Cloud computing can have many benefits for software development projects. This article looks at the Platform as a Service (PaaS) aspect of cloud computing.

Read on below to discover five key advantages of using cloud computing rather than traditional software development processes.

1. Only pay for what you use

When you’re having a new software application developed cloud computing means you only pay for what’s being used for your project.

Data storage and software upgrade costs can be significant depending on your software development project and cloud computing helps to reduce these so you don’t pay more than you have to.

If a company utilises cloud computing to develop your software applications then they will be able to pass these savings onto you as the client.

2. Scalability

Another major benefit of PaaS is its scalability. By using cloud computing for software development, smaller organisations can afford to punch above their weight and take on their bigger rivals.

Having access to larger servers, staff with a wider range of skills and more streamlined testing methods can all provide software scalability for small companies with big ideas.

3. Remote working

If you’re hiring a software development company, one of the biggest costs can be the provision of staff to work on your project.

Cloud computing methods help to limit these costs as those working on the project can do so from anywhere in the world providing they have a good internet connection.

Remote working and PaaS complement each other very well and are conducive to a collaborative online working environment.

4. Save money on hardware expenditure

Cloud computing negates the need for expensive investment in hardware in order to develop and bring your project to fruition.

If your chosen software development company has invested heavily in hardware such as state of the art servers, it’s inevitable that part of this cost will be passed on to you as the client.

Choosing a company that provides a cloud computing solution will significantly reduce costs as in effect the hardware is being rented on an ‘as required’ basis rather than being purchased outright.

5. Lessen your environmental impact

Cloud computing for software development is an environmentally-friendly way to manage your project.

The PaaS provider will be utilising their resources to the maximum and it makes sense for lots of companies to be using the power, hardware and resources as and when they need it rather than being used constantly in a number of different client’s locations worldwide.

The telecommuting aspect of cloud computing also plays a part in lessening damage to the environment as those working on your project don’t all have to travel to the same location; they can communicate and interact online.

Cloud computing can help make almost any business more agile by allowing direct and instant collaboration between those involved in a software development project.

Get in touch with Ardent today to discover more benefits of cloud computing for your software development needs.

Choosing the right software development partner for your business is an important decision which you’ll want to get right first time. We’ve identified 5 critical areas below that you need to consider when choosing the best company for the job.

1. Have a detailed plan and deadline in place

When it comes to choosing a software development partner, the more specific you can be about your objectives and requirements the better.

Having specific project milestones and completion dates will enable you to keep on top of your project and give your partner for software development a firm structure to work to.

2. Choose the right company, not the cheapest

When you’ve got a specific project in mind you’ll want to choose a software development company with experience in that area.

Selecting a company that doesn’t have relevant experience but have given you a cheaper quote could prove to be a false economy for your business.

3. Test the water

Rather than starting with a huge project with the company you’ve never worked with before, it’s a good idea to start off small and test how your relationship is going to work.

You may want to give smaller projects to two or three different software development companies with a view to then choosing whoever performs best on cost, quality and working with you, for your bigger projects in the future.

4. Agree a sensible payment schedule

If you’re outsourcing a large software development project to an outsourcing company you should agree a staged payment schedule in advance. This will be easy to do if you’ve set out clear milestones for different stages of the development as described in point 1 above.

Having a staggered payment schedule will help keep your software development partner incentivised and make sure they you’re only paying for work that’s been successfully completed, rather than paying a large amount up-front.

5. Don’t forget about ongoing support

Depending on the complexity of the software you’re having developed, there may well be teething problems when it’s rolled out across your business.

It’s critical to discuss technical support and associated costs for this before or during the development of the software or business application. Don’t leave it to the last; you don’t want to get surprises from your supplier.

Summary

These are just some of the main points to consider when choosing to outsource your software development. By spending more time at the planning stage you can avoid a lot of problems during the course of your project.

Communication is the key to any successful client/supplier relationship and keeping in regular contact even if the company is based overseas, can help to make sure your software development project runs smoothly.