#Syndicode clients

[syndicode]

Procare Software acquires Kinderlime

We are happy to announce great news about Kinderlime, the ultimate timesaving software for daycare and after school, that we helped to develop. Recently we just shared with you that Kinderlime was in Top Leading Global Childcare Software Market Manufacturers and here it is, Procare Software ac...

[lulusofie-blog2]

14 payment systems for online business

Syndicode has compiled a list of the best payment tools to consider for your business. These options will expand the number of payment methods you can accept which will attract more clients, facilitate faster payment, and ensure a secure environment for both parties during every transaction you make.

When deciding which digital payment options your company will adopt, consider what your needs are and then pick the service that suits those needs.

What’s wrong with PayPal?

Undoubtedly, PayPal is one of the most trusted payment platforms online. It was one of the first that provided freelancers with a way to accept credit card and debit card payments without having to partner with a credit card processing company and face high monthly and transaction fees. Now it allows you to accept payment in foreign currency and then handles the currency exchange process for you with a minimal fee. Even Bitcoin now can be accepted there!

As a business owner, you know that with PayPal integration visitors can buy items from your site. You can also create, send and receive payments for invoices with this service.

Yes, it’s awesome. But why do we need an alternative?

PayPal is dominant for a reason — it has been around the longest, it’s spent millions enhancing its brand, and it provides all the standard functions you’d expect. However, that doesn’t always make it the best choice. Here’s why:

Not all clients can make PayPal payments. Some of your clients might not be in the area that PayPal accepts payments from, or their accounting systems don’t support PayPal.

Blocking risk. You don’t want all your online payments “in one basket”. PayPal is notorious for blocking accounts (sometimes, for no reason). That means you can’t receive payments or access your funds until they decide to unblock you. So alternative payment options are essential as a plan B.

PayPal is best for smaller amounts. The fees you pay for PayPal can really add up, especially for larger transactions. Other payment providers may charge lower fees, so you keep costs down (and that means greater profits).

PayPal’s international fees are really (really) high. If you dig into PayPal’s fees, you’ll see they charge a big premium for accepting international payments.

Combine this with less than ideal exchange rates, and you’ll pay a hefty overhead for any international business.

What are the best alternatives to PayPal?

Best payment systems for online business, alternative to PayPal

1.Square

Some people call Square a PayPal’s main competitor.

Square is a credit card processing company that provides a way for small businesses to accept credit cards without carrying the burden of all those fees that typically get added in by other credit card processors. You will be able to accept credit cards anywhere and process gift cards with their free magstripe reader that works with the Square app on smartphones and tablets. Features include fraud protection and deposits on demand with payments received in your bank account in one to two business days. You only pay per transaction with no set-up or monthly fees.

Square offers you a free online storage where you can list and sell your items and services. Items can be embedded onto your own website. These embeds act as the gateway for your customers to complete their transactions. Square also allows you the ability to send and receive payments on invoices. And the company offers a credit card reader for accepting payments in-person from customers.

2. Apple Pay

Sure, you know it! If you’re a merchant, then it’s time to consider accepting Apple Pay. Transactions are faster and more secure since Apple Pay uses touch ID confirmation. In other words, customers can use their fingerprint to pay for their purchase. Apple Pay is still relatively young, but don’t be surprised if the service will adapt to support older machines. Also, word on the street is that Apple is working on a P2P payments system within iMessage…

3.Stripe

Stripe was built for developers to create custom payment solutions, but it can also be used in its basic form. Even as a standardized payment platform, it is packed with features like integrated mobile payments for iOS and Android, checkout, the ability to add coupons and recurring billing. As a global payment option, it works with over 100 currencies, as well as Bitcoin and local payment instruments like Alipay. You can also accept digital payment services like Apple Pay, Android Pay, and AmEx Express Checkout.

It has powerful and flexible API that allows you to tailor the platform to meet your specific needs. Stripe integrates with hundreds of other applications, so even if you’re not a professional coder, you can get up and running quickly. The lack of setup, monthly, or hidden fees is an added bonus.

Once Stripe payment forms are embedded onto your company’s website, you can begin accepting digital payments from your customers. Stripe works across multiple devices with no extra work on your part.

4.Due

Due made a name for itself through its innovative time-tracking and invoicing tools, which are especially useful for freelancers and small business owners. More recently, Due has allowed users to start accepting secure online payments for just a 2.7 percent transaction rate. Due also accepts global payments, which typically occur within two business days, as well as a digital wallet to send or receive money to anyone in the world instantly with little to no cost. It even has an e-bank where you can store your cash online.

