Business in the tech industry has been booming, and constant innovation means regular demand for IT professionals. The industry has its ups and downs, and as new tech comes in, old tech falls by the wayside. However, there are lots of opportunities for those willing to focus on continuous development. ITStaff can help you find your career path in IT across the U.S.

Education

Usually, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree. The common areas of study you’d need for a job in this field are computer administration, IT system analysis, Information security, research, or data networking.
However, different fields in IT have different requirements. For example, according to government statistics, scientists in this field have a minimum requirement of a master’s degree. However, for a programming position, a bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient.

Available Job Types

With an educational background in computer science or IT, you’ll have many roles available to you. These include programming, technical support, web design, and computer engineering. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in demand for these professionals within the next decade.

In positions where you’re likely to fill a support role, there are a few skills that you should focus on cultivating. These include listening skills, writing skills, and customer service skills. These soft skills can’t be automated and are a worthwhile investment.

Job Hunting

Demand across the country is very high. For example, as part of one of the biggest metroplexes in the nation, Dallas has lots of IT opportunities. The first step is narrowing down your search. Sectors vary from health IT to civil service to corporate network management, and your major and your interests will influence which industry you can work in.

Work experience is a significant advantage when job hunting. IT is a flexible field, and as such, you can easily gain experience by volunteering or interning. While at it, make sure to invest in a few extra tech skills.

Independence

Earning a living through IT isn’t restricted to employment. The flexibility of the field lends itself to entrepreneurship. Today’s major tech conglomerates — Apple, Google, and Microsoft — started up because a few tech professionals decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship and take independence into their own hands.

IT business owners benefit greatly from owning their businesses for many reasons:

• Flexible locations. You can start your business from anywhere, mainly because you’re offering services delivered at the clients’ sites. For example, Microsoft began in a garage space.
• Demand is rising and recession-proof. The need for IT support has only risen over the years, even with obstacles such as recessions and global pandemics.
• Self-establishment. With an IT business, you can establish yourself as an expert in a particular niche.

The LLC structure is a great option for a tech startup because it allows for multiple owners. It also helps prevent double taxation while protecting you from liability.

A Career in IT

A successful career in IT depends on your educational background and soft skills. Focus on cultivating skills that can’t be automated so that your skillset remains relevant. Consider entrepreneurship as an option that can grant you flexibility and freedom in your practice.

Visit ITStaff to start your career in IT and computer science in Dallas.

Image via Pexels

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While programming is offered by some schools in the US, many schools don’t include regular computer science education or coding classes in their curriculum. When offered, it is usually limited to an introductory level, such as a few classes using Code.org or Scratch. This is mainly because effective education in computer programming generally depends on teachers with ample experience in computer science or engineering.

This is where Juni can help. With instructors from the top computer science universities in the US, Juni students work under the tutelage of instructors who have experience in the same advanced coding languages and tools used at companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Juni’s project-based approach gives students hands-on experience with professional languages like Python, Java, and HTML. The rest of this article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about coding for kids.

How can I get my child interested in coding?

Tip 1: Make it Fun!

A good way to get your child excited about programming is to make it entertaining! Instead of starting with the traditional, “Hello World” approach to learning programming, intrigue your children with a curriculum that focuses on fun, engaging projects.

Tip 2: Make it Relatable

Children are more likely to stay interested in something that they can relate to. This is easy to do with coding because so many things, from videogames like Minecraft, to movies like Coco, are created with code! Reminding students that they can learn the coding skills necessary to create video games and animation is a great motivator.

Tip 2: Make it Approachable

Introducing programming to young children through lines of syntax-heavy code can make coding seem like a large, unfriendly beast. Starting with a language like Scratch instead, which uses programming with blocks that fit together, makes it easier for kids to focus on the logic and flow of programs.

How do I teach my child to code?

There are a few approaches you can take in teaching kids how to code. Private classes with well-versed instructors are one of the most conducive ways to not only expose your kids to programming and proficiently develop your children’s coding skills, but also sustain their interest in the subject.

At Juni, we offer private online classes for students ages 5-18 to learn to code at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes.

