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Jackware Explained! Malware that Can Hijack a Machine

If you’re like most people, you probably think of malware as something that can harm your computer. But did you know there’s malware out there that can actually hijack your machine? Known as jackware, it’s a real threat to your security. In this blog post, we’ll explain what jackware is and how you can protect yourself from it.

What is Jackware?

Jackware hijacks a machine and takes control of it, often for the purpose of stealing information or using the machine for other malicious activities. Like most malware, jackware typically spreads through malicious or compromised websites, email attachments, or software downloads.

Once installed, jackware can perform harmful actions on your computer, including disabling security features, recording keystrokes, or stealing files and information. Additionally, attackers can use jackware to create a “botnet” of hijacked machines for cyberattacks or spam campaigns.

Threats Raised by Jackware

When it comes to cybersecurity, jackware is a big threat. This type of malware can give attackers access to your system to steal your personal information or wreak havoc on your computer.

While jackware can be used for legitimate purposes, such as monitoring system performance or gathering data for research, there are many factors that make jackware dangerous. It’s difficult to detect and remove once it’s installed. It can propagate itself. It can be used to steal confidential information or launch attacks on your system. Finally, it can be used to generate revenue for the attackers, which is a major reason why they continue to create and distribute this type of malware.

Here are some major threats posed by jackware.

1. Difficult to detect

Jackware can be very difficult to detect because it can masquerade as legitimate software or even hide within legitimate files.

2. Ability to propagate itself

Jackware can propagate by inserting a copy of itself into and becoming part of another program. It also can spread from one computer to another, infecting new systems as it travels.

3. Difficult to remove

Once installed, jackware can spread to other parts of your system and infect other files. This makes it hard to get rid of and can lead to serious problems down the line.

4. Threat to privacy

Jackware can be used to steal personal information or launch attacks on other devices and networks. That makes it a powerful tool in the hands of criminals.

5. Revenue generation for attackers

Finally, jackware can be used to generate revenue for the attackers by installing it on your system and then using it to display advertisements.

Jackware is a serious threat to online security and should not be taken lightly. It is important to be aware and take steps to protect your system. If you think your device may be infected, seek professional help to remove the malware and protect your data.

What Are the Signs of a Jackware Attack?

You may notice some signs that your system is under attack from jackware. These can include unexpected system slowdown, unexplained system errors, and unusual network activity. If you suspect that your system is under attack, it’s important to act immediately to prevent further damage.

1. Unexpected system slowdown

One of the most common signs of jackware is unexpected system slowdown caused by attackers using your system resources to mine cryptocurrency or to carry out other malicious activities. If you notice that your system is running slower than usual, check for jackware.

2. Unexplained system errors

Another common sign of jackware is unexplained system errors. These errors can be caused by the attacker's modifying system files or registry entries. If you notice any suspicious errors on your system, investigate immediately.

3. Unusual system activity

Finally, unusual network activity can also be a sign of jackware. Attackers may use your system to send spam or to carry out distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. If you notice any unusual network activity, check for signs of jackware.

If you suspect that your system is under attack from jackware, take action immediately. Start by scanning your system for malware and removing any malicious files. You should also change any passwords that may have been compromised. By taking these steps, you can help protect your system from further damage.

To Sum Up

If you think your computer may be infected with jackware, there are a few things you can do. First, run a scan with your antivirus software to find and remove any malware that may be on your system.

If you don’t have antivirus software, or if the scan doesn’t seem to remove the malware, you can try using a malware removal tool. These programs are specifically designed to remove malware. There are many different ones available, so you may need to try a few to find one that works for you.

Once you’ve removed the malware from your system, be sure to take steps to prevent it from happening again. This includes installing antivirus software and keeping it up to date, as well as avoiding questionable websites and downloads.

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How Will AR/VR Change the Way We Travel?

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have changed the way we experience technology. Although still in its early stages, it has a tremendous amount of potential. Many businesses and organizations are already using AR/VR to improve their operations and to provide new and innovative services to their customers.

A recent study on AR/VR shows that its popularity is rising, with more and more people using these technologies to immerse themselves in new and exciting virtual worlds. The study revealed that the global AR/VR market is expected to grow from USD 37.0 billion in 2022 to USD 114.5 billion by 2027.

With prices dropping and quality improving, AR/VR is now extensively used in the tourism industry. It is becoming increasingly apparent that these technologies will play a major role in shaping the way we enjoy our leisure activities. Whether it’s a trip to the park or a visit to the zoo, AR/VR is set to change the way we experience our world.

How Does AR/VR Impact Leisure Time?

AR/VR promises to change the very nature of our interactions with the digital world, and this is bound to have a significant impact on the way we spend our leisure time. Consider, for example, how AR might enhance our visits to theme parks and other tourist destinations.

With AR, we could view digital attractions overlaid in the real-world environment around us. We could also interact with digital characters and objects, adding a new layer of excitement to our experiences.

VR can offer us an even more immersive experience, transporting us to fantastical worlds that we can explore at our leisure. Imagine visiting the Grand Canyon or the Pyramids of Giza without leaving your living room. Or being able to walk through a virtual version of the Colosseum in Rome or ride a virtual roller coaster at a theme park.

Ultimately, AR/VR could completely change the tourism industry, making it easier and more affordable for us to explore new places.

AR/VR: The Key To Boosting Travel Experience

By overlaying digital information in the real world, AR can provide travelers with useful information about their surroundings. VR can transport users to completely different environments, so they feel like they’re really there. By combining these technologies, travelers can get a truly immersive experience that can greatly enhance their travel experience.

One example of how AR can enhance travel is Google Translate. This app can translate text in real-time, allowing travelers to communicate with locals even if they don’t speak the same language. AR can also be used to provide information about nearby landmarks or points of interest. For example, a tourist could use an AR app to learn more about the history of a building they are visiting.

Similarly, VR can also be used to enhance travel experiences. For example, VR could be used to create a virtual tour of famous destinations. VR can generate simulated environments, such as beaches, rain forests, and ski slopes — allowing users to experience different environments without physically traveling to them.

Potential Drawbacks to Using AR/VR in Tourism

First, it can be expensive to implement and maintain AR/VR systems. Second, there is a risk that tourists will become too reliant on AR/VR and miss out on the real experience of a destination. Finally, AR/VR can also be used to create unrealistic expectations about a destination, which can lead to disappointment when reality does not match the virtual experience.

Role of AR in Tourism

AR superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, providing a composite view. Tourism is a sector where AR can be used to provide a more immersive experience for visitors.

Some examples of how augmented reality can be used in tourism include:

Ø AR can be used to provide virtual tours of tourist destinations. This can allow visitors to explore a destination before they visit and can help them to get a better idea of what to expect.

Ø AR can be used to provide information about tourist destinations. For example, information about the history of a destination or cultural attractions can be displayed as an overlay.

Ø AR can be used to provide recommendations for tourist destinations. For example, a tourist could be looking for a new destination to visit and be shown a selection of destinations that are recommended based on their interests

Role of VR in Tourism

VR is a simulated, three-dimensional environment that can be experienced using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with a screen inside it. VR can be used in tourism in several ways.

A survey conducted on the popularity of VR among tourists revealed that 50% of the survey participants would use VR to choose their holiday destination provided it was free, and 13% of the participants were willing to pay for VR.

