<p>Until very recently, the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/how-to-build-a-successful-saas-platform-from-scratch">Software-as-a-Service model</a> was something large corporations offered their clients. It meant years of development, thousands of people writing the code 24/7, and fabulous amounts of money. Well, things have dramatically changed.</p>



<p>Today, even small startups can deliver their product ideas to their customers through SaaS solutions and build the latter even with limited budgets. You just need to figure out <strong>how to outsource SaaS product development and what to consider when looking for a tech vendor</strong>. Here’s what you need to know.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/saas-outsourcing.png" alt="Decision-makers discuss a new SaaS development project." class="wp-image-6338"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Few More Words on the Concept of Software as a Service</h2>



<p><strong>Software as a Service (SaaS) is a web application delivered to end users over the Internet</strong>. Rather than installing and managing software on their own devices, SaaS provides a subscription-based model that helps users conveniently access the complete application, along with its IT infrastructure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Do Businesses Transition to SaaS?</h3>



<p>There’s a multitude of reasons behind many SaaS development outsource options. The key drivers behind this strategic transition range from scalability and accelerated development to quick deployment and enhanced security.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/why-businesses-transition-to-saas.png" alt="An infographic explaining 5 reasons why businesses transition to SaaS" class="wp-image-6358"></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Scalability</h4>



<p>There’s no need to worry about servers crashing if the number of users suddenly increases. Transitioning to the SaaS model implies that companies can expand their infrastructure capabilities as needed without purchasing new hardware and other necessary components. Costs in such an approach will be much lower than upgrading one’s own equipment.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Accelerated Development</h4>



<p>Local applications need to be developed and tested for various platform combinations like device hardware, operating systems, security settings, etc. In contrast, SaaS applications are created in a unified controlled environment. It significantly simplifies and speeds up development, debugging, and support.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Quick Deployment</h4>



<p>Deploying local applications within a company can take months. With SaaS, it’s enough to set up the application once to meet the company’s requirements and then distribute logins and passwords to its employees. This leads to another advantage — a short sales cycle. With SaaS, there’s no need to spend weeks or months building customer relationships and planning deployment. The time saved can be used to improve the product and enhance customer service.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Multi-User Architecture</h4>



<p>All application’s users share a centralized infrastructure and code. It allows for a quick update release and saves time on code enhancements.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Database Security</h4>



<p>Standard security protocols provided by SaaS database providers include SSL and TLS encryption. They secure user messages and data. On top of that, the SaaS model allows for easy and fast integration of additional protocols to enhance security.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SaaS Development: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Tech Vendor</h2>



<p>The point of delegating a complex tech project to a third party is to find a professional team that would bring the necessary expertise to the table. While you don’t have to be really dev-savvy to outsource SaaS development, you’ll have better chances to choose the right vendor if you at least understand the development process basics. Here are the most essential aspects of a SaaS development project.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SaaS Architecture</h3>



<p>SaaS applications’ architecture is designed to meet business needs like requirements for <strong>reliability</strong>,<strong> fault tolerance</strong>, and <strong>financial</strong> <strong>capabilities</strong>.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p></p>
<cite>Today, multi-tenancy architecture serves as the foundation for nearly every SaaS product operating in the cloud. It helps reduce costs, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, ensure scalability, and enable rapid deployment of updates.</cite></blockquote>



<p>In <strong>cloud computing</strong>, there is a concept called “<strong>multi-tenancy</strong>,” where multiple customers (tenants) of a cloud service provider use the same computing resources and operate within a shared environment. Even though tenants share the infrastructure and resources, they are isolated from each other.</p>



<p>In other words, each company is physically integrated but logically separated. You can think of it like real estate.</p>



<p>Imagine the cloud as a building. Living in a private house far from neighbors isn’t land efficient and requires property maintenance.</p>



<p>Multi-tenancy is like living in an apartment building. Everyone has the same security system, but each tenant has their own key to their apartment, ensuring their privacy. Tenants can make modifications or furnish their apartments according to their requirements and preferences, just as a company configures its portion of the cloud infrastructure.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Let’s discuss your project in detail.<br>Launch with Rocketech.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a free call</button></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Components</h3>



<p>An application’s main features set one app type apart from another. However, there are key components every SaaS solution must have.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Customizable Infrastructure</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>One of the advantages of using SaaS architecture is the customizable infrastructure that can be <strong>expanded or scaled down based on business requirements</strong>. For example, customers can decide which components benefit their business and pay only when necessary. At the end of a paid period, customers can return to their previous infrastructure model.</p>



<p>SaaS users purchase their software in a billing system on a monthly or yearly basis. Their requirements may increase or decrease depending on their business needs and consumer demand, so having a customizable infrastructure is essential.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Subscription-Based Pricing Model</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>The SaaS application’s essence lies in its high availability. This service is extended through a <strong>flexible billing cycle</strong> that allows customers and business users to use what they want, as much as they want.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>CRM System</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is what sets a SaaS application apart from other applications. Since SaaS offers a shared platform for multiple tenants, it requires a <strong>unified repository for multiple customer accounts</strong> and their account information for management purposes.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Automated Provisioning</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Automated provisioning in SaaS means delivering the application to customers automatically, <strong>without manual steps</strong>, for smoother operation. This automation streamlines the setup and delivery of the software, making it more efficient and user-friendly.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Support and Analytics</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>The support and analytics module of a SaaS application provides <strong>a set of tools for platform management and performance tracking</strong>. As a result, SaaS providers satisfy customer expectations, and business providers can improve customer service quality and meet market requirements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud</h3>



<p>There are three ways to deploy a SaaS application.</p>



<ol style="list-style-type:1">
<li><strong>Public Cloud</strong>: The service is hosted in <strong>a general-use</strong> <strong>infrastructure</strong>. For example, multiple companies can use the same server, and the device’s capacity is shared proportionally based on the business needs of each.</li>



<li><strong>Private Cloud</strong>: The software is hosted in <strong>an infrastructure exclusively used by one company</strong>. Typically, the equipment is within the company’s own network. Private clouds have limitations in scalability compared to public or hybrid clouds, which may require significant infrastructure investments when launching the application in the market.</li>



<li><strong>Hybrid Cloud</strong>: This is a <strong>combination of public and private clouds</strong>. For instance, a bank might store customer data in a private cloud and expand its computing power using a cloud provider.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tech Stack</h3>



<p>The choice of a technology stack is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success, cost, and performance of your software development project. <strong>Choosing the wrong tools can lead to project failure</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-tech-stack.png" alt="A visual explaining what a technological stack is." class="wp-image-6330"></figure>



<p><strong>A wise choice of the technical stack is one of the key criteria for the successful launch of any product</strong>, especially when it comes to SaaS services. Opting for exotic development tools can make the software complex to update and support in the long run.</p>



<p>A prime example is the Ruby on Rails framework. When it first came out, clients worldwide urged providers to use this new and trendy platform for their projects, even migrating their existing applications to RoR. However, it soon became apparent that working with it wasn’t as straightforward as everyone thought.</p>



<p>Once more user-friendly frameworks started to emerge, the popularity of RoR significantly declined. Today, most Ruby projects are maintained at a high cost, as demand for support remains, while the number of developers in this stack has dwindled.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-primary-color has-gray-100-background-color has-text-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>The most reliable way to avoid making a wrong choice is to start with a <strong><a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" data-type="link" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery phase</a></strong>. If done correctly, the developers experienced in the same niche or product type create the project’s detailed roadmap that also includes technical requirements and the instruments necessary to meet them — the <strong>tech stack</strong>.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Bonus: Code Blueprints to Cut the Time</h2>



<p>The more competitive your business environment is, the more critical <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/from-idea-to-launch-the-startups-guide-to-reducing-time-to-market">the time it takes you to deliver your product to your end user</a> becomes. One of the most efficient ways to cut time to market is to use already existing instruments and their proven mixes to avoid reinventing the wheel while implementing standard, most-required functionality.</p>



<p><strong>Our Technical Lead, Olexandr, explains this process with specific examples</strong>.</p>



<p>“Consider this scenario. You have a mobile application. And the task is to integrate a payment system for both Apple and Android platforms. If, let’s say, you’re venturing into this for the first time, the <strong>traditional approach</strong> would be to delve into the intricacies of the Apple Store and Google Play specifications. You’d need to develop and test the integration for each platform separately, which can be quite time-consuming.</p>



<p>However, there is an <strong>alternative approach</strong>. You could opt for a ready-made service like <a href="https://www.revenuecat.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer">RevenueCat</a>, which offers a more streamlined solution. RevenueCat can seamlessly work with both Apple and Android platforms right out of the box, and it even supports various payment services as a bonus. This approach saves you a considerable amount of time and minimizes the testing effort. Additionally, it provides valuable statistics on all purchases and transactions.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text"><p>So many instruments were written before us. We just need to learn how to use them efficiently in our favor.</p></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sasha-kulik-2.jpg")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name">Olexandr Kulyk</div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">Solutions Architect, Technical Lead, Rocketech</div></div></div></div>



<p>Let’s explore another example. A client comes to you with the idea of creating a cryptocurrency exchange platform. The platform needs to handle the conversion of dollars into cryptocurrencies and vice versa. But this venture also requires some form of basic accounting software to manage transactions, account balances, tax calculations, and profit margins.</p>



<p>You have two options here. The first option is to build this accounting software from scratch, which would consume a significant amount of time and risk introducing errors, particularly in the financial calculations. Alternatively, you can integrate an existing service that simplifies the process. With such a service, you can execute commands like:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="816" height="250" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image.png" alt="An extract of programming code to explain an example" class="wp-image-6334"></figure>



<p>Here, you specify the currency, amount, source, destination, and percentage, and the service will handle all the calculations for you. Moreover, it typically provides a ready-made dashboard with built-in statistics.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="3840" height="1320" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-1.png" alt="A screenshot to illustrate an example." class="wp-image-6336"></figure>



<p>In both of these examples, the key takeaway is the advantage of leveraging existing services to expedite the development process, reduce the potential for errors, and gain access to valuable data insights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outsourcing SaaS Development: Why Rocketech?</h2>



<p>Once SaaS product development outsourcing becomes one of the near-future plans, you need to find a reliable tech vendor to execute the project. As a full-cycle custom software development services provider, Rocketech takes projects at any stage and walks the extra mile to ensure the client’s success.</p>



<p>We don’t just promise; we deliver results. Considering SaaS website design and development outsourced? We are here. Have only a business idea and need to test its feasibility? We’ll guide you all the way through the process.</p>



<p><strong>With our proven strategies of reducing time to market, we guarantee our clients early market entry and fast delivery of even the most daring ideas</strong>.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Curious how we deliver faster than the competitors keeping the highest quality?<br>We are happy to share.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>