Via video conference, our students and instructors share a screen. This way, the instructor is with them every step of the way. The instructor first begins by reviewing homework from the last class and answering questions. Then, the student works on the day’s coding lesson.

The instructor can take control of the environment or annotate the screen — this means the instructor can type out examples, help students navigate to a particular tool, or highlight where in the code the student should look for errors — all without switching seats. Read more about the experience of a private coding class with Juni.

We have designed a curriculum that leans into each student’s individual needs. We chose Scratch as the first programming language in our curriculum because its drag-and-drop coding system makes it easy to get started, focusing on the fundamental concepts. In later courses, we teach Python, Java, Web Development, AP Computer Science A, and a training program for the USA Computing Olympiad. We even have Juni Jr. for students ages 5-7.

Other Options: Coding Apps and Coding Games

There are a number of coding apps and coding games that children can use to get familiar with coding material. While these don’t have the same results as learning with an instructor, they are a good place to start.

Code.org has been featured by Hour of Code, and it is used by public schools to teach introductory computer science. Code.org’s beginner modules use a visual block interface, while later modules use a text-based interface. Code.org has partnered with Minecraft and Star Wars, often yielding themed projects.

Codeacademy is aimed at older students who are interested in learning text-based languages. Coding exercises are done in the browser, and have automatic accuracy-checking. This closed platform approach prevents students from the full experience of creating their own software, but the curriculum map is well thought out.

Khan Academy is an online learning platform, designed to provide free education to anyone on the internet. Khan Academy has published a series on computer science, which teaches JavaScript basics, HTML, CSS, and more. There are video lessons on a number of topics, from web page design to 2D game design. Many of the tutorials have written instructions rather than videos, making them better suited for high school students.

What is the best age to start learning to code?

Students as young as 5 years old can start learning how to code. At this age, we focus on basic problem solving and logic, while introducing foundational concepts like loops and conditionals. It is taught using kid-friendly content that is interesting as well as projects that involve creativity and an interface that isn’t as syntax-heavy. At ages 5-10, students are typically learning how to code using visual block-based interfaces.

What are the best programming languages for kids?

With young students (and even older students), a good place to start building programming skills is a visual block-based interface, such as Scratch. This allows students to learn how to think through a program and form and code logical steps to achieve a goal without having to learn syntax (i.e. worrying about spelling, punctuation, and indentation) at the same time.

When deciding on text-based languages, allow your child’s interests to guide you. For example, if your child is interested in creating a website, a good language to learn would be HTML. If they want to code up a game, they could learn Python or Java.

What kind of computer does my child need to learn to code?

This depends on your child’s interests, your budget, and the approach you would like to take. Many online coding platforms, like repl.it, are web-based and only require a high-speed internet connection. Web-based platforms do not require computers with much processing power, which means that they can be run on nearly any computer manufactured within the last few years. Higher-level programming using professional tools requires a Mac, PC, or Linux with a recommended 4G of RAM along with a high-speed internet connection.

Why should kids learn to code?

Reason 1: Learning to code builds resilience and creativity

Coding is all about the process, not the outcome.

The process of building software involves planning, testing, debugging, and iterating. The nature of coding involves checking things, piece by piece, and making small improvements until the product matches the vision. It’s okay if coders don’t get things right on the first attempt. Even stellar software engineers don’t get things right on the first try! Coding creates a safe environment for making mistakes and trying again.

Coding also allows students to stretch their imagination and build things that they use every day. Instead of just playing someone else’s video game, what if they could build a game of their own? Coding opens the doors to endless possibilities.

Reason 2: Learning to code gives kids the skills they need to bring their ideas to life

Coding isn’t about rote memorization or simple right or wrong answers. It’s about problem-solving. The beautiful thing about learning to problem solve is, once you learn it, you’re able to apply it across any discipline, from engineering to building a business.

Obviously, students who learn computer science are able to build amazing video games, apps, and websites. But many students report that learning computer science has boosted their performance in their other subjects, as well. Computer science has clear ties to math, and has interdisciplinary connections to topics ranging from music to biology to language arts.

