/mobile assistants, marketing, data security, amongst many other use cases. 

Blockchain Technology That Transcends Cryptocurrency

Have you heard of fediverse or money streaming? These and many more are Blockchain use cases that transcend cryptocurrency. And you can try out new methods by adopting Blockchain technology.

Blockchain is a decentralized ledger with optimum security. Its architecture is distributed, its transactions transparent, data secure, and devoid of centralized control. With these features, opportunities lie abound in software development for startups.

For instance,

• Blockchain social blogging apps allow users to create different ‘instances’ or servers within a platform.
• Distributed storage system helps store files on different servers, a good alternative to Dropbox
• Platforms to protect, copyright, or trade intellectual property ie NFTs.
• Money streaming pays salaries in real-time in line with hours of work done.
• Blockchain-enabled electronic voting helps secure voting data.

Over the coming years, Blockchain adoption is only poised to increase. Studies have shown that the industry will grow by 85% from 2022 to 2030.

Outsource Software Development

A manufacturing firm may have a large pool of IT assets but it is never an IT company. So, to optimize resources, they’re better off doing what they specialize in. Then, they can outsource other peripheral tasks, including software development.

For instance, they may have developed some software solutions even though they have minimal IT experience. The software would need constant upgrades, maintenance, and changes. But here is the conundrum; they have to be productive.

So, these IT tasks are outsourced to IT partners, specialist firms, remote workers, or freelance developers. They pay such a partner hourly or on a project-by-project basis.

Outsourcing has proved to be a brilliant strategy for companies because:

• Cost-effective: Eastern Europe software development markets are much cheaper than their western counterparts. Thus, giving companies cheaper alternatives.
• It boosts overall productivity
• It probes for creative solutions beyond the IT talent pool employed by the company.

Conclusion

Software development trends are constantly evolving. There are major influencers at play including changing machine programs, customer behaviors, and technological advancements, amongst other factors. Meanwhile, companies with a comprehensive understanding of the latest web development trends are better prepared to channel their startup resources rightly. Thus, giving them a competitive advantage over their direct rivals.