SaaS Development Outsourcing: What Vendors Don’t Tell You

<p>Typically, just one in ten <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-mobile-app">mobile app development</a> projects turns out profitable. While the usage of smartphones is on the rise, the number of mobile products is also increasing. At the same time, the average session time is decreasing, and user attention is becoming progressively more valuable with each passing year. <strong>In these highly competitive environments, custom mobile app development for startups turns from a luxury option into a business requirement</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/app-dev-for-startups.png" alt="Developers discussing wireframes and designs for a new mobile app for a startup." class="wp-image-6250"></figure>



<p>Do you have a startup product idea but don’t know what to begin with? Our <strong>guide on app development for startups</strong> will help you get your ducks in a row.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Does a Startup Need a Mobile App?</h2>



<p>Essentially, startups are projects with low budgets and high risks. That’s why mobile app development for startups is an instrument they use to test business hypotheses and, ideally, find investors for further rapid expansion. Here are <strong>seven reasons why your startup does need a mobile solution</strong>.</p>



<ul type="1">
<li><strong>Quick Market Presentation</strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>



<p>With a well-designed app, they can showcase their products or services, highlight their unique selling points, and create a lasting impression on potential customers.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Convenient Sales Channel</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Mobile apps provide a convenient method for startups to sell their products or services directly to their target audience. By offering a seamless and user-friendly purchasing experience, startups can maximize their reach and increase their sales potential.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Constant Customer Engagement</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Mobile apps enable startups to establish and maintain constant communication with their customers. Through push notifications, personalized offers, and in-app messaging, startups can keep their customers engaged, informed, and loyal to their brand.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Direct Feedback</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Mobile apps allow startups to gather direct feedback from their customers. This valuable feedback helps them understand customer preferences, identify areas for improvement, and make informed business decisions.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Simplicity and Accessibility</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Compared to a website, mobile apps offer a simpler and more accessible user experience. With a few taps on their smartphones, users can access the app and find what they need quickly.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Streamlined Business Processes</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Developing a mobile app enables startups to automate internal business processes like inventory management, order processing, or customer support. This automation saves time and resources.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Data Collection and Analysis</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>By collecting user behavior, preferences, and demographics, startups can gain insights into customer trends and make data-driven decisions to enhance their products or services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Your App Won’t Pay Off</h2>



<p>While app development for a startup no longer seems extraordinary, there are many ways to do it wrong and fail. We summed up the <strong>five most common reasons</strong> why it happens.</p>



<p><strong>#1 The problem you’re solving doesn’t exist or has already been solved.</strong></p>



<p>Co-founder of Y Combinator, Paul Graham, once said that the most common mistake startups make is solving problems that don’t exist. While we have seemingly the best ideas in our imagination, in reality, potential customers mostly simply don’t need them.</p>



<p><strong>#2 The hypothesis hasn’t been tested.</strong></p>



<p>It’s difficult to speculate about risks without initial customers and figures to base developmental models on. Testing the hypothesis allows for ample maneuvering room for ideas in the early stages when their cost is close to zero.</p>



<p><strong>#3 <strong>You’ve planned too many features</strong>.</strong></p>



<p>Building a full-fledged starship ready for a Mars mission right from the start is not the best strategy. However, some entrepreneurs think adding more features to a product will make it more appealing to customers. It’s not true.</p>



<p><strong>#4 You didn’t define your goals.</strong></p>



<p>It’s crucial to forecast the outcomes the development and growth of an IT product will bring. What indicators need to be achieved within six months to justify the investment risk? What about a year?</p>



<p><strong>#5 <strong>Your monetization method is overly aggressive.</strong></strong></p>



<p>Attention from users is the primary asset in the digital world. Even in a financially unprofitable project, having a large community is a success. Attracting attention is harder than converting it into profitability. Aggressive monetization at the early stages of a service’s life cycle often leads to an inability to gather a sufficient user base.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">App Development for Startups: The 2-Phase Approach</h2>



<p>In general, the development process can be broken down into understandable phases that make up a plan. Approaches to process-building may differ from vendor to vendor. At Rocketech, we believe that startups require a slightly different and almost always tailored approach. For simplicity, let’s <strong>divide the entire development process into</strong> <strong>three large steps</strong>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start with a Discovery</h3>



<p>Effective planning is half the battle. If you only have what you believe to be a genius idea and a half-written business plan, you are likely to fail. To prevent this scenario, meticulous planning is necessary. We have found that conducting a <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success"><strong>project discovery</strong></a> is the best way to set sail.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-a-discovery-phase-2.png" alt="An infographic briefly explaining what a discovery phase is in custom software development." class="wp-image-6242"></figure>



<p>In simple words, it’s an essential phase for startups as it helps them <strong>understand what their customers want</strong>, which is the key to achieving success in the market. In short, a <strong>discovery phase has three main advantages</strong>.</p>



<ul type="1">
<li><strong>It saves time and money.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>The main goal is to create the most in-depth and budgeted startup development plan possible. The more detailed your plan is, the fewer problems you’ll have on the way. Scrupulous planning also helps you avoid redundant functionality and see where you can save time and, as a result, money.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>It d</strong><strong>efines the product.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>It’s impossible to make a good plan if you don’t understand what exactly needs to be done. Another big objective of this stage is to define the product’s features and functionality. And it requires proper market research — it also prepares you for the real-market environment.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>It reduces risks.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>The discovery phase helps identify potential risks and challenges early in the project, allowing startups to mitigate them before they become bigger problems. In other words, developers with experience in similar projects will consider the risks and issues (and the ways to solve them) even before they happen.</p>



<p>Like any other project, the discovery phase includes several steps. If done right (and systematically), this stage’s outcome will be a solid roadmap and a clear picture of the near future, minimizing the uncertainty.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Do Your Market Research</h4>



<p>First things first: before you make any plans and, even more so, start developing your app, it’s vital to explore the environment and define the real market situation. Here are the questions covered by proper market research:</p>



<ul>
<li>What products exist in the chosen niche and make up your competition?</li>



<li>Why do some products succeed while others fail?</li>



<li>What strong sides and weaknesses do your competitors have?</li>



<li>Which unique features can your product offer that your competitors don’t have (yet)?</li>
</ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Make Accurate Estimations</h4>



<p>A precise budget prediction is the unicorn of the custom software development world. In very few cases, everything goes as planned. However, the best app developers for startups are distinguished by experience — they’ve already solved whatever problem may await your project on the way.</p>



<p>In short, here are the seven most common agile <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/agile-project-estimation-challenges">project estimation challenges</a>:</p>



<ol type="1">
<li>Uncertainty</li>



<li>Incomplete requirements</li>



<li>Complexity</li>



<li>Limited resources</li>



<li>Time constraints</li>



<li>Scope creep</li>



<li>External factors</li>
</ol>



<p>While these problems are familiar even to non-dev people, there are also specific <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/how-to-avoid-common-project-estimation-mistakes">estimation mistakes</a> only experienced developers can help you avoid. Here’s where expert risk assessment comes into play.</p>



<p>Such probability analysis is essential for making accurate estimates and building a repository of potential future risks. By analyzing past project issues, software development providers create a list of possible problems that can occur. When starting new projects, they refer to this list to identify relevant risks.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Looking for a transparent and accurate project estimation? We can help.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Talk to us</button></div>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Make a Hypothesis</h4>



<p>Startups make business hypotheses by formulating educated guesses about market dynamics and their business model’s various aspects. These hypotheses serve as the foundation for their strategy and decision-making process. Here’s a general <strong>framework for how startups develop business hypotheses</strong>.</p>



<ul type="1">
<li><strong>Identify the problem.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Start with identifying a problem or pain point in the market. Conduct research, gather data, and analyze trends to understand the needs and challenges of potential customers. The results will form the basis of your problem hypothesis.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Propose a solution.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Once the problem is identified, propose a solution or product that addresses the issue. Outline key features, benefits, and value propositions of your crafted solution. The results will form the basis of your solution hypothesis.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Target the market and segment customers.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Define your target market and segment it into specific customer groups based on demographics, psychographics, or other relevant characteristics. Develop hypotheses about the customer segments most likely to adopt your solution and provide the highest growth potential.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Make your value proposition.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Articulate the unique value you offer to customers compared to existing alternatives. Formulate hypotheses about your solution’s specific aspects that will resonate with customers and differentiate your offer from competitors.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Define the revenue model.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Explore existing ways to generate profit — subscriptions, advertising, licensing, or transaction fees. Test assumptions about pricing, customer willingness to pay, and overall revenue potential.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Specify customer acquisition and distribution channels.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Consider different marketing channels — digital advertising, social media, content marketing, partnerships, or direct sales. Analyze the cost of customer acquisition and experiment with different channels to validate your hypotheses.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Test and validate.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Naturally, hypotheses are created to be validated. Once you have them ready, start designing experiments and conducting tests. At the very beginning, startups use <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-guide-for-perfect-customer-development-problem-interview-checklist">problem</a> and <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/what-is-a-solution-interview-in-customer-development">solution interviews</a> and surveys to gather the data necessary to come up with development requirements. Eventually, the best and fastest way to confirm or refine your idea is <strong>to launch an MVP</strong>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Build an MVP to Validate Your Idea</h3>



<p>Essentially, there are two main ways to make and launch a mobile app. You can spend a long time and all your resources working on a single business idea and polishing numerous features to perfection. While it sounds good to some business owners, the outcome of such projects is unknown at best. In many cases, that perfection turns out not needed by real users.</p>



<p>The alternative way app developers for startups mostly take — you can launch the first, limited yet fully functional product version and refine and improve it according to your customer feedback and real-market environment.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="300" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/what-is-an-mvp-term.png" alt="An infographic briefly explaining what an MVP in custom software development." class="wp-image-6246"></figure>



<p>Imagine a unique-to-market product idea for an <a href="https://rocketech.it/case/lev">app that will revolutionize pet ownership</a>. Complex ambitious solutions like this combine features and functionality of various types — a marketplace, social network, and interactive map, in this case.</p>



<p>Instead of gambling on hypothetical ideas, decision-makers launched an MVP with simple functionality four months after the project had started. This approach helped them build a highly interactive, full-fledged mobile application with great market potential within just eight months, well ahead of the competition.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mvp-for-startups.png" alt="An infographics naming 4 manin benefits of building an MVP for startups." class="wp-image-6248"></figure>