Learning computer science helps develop computational thinking. Students learn how to break down problems into manageable parts, observe patterns in data, identify how these patterns are generated, and develop the step-by-step instructions for solving those problems.

Reason 3: Learning to code prepares kids for the economy of the future

According to WIRED magazine, by 2020 there will be 1 million more computer science-related jobs than graduating students qualified to fill them. Computer science is becoming a fundamental part of many cross-disciplinary careers, including those in medicine, art, engineering, business, and law.

Many of the most innovative and interesting new companies are tackling traditional careers with new solutions using software. Software products have revolutionized industries, from travel (Kayak, AirBnB and Uber) to law (Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom). Computing is becoming a cornerstone of products and services around the world, and getting a head start will give your child an added advantage.

Many leading CEOs and founders have built amazing companies after studying computer science. Just take a look at the founders of Google, Facebook, and Netflix!

Career Paths

Although computer science is a rigorous and scientific subject, it is also creative and collaborative. Though many computer scientists simply hold the title of Software Engineer or Software Developer, their scope of work is very interesting. Here is a look at some of the work that they do:

● At Facebook, engineers built the first artificial intelligence that can beat professional poker players at 6-player poker.
● At Microsoft, computer programmers built Seeing AI, an app that helps blind people read printed text from their smartphones.

Computer scientists also work as data scientists, who clean, analyze, and visualize large datasets. With more and more of our world being encoded as data in a server, this is a very important job. For example, the IRS uncovered $10 billion worth of tax fraud using advanced data analytics and detection algorithms. Programmers also work as video game developers. They specialize in building fun interactive games that reach millions of people around the world, from Fortnite to Minecraft.

All of these career paths and projects require cross-functional collaboration among industry professionals that have a background in programming, even if they hold different titles. Some of these people may be software engineers, data scientists, or video game designers, while others could be systems analysts, hardware engineers, or database administrators. The sky is the limit!

How can you get your kids started on any of these paths? By empowering them to code! Juni can help your kids get set up for a successful career in computer science and beyond. Our founders both worked at Google and developed Juni’s curriculum with real-world applications and careers in mind.

Coding for Kids is Important

Coding for kids is growing in popularity, as more and more families recognize coding as an important tool in the future job market. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for selecting a programming course for students. At Juni, our one-on-one classes allow instructors to tailor a course to meet a student’s specific needs. By learning how to code, your kids will not only pick up a new skill that is both fun and academic, but also gain confidence and learn important life skills that will serve them well in whatever career they choose.

This article originally appeared on junilearning.com

If you are looking for skilled software development professionals to join your team, ITStaff can help you find the right candidates. Contact us today.

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Saddleback Leather is the market leader in high-quality, “over-engineered” leather products. The company hails from Texas and their tagline, “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead”, is a testament to the high standards of quality they put into each and every product they make; each backed by an astounding 100-year warranty.

The Saddleback brand attracts a rabid and loyal customer base that typically purchases more than one product and more often than not, collects numerous products in multiple colors. To satisfy the desires and demands of their customers, Saddleback is consistently designing new leather products that are a combination of form and function and undeniable ruggedness.

The Challenge

One of the top challenges for a market leader is to continually evolve and operate more efficiently without sacrificing quality.  To do so requires talented individuals in strategic positions throughout the company, not the least of which are executive and managerial positions.

“We needed to fill a position within our company that is key to meeting our long-term vision and goals”, said Dave Munson, President of Saddleback Leather. “After giving it a go on our own with no success, we put out an appeal to our network of customers and other business contacts to see if we could come up with any leads”.

This is how Dave came to know about Mark Norris and his staffing and executive search background.

The Solution

“Mark presented several high-quality candidates to our team, but one person in particular checked off all of our boxes and shared our company values”. Not having the right person in this critical position had kept Saddleback from attempting certain things and going in directions they had wanted to explore. “We’re now able to take our foot off the break and go into new areas for our company since hiring this individual; he’s kind with people, but serious about the business. I don’t think Mark realizes how greatly God used him and his expertise to answer our prayers.  I appreciate Mark and I highly recommend him and his company to any executive team looking to find and hire strategic individuals to take their company’s growth to the next level.” ~ Dave Munson, El Presidente – Saddleback Leather Company

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Backlink to Saddleback Leather Company – www.saddlebackleather.com

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Mark Norris, CEO

Organizations invariably go through change at some point in time or another. New technologies have created the need for updating existing solutions in order to manage certain processes. This requires man power so that efficient utilization of resources can be carried out and productivity can be maintained. Thus, it’s clear that appointing employees according to their ability, talent, and aptitude is essential for successful business operations.