Some examples of how VR can be used in tourism include:

Ø To create realistic simulations of destinations, experiences, and activities, thereby giving potential tourists a better idea of what to expect when they visit a destination.

Ø To create virtual tours of destinations, to provide information about tourist attractions, and to help people plan their holidays.

There is no doubt that VR could completely change the tourism industry. With affordable VR headsets and software becoming more widely available, people will be able to explore new places without leaving their homes. This could revolutionize the tourism industry, making it easier and more affordable for people to visit new places.

Challenges of Using AR/VR in Tourism

The tourism industry is always looking for new and innovative ways to attract customers and AR/VR are two technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the sector. However, some challenges need to be considered.

a. High initial investments

One of the main challenges is the cost of developing and implementing AR/VR applications. While the initial investment may be high, the long-term costs can be quite low. However, it is important to consider all costs, including maintenance, before deciding if AR or VR is right for your business.

b. Technology in infancy

AR/VR technology is still in its infancy, and there are not yet many applications that are specific to the tourism industry. This means that businesses need to be creative in how they use these technologies to promote their products and services.

c. Customer experience

Finally, it is also important to consider the impact of AR/VR on the customer experience. While these technologies can offer a more immersive and personal experience, they can also be distracting and overwhelming. It is important to find the right balance to ensure that customers have a positive experience.

d. Developing interactive content

Developing interactive AR/VR content is a major challenge. Today there is a huge demand for AR/VR content that allows customers to explore destinations and attractions in a more immersive and engaging way.

Bottomline

There is no doubt that AR/VR can completely change the tourism industry. With affordable VR headsets and AR software becoming more widely available, people will be able to explore new places without ever leaving their homes.

This could revolutionize the tourism industry, making it easier and more affordable for people to visit new places. VR could also help promote tourism in underdeveloped areas, as people will be able to see the sights and sounds of these places without ever having to leave their own country.

Overall, both AR and VR offer great potential for the tourism industry, but some challenges need to be considered. By carefully planning and considering all costs, businesses can make the most of these technologies and offer their customers an unforgettable experience.

Contact us to learn how we can help you with your AR/VR requirements.

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Latest Backend Frameworks for Web Application Development

Backend frameworks can streamline web application development with standardized codes, configurations, and tools. By systemizing the programming process, backend frameworks make it faster and easier to implement key web application components like user authorization, security, privacy encryptions, database management, and more.

Frameworks are full-stack applications that include almost all the functionality needed to create a web application. Users don’t interact directly with server-side frameworks because they work behind the scenes of a website. However, they will notice how well a web application functions, which a backend framework can strengthen.

For developers, backend frameworks can make the coding and maintenance process much faster, as well as reduce the potential for bugs and other errors. Let’s learn more about the latest backend frameworks for web application development projects.

Different Types of Web Frameworks

Backend frameworks incorporate all of the different building blocks of a web application, such as HTTP requests, templating, routing, and database object-relational mappers (ORMs). The architecture of a framework defines the relation between its components, such as…

Model-View-Controller (MVC): MVC models are used for developing a user interface (UI) with three interconnected elements to separate internal representations of information from the ways information is presented to and accepted by the user.

Model-View-View Model (MVVM): In MVVM, the view layer acts as a controller and converts the data objects from the model layer into manageable components. The view layer handles all the user requests directly, so the data binding is more straightforward.

Push-based: Push-based architecture adopts actions that do the necessary processing and then pushes the data to a view layer to furnish the outcome.

Pull-based: Also called component-based, a pull-based framework starts with the view layer, which in turn can pull outcomes from diverse controllers as required.

Three-tiered: Comprises three physical tiers — the presentation tier, or user interface; the application tier, where data is processed; and the data tier, where the data associated with the application is stored and managed. Because each tier runs on its own infrastructure, it can be developed simultaneously by a separate development team and can be updated or scaled as needed without impacting the other tiers.

Features and Benefits of the Most Popular Backend Frameworks

Choosing the right backend framework will depend on the needs of your specific project. Here are some of the most common ones.

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails, also known as Rails or RoR, is an open-source framework used by well-known companies like Apple, Hulu, Github, Spotify, and Airbnb. This MVC full-stack framework is almost 20 years old, but it remains a top framework because of its intuitiveness, strong developer community, and a plethora of tools.

Django

One of the most popular Python web frameworks, Django includes dozens of extras to handle common web development tasks. This framework streamlines user authentication, content administration, site maps, RSS feeds, and many more tasks. Django also helps to prevent security issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, cross-site request forgery, and clickjacking.

Express JS

Express is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework with a robust set of features for web and mobile applications. Developers can create robust APIs with a variety of HTTP utility methods and middleware. Express provides a thin layer of fundamental web application features, without obscuring Node.js features.

Flask

This Python framework is classified as a microframework because it does not require particular tools or libraries. Extensions exist for object-relational mappers, form validation, upload handling, various open authentication technologies, and several common framework-related tools. Popular applications that use the Flask framework include Pinterest and LinkedIn.

Gin Gonic

Gin is a web framework written in Golang. Gin Gonic is particularly useful for developers looking for better performance. It reportedly features a Martini-like API that’s up to 40 times faster. It also has a huge community, extensive code coverage(~ 98%), and comparatively fewer issues than some other backend frameworks.

Laravel

Laravel is a free and open-source PHP web framework following the MVC architectural pattern and based on Symfony. Laravel features include a modular packaging system with a dedicated dependency manager, different ways for accessing relational databases, and utilities that aid in application deployment and maintenance.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is an open-source framework used for building dynamic websites with PHP. CodeIgniter is loosely based on the MVC architecture. While controller classes are a necessary part of development under CodeIgniter, models and views are optional. CodeIgniter is most often noted for its speed when compared to other PHP frameworks.

CakePHP

CakePHP also is an open-source framework that follows the MVC approach and is written in PHP. Modeled after engineering concepts similar to Ruby on Rails, CakePHP uses well-known software design premises, such as convention over configuration, active record, association data mapping, and front controller.

The Bottomline

The right backend framework can speed up the development process. We recommend working with an experienced software development team to find the ideal framework for your web application.

InApp’s backend development engineers have the technical experience you need for high-quality web applications, including databases, backend logic, APIs, and servers. Contact us to learn how we can help your web application development project succeed.

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Why Cloud-based Application Development Is Booming

For the past decade, businesses have embraced cloud-based application development — and there are no signs of that trend slowing down in the future. Attracted by the ease of use, scalability, and lower operational costs, cloud computing services have leveled the playing field. Capabilities once accessible only to large enterprises now are available to companies of all sizes.

The major factor in the rush to cloud-based application development is user expectations. Companies saw the exponential use of mobile apps after rapid smartphone adoption by consumers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for cloud-based services in 2020 even more as off-site work became essential to doing business. When many countries instituted lockdowns, users turned to cloud-computing services to get the job done.

In 2021, the global cloud applications market had a value of $133.6 billion (US) and is expected to reach $168.6 billion (US) by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8 percent, according to Statistica. The key drivers are expected to be increased adoption in small and medium businesses, as well as cloud services related to data management and analysis.

Let’s dig deeper into cloud-based and cloud-native applications and their impact on business.

What Is Cloud-based Application Development?