<p><a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-strategic-advantage-of-mvp-development-for-startups">Startup MVP development</a> is a strategic instrument (and a particular mindset, for that matter) to stay afloat in highly competitive markets where every day can be game-changing. After launching the first stable and functional version, you can then focus on your customers and their needs. And develop and improve your offer accordingly.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p></p>
<cite>In other words, let your MVP “run free” and bring the data that will tell you where to head next.</cite></blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Launch with Rocketech: Development Starts with the Release</h2>



<p>When you decide to find an app developer for your startup, most tech vendors will tell you that you need to start with multiple customer interviews, extensive target audience analysis, and competitor investigation. While they are not wrong, and all these steps are vital for a proper project discovery phase, there’s more to it.</p>



<p>Contrary to popular opinion, we’ve learned that <strong>development starts upon the release</strong>. You can test your hypothesis with a lot of theoretical moves. But <strong>you’ll only really validate your business idea once your product is delivered to its intended users</strong>.</p>



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Developing a Startup App in 2023: How to Win the Competition Race

<p>In an ever-evolving software development landscape, innovation and excellence have become essential pillars of success. At Rocketech, we understand the significance of cutting-edge technology in enhancing your business processes, <a href="https://rocketech.it/software-development">services</a>, and products. Today, we are thrilled to share news of our latest achievement that reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional software solutions.</p>



<p>We are proud to announce that <strong>The Manifest</strong>, a reputable <a href="https://themanifest.com/ua/software-development/companies/kiev?utm_source=directory&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=TM+Awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agency shortlist</a> and business blog website, has recently honored Rocketech by recognizing us as one of <strong>the most-reviewed software developers in Kyiv</strong>. This recognition holds immense value for us and underscores our dedication to delivering top-tier development services to our clients.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="740" height="1080" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/top_the_manifest_software_developers_kyiv_2023_award.png" alt='The badge saying "Most Reviewed Software Developers in Kyiv by Manifest".' class="wp-image-6156"></figure>



<p>Our journey to this remarkable recognition is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. At Rocketech, we offer not just software development services but a dedicated Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and a powerhouse of resources. It allows you to focus solely on your core business while we handle the entire software development lifecycle, encompassing project discovery, design, programming, testing, and deployment. Whether you are a fresh startup or an established enterprise, we have your technical needs comprehensively covered.</p>



<p><strong><em>We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients who have stood by us throughout this journey. This award is a testament to your trust and partnership with us. Without your unwavering support, this achievement would not have been possible.</em></strong></p>



<p>This recognition serves as a catalyst for us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in software development. We remain committed to empowering businesses with innovative solutions that drive growth and success. <strong>Your success is our success</strong>.</p>



<p>Our vision extends beyond the present recognition of being one of Kyiv’s most-reviewed software developers. Our future is intricately tied to our mission—<strong>empowering startups to not only get started but to thrive in competitive markets</strong>.</p>



<p>Our role as <strong>experienced tech partners</strong> goes beyond merely delivering software solutions. We act as a catalyst for emerging startups, helping them grow and scale efficiently in fiercely competitive landscapes. Our commitment to transparent pricing, rapid project kick-offs, and on-the-fly result forecasting is tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and adapt to evolving market conditions swiftly.</p>



<p>Trustworthy, long-term tech partnerships are the lifeblood of startups. We understand the challenges of navigating uncharted waters, and we’re here to provide continuous support, mentorship, and expert guidance. These partnerships are not just about initial success; they’re about ensuring sustainable growth and longevity in the ever-changing tech ecosystem.</p>



<p>Our recent recognition by The Manifest affirms our dedication to excellence, and it’s a testament to our ability to support startups in achieving their goals. We believe that our success is intrinsically linked to the success of the startups we empower.</p>



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Rocketech Receives the Manifest’s Recognition as One of Kyiv's Most Reviewed Software Developers

<p>Many startup founders dream of achieving unicorn status or, at the very least, making a big splash with their product in the market. No matter what you offer to the world, it’s crucial to understand how your target audience will react, preferably before full-scale sales begin. It’s where a <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minimum viable product</a> comes to the rescue. <strong>Startup MVP development is a complex game with multiple variables</strong> that can help businesses set sail on the right course from the beginning.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/benefits-of-mvp-dev-for-startups-1-1.png" alt="Two professionals in an office environment in front of a computer screen discuss the project of MVP development for a startup" class="wp-image-6121" width="680" height="482"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Is an MVP?</strong></h2>



<p>Back in 2005, YouTube started as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/16/youtube-past-video-dating-website" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/16/youtube-past-video-dating-website" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video dating site</a>. Instagram, on the other hand, was originally named <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/07/instagram-used-to-be-called-brbn/373815/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/07/instagram-used-to-be-called-brbn/373815/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burbn</a> (yes, after an alcoholic drink) and served as a planner where people could tag locations, share photos, and earn points. But both ideas didn’t catch on as expected. So, the companies analyzed their numbers, listened to users’ feedback, and made a pivot.</p>



<p>The term MVP, which stands for Minimum Viable Product, is not about lines of code or a website; <strong>it’s about testing hypotheses and quickly getting a startup to a functional state</strong>. The concept was <a href="http://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2009/03/minimum-viable-product.html" data-type="URL" data-id="http://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2009/03/minimum-viable-product.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popularized </a>by Eric Ries through his Lean Startup methodology. <strong>It is essentially the earliest version of a product that’s available for testing</strong>.</p>



<p>The core principle of the Minimum Viable Product can be summed up as “Dream big, start small.” It’s based on a step-by-step development approach where each iteration is tested with real consumers. This process allows companies to gather feedback, identify risks, fix mistakes, and even gauge if there’s demand for their offering — all at the early stages.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p></p>
<cite><br>An MVP is like a trial run that helps a startup refine its product and strategy before going all in.</cite></blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-primary-color has-gray-100-background-color has-text-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>Here are <strong>three key principles of a quality MVP</strong>:</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<ol>
<li><strong>Value to </strong><strong>s</strong><strong>tart:</strong> The product should offer enough value that consumers are eager to start using it.</li>



<li><strong>Future </strong><strong>p</strong><strong>otential:</strong> It should contain the core aspects of the product a company plans to develop in the future, making users anticipate the final launch.</li>



<li><strong>Feedback </strong><strong>l</strong><strong>oop:</strong> The MVP gathers feedback on product quality, helping the company address any shortcomings and enhance the final version.</li>
</ol>



<p>Each development stage brings the product to a higher level. Then, it gets directly to customers who test it and provide input for potential improvements. This way, <strong>MVPs help test hypotheses and avoid bad decisions before they harm the entire business</strong>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>It Always Starts With an Idea</strong></h3>



<p>The search for great ideas isn’t a straight line. It’s more like loops that sometimes circle back on themselves and occasionally take you to the next step. There are six steps in this process:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Problem-finding:</strong> Identifying the problem.</li>



<li><strong>Solution hunt:</strong> Looking for solutions to the problems found.</li>



<li><strong>Prototyping:</strong> Building a prototype.</li>



<li><strong>Testing:</strong> Testing the prototype.</li>



<li><strong>Feedback:</strong> Gathering feedback.</li>



<li><strong>Adjustments:</strong> Making necessary adjustments.</li>
</ol>



<p>Each step could be a loop. You need to revisit these steps over and over, sometimes going back a few steps if your hypothesis doesn’t work out. And if the original idea proves unfeasible during testing or feedback, that’s when the product needs to <strong>pivot</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Benefits of </strong><strong>MVP Development for Startups</strong></h2>



<p>Building and <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launching a strong MVP</a> is a strategic move that, if done right, benefits startups on multiple levels, from cutting costs and saving resourcing to optimizing the business model and attracting potential investors’ attention. Here’s about the main <strong>advantages of MPV development for startups</strong> in more detail.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="2000" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/benefits-of-mvp-dev-for-startups.png" alt="An infographic listing five main benefits of MVP development for startups" class="wp-image-6117"></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Resource Efficiency</strong></h3>



<p>Through early real-world customer testing of the MVP, the company can identify errors during the initial phases. This enables improved financial planning and adaptations to the business model, leading to time savings. Every successive iteration surpasses the prior one in effectiveness. Consequently, customers receive a high-caliber product tailored to their requirements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fast Time to Market</strong></h3>



<p>Speed really matters in the world of startups. From this perspective, <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/from-idea-to-launch-the-startups-guide-to-reducing-time-to-market" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/from-idea-to-launch-the-startups-guide-to-reducing-time-to-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">time to market</a> is not simply about being fast but about gaining competitive advantage. The formula is fairly straightforward — the faster you are in the market, the sooner you generate revenue. The MVP approach facilitates the iterative process of learning and improving the offering based on real-world feedback. Put simply, reducing time to market enables startups to capitalize on market opportunities and increase their chances of success.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table class="has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>The Minimum Viable Product enables startups to confront reality swiftly and allocate their budget more effectively before and during the project launch.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Early Customer Acquisition</strong></h3>



<p>The examination of each iteration with actual customers aids startups in discovering potential purchasers even prior to the official sales debut. As people test the fundamental MVP features, they can assess the future product’s potential.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Matching Supply and Demand</strong></h3>



<p>According to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/startup-failure-reasons-top/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/startup-failure-reasons-top/" target="_blank">CB Insights</a>, 35% of startups face failure because of no market need. This signifies that the solution the product intended to provide didn’t meet customer pain properly. Grasping and heeding the customer’s wishes and desires is vital. The MVP helps the business align the product with market requirements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Elevating Investment Prospects</strong></h3>



<p>Investors are more likely to think about giving money if they can see a real version as opposed to unrealistic concepts on paper. Being able to use a model of the product and understand its main features makes the project more attractive for getting funded. Generally, investors feel more sure about companies that can show they can do things well and deliver the product on time. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why Speed Matters</strong></h2>



<p>Imagine a startup, let’s call it MedSolution, that has a grand vision to revolutionize patient-doctor communication. The three founders invest their private savings to build a cutting-edge platform with extensive features like AI-driven symptom analysis, in-depth medical record management, and virtual medical tests. Striving for perfection, <strong>the founders spend over a year creating their product and perfecting each intricate detail</strong>.</p>



<p><strong>Meanwhile, the market’s needs shift</strong>. Users now favor simplified telemedicine platforms that offer quick video consultations and easy appointment scheduling. By the time MedSolution launched, they found themselves with a feature-rich product that was out of touch with what users wanted — timely and accessible healthcare.</p>



<p>The delay cost them not only their chance to capture a loyal user base but also the trust of investors who sought adaptable and agile ventures.</p>



<p>In turn, a parallel startup, let’s call it VitaCare, monitors the shifting landscape and takes an alternative approach. They <strong>quickly launch a stripped-down MVP</strong> — a straightforward video consultation platform connecting patients with doctors instantly.</p>