ITStaff is one such company dedicated to helping organizations achieve their business goals by providing high quality and cost-effective contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire staffing services. ITStaff supports the software development life cycle for companies of all sizes by delivering highly-qualified management and technical resources for companies across the nation. “Our mission is to demonstrate that there’s value to old-school staffing and customer service that cannot be garnered through vendor managed services (VMS) and other non-relational mechanisms that are commonplace today.”

The company’s concept came about in early 2002, shortly after Y2K and at the tail-end of the dot-com era. The IT industry, as a whole, was on a down-turn as companies pulled back on spending after significant investments into Y2K. The technology bubble burst, in part, due to speculative investments into tech start-ups and the IPO investment frenzy and then the 911 catastrophe occurred, putting further strain on the economy and IT investments. The timing wasn’t right for starting a new staffing venture, so the idea was temporarily shelved.

Let’s meet the leader who made it happen, Managing Partner Mark Norris

Mark Norris began his career in the healthcare sector as an information technologist. Later, he gained valuable experiences in business development, recruiting and major account sales providing managed IT, hosting services, enterprise software POCs and integrations, IT staffing solutions and culminating in his role as a major account executive for a global technology outsourcing solutions firm, managing the healthcare division of their largest global client.

In 2009, Mr. Norris leveraged his background by launching the business that has become ITStaff. His vision consisted of taking the good and valuable aspects of technology services gleaned over his career and establishing a sales-driven IT staffing firm built on a customer service-centric foundation providing both clients and professional staff with a positive engagement experience. That vision, combined with the industry’s leading guarantee has enabled ITStaff to quickly grow into a well-respected, and highly successful technology firm that continues to attract clients and consultants alike desiring to engage with a company that delivers on the staffing promise.

In 2008, Mark was employed with one of the largest global outsourcing companies when he realized that he was doing many of the same activities, and investing the same amount of time, as he would be running his own business. Arguably, the timing was worse for starting a business than2002, but with the additional experience gained over that time, he determined it was now or never if he was to start his own venture. ITStaff achieved success relatively quickly and Mark is convinced that relationships were undeniably crucial to its success. According to Mark, “I try to treat people like I want to be treated, but you don’t always know what perception or impression you’re making. When ITStaff launched, former colleagues and past clients reached out congratulating me and wanting to reestablish business ties. I was truly amazed; it was a blessing I hadn’t counted on or expected, but it made all the difference in the world.” Those friends provided opportunities that were instrumental to the success of ITStaff and Mark makes it known how truly appreciative he is to those who put their trust in him.

Making the task of hiring easier and efficient

ITStaff’s information technology sales and recruiting professionals average over 20 years of technology staffing industry experience. Their knowledge and expertise gives them the ability to deliver exceptional service and quality to their clients while helping technical professionals to realize their IT careers goals. They leverage their hard-won knowledge with a thorough understanding of employer requirements and a rigorous vetting process to match organizations with in-demand technical talent who are open to exploring a change in their careers. At the same time, they’re every bit as diligent with the professionals they work with by providing professional help and advice as they look to advance their careers.

The ITStaff team is passionate about delivering ideal and talented professionals for their client’s projects, each and every time. Their multi-step process takes into account the most important requirements and aspects of the position from the view of the hiring manager as they carry out the match making process.

Staffing solutions to achieve excellence

Hiring managers oversee projects with deadlines and with business executives who rely on them to deliver projects on time and on budget. ITStaff’s sales and recruiting team pay close attention to what their clients are asking for and then deliver IT talent ranging from business analysts and Java developers to IT strategy consultants and data scientists in response to the requirements of the position. They take pride in delivering dead-on accurate IT staffing solutions for positions across the SDLC for cloud, IoT and big data projects that their clients undertake. They provide each resource along with a two-month unconditional money-back guarantee, which gives the hiring manager significant upside with little to no down-side risk.