5.Amazon Payments

Payments through Amazon enable you to accept digital and online payments from your customers. Whenever they make a purchase on your site, they automatically go through Amazon’s checkout. This means that they’ll use their Amazon credentials, which makes the checkout process more convenient and trustworthy. After you sign up for a free Amazon account, you’ll be able to create copy-and-paste code that you place on your website. When your site’s visitors want to purchase an item there, they’ll be directed to complete the transaction through Checkout by Amazon.

6.Dwolla

Dwolla is a developer-friendly payments system that lets you customize how you make and receive recurring, bulk or single payments. Offering a free account with no transaction fees, it only links to a U.S. bank account or credit union account.

Dwolla has similar features to PayPal when it comes to transferring funds, but thanks to its API, it focuses more on bank transfers, or ACH payments, so users can create a customized payment solution where payments are received within a day. However, Dwolla is strictly made for making payments within the U.S.

Dolla allows you to send and receive money through your email. This is not an app that allows you to accept credit cards, but Dwolla admits that many businesses run its app alongside another credit card reader.

7.PayStand

PayStand is part of a new generation of payment system for small businesses. It promises users no transaction fees. Instead, PayStand offers monthly flat fees to use it. PayStand allows you to accept all forms of payment from credit cards, e-cash, e-checks, foreign monies, and Bitcoins. You can embed product codes onto your website or into emails. Transactions are completed through a pop-up window rather than directing you to a third-party site.

8.Payoneer

Payoneer is one of the oldest global payment processing services. It is available in more than 200 countries and accepts 150 different currencies. Receiving payments is free, and the platform includes a flexible API that grows with your business. Like with PayPal, you can receive a plastic MasterCard if you aren’t ready to go 100 percent digital.

9.Braintree

Braintree is a part of PayPal and took the best payments expertise from parent service. But also Braintree expanded the list of available options for your customers. Except for basic functions of accepting credit card payments from your customers on your website and mobile app, there are also features that allow you to set up recurring payments and other transactions from your clients.

There are no extra fees, including no fees for refunds, inactivity or failed transactions. You only pay for those transactions you actually carry out.

The service says you — and an experienced web developer — can integrate Braintree onto your website or mobile app in about a half-hour.

10.2Checkout

2Checkout focuses on global payment acceptance, providing you with a secure and compliant gateway to do business in nearly every country around the world. It offers both online and mobile platforms for payments, including numerous language and currency options, recurring billing, hosted checkout and fraud protection. You can accept all major credit and debit cards as well as PayPal, and then get paid by bank or wire transfer.If you’re approved by 2Checkout, you’ll have the option to choose between a Plug-and-Play integration or one of 2Checkout’s shopping carts. Once a customer clicks on a “Buy” button, they’ll be directed to 2Checkout’s secure payment page. Once the transaction is complete, your customers will be sent back to your website.

11.Authorize.net

Authorize.net has been processing payments since 1996 and stays current today. Authorize.net is a payments gateway that offers US and some international transactions for small to medium-sized businesses. You can accept all major credit cards, signature debit cards, e-checks and digital payment options like Apple Pay, PayPal and Visa Checkout. Other features include automated recurring billing, a free suite of security and fraud prevention tools.

12.Google Wallet

Once known as Google Checkout, Google Wallet is an online payment service that allows users to send safe, simple, and speedy money transfers from their browser, smartphone, or Gmail account. You can store credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and even gift cards to your account. Google Wallet allows you to offer your customers an easy way to check out when they want to purchase items on your mobile app. Wallet users can sign in to your app through Google+ and will be able to speed through a typically arduous checkout process in just two taps of their screen. Google Wallet also lets you send and receive money through your email.

13.Shopify

You should have heard of it. Shopify allows you to set up an online store, which you can host at your own domain. There are three tiers of monthly payment options and the more you pay for those, the less your transaction fees cost. There is an easy-to-use backend to Shopify that tracks your sales, payments, and customer information.

14. Wepay

Wepay is an online payments processing platform that is completely customizable. Its standard payments solution is fully integrated into your business, offers fraud prevention and fraud detection tools, direct bank transfer, recurring payments and multi-party payments, all major credit cards and ACH payments. WePay prides itself on its top-notch customer service and fraud protection. Merchants, however, like the fact that customers can make their purchases without having to leave their site, thanks to a virtual terminal. WePay also offers Know Your Customer collection and risk management and can be used for invoicing, event ticketing, and marketing automation.

You can find the current fees for payment systems mentioned above on their official sites. When you’re comparing payment services, here’s some useful advice:

Always look at all the fees. Some payment processors charge hidden fees. Always review the entire fee schedule so you can do a like-for-like comparison.