<p>By focusing on speed and user feedback, VitaCare <strong>addresses the immediate market needs</strong>. With each release, they iteratively add features based on user input, gradually expanding their offering. They grow and develop with a limited budget till they build the product that can attract investors’ attention and expand dramatically.</p>



<p><em>In this hypothetical story, MedSolution’s meticulous development approach led to a well-crafted product that didn’t match what users actually wanted. On the other hand, VitaCare quickly made a simple product that people needed and improved it based on their feedback. The alternative way took VitaCare to user engagement, investor confidence, and sustainable growth.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Main MVP Types</strong></h2>



<p><strong>The MVP’s main goal is to test the upcoming product with a real audience</strong>. It means that the quality and accuracy of the test results can notably influence how quickly and effectively the development process goes. That’s why there are two main types of minimum viable products — <strong>high-fidelity</strong> and <strong>low-fidelity</strong>. These can be combined or used concurrently.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Low-Fidelity MVPs</strong></h3>



<p>These MVPs have lower reliability and imply simplified data collection methods. They don’t require extensive programming or significant financial investment but provide less precise outcomes. Their main objectives are:</p>



<ul>
<li>To assess the practical value of the product.</li>



<li>To identify the most effective and sought-after solutions to the problem.</li>



<li>To aid in defining and understanding customer needs.</li>



<li>To conduct a niche analysis and determine if the game is worth the candle.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>Here are some low-fidelity MVP types</strong>:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Blogs:</strong> Creating simple blog posts to gauge interest and gather feedback on a product idea or concept.</li>



<li><strong>Forums and communities:</strong> Engaging in discussions within forums or online communities to validate demand and gather insights.</li>



<li><strong>Surveys and questionnaires:</strong> Conducting surveys to gather user opinions and preferences related to the product idea.</li>



<li><strong>Landing page:</strong> Designing a basic landing page highlighting the product concept and capturing user interest.</li>



<li><strong>Explainer video MVP:</strong> Developing explanatory videos to showcase the product idea and its potential benefits.</li>



<li><strong>Advertising campaign:</strong> Running targeted ads or promotions to assess user response and measure interest.</li>



<li><strong>Crowdfunding campaign:</strong> Launching a campaign on crowdfunding platforms to validate demand and attract backers.</li>



<li><strong>Idea review services:</strong> Utilizing platforms that review and assess new ideas, validating interest and potential for development.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>High-Fidelity MVPs</strong></h3>



<p>These MVPs require more preparation, resources, and analytical work. They are used for:</p>



<ul>
<li>Formulating and enhancing marketing approach.</li>



<li>Experimenting with value offerings, modes of communication, and calls to action.</li>



<li>Investigating feasible expansion tactics.</li>



<li>Gaining initial patrons and footholds in the market.</li>



<li>Evaluating data regarding the appetite for the newly crafted product.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>Here are some high-fidelity MVP types</strong>:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Feature MVP</strong> focuses on building and releasing a product with a single core feature. It’s often used to test the viability and demand for a specific feature before investing in full product development.</li>



<li><strong>Single-Use MVP</strong> is designed to solve a particular problem for a specific audience. It targets a niche need and aims to demonstrate the product’s value in a highly focused manner.</li>



<li>“<strong>Concierge” MVPs </strong>is an approach when the product is manually operated by the development team, simulating its functionality for users. This helps validate the concept and gather user feedback before building a fully automated version.</li>



<li>“<strong>Wizard of Oz” MVPs</strong> are similar to the “concierge” MVPs. They involve manually providing certain features the user believes are automated. Behind the scenes, the functionality might be manual or simulated. This is useful for testing user reactions and gauging demand.</li>



<li>“<strong>Piecemeal” MVPs </strong>involve building a minimal version by integrating third-party tools, services, or platforms. This helps test the integration and user experience while minimizing development effort.</li>



<li><strong>A non-functional prototype MVP </strong>(or a mockup) is developed to visually represent the product’s user interface and interactions. This can be useful for early-stage testing and feedback on the design.</li>



<li><strong>Pre-order MVPs</strong> involve offering the product for pre-order, where customers can place orders for a product that’s not yet fully developed. This provides insights into demand and allows for early revenue generation.</li>



<li>In<strong> smoke test MVPs</strong>, ads or promotions for the product are run to gauge interest. When users click on these ads, they might be led to a page indicating that the product is “coming soon” or “under development.” This helps validate demand before investing further.</li>



<li>“<strong>Concierge” onboarding MVPs</strong> involve manually guiding users through the onboarding process and helping them achieve their goals using the product. It provides insights into user behavior and pain points.</li>
</ol>



<p>The choice of an MVP type depends on the product’s nature, goals, target audience, and available resources. The key is to create the simplest version of the product that can effectively validate assumptions, gather feedback, and demonstrate value to potential users.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building the Foundation: Final Thoughts on MVP Development for Startups</h2>



<p>Building an MVP is about <strong>the process</strong>, in contrast to, for example, drawing a visual prototype. It’s about the process of <strong>hypothesis testing</strong>, <strong>collecting feedback</strong>, <strong>improvements</strong>, and <strong>entering new niches</strong>. Mastering this process helps prevent wasting money and energy on creating useless and needless products — which, in turn, means better market environment and conditions.</p>



<p>This process, however, can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s where it makes sense to look for trustworthy <strong>MPV development services for startups</strong>. Finding an experienced tech partner focusing on guiding new ventures through the complexities of the process may become the first step in the journey to becoming a unicorn</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Do you have a business idea that needs validation but don’t know where to start? We are here to help.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Ask us</button></div>



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The Strategic Advantage of MVP Development for Startups

<p>At the outset, when the team is still small, all interaction is based on personal contacts. But as the team grows, these contacts are interrupted. Over time, the question arises, ‘How to maintain synchrony in architecture, technology, standards, and process tasks?’ The answer is to implement the <strong>Community of Practice</strong> approach.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-primary-color has-gray-50-background-color has-text-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>💡 <strong>Communities of Practice (CoPs) are professional groups regularly collaborating to exchange information, develop competencies, increase productivity, and strengthen general knowledge in their domains.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p><strong>Specialized CoP teams act as processes and standards synchronization centers, accumulate knowledge, and develop competencies within Rocketech.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/48.png" alt="The Community of Practice team members are holding puzzle pieces as a symbol of teamwork and efficiency." class="wp-image-5431"></figure>



<p>We prepared our guide on developing a <strong>Community of Practice in a remote team</strong> and the main mistakes in implementing this project. Our approach can help business owners avoid these mistakes and discover unique opportunities for their employees to influence company development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Creating a Community of Practice: Basic Mistakes</strong></strong></h2>



<p>Like many teams, we started creating the Community of Practice on a <strong>volunteer basis</strong>. Recognizing the need for specialists to share their experiences, we suggested that <strong>team leads undertake the project themselves</strong>. However, this turned out a common mistake, as assigning responsibility for community management and development to just one leader is not ideal.</p>



<p>Moreover, it is not enough to merely offer your employees a chance to share experiences. It is crucial to <strong>endorse this concept and establish an environment fostering its growth</strong>. At the start of the project, you need the resources for launching and organizing systematic community work, implementing community-generated ideas, and ensuring meetings’ regularity and format.</p>



<p><strong>This is how our Scrum masters’ time became such a valuable resource. They were involved in the project and took over the management and support functions.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Scrum Team Contributions</strong></h3>



<p>To improve efficiency and productivity, our Scrum team worked on various initiatives. Here are some of the results:</p>



<ul>
<li>The Community of Practice concept;</li>



<li>Development of the structure and number of communities within Rocketech;</li>



<li>Methodology for work planning within the community;</li>



<li>A list of the company’s priority tasks (at the launch period), which each community could take on.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>
</ul>



<p>The start of the project showed that the decision to increase the resources and invite the Scrum team to manage the project was the right one. It made it possible to ensure systematic and regular community work. Sometimes, you should invest extra time and effort to get a functional product.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Communities of Practice 3.0: Rocketech’s Blueprint for Building Stronger Teams</h2>



<p>Communities of Practice are based on the initiative of people willing and able to share and transfer knowledge. We keep this principle despite our communities shifting from self-management to Scrum-team management.<strong> The mission of the CoP project is to create a space that encourages people to develop professionally and help others to do so.</strong></p>



<p>As for now, we have launched four specific communities:</p>



<ol>
<li>Scrum;</li>



<li>Backend;</li>



<li>Business Analytics;</li>



<li>Quality Assurance.</li>
</ol>



<p>Our short-term plans include launching the OS community.<br><strong>All communities follow the global goal — to ensure the highest quality level when executing projects.</strong> “Quality” in the project context means:</p>



<ul>
<li>The development and implementation of standards and ensuring compliance with them for each competency.</li>



<li>Devising the competence working principles.</li>



<li>Organizing your work by creating libraries and directories, setting up a repository, and adding specific problem cases to the database to standardize your workflow and accumulate practical experience for future projects.</li>



<li>Introduction of mentoring and support practices.</li>



<li>Developing the culture of learning and mentoring within the company (including workshops, case studies, and joint work on complex tasks as part of the Communities of Practice).</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-gray-100-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td>The whole community idea is based on two main functions:<br>📌 <strong>The project function </strong>is knowledge systematization and workflow standardization.<br>📌 <strong>The current function</strong> is to become a shared knowledge center where team members can receive mentorship from experienced developers and managers, seek advice, and share their own experiences.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text"><p>“The emotional component of Communities of Practice is the opportunity for developers to feel that they are not alone in the challenges and difficulties of their project. The community will ensure the chosen solution is correct and help people avoid feeling lonely and isolated. It is crucial for remote work and projects without large teams and many specialists of the same profile.”</p></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/natasha-chistyakova.jpg")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name"><strong>Natalia Chistyakova</strong></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">Lead Scrum Master</div></div></div></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Positive Impact of Communities of Practice on Working Conditions</h2>



<p>The initiative added several regular meetings to the project participants’ calendars and made their lives more colorful. The reason is simple: they personally create a new reality and influence changes in the company.</p>



<p>All the community work implies a <strong>specific algorithm</strong>. First, each group sets goals for the month. They present these goals to the CoP team lead (as mentioned above, this person is not a community member but a Scrum team representative).</p>



<p>The criterion for choosing a goal is the impact on improving the quality of our work. It refers to the quality of code, processes, and team interaction — <strong>the overall quality at every project development stage</strong>.</p>



<p>According to the task volume, the participants agree on the working meetings’ frequency and format. During these meetings, the teams discuss interim results and form the backlog for the next one.</p>



<p>Working meetings take place once a week. Moreover, the community gathers at a set time to present the monthly results.</p>