According to Mark, when ITStaff first offered their IT staffing performance guarantee, they realized that they were setting high expectations with their customers. They’ve consistently met those expectations by helping many brand-recognizable companies meet their information technology staffing challenges. “There are companies and managers who buy on price alone, and in those circumstances ITStaff is probably not the best fit. Almost every company and manager we work with recognizes and values business relationships built on a foundation of trust. They know that we have their success at heart and that we strive to provide quality and cost-effective talent that’s a great fit for their team and the success of their projects.”

Via The Silicon Review Magazine, June 2017.

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Expectations regarding the function of IT personnel have grown significantly, and big data has introduced a new paradigm to which is notably difficult to adapt. Before large-scale data analytics became a new norm, data was often siloed based on origin or function, and analytical functions were specialized based on the inherent systems. Now, the volume and variety of data has increased, and companies want to be able to leverage all of it to draw conclusions even if the current physical barriers create a notable challenge.

IT environments can involve thousands of servers, when both in-house and cloud options are examined, with even more containers separating information. As data users begin to have expectations regarding how business intelligence systems should respond, IT professionals are tasked with locating problems across ever growing systems, many of which feature different technical frameworks and far-reaching connections outside of the physical purview of the business.

How to Prepare for Tomorrow’s Demands

To ensure that IT departments are prepared for the changes that big data has spawned, a new approach to data management is required. Tech teams, and businesses as a whole, must learn to exercise greater control over their data centers and institute the technological solutions that are designed to manage these shifting demands. A move away from siloed environments will be a necessity to make information accessible across the board while multi-datacenter support must be available to ensure the continuation of operations.

Businesses need to be open to innovation. Improved real-time anomaly detection will become critical to spot issues before they produce problems while stream processing needs to be implemented for increased performance of custom analytics. The institution of direct programmatic access using tools like SAS and R will also be valuable for data maintenance.

It also means companies need to hire the right the right IT professionals with the necessary skill sets to manage the tasks. Without a strong tech team to drive change, many organizations will find themselves battling legacy systems and old ways of doing business. If you are looking for skilled big data professionals to join your team, ITStaff can help you find the right candidates. Contact us today.

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Java

When it comes to programming languages, you simply can’t go wrong with Java. It is still one of the most widely used options for back-end operations and e-commerce, making it a staple for a range of businesses. In fact, Java is often considered a required skill for professionals interested in landing coveted software developer and engineer jobs at top are companies. Since Java is so incredibly versatile and can be used on a range of platforms and devices, having this programming language in your skill bank is a smart move.

Python

With big data and analytics still making headlines and web applications remaining strong, Python is another programming language that can open doors for IT professionals. It is a primary language used for data science objectives, making it a requirement for many of these lucrative positions, but can also be popular for workers who want to focus on web-based development.

Javascript

You would be hard-pressed to find a web developer who doesn’t work with Javascript. This mainstay in the field is one of the easier languages to learn, making it an ideal starting option for those looking to try their hand at programming, but still offers a lot of power in the business world. If the idea of developing for the web appeals to you, then having Javascript under your belt is the key to career success.

Matlab

A language that once fell out of favor, but is seeing demand increase, is Matlab. With big data being a priority for many companies, Matlab is being used more widely to support these projects. Plus, since it hasn’t been back on the radar for long, professionals who have experience in this area may be able to set themselves apart from the competition with greater ease.

SQL

With the relational database playing prominent roles in almost every major business, it’s no wonder that SQL skills remain in high demand. IT pros who have the experience to run queries, create reports, and provide key insights into critical operations can see lucrative opportunities to advance their careers.

If you have some of the skills above or would like the chance to explore positions in these areas, the recruiters at ITStaff can help connect you with local employers looking for workers like you. Contact us to discuss your skills and how they can support the next step in your career.

The post What are the Most In-Demand Tech Skills of 2017? appeared first on ITStaff.