A cloud application is software deployed in a cloud environment rather than hosted on a local server or machine. Cloud application development uses private, public, and hybrid clouds to create apps. Because organizations can use cloud computing as a virtual IT structure, they can move key business functions off-site, like on-demand storage, computing services, application development platforms, and much more. It follows the same software development stages as any project, from planning to testing to deployment to maintenance.

What Are the Characteristics of a Cloud-based Application?

The characteristics of cloud-based applications and progressive web applications typically include…

Managed infrastructure

Easy scalability

Geographical distribution

Integrated security tools

Redundancy

Pay-for-what-you-use cost structure

What Are the Most Common Cloud Deployment Models?

Typically cloud deployment models fall into these categories…

Software as a service (SaaS): A software licensing and delivery model in which software is centrally hosted and licensed as a subscription

Platform as a service (PaaS): Cloud computing services in which a third-party provider delivers hardware and software tools to users over the internet

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): A cloud computing service model in which computing resources are hosted in a public, private, or hybrid cloud

Serverless computing: Cloud computing execution model in which the cloud provider allocates machine resources on demand and takes care of the servers on behalf of customers.

What Are the Benefits of Cloud-based Application Development?

Companies are attracted by the numerous benefits that cloud-based application development offers, including…

Streamlined deployment

Managed infrastructure

Cost savings

Security tools

Data recovery

Scalability

Resiliency

Agility

Continuous release

Ease of access

What Are the Challenges of Cloud-Based Application Development?

While cloud-based application development holds many benefits, businesses should be aware of challenges, like…

Difficult to change cloud service providers

Time and expense involved in the migration process to cloud services

Issues with interoperability across different cloud environments

False or misleading claims from cloud service providers

The complexity of system integration

Communication issues with cloud providers

Insufficient monitoring and security tools

Examples of Cloud-Based Applications

Because a cloud-based application is software that’s hosted in the cloud, you’ll find numerous examples on your computer and mobile device. Common applications include…

Online storage (Dropbox, Apple iCloud, Box, One Drive, etc.)

Social media (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)

Communication (G Suite, Slack, Yammer, etc.)

Document creation (Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Zoho Office Online Suite, etc.)

Customer relationship management: (SalesForce, HubSpot, etc.)

Financial (Mint, Quicken, YNAB, Banks, etc.)

E-commerce (SquareSpace, Shopify, Big Commerce, etc.)

Video and mobile gaming (PUBG, Minecraft, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Pokemon Go, etc.)

Step by Step Guide to Creating a Cloud-based Application

Cloud-based applications follow the same software development stages as any project.

Concept & Planning: Identify the product requirements upfront, determine business and revenue goals, and develop a realistic timeline.

Technical Requirements: Work with your development team to determine the best technologies, frameworks, and programming languages.

Design: Finalize all design components such as colors, images, fonts, logos, and other artistic elements.

Development: Develop code and review iterations to determine if requirements are met and design ideas are optimized.

Testing & Quality Assurance: Work with an independent software testing team to ensure that everything is working well and end-users are not experiencing any issues.

Operations & Deployment: Prepare and deploy the completed and tested code in the appropriate production environment.

Maintenance & Updates: Make improvements, upgrade features, add functionalities, optimize performance, develop firmware updates, etc.

Ready to learn more about how cloud-based application development can help your company? Contact the cloud computing experts at InApp.

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Digital Transformation: Technology Trends That Will Change Our Future

Companies looking at digital transformation want to future-proof their technology landscape by implementing a modern digital backbone. But it requires more than just technology. It also serves as a business transformation — a way to rethink how an organization uses technology to fundamentally improve business performance.

Digital transformation should affect all areas of an organization, changing the way it operates and the way it offers value to its customers.

Here are the technology trends that will change our future

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to hold a place at the forefront of the technology sector. Rapid changes in the field hold great promise for even more significant breakthroughs. Various factors such as the growth of data-based AI, advancements in deep learning, and the push for robotic autonomy to stay competitive in a global market are expected to drive the adoption of AI and ML solutions and services.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

Smaller, more reliable, and more intelligent sensors are now available for virtually all types of assets and operations — including computers, vehicles, smartphones, appliances, building automation systems, and production equipment. These “smart” devices are constantly gathering and transmitting data, further fueling the growth in Big Data and AI. But the real power of this disruptive technology lies in analytics that provides a new level of business intelligence, offering insights to improve business and find new revenue streams.

Big Data

Big Data refers to the exponential growth in the amount of data being created in our world. Data-centric solutions to unearth hidden correlations and patterns — enabling cost savings, streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and untapped profits. Modern software tools support data collection and provide analysis in real-time — so companies can react faster and use that data efficiently to make improvements in operations.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology stores transactional records (i.e., the block) of the public in several databases (i.e., the chain) in a network connected through peer-to-peer nodes. Every transaction in this ledger is authorized by the digital signature of the owner, which authenticates the transaction and safeguards it from tampering. That capability can offer benefits like cost savings and improved security to companies in a wide range of industries.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing services enable organizations to use a virtual IT structure and software that’s independent of an operating system. It provides a wide range of services like on-demand storage, computing services, and application development platforms. Companies are attracted by the lower costs and increased flexibility of cloud computing services. As most services follow a pay-as-you-go model, it’s easy to scale up or down as needs change.

Custom Software

Custom software development services provide tailored software solutions, which can cut project costs and maximize return on investment. A custom solution fits your business requirements perfectly as it’s designed to meet all your current and future business requirements. Custom software can enable companies to benefit — and profit — from new technological capabilities.

Augmented Analytics

Augmented analytics, often the result of AI technology, offers insights from enormously complex and varied streams of data. Technology that captures and stores data from different sources will empower users to deliver and act on meaningful analytics throughout the enterprise. The result is improved trend analysis, forecasting, and business performance management.

How Digital Transformation Can Improve Business Functions

What do all of these technologies have in common? They can significantly improve business functions including…

Decreased operating costs: Digital transformation decreases operating costs by reducing the time needed for workflows, eliminating manual tasks, and incorporating new functionalities.

Increased revenue: Digital innovation can improve the sales process, increasing market research and finding new customers for businesses of all sizes.

Mining customer data: Customer data can provide a wealth of business information, revealing new possibilities and insight once that data is centralized and analyzed.

Streamlined workflows: Digital innovation can improve collaboration, remove or reduce bottlenecks in processes, and speed up workflows.

Improved customer satisfaction: Service operations can be streamlined and improved, strengthening the relationship with customers.

Contact InApp to learn more about how digital transformation can boost your technology initiative.

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A Quick Guide to the Software Product Development Process

Whether you have a great idea or an established application, custom software development can offer solutions to the pain points that keep you up at night. Custom software development is a highly collaborative and complex process. However, you also want to make sure your project is delivered on time, within budget, and with minimal surprises.

Most organizations start the software development process with planned budgets, expectations, and deliverables. But, projects rarely take the straight and narrow path to completion. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know before you get started.

What is Custom Software Development?

Custom software development is the process of conceptualizing, designing, creating, deploying, and maintaining software for specific purposes, users, functions, organizations, or third parties. Also sometimes called bespoke software, custom software meets specialized business requirements and can improve efficiency in business processes for a variety of industries. In a highly competitive business environment, a strong digital strategy with modern custom software can help improve efficiency, maximize data and analytics, reveal new revenue streams, and streamline workflows.

What are the 7 Software Product Development Stages?