Explore other supported features. If you want recurring billing, subscription services, the point of sale support, or other options, make sure you understand all of the features.

Custom Integrations. Explore options for customizing the API and integrations with other apps to help all your various SaaS apps work together better.

Surely, there are more payment systems to compete with PayPal. And it’s up to you choose which one is more convenient to you. Make your choice!

[inventiba]

Extensiva Guía & Terminología UX & UI [9/11]

A propósito del extenso artículo de Irene Korkishko (Syndicode) sobre UI & UX, preparamos 11 pequeños artículos con lo mejor. 

Proceso de diseño UI

Levantamiento de Requerimientos.

Esta etapa cubre el ensamble de la lista de funciones requeridas para cumplir los objetivos del proyecto y las necesidades potenciales de los usuarios. Usualmente, esta etapa comienza justo después de la sesión de descubrimiento con el cliente.

Análisis de tareas y usuario

Este es el estudio de cómo los usuarios potenciales realizarán las tareas que el diseño debe soportar. Esta etapa está conectada con la investigación de usuario que realizamos como parte del proceso de diseño de UX

Arquitectura de la Información

Este proceso ubre el desarrollo del proceso de flujo de información del sistema. Durante esta fase, elegimos los estilos de interacción UI, patrón de diseño y técnica de visualización.

Prototipos

Esta etapa cubre el desarrollo de prototipos, wireframes, mockups , pantallas de interacción simple, etc.

Inspección de Usabilidad

Esta inspección puede ser usada para evaluar prototipos o especificaciones para el sistema, el cual usualmente no puede ser probado en usuarios. Los métodos de inspección de usabilidad son un recorrido cognitivo, evaluación de heurísticas y recorrido pluralístico.

Pruebas de Usabilidad. 

Las pruebas de UI permiten comprender la recepción del diseño desde el punto de vista del espectador. Usualmente, durante las pruebas de usabilidad se les solicita a los usuarios completar tareas para ver dónde encuentran problemas y experimentan confusión.

Diseño de Interfaz de Usuario Gráfica (GUI)

Este es el look & feel (o apariencia general) definitivo del diseño de interfaz de usuario gráfico. En esta etapa, decidimos la comunicación visual y resolución de problemas a través del uso de los elementos gráficos.

Mantenimiento de Software.

El mantenimiento ocasional viene después del despliegue para corregir bus del software, cambios de características o una actualización completa del sistema.

[goodcore101]

Custom software development process stages

One by one, here I described all development stages for custom software we follow in Syndicode (the agency I work in). Custom software development process stages in details.

In my custom software development handbook, I talked about and shared different nuances to consider before someone hired a dedicated development team to work on a product. In addition to access to the core business data, signing an NDA, and many other non-functional but important issues, you have to understand custom software development process stages.

Custom software development is an iterative process that goes through defined process stages to implement all the required features and reach the desired result. Even if we aim to create a custom product specifically tailored for the specific group of users or an organization, the development process still heavily depends on software development methodology your software development partner follows. (For example, Syndicode follows Agile methodology). But the main iteration stages are pretty similar.

Сustom software development process

includes the next stages:

Analysis and Planning

— a collection of requirements,

— research,

— changes management,

— risk management,

— software architecture.

Design

Development

— backend development,

— frontend development.

Quality Assurance and testing

Intermediate deliveries

Documentation

Maintenance (software evolution)

Reporting

If you’re looking for details, here they are.

Analysis and Planning

Collection of requirements in custom software development is a cornerstone. At this stage, we understand the niche, business values and plans of our client. Whether the client wants to launch a web app for logistics or develop an IoT platform, together we need to go through a Discovery Session. This is a meeting (online or offline) between client’s and developer’s team the main purpose of which is to define a tech stack and product’s features to be implemented. Tech stack for custom software development might contain a bunch of different technologies like Ruby, PHP, NodeJS, GoLang, Python, Swift, Kotlin, Elixir and so on… They are defined according to a technical specification created by software architect or lead developer. Find out the other Discovery Session tasks, key participants, timeframe and results.

Software development research aimed to understand the current tech trends and main characteristics of the technologies meant to be used in this particular project. All the difficulties and best practices count. Apart from the tech side, project manager and business analyst do research about implementation and maintenance prospects. SWOT for current competitors should be prepared as well. After this research, we usually create a plan for the software development process and wait for the client’s approval.