Scope Management

The scope can determine the success or failure of a project before it even gets off the ground. Failing to define the scope well means the objectives are unclear, opening up for scope creep and increasing the risk of falling off target. Being able to gather the necessary information and create a comprehensive statement regarding what the project will or won’t entail is an essential skill all IT project managers need to develop to be successful in the role.

Communication

Project managers will spend time working with a wide range of team members and stakeholders, all with different levels of technical experience. Being able to effectively communicate with everyone involved, including breaking down complex technical ideas into plain English, is often critical to a project’s success, making it a must-have skill.

Team Selection

Some professionals working in project management are surprised to find that core human resources skills can be vital to the success of the venture. Being able to vet potential team members and determine which will help move things forward is a necessity, so learning how to evaluate a person’s skills and experience in relation to the project is valuable.

Time Management

Most projects must adhere to strict timelines, and creating the schedule is often a duty placed squarely on the project manager’s shoulders. Understanding how to coordinate efforts, delegate tasks, and keep everything on target can be another factor in the group’s overall success.

Risk Management

No project has a guaranteed outcome. Being able to analyze the potential risks and take action to prevent those that can be while preparing for those that can’t is important. That way, should things begin to go awry, you’re ready to intervene.

Budgeting

Project managers are often responsible for cost management and budgeting, being given a specific amount of funds to complete the work. Understanding cost estimation, budgeting, and cost control are all vital skills, as well as being able to make adjustments should something come out other than how it was originally expected.

Procurement

If a project involves working with vendors to obtain necessary materials or third-party assistance, then knowing the fundamentals of procurement is also important. Being able to identify low-cost suppliers who provide quality products and services can help keep the budget in line while ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.

Quality Control

A project isn’t a success if the results don’t meet quality expectations. IT project managers need to be able to monitor the progress of the outputs and ensure everything meets the necessary standards. Often, this is an ongoing process that must be integrated into the larger schedule. Then, if something is determined to be subpar, changes can be made as necessary.

Adaptability

At some point in the timeline, something isn’t going to go to plan. Additionally, you will spend your time juggling priorities and often making decisions on the fly. Being able to roll with the changes and handle issues as they arise can ensure the project remains on track even when the unexpected occurs.

Technology

IT project managers need to be familiar with the technologies involved in the project as well as those used to keep the plan moving forward. Being up to date in both areas ensures you have the knowledge base to see everything through from start to finish. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending more time on research than actually keeping things moving along.

If you are interested in learning more about IT project management roles, the team at ITStaff can help guide you forward. Contact us to discuss your career goals today.

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Competent Leadership

Much of an organization’s success rests on the shoulders of the leadership team. Being able to create a central mission while keeping an open mind in regards to the need to adapt are vital for long-term success. Without leaders who embrace innovation, stay aware of changes within the industry, and remain ready to act in the best interest of the whole, no business can guarantee its future.

Company Culture

The value placed on corporate culture has continued to grow as job seekers give it more priority when selecting potential employers. However, it is also a reflection of how an organization manages its business, and a toxic culture is a sign that a company isn’t well positioned to change when the climate calls for it.

Respectable Values

Another point that employees place significant value is the values that guide a business’s actions. Having a mission they can get behind is a major motivator, leading to increased productivity as well as higher amounts of loyalty. When a company has questionable or ill-defined values, it can be challenging to garner support for their workers and the larger community, making it harder to succeed over time.

Strong Relationships

In the age of technology, many companies and people have begun to discount the value of interpersonal relationships within the organization and in regards to their customer base. However, neglecting the human factor in business often leads to an unsustainable model.

Sense of Inclusion

Diversity in the workplace is recognized as a method for increased innovation and financial success, making it critical for many businesses in the long run. Having policies that don’t support inclusion or allowing unconscious biases to create an unfavorable status quo can cause long-term damage, making it harder to locate and retain skilled workers and leading to missed opportunities to improve operations.

Companies that embrace technology are more likely to be exposed to new opportunities to grow their business and increase the efficiency of their workforce in comparison to their less tech-adept counterparts. Being open to new developments gives your organization a chance to take advantage of what technology can offer your company and may even alleviate the strain placed on employees whose jobs can benefit from the advances.