Software product development follows seven specific steps from start to finish. These steps are…

Idea and Planning Phase: Every project starts with an idea, followed by outlining the project scope, business objectives, budgets, resources, and timeline.

Requirements Phase: The next step is to document all requirements, potential risks, and strategies to address both those requirements and risks.

Design Phase: Using the project requirements, developers create software workflows and structures, including prototypes or mockups.

Development Phase: As the backbone of the process, this phase includes writing code and turning design documentation into the actual software.

Testing Phase: Testing determines if the software matches expected requirements and is free from bugs or defects.

Implementation and Deployment Phase: Next, the software is moved to the implementation and deployment phase where it’s introduced to the market.

Operations and Maintenance Phase: The very last phase involves regular updates and maintenance of the software based on user feedback.

Best Practices for Software Product Development Process

Best practices for the software development process include…

Plan Thoroughly: Start with a thorough plan to keep the team focused on tasks and goals. That should include objective oversight to ensure continuous assessment of the project’s progress to help identify failure indicators, as well as intervene to accommodate changes and adjust milestones.

Optimize Meetings: Hold frequent meetings between your team and the custom software development team. Then, follow up on any roadblocks that might slow down the progress of your project. It’ll save resources and speed up the overall process.

Overcome Time Zone Differences: Resolve any time zone issues between your team and the developers. Remember that different time zones also offer advantages, as one team may be working while the other is finished for the day.

Plan for Mistakes: To err is human, so expect mistakes. Unanticipated issues should be analyzed and worked out with clarity and without emotions.

Communication: All team members must communicate effectively within their defined and allocated roles. Make sure everyone understands these roles and has the tools to make communication as easy as possible.

Report Status: The project manager should report the status of their project transparently and proactively. Identify, align, and monitor project tasks continuously to maintain smooth progress.

Project Planning Tools: Modern development platforms, such as agile project management, allows for rapid development and timely release of new features.

Beta Test: Beta testing ensures quality and confidence in your product for the final release.

If you have any questions, contact the software product development experts at InApp. We can help you start your software development project on the right foot — and get it done on time and on budget.

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Everything You Should Know about Metaverse. Is It the Future of the Internet?

Facebook transformed our world 15 years ago, and its trifecta of social media businesses — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — can arguably be called one of the most socially disruptive businesses in history. Today these three apps are used by 3.58 billion people every month.

So, the recent announcement to rebrand as Meta may sound like a simple name change. But the company is looking to reimagine our lives again, this time with the metaverse. Meta describes the metaverse as “the next evolution of social connection,” 3D spaces where you can “socialize, learn, collaborate and play in ways that go beyond what we can imagine.”

However, the future of the metaverse has far more implications than just Meta’s business plans. Let’s discuss what you should know and how it’s likely to affect how we use the internet.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is an immersive internet experience that lets you replace or augment reality with computerized simulations that strive to be as realistic as possible. The metaverse would use tools based on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and emerging technologies to overlap the physical and digital worlds for end users. AR can expand the ways devices can help with everyday activities like searching for information, shopping, and creating content. VR lets you experience what it’s like to go anywhere — whether it’s a real-life event or an imaginary world.

While still mostly a theoretical concept, the metaverse could be used for almost anything in the real world, including socialization, work, content creation, shopping, entertainment, financial transactions, and more.

“Essentially, it’s a world of endless, interconnected virtual communities where people can meet, work, and play, using virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, smartphone apps, or other devices,” The Associated Press reports.

Metaverse Examples

You can already find examples of how metaverse technologies would work, particularly in video games. When Second Life launched in 2003, it was described as the first metaverse because it incorporated aspects of real-life into a virtual world, particularly the ability to socialize with other players and buy digital items with real-world money. Since that time, Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Active Worlds, the Palace, Decentraland, and more have continued in a similar fashion.

Metaverse Projects

Currently, Zuckerberg says, Meta is focusing on creating virtual office spaces where people working from home can gather as if in person, plus virtual homes people can design and host real friends for metaverse games. You will also be able to attend concerts, travel to distant cities and natural wonders, and, of course, shop for virtual clothes and goods that will exist in our virtual worlds.

But other companies are also working on their own metaverse projects. In 2017 Microsoft acquired virtual reality company AltspaceVR, a platform for “live, virtual events, empowering artists, brands, and businesses to easily design meaningful experiences that foster community and connection.” Microsoft also plans to integrate metaverse features into its Teams platform.

Google Create enables developers to create their own AR Experience, and its parent company has been investing in metaverse technology for some time. ARCore — Google’s AR developer platform — provides simple yet powerful tools for creating AR experiences. Google Earth VR enables users to explore the world without leaving their chairs. Its Google Earth Tour Creator also makes it possible to build immersive, 360° tours right from a computer.

Theoretically, once the technology is good enough, the possibilities for the metaverse are as broad as our imaginations.

If the metaverse is sparking your imagination, InApp can help. Our immersive and realistic AR/VR solutions open up possibilities in optimized training, captivating games and media, engaging AR/VR commerce, and more. Contact us for more information.

FAQ

What is the metaverse used for?

The metaverse uses tools based on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and emerging technologies to overlap the physical and digital worlds for end users. While still mostly a theoretical concept, the metaverse could be used for almost anything in the real world, including socialization, work, content creation, shopping, entertainment, financial transactions, and more.

What is Facebook’s metaverse vision?

Mark Zuckerberg, founder, and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook, Inc.), envisions the metaverse as a merger of the physical and digital world. “The defining quality of the metaverse will be a feeling of presence — like you are right there with another person or in another place. Feeling truly present with another person is the ultimate dream of social technology. That is why we are focused on building this. In the metaverse, you’ll be able to do almost anything you can imagine — get together with friends and family, work, learn, play, shop, create — as well as completely new experiences that don’t really fit how we think about computers or phones today.” Zuckerberg said in a Founder’s Letter posted online.

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Importance of Quality Assurance in Custom Software Development

Quality assurance (QA) serves a vital role in custom software development by identifying any errors in code or design before the final delivery. That ensures the reliability of the software once it’s released to the end-user.

But QA isn’t simply a task completed at the end of a project. Integrating QA mitigates risks at all stages. For example, the quality assurance team would start by defining the components of the deliverables. Next, they’d work through each step of the development process to ensure those goals are met by the code and design.

As a result, the final software application works properly without any bugs, and customers get a quality product that they are happy to use.

What is quality assurance?

QA helps to identify flaws in software code or design to ensure the final product is secure and performs as expected. It also prevents time delays and reduces costs by ensuring the software works as required when it’s released to the end-users.

How does quality assurance work in the development process?

Quality assurance starts when a software development project begins by helping with the initial requirements and setting the parameters to ensure the final product meets the client’s needs. That includes creating test cases and scripts as necessary throughout the process, as well as conducting final tests before the software is released.

The overall goal of quality assurance is to ensure that the client receives a solution that meets their needs and serves the intended purpose. In other words, it helps the client get the solution that they wanted and paid for.

What are the benefits of quality assurance?

QA offers benefits to any software project, including…

Quality

Security

Cost Savings

Time Savings

Customer satisfaction

Let’s discuss each benefit in detail.

Quality

Quality is one of the biggest benefits of QA, as the service is designed to create a product that works reliably. This process includes testing for functionality, security, usability, performance, and other factors. It ensures that the final product works as expected and meets the needs of both the customer and the end-user. That includes testing for user error or improper use that may cause the software to fail.