<p>Let’s take our CoP tasks for July 2022 as an example.</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>The CoP Scrum Master</strong>: Developing a shared understanding of customer-oriented service for the whole team.</li>



<li><strong>The CoP Business Analytics</strong>: Standardizing the processes to improve interaction with the customer and increase service quality.</li>



<li><strong>The CoP Back</strong>end: Updating the standards for the initial development project stages.</li>



<li><strong>The CoP Quality Assurance</strong>: Updating the standards for working with bug maintaining documentation to improve testing quality.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>
</ul>



<p>Based on the goals, we determined the tasks for each specific area and could quickly see the first results. For example, CoP Scrum Master implemented a new approach to working with customer expectations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/49.png" alt="The Community of Practice team members are putting their hands together as a symbol of efficient teamwork." class="wp-image-5433"></figure>



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text"><p>“It is vital to organize effective interaction between the customer and the team at the initial stage. We plan to conduct continuous reviews between the product owner and the team to move in sync. We are proud of this block as it will positively impact the entire project.”</p></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ajzhan-bermanova.png")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name"><strong>Aizhan Bermanova</strong></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">CoP Scrum Master</div></div></div></div>



<p></p>



<p>The CoP Business Analytics also quickly proved effective. The team created Development Standards for projects and interviews with candidates for a BA position in the company. The next improvement point is the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discovery process</a>.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-quote wp-block-quote"><div class="wp-block-quote__text"><p></p><p>“The Community of Practice is the Dedicated Team’s key component. The more well-developed internal competence we have (for example, BA or QA), the more competitive we are and the better service we offer to customers. Thus, the successful CoP launch and the development of quality improvement approaches in all areas are crucial for us.”</p></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__aside"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__image" style='background-image:url("https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sasha-roket2.png")'></div></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__content"><div class="wp-block-quote__author__name"><strong>Alexander Rocket</strong></div><div class="wp-block-quote__author__info">Co-Founder of Rocketech</div></div></div></div>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-gray-100-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Main Community Principles</strong><br>✔ The CoP is voluntary — we don’t require participation. However, it is mandatory to follow the standards and processes developed by the community and attend the meetings at the end of the month to learn more about the implemented changes.<br>✔ The company pays for all tasks and project meetings.<br>✔ There is no command or task distribution. The communities themselves decide what needs to be done to improve the processes within their competence.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<ul>
<li>
</ul>



<p>Specialized communities act as a classic hub where <strong>participants exchange experience, mentor newcomers, and discuss solutions and questions on current and new projects</strong>. It is where you can always find support and ask a friend for help</p>



<p>Our decision to create internal communities of practice has revolutionized the way we work, resulting in improved efficiency and quality across the board. By promoting a culture of collaboration and shared learning, we have seen a significant increase in the engagement, motivation, and satisfaction of our employees. We are proud to say that this innovative approach has enabled us to deliver outstanding results for our clients, and we will continue to embrace this philosophy to achieve even greater success in the future.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Any questions about our approaches to process management? We are happy to answer them.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>


How to Create a Community of Practice for Your Team

<p>Software development solutions are meant to be configured or custom-built to solve specific customer problems along with perfectly assembling the customized software products. Rocketech does it in an innovative way. It actually helps its clients to bring innovations to life by producing progressive software products using popular technologies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><img decoding="async" src="" alt=""></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.goodfirms.co/company/rocketech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Rocketech</strong></a> was established in 2015 in Kyiv and has now become one of the most powerful software development companies in entire Ukraine. The company specializes in analytics-driven web and mobile app development solutions and has developed 150+ products for more than 100 startups, enterprises, and tech businesses. Rocketech provides popular tech solutions that are highly acclaimed by customers in a variety of niches. </p>



<p>The apps developed by the company get recognized on app stores as ‘The Apps of the Day’, in popular award functions, and in many other app festivals by delivering a good web app experience and more. </p>



<p>Rocketech builds a reliable partnership with its client businesses of different sizes and industries. The company helps its partners by developing new products from scratch and stabilizing their existing products in the market. It develops MVPs for budding entrepreneurs and complex platforms for big-level organizations using Java, JavaScript, Go, PHP, Swift, and other languages and hundreds of other frameworks. The company uses cloud platforms for continuous product development, testing, and deployment. The team also smartly integrates cloud storage into already developed and ready-to-use solutions. </p>



<p>The team readily creates custom UX/UI solutions, brand identity, and illustrations along with all the visual components of the product. The company’s professionals provide the best consultation solution to their partner companies. It focuses on delivering value to the end customers with assuring sure returns to the business owners. The overall key knowledge areas of the tech experts in the company include Front-end Web Technologies, App Programming Interface, Backend Stack, Mobile Apps, Digital Product Design, DevOps, Cloud Providers, and Development Management. </p>



<p>The industries it serves for a variety of IT and tech-related solutions are Social Networks, Online &amp; Streaming Media Platforms, FinTech &amp; Investment Platforms, Review Aggregators, FoodTech &amp; Delivery, Travel &amp; Hospitality, Utilities &amp; Productivity Tools, Property Listings &amp; PropTech, Blockchain Solutions &amp; Crypto, CRM/ERP, Internet of Things, SaaS Platforms, LMS &amp; EdTech, HR Solutions, and E-Commerce &amp; Classified Marketplace.</p>



<p>From concepting, prototyping, to MVPs &amp; Full Product Development, and Scaling, Rocketech develops the full version of the software products a business needs. An entire project in the company starts with business analytics, lean startup coaching, and design thinking that further goes towards the full version of the minimal viable product. The company exceptionally serves its customers worldwide and is recognized as well as appreciated by all the third-party companies and review &amp; rating agencies for their brilliant performance. Rocketech ranks as the <strong><a href="https://www.goodfirms.co/directory/city/top-software-development-companies/kiev" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top software development company in Kyiv</a></strong> in the GoodFirms ranking list, where GoodFirms is a leading review and rating firm that acknowledges the performance of connected businesses.</p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><img decoding="async" src="" alt=""></figure>


Rocketech’s Innovative Tech-Solutions are Admired Worldwide: GoodFirms

<p>The Clutch 1000 is the firm’s most reputable and exclusive accolade, representing only the top 1% of companies <a href="https://clutch.co/press-releases/clutch-1000-2021-report?utm_campaign=Awards%20Notifications&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=190413387&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--JM8tBkr7AkpTFcDlJI5YfK5b3I55a1JvA_Ac5gDmrBR3jCTs5Sa_VzZrbS5NPbQx_HZ-jP8hGmCWVj-E99F9Ih9_v7A&amp;utm_content=190412339&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">listed</a> on the platform. This list includes service providers from various locations all over the world that specialize in different services. </p>



<p><a href="https://hackernoon.com/how-to-integrate-security-testing-into-your-software-development-life-cycle-0pdy36az" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Software development</a> has been one of the biggest and fastest-growing industries in the market today. The new technologies coming from this industry have been nothing short of amazing in terms of improving businesses and companies’ performance. ROCKETECH has been in the middle of this phenomenon! Founded in 2015, our team has been one of the go-to development companies for analytics-driven software solutions.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/iLXK009SrPa6RWJn7vxiaJAEQlFmp7xAusIY9WkZq8i-EMTcvNGfZIJJDf2obeUuZhemFLI6i3NgjHli3JghlTFA-IqJJlT2q8bcTbuOl2d72ovbV1ufqHmmOPJMM7ibgyUpZ7Qq" alt="" width="270" height="270"></figure></div>


<p>Today, we are looking to harvest the seed of our hard work! We are very excited to announce that we’ve been recognized as one of the top 1000 companies in Clutch’s platform this 2021. Our team is honored to be on this year’s list alongside impeccable and admirable companies from different industries all around the world.</p>



<p>In case this is the first time you are hearing about Clutch, they are <a href="http://clutch.co/developers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a B2B platform</a> in the heart of Washington, DC, committed to helping small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses identify and connect with the service providers they need to achieve their goals.</p>



<p>Of course, this award wouldn’t be possible without the help of our clients and partners. You guys have been awesome and your support is truly what helped us in winning these awards throughout these years. We are grateful for all your support and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.</p>



<p>You can also check us out at one of the <a href="http://visualobjects.com/ua/app-development/ios/location/kyiv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leading firms on Visual Objects</a>. We are featured as one of the best application development companies on their site! Check us out and our profile on their site today! </p>



<p>Interested in knowing more about us and our services? <a href="https://rocketech.it/contacts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our team today and we’ll get back to you ASAP.</p>


ROCKETECH Seals the Spot on Clutch’s List of Top 1000 Companies this 2021

<p>During the current worldwide situation with COVID 19, everyone understands that IT is going to be everywhere, and businesses can’t move forward without digital presentation and software that will help them in the business process. So many new companies and people are coming to the tech business to make the first project. There are different ways to make the project first — own in-house team which is usually very long to build up and very expensive in the end. Another way of making an IT product with some contractor is by specializing in building up to something all the time. Let’s assume that you chose the second option.</p>



<p>IT market of software development is very young, and different companies work in several ways. We will focus on specific model, Fixed price, and problems that it brings to the project and Founders that possibly just have worked with this model before in other industries all the time. Also, most of the time, that is the reason for big problems, in the end, risks occur, and sometimes products are not released.</p>



<p>One more thing that we will talk about specifically is making software or digital custom-made products. So, it’s all about mobile apps, web platforms, games, CRM, LMS, FinTech, Foodtech, social networks, etc. In this field, ROCKETECH specializes, for more than 5 years, and for every single issue, we have the solution. In 90% of cases, when experienced founder come to us nowadays, they don’t choose the Fixed price model and here are the reasons why:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. <strong>The gap in tech requirements in beginning and at the end of development</strong></h2>



<p>Custom software has a lot of uncertainty with what has to be done – market, end-user, and customers, investors, product owner, tech possibility, etc. Once you fix all requirements, after a few months or weeks of active development, there will be a lot of questions that are simply not covered in the tech requirements that you fix on the paper with a vendor. And after that, what happens is that the vendor building the project sees it in a particular way, and according to the tech paper document that has been agreed.</p>



<p>Professional studios make a step of collecting requirements, which is very long and quite expensive, and it takes a few weeks and sometimes even one month to prepare paper the “bible” that the vendor will put in the contract and then have to work on it. So, tech documents, with every gap or no clarity, make it the responsibility of the Product Owner of the project to decide the development of every feature.</p>



<p>ROCKETECH is not specializing in this kind of useless work. We prefer to build something that will continue being used and will bring value to the founders, and that is why we are making a system for tech requirements that assumes flexibility and changes that will be possible all the time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. <strong>Budgeting – Fix price model will overcharge you for every single feature</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="509" height="339" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1127771485-170667a.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-192" style="width:640px;height:427px" srcset="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1127771485-170667a.jpg 509w, https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1127771485-170667a-158x106.jpg 158w" sizes="(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px" /></figure>



