Software applications are constantly upgrading, and constant innovation further fuels this development. The standard software practices today might no longer be relevant in the next five years.
Tech startups have to keep pace with the changing trends to align their goals when building an application. For instance, there is an increasing demand for no-code software and websites, with expected market revenue of $46.4 Billion by 2026.
The ongoing pandemic has further pushed the organization to look beyond the traditional mode of operation and adopt exclusive digital strategies. There is a developer behind every software trend, working day and night with the end motive of improved customer experience.
Some upcoming software trends that startups must watch out for and strategize as they plan their new apps are discussed below.
Freedom to Operate from Anywhere:
Contemporary apps impact how the business operates within the community shifting to a digital space. Adopting a flexible operating model enables companies to extend their services beyond a physical location. It is not about replacing physical location with a cloud solution; rather, the focus is to offer top of the line customer experience with digital transformation.
Leveraging the Power of Artificial Intelligence:
Customer software development companies don’t want to miss out on leveraging AI to boost customer experience. It offers better outcomes, decision making and provides a meaningful platform for digital transformation. From small to large firms, starting from Microsoft to Mega Giant Google, all upcoming companies benefit from this trend. Adding AI to existing technology will be important in the second quarter of 2022.
Changing Demands of Cyber Security:
As the world progresses towards a digitally interconnected era, a startup can no longer afford to underestimate cyber security threats. Random cybercriminal activities are expected to cost businesses a whopping $6 trillion by 2021.
Custom software companies can no longer rely on traditional cyber protection strategies such as installing anti-malware and perimetric firewalls. Cybercriminals are operating with smarter attacking techniques that call for a cybersecurity mesh to be implemented during development.
Automating Repetitive Tasks:
Almost all the small and large software companies are adopting RPA tools for workflows to achieve higher efficiency. Especially, RPA is constantly introduced into redundant and rotary tasks, better suited to machines than manual labour. A good example of RPA adaptation would be the onboarding of employees or contract review.
It is also being leveraged to accelerate human labour and production capacity. The biggest advantage of having RPA within the operation is that a person can focus on more creative tasks rather than manually conducting repetitive procedures.
Customization Through Internet of Behavior:
Upcoming software trends will be inclined towards customization, especially with the Internet of Behaviour (IoB). Apart from collecting customer data from the internet, IoB helps understand how people interact with newly developed apps and devices.
While it may take a while before IoB goes mainstream, Gartner predicts that 40% of global consumer data will be tracked and stored by 2023. Software companies can take inspiration from how YouTube is recommending customized videos based on surfing people’s surfing habits.
Advanced Web Apps:
All present web apps online are setting the bars high with never-before-seen features. These apps combine the traits of website accessibility and native apps. Advanced web apps can be operated online, send push motivation and easily access hardware systems such as GPS and cameras like their native counterparts. The user experience will be similar to native apps – minus the hassle of upgrading or installing.
Adopt an effective Strategy while Outsourcing Software:
Most international companies prefer outsourcing their technical operations rather than hiring an in-house team. A recent survey led by Deloitte reveals that 70% of respondents claim colossal cost reduction and time efficiency to be the major reasons behind such outsourcing. This practice is particularly helpful for startup companies that leverage third-party vendors’ proven skills and experience without carrying the burden of IT costs and salaries.
Software giants like WhatsApp and Instagram outsource a considerable amount of operation to third party software companies. This strategy enables them to spend their capital with low risks and half the cost of in-house recruitment.
Designing Emerging Apps with Futuristic Features:
A new application is launched on the play store every day. These apps are built after thorough research and filling the existing gap with an effective solution. But businesses cannot afford to redesign their application every time a competitive app is launched in the market. Hence, custom software companies will need to invest in newer technologies that prevent other firms from frequently changing and adapting to newer transformations.
Fast Innovation and Prototyping:
Innovation can come from any organization, and employees are rewarded accordingly. Many companies will follow this trend, and those that lag in the race or limit innovation to one just department will fail to retain their competitive edge. Many software companies have started adopting low code platforms to rapidly generate prototypes, minimum viable products and sometimes, even a brand-new app made from scratch.
Bracing Ourselves for 2022
Discussed above are some of the predictions that might overtake the software development sector in the upcoming years. So, startups will need to buckle up and focus on adapting newer strategies while weaning themselves off from traditional or outdated operations and reaching maximum production potential.