If you are interested in locating top candidates with the skills necessary to make embracing technology a norm, the recruitment professionals at ITStaff have the experience to find the workers you need. Contact us to discuss your hiring needs and see how our services can help future-proof your organization.

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While these advances aren’t entirely based on increased access to open source software solutions, they have driven more businesses to realize the value of software-based delivery of their products. And companies looking to develop solutions quickly are turning to open source software to accelerate their timelines.

Understanding Open Source

Open source software is defined as code that is accessible to anyone interested in using it. It is available for public viewing, can be contributed to and altered by anyone, and redistributed for the use of others. In cases where new solutions must be developed to keep a company competitive, open source removes the need to start a project from scratch. The foundational code can be found that meets certain needs. Then, it can simply be adjusted to achieve more specific goals.

This approach to development can be ideal for companies that can’t locate off-the-shelf solutions that contain all of the features and functionality they desire. Often, packaged products provide limited, if any, capacity for the business to make changes on their own, as the source code is owned by another party. Open source solutions remove this barrier.

Accelerated Development

In a time when unemployment among IT professionals, and software developers specifically, is especially low, using open source software can allow a business to do more even if the number of skilled staff members is lower than ideal.

While open source-oriented developers still require a high level of skill and experience, it removes the need to start the software development process from the beginning. Additionally, less time has to be dedicated to building a framework, allowing more attention to be directed towards details and customization.

Developers can also create closed source features associated with open source foundations. This allows proprietary developments to be constructed, and even monetized, without having to create the entire solution internally.

Digital Disruption

More companies are striving to create solutions that allow them to be the next Amazon, Netflix, or Uber. These companies created digitally-oriented offerings that changed how goods and services are accessed, and many of their followers fail to reach the same level of success. Open source solutions can allow more companies to explore new solutions, positioning themselves to be the next company to change how certain industries function on a large scale.

If you are interested in building a software development team that can leverage open source software to advance the goals of your business, ITStaff can connect you with the right professionals to further your efforts. Contact us to see how our services can accelerate your hiring efforts today.

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The segmented approach lacked a sense of efficiency and had the potential to delay portions of the product lifecycle. This means it took longer for goods or services to get to market, potentially leading to lost profits or even risking being outpaced by a competitor.

Rising technologies in the areas of mobility, big data, and cloud technologies have already changed how many information-oriented workers do their jobs and have the potential to improve product lifecycle management processes regardless of the types of goods or services involved. To see how these technologies can increase the efficiency of product development, here are some key areas to examine.

Improved Information Capture and Data Analysis

Instead of housing a Lab Information Management System (LIMS) internally, cloud-based implementations can increase the rate of capture for critical information throughout the product development lifecycle. While it is widely understood these systems can be accessed by authorized personnel from any location, allowing work to be completed regardless of where the employee is or when they choose to perform the task, there is potential for much more.

Cloud solutions also create a new paradigm for ensuring ideas that were once scribbled down on scrap paper or lost in a sea of emails can be recorded in critical systems at any time and from any device. This limits the risk of a new innovation from being forgotten or misplaced as it is conveniently kept with other related data and project notes. Instead, professionals working on the product can access the appropriate files from any desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet and record the information whenever an idea strikes.

Additionally, the centralization of the information makes the data more accessible for advanced analytics. The cloud can help eliminate data silos that make comprehensive analysis especially complex, allowing more value to be derived from the information that has already been collected.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Centralizing operations in the cloud can also allow more employees to participate in the development process. Access can be granted to relevant workers in areas outside of the lab including manufacturing, sales, and logistics. This invites greater cross-departmental collaboration while ensuring critical personnel involved in the successful development and launch of a good or service can manage their tasks earlier in the process. This approach has the potential to speed up the product lifecycle based on increased efficiency, getting the product to market more quickly.

In the end, your company can see accelerated product development, higher levels of innovation, and increased productivity by bringing the latest technologies into your product lifecycle management strategy. If your business is interested in bringing these advances into your workplace, ITStaff can help you find the technical professionals you need to implement these solutions. Contact us to see how the right employees can bring it all together.

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