Changes management helps us to prepare, equip for and adopt all the possible changes that might appear during the process of custom software development. Because we might face changes in tech, design, business needs and priorities from the client or even the end-user anytime. Changes management is connected with risk management in software engineering. Here, risk management stands for risk containment and mitigation. We should be ready to act when a risk arises, drawing upon the experience and knowledge of the entire team to minimize the impact to the project.

There are 5 types of risks you can face working in a software development company:

New technologies (that are not tested yet)

Functional requirements There is a risk that the change in elemental requirements will likely propagate throughout the entire project, and modifications to user requirements might not translate to functional requirements.

System architecture Wrong platform, component, or architecture can have disastrous consequences.

Performance Users’ and client’s expectations on performance should be met no matter the changes and failures occurred during the process of product development.

Organizational This risk heavily depends on reliability and professional skills of your software development partner.

Design

If you’re developing a web or mobile application, one of the major things you need to get right is the way your app looks and feels. For example, if your field is eCommerce, a poorly designed app will lose you many potential customers. That is why visual design, your brand identity and user experience of your digital product play one of the most significant roles. I devoted a whole page to describe the purpose of the great UI/UX design, the main terms, history, some examples and processes for design development — read a comprehensive UI/UX design guide.

Development

Backend development handles the functionality of web applications. You can’t see it on the screen but every interaction in the human-computer system is possible thanks to backend development. Backend development refers to the server side of development where you are primarily focused on how the site works. It is code that manages user connections, connects the web to a database, and powers the web application itself.

Here in Syndicode, we work with many different languages for backend development, but Ruby is our language of choice. Ruby on Rails (Ruby’s main framework) backend development helps the workload become easier for the architects and developers through the collection of pre-packaged codes that make the development of the backend seamless and fast. It makes the entire programming a lot speedier and more profitable. As far as most businesses now want to get a web application, I compiled the list of the reasons why Rails is ideal for web app development. And here you can explore the examples of the most famous web applications built with Ruby.

Talking about frontend development I mean everything you can see on the screen. Look, feel and design — that are the 3 main parts generated by code for your digital product in frontend development. Frontend development is focused on the client side of development and responsible for seamless user experience.

In Syndicode, we use JavaScript and its main frameworks like React and Angular (and explore Vue.js as we see a lot of potential use cases for it). Also, we work with CSS and HTML.

For custom mobile development we use Ruby on Rails for mobile backends and RESTful APIs. When there’s no need for heavy effects or computations we use React Native. This technology is beneficial for marketplaces and CRM, or projects where you need just to duplicate what you have on the web and add some geofencing, notifications, and other mobile features. For native development of iOS applications, we use Swift. The same story with Android SDK — we choose it in cases when features could be implemented only in native tech stack. Also, when it’s required in the project, we work with Python, Node.js, and PHP. Also, we are big fans of Flutter.

Of course, the tech stack for custom software development might have every possible configuration, depending on the client’s needs, and we are not bound to one technology just because we like it.

QA and testing

Quality assurance is a set of activities for ensuring quality in software engineering processes. This stage ensures that software meets and complies with the defined or standardized quality specifications. QA is a process that checks the developed software to ensure it meets the desired quality measures.

Software testing is the process of checking developed software for any mistakes or bugs. This helps to validate and eventually verify the product as to whether it is ready for the market.

What is the difference between QA and testing? Put is simply, QA enhances the quality via improvement of the development process and testing enhances it via finding bugs.

Intermediate deliveries

Intermediate deliveries great because they help to provide a fast feedback loop that immediately show developers the effects of their work. Mistakes are fixed quickly, while beneficial changes can be released and deployed to customers without having to wait for a distant future release date. Find the example of continuous integration and delivery with Github, Gitflow, and Jenkins.

Documentation

Development documentation stage encompasses all written documents and materials dealing with software product development. Except for pre-development documentation (where you should describe:

vision statement;

initial assessment document with stages of development;

roadmap;

technology stack;

software requirements specifications;

wireframes and UX roadmap),

you also should add documents created in course of the software engineering process. There are only two main types of them:

coding documentation;

testing documentation.

Also, software development agency must provide post-development documentation that includes:

support papers, and

users manual.

Maintenance

Software maintenance is a continuation of the collaboration with the client to improve, modify and update software product after delivery to correct faults and to improve performance. There are 4 categories of software maintenance:

Corrective — to rectify some bugs detected while the system is in use, or to improve the performance of the system.

Adaptive — to modify and update when the customer needs the product to run on new platforms/operating systems/hardware/software.

Perfective — to support the new features or to change functionalities according to the customer’s demands.

Preventive — to prevent future problems of the software. Some problems might be not significant at this moment but may cause serious issues in the future.