Security

Software security is a vital part of the QA process. Weaknesses in the software can compromise both the product and the users, including the risk of unintentionally disclosing confidential data. QA ensures the product’s safeguards work properly to prevent these issues.

Cost Savings

Fixing errors and bugs throughout the software development process also can prevent future issues. In the long run, that saves money by streamlining the process and preventing large-scale failures that will cost even more to solve later on.

Time Savings

Time and cost savings are closely related as bigger errors require more time and money to fix in later project phases. Additionally, fixing bugs at the end of the project can delay its release, adding more time (and expense) to the process.

Customer satisfaction

One of the most important benefits of QA is improving customer satisfaction for both the client and the end-user. Producing a high-quality product reflects on everyone in the process. QA ensures the software gives everyone exactly what they expect.

Conclusion

QA is a key part of creating a software application that works properly and serves the needs of the end-users.

InApp understands the importance of QA in customer software development. We have an in-house Independent Software Testing department that provides full-cycle QA and testing services, as well as custom testing for individual components.

Our certified International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) professionals use established testing protocols for each stage of your software product lifecycle, including development, implementation, and maintenance.

Contact us for more information.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

Top Tips for Writing Software Requirements That Get Results

Custom software development is a highly complicated and competitive business, and it requires significant investments in time and planning.

Typically, you begin with software requirements specifications or an SRS document. This document will keep you moving in the right direction, so you can get the results you want. If your business needs frequent software updates or development, you also should have a software requirements document template.

When outlining your requirements, it’s essential that you.

Understand the objective of the custom software

Decide on the development methodology

Specify the business requirements

Identify priorities

Determine the functional and non-functional requirements and methodologies

Set a comprehensive schedule

Define your priorities

The following tips can help you write a software requirements document that gets results.

Keep It Simple

Write in clear and concise language, and include only essential elements. Before writing the SRS, make a list of all the details that you need. Write your requirements in a way that presents the details that the developers must understand. But too much detail may be confusing.

Introduce Your Company

Briefly explain what your company does. Include information such as your business, market, targeted users, and previous software development projects.

Write a Good Project Summary

The project overview should include the problems to be solved by the software and the goals that it’ll achieve. Make the purpose of the project and users’ problems clear.

Ideally, this section should include.

Type of software development

A brief outline of the project

Business benefits

Problems to be solved

User benefits

Outcome

Define Target Audience

You want to impress current customers and win potential clients. Focus on them, and convey that clearly in the SRS. Include information such as their interests and preferences, demographics, skills, current app use, and pain points.

Provide Functionality Requirements

For successful results, clearly explain the functions you require in your software. Your developers will understand in advance what type of work is needed.

Technical Requirements

As a part of your technical requirements, provide the following details…

Need for any software synchronization

Device(s) on which the software will run

Whether the software will work online, offline, or both

Integration requirements with other software

Specify Non-Functional Requirements

Specify non-functional requirements of the software such as performance, security, user load times, etc. By conveying these requirements clearly to the developers, they’ll test the software accordingly and be bug-free.

Convey Design Ideas

If you have some ideas about what you’d like your software to look like visually, describe that in this section. Mention characteristics, colour, audio materials, and examples.

Write Down the Estimated Deadline and Budget

But, also be realistic about the numbers. Remember, you can adjust deadlines and budgets later on as the discussions evolve and the development work progresses.

Conclusion

Follow this software requirements document format to get the results you need. After in-depth discussions with all stakeholders, including outside developers, we recommend you write software requirements to ensure your project goes smoothly.

If you have any questions or would like to consult with us about a custom software idea, please contact us.

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Why User Interface Can Make or Break Your Custom Software

The user interface (UI) is the way a user interacts with your website or application. With a complicated UI, you may lose potential customers. So, your UI design can make or break your success.

A good UI will help your target audience understand your product and services. It’ll attract their attention and will keep them engaged for a longer duration. By facilitating good engagement with your visitors, a good UI will make it more likely that your visitors turn into customers.

During the user Interface design process, a common mistake is designing the UI solely on the basis of technical specifications. Developers may create a good looking UI without analyzing the preferences of targeted customers or understanding how they will interact with your site.

If visitors are not able to navigate easily, or if they require some kind of training to do so, then your application is not serving its purpose. Visitors have been shown to prefer products and services that are easy to use. They’ll stay away from anything that challenges them. Visitors also have shown to prefer conversational user interface design, which emulates a conversation with a real person.

Good UI design always starts with understanding the requirements of the potential clients for your custom software development project. It’s designed with the purpose of improving the usability and usefulness of your products. Ideally, it should be able to deliver a smooth and enjoyable experience to visitors. A good UI will enhance customer satisfaction by offering smoother usability and easier accessibility.

If you delve into the depth of the UI design process, you’ll find that it’s a complex and exciting field focusing not only on the aesthetics and content, but also on how to optimize the efficiency, responsiveness, and accessibility of your website.

Experienced developers can create a design that will meet visitors’ preferences. Also, an important part of the whole process is UI testing, where small user interface design issues will be adjusted to make it more appealing to the targeted audience

Ultimately, a good UI will help improve the conversion rate on your website.

A good UI will essentially improve…

User adaptability

Product performance

Brand awareness

Product differentiation

User satisfaction

Customer relationship

Sustainable growth

Customer loyalty

Following are some UI best practices…

Keep it simple in design and language

Avoid non-essential elements

Maintain consistency by using common elements.

To ensure user comfort and ease, only use elements that most potential clients know and understand

Choose textures and colours to draw attention to a particular element

Use defaults to reduce the burden of selecting users

Choose font types that improve readability and legibility

Conclusion

We’ve briefly explained the importance of UI and highlighted some of its best practices. If you’d like a detailed consultation about any aspect of UI, please contact us.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

How to Make Your Needs Crystal Clear to Custom Software Vendors

When you work with a custom software development vendor, it’s essential that you make your needs clear to get the best results.

To accomplish this, keep two ideas in mind for the successful completion of your project…

Detailed pre-planning

Effective communication

Pre-Planning of Custom Software Development

You should be able to describe your vision of the final product precisely. Identify integration issues and plan a budget with input from developers, designers, and other stakeholders. You’d be able to do it accurately if you answer the following questions.

What Basic Functionality and Features Are Needed?

The functionality will be determined by the issues requiring solutions. What is the purpose of your customized application? For example, is it to improve the user experience or collect data to make better decisions?

What Existing Systems Need to be Integrated?

Expect this important question to come up early during your discussions. Figure out where you need integration, as well as whether these tools are custom-made applications or platform-based offerings like content management systems, custom relation management solutions, or enterprise resource planning solutions.

What’s Your Budget?

Before you begin your journey of selecting a custom software business partner, you need to have some idea about your budget. However, be ready to adjust as you make progress on your project.

What Operating Systems Will Your Software Run On?

Determine the product specifications by keeping in mind the operating systems you will use.

Effective Communication

When you’re outsourcing software development projects, you’re going to work with a team located in another time zone, with a different work culture and business communication customs. You won’t meet with your team physically. However, they need to clearly understand your requirements. Effective communication will play an important role in the success of your project.

Communicate Consistently

Conduct and attend meetings regularly with a well-prepared agenda. Decide who will take the lead on specific subject matters in advance. You’ll set clear expectations and make everyone feel like part of the team.