<p>So, when the agency is fixing requirements, of course, they have to present to you an estimate at the money frame. Many founders that are making the first project in IT think that everything is simple, and that developers all the time implement what they estimate before, but because we are a custom-made industry and every project is unique, estimation is a complex task. This is why the agency is always overcharging for every single feature, because they take a lot of risks, which makes the price more, and it will guarantee more that result will be excellent and it will be quality enough.</p>



<p>We at ROCKETECH have a unique way of working that is based on the best practice of work from SCRUM and our own experience. So, we have our know-how to estimate every task, since we stay on one of our principles that we don’t need more than what is needed to implement what you want.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. <strong>Every feature takes longer.</strong></h2>



<p>Because you fix all the requirements in the beginning, the vendor will plan the work accordingly, and usually, it takes months because features have to work properly, and you can’t get access to the system before everything is ready. That is the reason why Fixed price projects can take 3-4 months for the first MVP or even more.</p>



<p>Time &amp; Material is a good option to cover this problem, but in that case, the agency becomes simply a staffing company that possesses no value.</p>



<p>We at <a href="https://rocketech.it" data-type="URL" data-id="www.rocketech.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ROCKETECH</a> have designed our model of work that split on sprints and gives very fast changes implementation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. <strong>Tech stack is chosen not by the company according to your needs</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1280" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/workplace-1245776_1920-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-188" style="width:640px;height:427px" srcset="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/workplace-1245776_1920-1.jpg 1920w, https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/workplace-1245776_1920-1-158x106.jpg 158w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Because you agree on everything at business logic of the software, don’t forget to fix the tech stack. Remember that if the agency estimates without detailed work, it means some kind of refinement of your requirements that can have a long list and not be free, then the selection of this tech stack can not be professional. What is not professional?</p>



<ul>
<li>Vendor choosing the tech stack based on his availability</li>



<li>The stack can be very unique and, for you after, will be a very big problem with support</li>



<li>Limited technology that can’t work properly at scale</li>



<li>Choosing tech stack according to available people</li>
</ul>



<p>We at ROCKETECH work in a more complex way. We spend time understanding the requirements and business logic, and after that, we talk with our different devs and leaders of competencies. Together with design, the best way for project success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. <strong>Fixed price will give you team that oriented on contract and tech papers</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/john-schnobrich-2FPjlAyMQTA-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-190" style="width:640px;height:427px" srcset="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/john-schnobrich-2FPjlAyMQTA-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/john-schnobrich-2FPjlAyMQTA-unsplash-158x106.jpg 158w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>So, you agree on the Tech Requirement Specification document that will go to the contract. After the Development vendor fixes it, congratulations! Now, the Product Owner of the project has been changed and it is now a TRC document. From one point of view, it is good because you just wait for the result, but let’s take a look at this from the other side. The agency will make everything that has been agreed there, but because you will not be diving into the whole process, many decisions can cause you big problems after making changes, or gap in functionality, or what often happens in case of problems is that a company will make everything according to the contract and TRC there, so if the agency makes wrong or poor quality code, you will never know that. Moreover, you can’t predict the future and whole works and requirements for every feature. That is why it is only when you get the product after the Fixed price that you will see it, or maybe you will see problems only after the release, which will bring you way more problems…</p>



<p>ROCKETECH has another philosophy of work: We prefer to focus on process and give maximum quality with features that we deliver. We take into account that requirements can be changed and we make them together with very transparent work and its results. We are working all the time with Product owners that are becoming our long-term partners. It allows us to provide the maximum efficient team that delivers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. <strong>Change of functionality takes a very long time and is very expensive</strong></h2>



<p>When you fix all requirements, in the beginning, developers are often planning one stable architecture that will build up the whole project. It means that it will be very complicated and very costly to make changes to it. Once you start putting in extra features, it could take much more resources to add something than it was before. Possibly after, you think about why you had to overpay so much. Because the agency just keeps overcharging you for every step.</p>



<p>ROCKETECH is focusing on the very flexible architecture of the project, and we prefer to make bills only for what has been spent at work. Product owners together with us make decisions on functionality, and if before sprint we see that we don’t need it, then we simply throw away some features. But if you come to the fixed price, you can’t make so fast and easy changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Fixing the cost and time at the beginning of the project may affect the quality</h2>



<p>We are in custom software development. It means there will be some problems with the realization of functionality, that one way or the other. Usually, because we are in the project management industry as well, we have three bases of resources triangle – quality, time, and budget. Because sometimes Founders think that it is a smart idea to fix everything on the shoulders of the vendor, but fixing immediately from begging costs and time, you let the vendor work only with quality. What will happen once there is a problem, and what will be damaged a lot? You are right, quality!</p>



<p>ROCKETECH often talks with customers to better understand their needs, and usually, we work with one or a maximum of two parameters costs or time, and quality is our top priority anyway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. <strong>Payment afterward creates so many big problems because all deliverables are after 100% are done – You get source code only after payment</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/clint-adair-BW0vK-FA3eg-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-189" style="width:680px;height:454px" srcset="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/clint-adair-BW0vK-FA3eg-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/clint-adair-BW0vK-FA3eg-unsplash-158x106.jpg 158w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>With fixed-price, usually, everyone is working with different steps in payment procedure, but every agency is the same in one thing; you get the code of the product once full payment has been done. So, after the Founder has made the whole payment, he gets his product that could have many problems inside.</p>



<p>ROCKETECH gives full access to the code without any problems. We believe that web or mobile apps have been implemented only because of your idea and energy that you spent and gave to us in the budget frame, and it is your intellectual property, not ours.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. <strong>Fixed price is all about the conflict of interests between the founder and vendor</strong></h2>



<p>Contacts that have been designed for work with Fixed-price are focusing all the time on stability and clearing features that have to be implemented. They will never take into account that there is a very big uncertainty in requirements, market needs, the business model itself, end-users, etc. Founders are focusing all the time on the market and its subjects, but the vendor is focusing on the contract. Conflict will come anyway because you communicate only with a Project manager who is not familiar with the code.</p>



<p>ROCKETECH makes very transparent works between Product owners and our developers. We always say that our developers are your developers, and in that case, we are in “one boat” and going together to the product-market fit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. <strong>Fixed price never last long because the markup of the agency is very high but the value is really low</strong></h2>



<p>The cost of every feature with an estimation of Fixed price always includes many costs and risks. The agency is always making this because they need to balance with uncertainty, tech limitations, people problems, etc. that nobody sees at the beginning of the project. So, Founders overpay for every feature that the agency is delivering.</p>



<p>ROCKETECH prefers to focus on fact only. We work with deposit prepayment, and we make bills only on what has been spent and what exactly has been delivered to the Founder and market itself. We don’t make any extra cost, we make a very transparent estimation of a task, and we prefer to build up relationships on trust.</p>



<p>Overall, there are several risks and problems at Fixed price, so please place your attention before choosing it. Take a look around and try to take on the risks that I have listed here, or you can contact us. We will be happy to help you and bring your ideas into reality!</p>



<p>Our experience is your success!</p>



<p></p>


When a fixed-price model is not the best option for custom software development

<p>Agile is the general approach to developing quality software used by many teams worldwide. <a href="https://www.qagile.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/14th-annual-state-of-agile-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Over 80% of the companies</a> implemented agile, but not all of them have a complete understanding of this process. And it is not surprising because agile has established itself as a group of the most advanced software development methodologies to follow. According to the article in the <a href="https://www.informationweek.com/strategic-cio/enterprise-agility/the-most-important-agile-trends-to-follow-in-2020/a/d-id/1336550?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">InformationWeek</a>, agile still has not reached its apogee now. Therefore, the unique set of software development principles continues to evolve with hundreds of companies and gain valuable expertise worldwide (especially among dedicated teams).</p>



<p>However, what is the agile lifecycle and what events are the most widely used? Let’s learn more about it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Notion of the Agile Software Development</h2>



<p><em>This set of methodologies provides for the joint work in sprints. They can last for one to four weeks instead of delivering a finished digital solution after the development process.</em> During this time, employees release the primary functionality and see how it responds to final users. Based on user feedback, the team plans the next changes in the product.</p>



<p>Plus, constant interaction with the dedicated team allows adapting to changing business and user requirements and creating customer-centred digital software.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 6 Key Stages of the Agile Lifecycle</h2>



<p>The entire lifecycle divides into six steps called agile phases. Let’s find out more about them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Concept</h3>



<p>In this case, founders need to define the scope of future work. If the company runs dozens of projects at the same time, they need to prioritise the crucial ones. After that, the founder should organise a meeting with the dedicated team and present the critical needs, required features and the expected deliverables. Experts advise establishing minimal requirements, so you add the remaining ones later. </p>



<p>Another critical part is setting clear timeframes and the budget for the future project. It will help the founder assess how realistic it is to bring all features to life. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inception</h3>



<p>It is the second of 6 stages of the agile development life cycle. The founder needs to choose the right people, assign roles in the team and provide all the necessary instruments to start the development.</p>



<p>Then, the dedicated team starts to create a UI simulation and define the architecture of the digital product. The inception phase is always organised immediately before the construction phase. The reason is simple: <em>you need to establish a plan and define the core set of methods and templates for future development activities</em>.</p>



<p>This stage divides into two parts:</p>



<ul><li>UI/UX design. In this case, designers should create a mock-up of the user interface and user experience. They also conduct a proper analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors. </li><li>The product architecture. The dedicated team discusses the most suitable tools to meet the business requirements (frameworks, containers, programming languages, etc.). </li></ul>



<p>As a result, you get the team and the software structure. Therefore, you can move on to the next phase. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iteration</h3>



<p>This phase is also known as development. It is usually the longest part of the agile development life cycle that covers most of the work to execute. The developers cooperate with UI/UX designers to merge all business needs and feedback with code. <em>The main goal is to create the minimum features, while revisions and additional functionality are to implement later.</em> The iteration stage is the foundation of the agile approach, which enables the dedicated team to create a full-fledged solution and improve it to meet the client’s needs. </p>



<p>After the development stage is over, it is time to conduct QA activities, develop the techniсal documentation, and end the iteration. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Testing</h3>



<p>Even though you check the digital product after every sprint, the testing phase orients toward employees that verify that the software performance is flawless. There are different types of testing in the agile life cycle:</p>