Reporting

Reporting helps us to inform our client about the current stage of development or issues found or solved during the software development process. This is a critical part of effective project communications and management strategy. As in the early stages of development so as in the middle and when the product is released, we prepare a project status report. Also, there is a project management report that includes:

general product info;

status Info;

milestone review;

project summary;

issues and risks;

projects metrics, and so on.

Reporting keeps the client updated to what is happening with the custom software during its development. And reporting generates trustful relationships between a software development company and the client which guarantees transparency and loyalty — the key factors of successful cooperation.

This part of the story was related to the process you’ll go through while developing your product. But there are also aspects a business owner should consider long before the development starts. Such aspects as innovations. To be successful you have to embrace new technologies and hacks available nowadays. Do you want to know what innovations can grow your business and save money?

Thanks for reading!

(Content Source: https://syndicode.com/2019/05/23/custom-software-development-process-stages/ )

[syndicode]

Medbelle raises $7M for ‘digital hospital’

You know, we are always the first to announce good news, especially about our clients. We just shared the news about Medbelle won AO Foundation’s Pitch & Preach startup competition. And now Medbelle raises $7M for ‘digital hospital’ and we are not going to miss that great news. Medbelle is t...

[syndicode]

UKRAVIT launched its online store

A few years ago Syndicode developed CRM system to streamline everyday work of UKRAVIT’ managers with agro-enterprises and distributors all over Ukraine. Since then we are watching their fast growth and are always glad to share the good news. This time, UKRAVIT launched its online store. The ...

[syndicode]

Ukravit modernizes its production

Syndicode is always here when it’s time to share some news about Ukravit. They are constantly improving their technologies and these opportunities will provide power for the implementation of more innovative ideas. Today we are going to tell you about Ukravit modernizes its production. We a...

[syndicode]

Kinderlime in Top Leading Global Childcare Software Market Manufacturers!

Do you try to find a one-stop solution for daycare and after school to save time and money? We have one in mind! We are talking about Kindelime – the ultimate timesaving software for daycare and afterschool. And we have great news for you! Kinderlime in Top Leading Global Childcare ...

[syndicode]

The interview with ThredUp president Anthony Marino

Recently we were happy to announce that thredUP was among 6 resale sites that help you make some money. And today we are ready to present you the interview with ThredUp president Anthony Marino. We invite you to read it with us. The online secondhand marketplace is based on a model that serves ...

[syndicode]

Kinderlime received two awards from Capterra!

Kinderlime is the ultimate timesaving software for daycare and afterschool. This year Syndicode made it possible to speed up Kinderlime web server response time and reach the brand new quality of the existing functionality. And now we are proud to announce that Kinderlime received two awards fro...

[syndicode]

Nova Poshta signed a five-year contract with IKEA

In 2015 Syndicode helped Nova Poshta with Developers Portal for API Documentation. In four years this express-delivery service had dramatically improved its quality and opened hundreds of new departments in Ukraine. Now we are proud to announce that Nova Poshta signed a five-year contract with...

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'Modern Technologies of Plant Protection' research center will be soon opened by Ukravit

Syndicode is always happy to share the news about Ukravit. And now we can announce great news: ‘Modern Technologies of Plant Protection’ research center will be soon opened by Ukravit. UKRAVIT Group is Ukrainian national leader in the market for plant protection products and micro ...

[syndicode]

UKRAVIT launches new production plant in Cherkasy

A few years ago Syndicode developed CRM system to streamline everyday work of UKRAVIT’ managers with agro-enterprises and distributors all over Ukraine. Lately, we were happy to share the news that Ukravit was recognized as the most responsible taxpayer in Ukraine. Now we’re inspired to t...

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Best startups in Berlin in 2018

Syndicode had helped many promising startups to launch, and some of them got the true popularity in 2018. One of it, Movinga, was earlier included to the list of the most innovative startups in Germany. At the end of 2018, we’re happy to share with you the list of the best startups in ...

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Ukravit opens the internship program

UKRAVIT Group is Ukrainian national leader in the market for plant protection products and micro fertilizers. In 2017 Syndicode developed CRM system to streamline everyday work of UKRAVIT’ managers with agro-enterprises and distributors all over Ukraine. Now we’re happy to share the news a...

[syndicode]

Medbelle won AO Foundation’s Pitch & Preach startup competition!

Medbelle is the best-rated medical provider in the UK, a startup that revolutionize the way patients interact with the healthcare system by providing a highly personal experience from start to finish. Syndicode is happy that we had a chance to contribute to this healthcare startup to help...