Communicate Clearly

Communicate clearly and transparently. Use technologies such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication with offshore development teams. A centralized platform keeps all stakeholders in the loop and reduces the chance of miscommunications or misunderstandings.

Communicate Short- and Long-Term Goals

If your people lose focus and get distracted, it affects the development process. So, meet with your team frequently to communicate identifiable goals, both in the short term and the long term.

Modern Tools for Effective Communication

With advances in technology, you can use audio, video, emails, and chat tools for communication. Make full use of them, and also brief your team in advance on your preferred methods.

Some newer methods of communication:

Virtual chat rooms

Video conferencing

Project management systems

Conclusion

To make your project a success, plan well in advance, communicate effectively, and make use of project management platforms. If you have any questions, contact us.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

How to Identify the Right Custom Software Development Company for You

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella once said, “All companies are software companies.” It may sound hard to believe at first, but all organizations use software to raise their productivity, quality, and efficiency, as well as to manage their business operations optimally. In our technology-dominated world, the more successful an organization is, often the better it is at leveraging and integrating advancements in software.

If you’re looking for software to optimize your business processes, you can choose from off-the-shelf or custom software. However, as discussed here, custom software development scores higher than off-the-shelf software in lifetime costs, customization, overall utility, ownership, and flexibility. A good custom software developer often can deliver your project at a fraction of the cost of developing software in-house.

If you decide custom software is the right solution, you need to find the right software development company to deliver the best product for your current and future requirements.

How Do I Find the Right Custom Software Development Company?

Before scouting the market for outsourcing partners, you need to understand the custom software development process. Ask yourself the following questions:

How much is my budget?

When do I want the project to be completed?

What technical skills and technology are required for success?

What communication skills will meet the needs of my project?

How do I want all parties to collaborate on the project?

How will the project meet my company’s goals or help my customers?

What about future maintenance and updates?

Once you’ve determined the answers to these questions, here’s how to start your search.

Characteristics of a Good Custom Software Development Solutions Company

The selection of the right outsourcing partner is very important. Use this checklist to get started.

Create a List of Developers

First, make a tentative list of companies with solid backgrounds and proven track records. Collect information about their experience and specializations. Then, determine which companies can meet your requirements. Find out their approach to meeting business goals and deadlines. Gauge how passionate they are about technology.

Look specifically at their communication skills, business skills, and capability to handle complex projects. Make sure your future partner has all these qualities.

Deliver a Brief and Ask for Quotes

You know what you want. After clearly defined your needs, brief prospective partners. Then, ask for a quote with a detailed breakdown of costs. If you’re given a quote with all the details you sought, you’re on the right track.

Ask for Referrals

Once you’ve identified potential outsourcing partners, ask for a referral or two related to the kind of project you’re planning. A referral is a good way to learn about the company’s ability to deliver. That way you can get more accurate information on the company’s experience and, thus, its capability to collaborate successfully.

When talking to referrals, ask questions like…

Was the project delivered on time?

How were any problems on the project solved?

How many changes were made and why?

Was the final product the same as originally envisioned?

Did the project remain on budget?

Beware of Companies that Quote Very Low Costs

We all know you get what you paid for, most of the time. If custom software is important for your success in business, choose a partner with the skills and expertise, as well as reasonable market rates, not just the final cost.

Look at the Future Partner’s Market Credibility

Credibility is important. Look for a company’s reviews on internet platforms such as the clutch.co. It’ll give you insight into the company’s ability to design complex software and deliver it on time.

Review Portfolios

Exploring the prospective company’s past and current projects will give you a fairly good idea about the kind and size of the projects the company can execute. Based on the size of your project and the complexity involved, you can choose the right partner accordingly.

Know Their Technologies

Have discussions with prospective partners about the technologies that they use now, have used in previous projects, and recommend for your project.

Know Their Team

Learn about the potential partner’s team, their communication skills, methodologies, and software used for managing the projects. Try to understand how they work in teams, as well as what tools they use for planning and communicating among themselves and with outside partners. For example, many custom software companies use Agile Project Management Methodology, where the client is also part of the team.

Discuss Data Protection and Security

Security and protection of your data are a top priority. Look at your prospective partner’s track record on security issues, and ask how they protect your data. Also, evaluate their experience and expertise in vulnerability testing and encryption algorithms.

A product tailored to your own specific requirements will immensely benefit your operations and clients. With these suggestions, you can find the best custom software development company for your project.

Have any questions? Contact us.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

Why Does Your Company Need Digital Transformation?

Everyone is talking about “digital” — digital data, digital marketing, digital transformation, digital technologies, digital media, etc. But in this technology-dominated era, what does it mean to “go digital” or adopt digital transformation?

Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile services have changed our habits and lives. We’re almost all connected. If some are not, they will be soon. We’re living in a world where we can order everything on a mobile device. Now it’s become a fact — mobile is the future.

Before you implement your digital strategy, let’s understand what digital transformation is and what its benefits are.

What is digital transformation?

Digital transformation is the integration of digital technologies into all areas of your business operations. It brings many benefits to your organization and, ultimately, to your customers. It can make businesses more profitable and efficient, as well as build a more sustainable relationship with customers. It also brings fundamental changes in the way organizations to operate their business.

Why is digital transformation strategy important?

Simply going digital won’t bring many benefits to your organization. It needs to be implemented with a strategy in mind. Strategy is more important than technology, according to this MIT Sloan report.

With a digital transformation strategy, you’ll evaluate all processes, systems, workflows, and work cultures of your organization.

Digital transformation will collect data from all levels of your business to improve efficiency. Companies adopting digital transformation can take advantage of advanced processing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), IoT application development, SaaS platforms, and hybrid IT services to connect the dots on their customer’s journey. This was not possible before.

What are the benefits of digital transformation?

Increased productivity with reduced labour costs

Organizations will spend time and money updating their digital tools and training new employees. However, digital tools can raise efficiency and productivity, while keeping costs down.

Increased agility

Adopting digital transformation will make your enterprise more agile. If you’re a software company, it’ll improve your delivery time to the market and allow faster innovation.

Increased profits

Businesses that implement digital transformation improve their profitability and efficiency. According to this report by SAP Center for Business Insights and Oxford Economics, organizations adopting digital transformation experienced the following advantages:

85% increased their market share

80% reported increased profits

On average, 23% expected increased revenue over their competitors

Better customer experience

Customers always have high expectations. They want low prices, unlimited choices, and fast delivery. More than 60% of companies are competing on customer experiences, according to a report by Gartner. The right kind of digital strategy results in an improved customer experience, giving your business a competitive advantage.

Improved digital culture

With the right tools tailored to their needs and environment, digital transformation encourages digital culture, which is the way technology shapes how we interact as humans. It results in easier collaboration. Digital culture is also crucial for upskilling and digital learning in any organization.

Improved data collection

Digital transformation offers you a system for improved data collection. You can incorporate that data for business intelligence and insights, enabling your business to grow.

Increased security

By deploying artificial intelligence and analytics with a robust data-gathering infrastructure, you can prevent or reduce cyber threats.

Improved resource management

If you implement digital transformation correctly, it brings all your company’s software resources and databases into one place. Digital transformation can consolidate resources and information into a suite of business tools. It can integrate databases, applications, and software into a central repository. It encompasses every level of your business.