<ul><li>Unit testing. In this case, the QA team isolates each part of the front-end and back-end infrastructure and checks its performance and functionality.</li><li>Integration testing. This stage of the QA process focuses on combining different parts of the product to ensure their compatibility. </li><li>Acceptance testing. When quality assurance specialists pass this part, they evaluate the digital solution’s compliance with the end-user requirements. </li><li>System testing. In the final part of the test activities, the team tests all the elements as a single unit. If so, QA employees permit further deployment. </li></ul>



<p>The specific team does all these actions to check the quality of code and the product on how they follow the business goals. After successfully passing all the testing stages, it is time to go public.  </p>



<p><em>In addition to agile SDLC phases, there are other SDLC methodologies. </em><a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/comparing-custom-software-development-methodologies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Here</em></a><em> we compare the most popular software development lifecycle models.</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Release</h3>



<p>In this case, the QA workers should perform several tests to check the final software performance. Firstly, they will test the code for further release. Moreover, if the testing team finds any bugs, the developers will fix them in the shortest possible time. </p>



<p>The release stage also covers the user training stage requiring even more technical documents. When the dedicated team ends all the activities, they pass to the final phase. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Review </h3>



<p>The founder gathers all workers to review the final digital product. All the employees assess the progress in the business requirements implementation, the key points, and the obstacles encountered during all iterations. The founder also asks the dedicated team for feedback and adds it to the list of the following iteration requirements. </p>



<p><em>The reviewing phase helps to cope with future challenges as all parties know more about the software development workflow.</em> After all agile phases of a project, the lifecycle starts a new iteration. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How the Standard Agile Iteration Workflow Looks Like</h2>



<p>The traditional software development life cycle usually takes from one to four weeks. The typical workflow looks like this: </p>



<ul><li>Plan needs and requirements for the project</li><li>Create a digital solution</li><li>Test the finished product</li><li>Review the software</li><li>Collect feedback from the team employees</li></ul>



<p><em>Remember that each iteration passes the same agile lifecycle as the dedicated team aims to improve the product and develop the top-notch software.</em> But these iterations are short cycles within the entire agile process. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5 Advanced Agile Events to Implement</h2>



<p>After we learn more about the agile SDLC methodology, let’s look at the most widely used practices. One of the most widespread agile practices is Scrum, and you can adapt the following events to your project.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Short Iterations</h3>



<p>They help catch up on development progress and may include small features and short meetings. Such an approach also allows to improve the team workflow and adapt to market changes faster and more flexibly.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sprint/Iteration Planning</h3>



<p>The team answers the following questions:</p>



<ul><li>What is the goal of the sprint?</li><li>What is the valuable feature to release at the end?</li><li>What will be the increment (the latest stable and usable version of the software)?</li><li>What important business tasks do employees perform?</li></ul>



<p>In other words, the team discusses where it is now and determines the goal and action plan for the coming days.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Daily Meeting</h3>



<p>This meeting is intended to determine progress towards the sprint goal (that is, how confident the team is to achieve the sprint goal). Another goal is to discuss the obstacles that prevent this from being done and develop an action plan on how to eliminate them during future agile SDLC phases. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sprint/Iteration Review</h3>



<p>Speaking of the sprint review, it is the discussion with the team and stakeholders. All parties review the functionality that was done during the sprint. It is also important to collect feedback from stakeholders and improve current requirements accordingly.<em> All data collects into a product backlog that allows you to get software that meets all your needs and requirements.</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Retrospectives</h3>



<p>This activity aims to look back on the development progress and notice what tasks were done perfectly and not so good. Hence, retrospectives help the dedicated team highlight the possible problems, find ways to avoid them during future agile SDLC phases, and increase their productivity.</p>



<p>All agile software development phases mentioned above are a must for quality communication within a project and building top-notch software. That is why <a href="https://www.qagile.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/14th-annual-state-of-agile-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over 80%</a> of dedicated teams implemented these events, and it brings significant results. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



<p>The agile SDLC is a critical model for most dedicated teams that allows them to develop flawlessly working software shortly. This approach also helps meet the challenges of achieving business goals, and the team members can stay productive. However, you should provide them with all the necessary instruments for quality work.<br><em>At Rocketech, we know how to implement the most advanced software development methods and templates. You can ask for a dedicated team that will cover all business needs and create first-class software for your project. And if you are ready to reach new heights, </em><a href="https://rocketech.it/contacts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>contact us</em></a><em> and get in the rocket!</em></p>


Agile Software Development Lifecycle Phases Explained

<p>Businesses often lack trust in technology, especially when creating a digital product from scratch. Founders argue that bespoke software development is too expensive and the system’s effectiveness cannot be evaluated. However, changes in customer behavior are pushing companies towards digitalization. We have reviewed seven common software myths that frighten most founders.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-primary-color has-warning-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Explore<strong> </strong>the possibilities to scale up your business with a marketable digital product</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-primary-background-color has-warning-color" data-type="callback" data-tags="funnel">Schedule a Call</button></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 The Biggest Myth in Software Engineering: Custom Development Is Expensive and Complicated</h2>



<p>The concept of a digital product goes far beyond development. It may involve<em> preliminary surveys, project planning, or even setting an advertising budget for marketing activities in new markets</em>. All these things may require a lot of money and generate the most widespread myths in software engineering, but they are vital for the project’s outcome.</p>



<p>Custom software developers consider the most effective step-by-step implementation when creating digital solutions, from the minimum starting version of the product (<a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/prototype-poc-or-mvp-what-will-work-for-your-product">MVP</a>) to a full-fledged solution to further maintenance and scaling. This approach allows you to develop an IT product based on feedback from actual users.</p>



<p>If you have to create a large-scale and detailed solution, it will require quite serious investments. But you can use the final product to highlight the critical value that attracts users who will be willing to pay. As a result, its performance and self-sufficiency will be ensured. In other words, proper planning allows you to launch the project using about 30% of the total budget. Sales will begin to win back a part of the funds spent and finance the following custom application development stages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 An Initial Development Plan Is Perfect</h2>



<p>Often, project managers ignore constantly changing product requirements and insist that development plans remain the same. They explain all the mistakes as errors in executive management and performance. However, <em>keeping planning and reviewing results to a minimum is notoriously bad.</em></p>



<p>In his <a href="https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/fd47057d-aa4f-3be0-ab9c-ed634f9943cb/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer">article</a>, <em>Thomas Allen</em>, Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School, described a study of the work of spacecraft designers and found that they tested every solution to a problem before choosing the most suitable one. <em>Only then do they make assumptions about the timing of the project</em>.</p>



<p>The same applies to custom business software development. Even an experienced team can rarely determine an appropriate way to solve problems they encounter for the first time, just as customers can not set precise requirements for the product. Markets are volatile. New competitors or user habits emerge daily. <em>And reviewing plans simply equals adjusting to changing environments</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/unsplash_0g-iltxmmha-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4267" width="480" height="321" srcset="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/unsplash_0g-iltxmmha-1.png 1920w, https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/unsplash_0g-iltxmmha-1-158x106.png 158w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 You Can Always Use Ready-Made Solutions</h2>



<p>Every business starts small. First, the founder chooses, for example, a ready-made task tracker for assigning tasks to specialists. Further, as the business grows, the management uses an inexpensive and straightforward CRM system to integrate with the task tracker. After that, founders often realize they also need a website and make it on Wix or a similar service. </p>



<p>Of course, the right combination of ready-made tools can help at first. But it is dangerous to assume that such solutions will always follow your company’s vision and adjust equally quickly to the current business conditions. <em>In the end, you might get the so-called “zoo of systems” when diverse platforms and out-of-the-box solutions live their own lives</em>. There are two drawbacks:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>They have different customization and integration options</strong> (e.g., support for specific payment systems or analytical tools).</li>



<li><strong>They differ in the quality of technical and customer support</strong> (e.g., different platforms, Service Level Agreement conditions, etc.).</li>
</ul>



<p>Custom software development services are necessary for creating complex systems and expanding existing ones. It will allow businesses to meet current requirements, adapt to new challenges, and have streamlined business systems working as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 More Functions Make the Product More Enjoyable</h2>



<p>Often, founders claim that additional functionality makes the product more valuable. As a result, even an ordinary toaster is equipped with an LCD and a bunch of buttons. <em>However, in the case of software, this approach makes the product less usable.</em></p>



<p>That is why successful companies try to create elegant but straightforward products. Let’s take the example of <em>Bang &amp; Olufsen</em>, a well-known producer of high-end audio products. At some point, the company realized that the customers didn’t want to spend much time setting up the equalizer. Today, their high-end speakers automatically adjust to the songs⁠—all the customer has to do is choose the volume.</p>



<p><strong>To avoid overloading software with features</strong>, bespoke software developers pay attention to two things:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Defining the problem:</strong> You should spend more time on the exact formulation of the problem the digital solution solves. To do this, founders must identify the goals the team faces and the hypotheses to test. These elements are critical for creating a unique user experience. </li>



<li><strong>Defining the features that can be hidden:</strong> Founders can be tempted to amaze the user with all the available functionality. However, the most appropriate solution is to show the user’s features on the screen and allow them to use the custom software product without unnecessary hassle. </li>
</ol>



<p>Today’s approach to <strong>customer development</strong> includes several stages that help determine the initial feature of an MVP. The minimal product allows you to plan further functionality according to the first customer feedback.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-primary-color has-warning-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Don’t know where to start?<br>Get our Software Development Guide</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-primary-background-color has-warning-color" data-type="subscribe" data-tags="Funel">Get a Free Guide</button></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 It Is Enough to Gather a Team of Junior Specialists</h2>



<p>This myth has a simple explanation: <em>not every customer company that needs software is willing to pay more.</em> However, saving on big projects can have fatal consequences. After all, middle and senior specialists, in addition to executing tasks, will have to check the code for juniors and train them. At the same time, experienced developers should also find time for learning because technologies are constantly developing, and it is vital to keep up with new trends and requirements.</p>



<p>When hiring a custom app development team, it is customary to rely on the following factors:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>The requirements (how well they are detailed and formulated in the final version);</strong></li>



<li><strong>Project size and scope (coding, analytics, design, testing, CI/CD, etc.);</strong></li>



<li><strong>Technology stack (frontend and backend);</strong></li>



<li><strong>Relevant experience in implementing similar projects.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>Besides, all participants must know their duties, product backlog execution order, and customer interaction principles. At the start, it is crucial to choose an appropriate management method and a person who will lead the process rather than determine the ratio of seasoned and less experienced specialists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Developers Can Create a Demanded Product on a First Try</h2>



<p>When striving to get the desired result right away, the team makes less risky decisions and builds a linear development process. However, it reduces the speed of the response to new problems.</p>



<p><em>A unique user experience often requires taking risks and implementing new features or </em><em>custom software design</em><em> concepts to test multiple hypotheses</em>. Mature investors know that most ideas will fail. On the other hand, they also know it’s impossible to find those that will skyrocket without trying them all out.</p>



