A few months back we highlighted the important role that Application Support plays in a software company. Behind the scenes there is yet another very vital aspect of software development that is often times not mentioned – Product Advancement. These brainers are the ones who spend countless hours brainstorming, testing and developing complex systems that provide those seamless process improvements to your every day operations. As rapid technology growth spurs the advancement of automation, products must continuously be upgraded, enhanced or even re-developed to not only stay up-to-speed with today’s needs but stay ahead of up-and-coming requirements.
We sat down with our resident expert on product advancement, Computrition’s VP of Design & Quality Assurance, Steve Conner, to give us a run-down of what goes on behind the scenes of software development. Here’s his take on the basic initiatives of progressive product advancement:
- Ensuring the software has a versatile quality so that customers can benefit from a wide array of useful functionality
- Identifying and building bridges to external ancillary systems. Maintaining interoperability by finding ways to interface the software with emerging technologies helps eliminate added costs for operations that already have existing hardware
- Staying abreast of the latest technology advancements and emerging trends helps make sure existing applications are always state-of-the-art, and provides direction for the development of new products
- Ensuring security has become more important than ever. Extensive review of security is undertaken on every project to ensure compliance with applicable regulations
- Troubleshooting configuration challenges is another facet of ensuring compatibility. (i.e. such as auto-update capabilities of browsers that cause disruption of web product functionality)
- Ensuring that every release is properly and completely documented prior to distribution
- Maintaining a proficient product management team that has a well-rounded understanding of what is occurring at the forefronts of operations with the actual software users
- Keeping constant communication and a good working relationship with industry partners (IT departments, onsite trainers, and field staff) channels valuable feedback. Not only does this provide developers the opportunity to identify problems, but it also gives software users the chance to relay potential feature advancement suggestions
- Testing, testing, and more regression testing to make certain that existing applications are functioning accurately, complying with industry standards and working soundly with various operating systems
- Researching for future advancements facilitate proactive development of solutions