Conclusion

Digital transformation offers opportunities for increased profitability and cost savings with better data collection and an improved customer experience. In fact, it’s redefining the way businesses operate. And the pace of digital transformation in the world is expected to gather steam. Approximately 53% of all investments in information and communication technology by 2023 will be related to digital transformation, according to a report by IDC.

InApp has two decades of experience in empowering businesses with innovative solutions by helping our clients achieve greater data security, visibility, and control. If you have any questions, please contact us here.

FAQs

What is digital transformation?

Digital transformation is the integration of digital technologies into all areas of business operations. It results in many benefits to the organization and, ultimately, to their customers

What are the challenges in digital transformation?

One of the biggest challenges that you’ll face while implementing digital transformation is the integration of different systems into a consolidated workflow. You’ll have to sync your data management and security protocols.

What are the technologies in digital transformation?

Cloud Computing

Mobile phones and apps

IoTs

AI/ML

Digital twins

What are the common reasons that digital transformation in some organizations fail?

Lack of focus on people and culture

Poor communication

Not defining KPIs for your organizations

[digitaltransformationandtech]

Top 5 Digital Transformation Trends in 2021 and Beyond

If you look back at the past decade, you’ll remember a world of transition where digital and physical boundaries became blurred. By embracing digital transformation, many organizations have achieved competitive advantages in their industries. But in 2021 digital transformation is not a luxury for businesses — it’s a matter of survival.

At present, digital transformation has enabled most organizations to transition to collaboration workflows and remote working. It’s become crucial to align all operations, from supply chain management to customer experience.

Covid-19 has forced organizations to respond to new risks with new business models, and speed up their digital transformation processes to stay in business during a lethal pandemic. Businesses have already begun incorporating artificial intelligence, connected cloud, DevSecOps, and customer data platforms to deliver new customer experiences, ensure business continuity, and create resilient supply chains.

Here’re the top five digital transformation trends that will help business leaders succeed and stay competitive in 2021.

Data Analytics

Data analytics will become a mission-critical capability for organizations to flourish in the cut-throat digital ecosystem.

Most organizations already understand the value of data and its ability to unlock hidden potential. It’s an untapped goldmine. They’re stepping into this goldmine to lay the foundation for their digital transformation strategy.

Approximately 51.4% of businesses understand how to use data to their advantage, according to a study. They recognize that data analytics, along with artificial intelligence and machine learning, are the key drivers of their digital transformation journey.

Customer Data Platforms

The era is long gone when organizations could manage with single data management software, usually a CRM. Now it’s accepted that the data platforms such as DXP, CMS, and CRM miss some essential customer digital signals. These outdated systems can sometimes result in fragmented customer data and may result in unpleasant customer experiences.

For 2021, the customer data platform (CDP) is a growing digital transformation trend. The CDP is an integrated customer database. It helps businesses combine data collection, processing, consolidation, activation, and execution. It works both offline and online.

Connected Clouds

Connected clouds continue the evolution of cloud computing. It’s expected to cater to the evolving needs of companies. These needs vary and may include networking, digital security, or cloud-sourced storage. In this environment, companies don’t want to be dependent on a single choice of private or public clouds.

Digital Security

Approximately 37.3% of businesses say that “digital security is the biggest challenge on their path to digital transformation,”. As a result, many organizations have begun incorporating security culture and tools into each phase of their DevOps pipelines. This new approach is called DevSecOps, and it’s one of the top digital transformation trends of 2021.

DevSecOps can potentially strengthen the security and improve compliance levels of a company’s DevOps. They make sure that every digital product is secure, tested, and reliable before its release.

Artificial Intelligence

Organizations are making AI an integral part of their digital transformation strategy. That includes redesigning all their processes, core systems, and business strategies around AI and its possibilities. The end goal is to enable a digital environment where machines and humans collaborate to harness data-driven insights.

Conclusion

Other emerging technologies are also driving digital transformation in the business world. Some of these technologies include drone technologies, geospatial visualization, blockchain, 3D printing, etc.

Do you have plans to adopt digital transformation? Are you on the digital route? InApp has been helping our customers with their digital transformation strategy in many parts of the world. Our talented and experienced team is always ready to offer helpful insights. Please contact us here with any questions.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

Steps in the Effective Software Product Development Process

Software touches every aspect of our lives. But the software development process is complex, and projects can fail because they don’t consistently adhere to well-established processes. Following the right procedures is a must for delivering high-quality software products.

The software product development industry has witnessed rapid growth for some time. In fact, the custom software development segment was valued at $70 billion with a yearly growth rate of 5% in a late-2020 report, “Competitive Landscape: Custom Software Development Services” by Gartner.

As a result, it’s critical for software product development companies to take systematic steps in order to deliver high-quality products. They must diligently follow all steps, from product architecture, design, and development to market launch and maintenance.

Before learning about the steps involved in effective software product development, let’s review what it is and the benefits.

What is the Software Product Development Process?

Software product development entails a step-by-step plan or a logical process targeted at building a software product tailored to meet the needs of an organization or individuals. It involves all the stages needed for the delivery of a product, including key stakeholders, objectives, goals, and project timeline.

Benefits of the Software Product Development Process

Following are some of the benefits of adhering to the software product development process…

Better communication among the members of the software development team

Better product quality

Easier to work in cross-functional teams

Improvement in the efficiency of the development process

Clear responsibilities

Better use of resources

Accurate estimates

Reduced risk

Transparency in process

Quicker identification and resolution of problems

Customer satisfaction

7 Steps for Effective Software Development

Let’s have a look at the most common steps needed for effective software development and the delivery of the perfect product.

Brainstorming and planning

Brainstorming is the first step in the software development process. A project starts with a great idea. But meticulous planning is at the core of its successful implementation. It entails working out the scope of the project; defining means and methods; and planning for resources availability, cost, and timeframe to meet business objectives. When you made a clear plan, you’re ready to move forward.

Requirements and feasibility analysis

Now it’s time to define the project in detail and analyze its feasibility. Your developers need a deeper understanding of the objectives and goals of the project. For that, you need to collect all the requirements.

In the feasibility analysis, you need to look at technical and economic aspects: resources, time, and task estimates from the members of your team. That’ll help you in calculating ROI and project profit and cost.

UI/UX and design

Here you create the detailed product architecture that can meet the requirements of the project. It’s one of the most important stages of the software product development cycle. You draft initial visual concepts for the product.

Development and coding

In this phase, you write code and convert all your UI/UX and other design documents into actual code as part of the software development process. This phase is the longest and is the backbone of the whole process. It’s the responsibility of developers to make sure that the code meets the specifications and conforms to the requirements of all stakeholders.

Integration and testing

Once the software is developed and ready, you need to integrate the parts and then test the product as a complete unit. Your testing team will conduct a variety of tests such as functionality testing, user acceptance testing, system integration testing, etc., to make sure the code is bug-free and meets the business objectives. To learn about testing solutions at InApp, visit our site.

Implementation and deployment

Now it’s time to install the solution. You do it step by step according to the implementation plan. The application is moved to production. You may release it all at once or in stages depending on the complexity of the project. The product is ready for users to try out and see how it works.

Maintenance

This is the final stage of the software product development life cycle. You do regular maintenance and updates on the software. During this stage, you polish, upgrade and fine-tune the product after receiving real-world feedback from the end-users on its performance. You’ll have the opportunity to boost the functionalities and modify the capabilities per the user requirements.

Conclusion

As software product development is a complex process, you’ll need to approach it in an organized way by following all the steps in a cohesive plan. We highly recommend that you also follow product development methodologies. To learn more about agile methodology, please listen to the InApp podcast.

If you have any questions related to the software product development process, contact us.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

How Artificial Intelligence Detects Faces?

You might’ve heard about face recognition and its different applications. A face recognition system can identify people in videos or static images to put it in simple terms. Many fields use the technology for surveillance and tracking people. Some countries are using face recognition systems more widely than others. But while you may hear about it more frequently now, the technology has been in existence for decades.

Face recognition systems have become more powerful with the integration of Artificial Intelligence. These systems match a detected human image(s) with a database of faces. Typically, face recognition systems perform with 99.5% accuracy on public standard data sets.

With advances in Artificial Intelligence, face detection has gradually moved from computer vision techniques to increasingly complex artificial neural networks, deep learning algorithms, and other sophisticated technologies. The use of Artificial Intelligence has improved the technology to a very high level. It’s found many applications in face analysis, face tracking, and law enforcement, security, entertainment, personal safety, and biometrics.

Let’s have a look at how Artificial Intelligence-powered face recognition technology works.

How AI Face Recognition Works

You find it easy to identify the face of a friend, acquaintance, or family member in an image. You do that based on their features such as eyes, mouth, nose, forehead and how these characteristics appear together.

That is also how a face recognition system works. While you see a face and its features, face recognition technology sees data. The data is stored and accessed. The application of the face recognition algorithm varies and depends on use. The basic steps are as follows.

Step 1: Face detection

The camera locates and detects the image of your face either in a crowd or alone. The image may show you looking straight or in profile.

Step 2: Face analysis

The software analyzes the detected image. Most face recognition systems use 2D images rather than 3D images for convenience. The software reads the geometry of the detected face. It identifies the features of your face, such as the distance from your forehead to chin, the depth of your eyes, contours of your eyes, chin and lips, the depth of your eye sockets, and the shape of your cheekbones. The result will be the signature of your face.

Step 3: Image conversion to data

The face analysis process generates digital information data based on your facial features. It turns your face signature into a mathematical formula. This code is called a faceprint, like a fingerprint or a thumbprint. And it’s unique for each face.

Step 4: Match finding

In this step, your faceprint is compared against the faces in a database. Then it is matched and identified.

The FBI in the USA has access to a database of more than 650 million face images. Any photograph tagged in Facebook becomes a part of the company’s database, which can also be used for facial recognition.

But the technology holds challenges that are causing many organizations and advocacy groups to resist or oppose it.

Problems with AI face Recognition Technology

Potential Breach of Privacy

Technology is supposed to be very helpful to track down criminals. However, it is vulnerable to misuse by governments for surveillance of private citizens.

Vulnerability in Detection

The recognition is not 100% accurate. The process can be easily off the mark because of changes in camera angles, appearance, and sometimes face position.

Massive Storage Data

The Artificial Intelligence used for face recognition technology needs big data storage, which is not available to all organizations.

Conclusion

With many applications in various fields, the future of AI-powered face recognition technology is promising. As governments worldwide regulate its application by alleviating privacy concerns and eliminating loopholes for potential misuse, the industry will see immense growth opportunities in applications for surveillance, finance, security, education, and healthcare.

InApp has been working on creating face recognition systems for many years. If you have any questions or would like a consultation, please contact us.

FAQs

What is the difference between face detection and face recognition?

Face detection is the detection of a human face in a photo or a video. Face recognition is the confirmation of the identity of the face that is detected.

Where is face recognition being used?

Law enforcement

Unlocking phones

Finding missing persons

Border controls

Airports

Banking

Improving retail experiences

Reducing retail crime

Healthcare

Marketing

Recognizing drivers

Tracking worker and student attendance

What is Fisherface?

Fisherface is one of the algorithms used for face recognition. It’s popular and is considered superior to other algorithms such as eigenface.

What is an LBPH algorithm?

Local Binary Pattern Histogram (LBPH) algorithm can recognize both the front face and side face in facial recognition software.

[digitaltransformationandtech]

Top 6 Artificial Intelligence Trends You Should Know in 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–21 affected almost every industry and organization. It also brought significant changes in the way companies consider incorporating advances in technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continued development was not affected by the pandemic’s influence on the economy. In fact, applications of AI in businesses and people’s lives have increased — and look likely to continue in the future.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), spending on AI is projected at $97.9 billion by 2023. At least half of businesses started using AI in 2020, according to McKinsey’s November 2020 report.

Here are the top six AI trends in 2021 and beyond:

Ethical AI

Ethical AI is the leading trend in Artificial Intelligence. Some of the biggest tech companies (Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, etc.) focus on ethical AI and the four principles of effective data governance: transparency, accountability, fairness, and explainability.

The big tech companies want to provide an inside look into their AI systems and the extent to which these algorithms respect basic human values. They’ve begun encouraging other firms to accept ethical AI within their business strategies and requirements, and it’s considered an integral part of responsible AI.

AI ethics is an increasingly important trend given the growth in technology. Many businesses want to use Artificial Intelligence to solve major world problems such as climate change and ensuring diversity and inclusion. AI is even helping in stimulating economic growth and innovation.

Explainable AI

Companies are becoming more inclined to provide complete explanations of their Artificial Intelligence models to predict and suggest meaningful business insights, helping maintain transparency. It’s particularly incumbent upon the companies leveraging disruptive technologies to remain transparent with all their stakeholders. With advances in AI and new regulations, explainability will become a bigger focus.

AI in IoT

The use of Artificial Intelligence with the Internet of Things (IoT) is called AIoT. With the widening 5G network, AIoT presents huge opportunities for beneficial business solutions. It’s already bringing visible changes in automation. We can expect AIoT to assist with wearable devices and other products, from refrigerators to virtual assistance. AIoT aids with efficient decision-making by analyzing data without human intervention.

Increased Use of NLP in Finance Sector

In the past decade, we’ve seen exponential growth in data accompanied by computational power. Using this, the advances in Artificial Intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) technology have offered beneficial solutions to financial services companies. They are using NLP to process unstructured data to increase efficiency and unlock hidden value. The potential of structured data has been explored in the past. Now it’s time for unstructured data with NLP.

AI Chatbots

Businesses are deploying conversational AI chatbots to help in customer service automation. These chatbots are gradually using machine learning to develop customer communication further. They’re mostly used in healthcare, banking, and finance sectors with increased responsiveness and improved customer satisfaction. Their use will increase across industries looking for better customer management and efficient deliveries in the coming years.

Popularity of AIOps

With the increased complexity of IT systems, IT leaders improve their decision-making, process, and tasks with AIOps solutions that empower cross-team collaborations. AIOps solutions are helping in data correlation and integration IT operations. IT companies are looking for solutions that can combine multiple disciplines such as infrastructure, networking, etc.

Conclusion

AI is expanding in all industries, from chatbots on websites to NLP and automated speech recognition. Organizations are shedding their inhibitions, and people are becoming more receptive to AI developments.

The scope and possibilities of AI applications and innovation are huge. So it’s vital to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. If you’re looking for an AI application in your business, please contact us.