<p><em>Accepting the first failure is perhaps the most profitable strategy.</em> People learn from their mistakes, while modern modeling and prototyping technologies make it much easier and faster.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Customer Myths in Software Engineering: No Need to Spend Resources on Analytics</h2>



<p>Sometimes, a business has only a product idea but no terms of reference or understanding of where to begin. It is risky to start development immediately, as the requirements will change, and the time and costs will inevitably increase. Simply put, it is impossible to get positive results with no analytics because there must be an understanding of the project’s purpose.</p>



<p>Specialists address one of the most frequent customer myths in software engineering by reducing the preparation time for the project kick-off and using the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/how-to-avoid-common-project-estimation-mistakes"><strong><em>discovery phase</em></strong></a>.<strong> It is a preliminary stage for identifying requirements, analyzing business goals, and developing the concept of a future product</strong>.</p>



<p><em>The main task of the </em><em>discovery phase in software development</em><em> is to turn the data received into a step-by-step roadmap for each role in the system.</em> To accurately evaluate the project, you need to know the software’s boundaries and understand how much time it will take to determine the requirements and draw up technical specifications.</p>



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7 Myths of Software Engineering Debunked

<p>Looking for incredible technologies and solutions that can help you launch your business? Need help scaling your business? We at Rocketech can help you with that! It’s been six years since we started this business. And can we just say, it’s been an awesome journey for us!</p>



<p> In honor of our client’s success, we’re genuinely excited to announce that we’ve been named as Russia’s most recommended software development company by The Manifest!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="alignleft"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/k9zFztlCKKn7pqINk40ser4qmj2La-XymXcm81TLk0hmutGD7vEQkWy9Fr08MuoE0XzrqblF9fC5iHn82oO6oemAOKdfpFkCg4lWSFBCYJX6Sk8oeQCA2CLlTgD1-NE0T7rGLEw4=s0" alt=""></figure></div>


<p>We love celebrating our clients’ milestones, but we can’t let this achievement pass without commemorating it. To give you a better understanding of how big this means for us, here’s our story.</p>



<p>In 2015, Rocketech was founded by two passionate design and development experts — Alex Borisov and Alexander Rocket. Our small team flourished, and now, we have 100+ driven professionals and creative thinkers!</p>



<p>Since our inception, we’ve worked with over 100+ clients from different industries. The partners we’ve worked with are respected leaders in their fields. Because of the incredible rapport we have with them, their recommendations helped us earn The Manifest’s recognition.</p>



<p>To help you get up to speed, The Manifest is a <a href="https://themanifest.com/ru/software-development/companies#most-reviewed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">B2B news site</a> designed to curate and compile data on the technology, marketing, and business services sectors. The site has a big collection of content such as survey reports, step-by-step guides, and agency listings; all of which aim to provide guidance to browsers.</p>



<p>This 2021, The Manifest listed Rocketech as one of the top 15 best-recommended software developers in Russia. Such recognition deserves to be celebrated. We are absolutely proud to reach this milestone with our clients!</p>



<p><em>“We are excited to be among the best-reviewed firms in Russia. It means a lot for Rocketech to be recognized by The Manifest in many categories. We continue growing and strive to deliver the best to our clients by being their technological partner.”</em></p>



<p>— Alex Borisov, Co-founder of Rocketech</p>



<p>Reach great heights with Rocketech. Work with us and you’ll see why our clients love us. <a href="https://rocketech.it/contacts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Send us a message</a> and let’s get in touch. </p>


Rocketech Named as Russia’s Best Recommended Software Development Company for 2021

<p>Mobile commerce is a relatively young field that has already gained popularity among both entrepreneurs and consumers. At the end of 2021, it accounted for <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/806336/mobile-retail-commerce-share-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">almost 73%</a> of all retail sales. Among <a href="https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6.64 billion</a> smartphone users, about 79% shop online using their portable devices. </p>



<p>Mobile commerce is not limited to social networks. Many brands release their apps and tools that help buy goods, make payments, or work with digital accounts in a couple of clicks.</p>



<p>Today, you will learn: how mobile commerce works in modern business, why market leaders focus on it, and how to develop it to maximize profit. Let’s plunge into the world of IT solutions for trading!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Mobile Commerce?</h2>



<p>It is an offshoot of traditional e-commerce, where the main sales channel falls on smartphones and tablets. The mobile device market is growing rapidly: according to <a href="https://www.canalys.com/newsroom/canalys-worldwide-smartphone-market-Q1-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canalys</a>, about 347 million smart gadgets were sold worldwide in 2021. Apple is the leader with a <a href="https://gs.statcounter.com/vendor-market-share/mobile/worldwide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">29.24%</a> share of sales. </p>



<p>Modern users cannot imagine their life without smartphones. Gen Z is leading the digitization race, spending all their leisure time in front of smartphone screens. At the same time, the average age of a mobile buyer in the United States is 25⁠–⁠34 years, according to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/469184/us-digital-buyer-share-age-group/dwide" target="_blank">Statista’s report</a> for 2020. In <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=E-commerce_statistics_for_individuals" target="_blank">Europe</a>, the statistics are more interesting: millennials made purchases via smartphones on a par with the younger generation in the same reporting period. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kinds</h3>



<p>Although we talk about mobile commerce as a kind of trade, it’s not entirely true. Now this concept unites three types of financial services:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>E-Commerce</strong>. Traditional <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/trending-e-commerce-business-models-to-watch-for-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-commerce</a> omnichannel trade. This category includes marketplaces, digital stores, business accounts in social networks, communities in instant messengers, and everything connected with them: native mobile apps, web resources, and hybrid software.</li>



<li><strong>Banking</strong>. Lending, microloans, deposits, financial accounting, and other services directly related to money. To ensure accessibility for mobile users, entrepreneurs use their IT products, web solutions, chatbots, or communities in social apps.</li>



<li><strong>Payment systems</strong>. Another type of mobile banking providing intermediary services when making payments, sending money, or other financial transactions. This kind appeared recently but is already firmly rooted in the mobile commerce IT product market.</li>
</ul>



<p>The versatility of modern mobile e-commerce opens up prospects for small and mid-sized businesses. This niche will develop in the next ten years, and those who will release at least MVPs will scale and monetize their startups.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Accessibility</strong>. All operations are performed remotely using a smartphone. Physical documents and visits to local offices are not required.</li>



<li><strong>Speed</strong>. Purchases are made with just a couple of taps on the interface elements. Lending decisions are made by AI, which can analyze requests independently.</li>



<li><strong>Mobility</strong>. Modern logistics and electronic services allow you to receive goods at the nearest branch of the <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/instant-e-commerce-a-new-way-of-selling-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery service</a>, and money is credited to the virtual account.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disadvantages</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Security</strong>. Some IT solutions aren’t protected from outside interference. Vulnerabilities in modern mobile operating systems also pose a danger when making payments.</li>



<li><strong>Locality</strong>. Many suppliers of goods or services operate in particular GEOs, which complicates access to them for users from neighboring countries or regions.</li>



<li><strong>Openness</strong>. Consumers compare product prices or credit rates on many resources and refuse to overpay some suppliers. </li>
</ul>



<p>As a result, mobile commerce has adopted some disadvantages of traditional one, but it outperforms it in terms of advantages. In fact, this area is still developing and gradually improving, acquiring new opportunities and closing some of the vulnerabilities. But one thing is clear: the next decade will put things in order, making mobile commerce the predominant tool for efficient business operation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trading in Your Pocket: Why Do You Need Mobile Apps for E-commerce?</h2>



<p>It is no secret that users spend about <a href="https://www.emarketer.com/content/the-majority-of-americans-mobile-time-spent-takes-place-in-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four hours</a> a day behind smartphone screens, while the share of browser use does not exceed 9.16%. It means that consumers use third-party apps like social media clients, instant messengers, banking systems, news aggregators, marketplaces, and brand resources. </p>



<p>Why is that? Mobile apps allow developers to implement broad functionality, package it in a convenient and friendly interface, debug it, and test it. Quality plays a key role when consumers choose a supplier. If a web resource or a native IT solution takes a long time to load, updates content rarely, and requires additional and annoying actions, about 57% of buyers choose another place to buy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Convenience</h3>



<p>The interface is the face of any app. Its design and logic affect the user experience and, accordingly, the desire of consumers to purchase a product or service. Another critical characteristic is the availability of services on the menu: payment, social, or communicative.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Speed</h3>



<p>Overloading an app with graphical elements negatively impacts its performance and data processing speed on the client side. Slow loading or errors when filling out the shopping cart or entering contact/payment information are reasons consumers refuse and move on to competitors. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Communication</h3>



<p>Communication between the consumer and the distributor has now become an indispensable component of retail. Customer loyalty depends entirely on the quality and speed of communication. If store representatives can’t answer everyone at once, chatbots do this with ease. Modern technologies make it possible to implement a smart ML/AI-based assistant in apps, web resources, and instant messengers. It can’t replace live communication, but it gives users the confidence that they are valued. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mobile Commerce Optimization: Expert Tips</h2>



<p>Take care of customers in advance when <a href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/2021-outcomes-for-european-e-commerce-what-new-companies-need-to-know-before-entering-the-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launching a startup</a> or providing digital transformation of a store/showcase on a marketplace. Let the early MVP perform only the main functions, but it must work at 100%. <strong>The minimum set of trading app features for its release is a shopping cart, payment services, filters, search, and chat. </strong>It is quite enough to launch your project effectively. What else is important in mobile commerce?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Simple UI</h3>



<p>Not all consumers use the latest smartphones and tablets from Apple or Samsung. It is obvious, considering the prices they offer. That’s why it’s important to make the <strong>design of your app “airy,” not overloading the device</strong>. It is better to use cloud technologies for processing information and rendering heavy graphics. Fortunately, they are now financially affordable even for a small startup.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maximum Integration</h3>



<p>Do you want to get the maximum benefit from cooperation with your consumers? Allow them to <strong>share purchases with friends on social networks</strong>. No other marketing channel generates as much organic traffic as word of mouth. You can even encourage customers with bonus points or promotions.</p>



<p>The online banking sector is growing, offering various payment systems and services. Keep up with this trend. <strong>Integrate the most popular mobile commerce tools into your apps</strong>: <strong>Apple Pay, Google Pay, local banking systems, PayPal</strong>, etc.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cross-Selling</h3>



<p>What is the average buyer’s check? It is the amount spent in one session. In 90% of cases, consumers do not understand that they need an accessory for the main purchase, a cover, or a consumable. That’s why it is worth hinting at promotional offers, the cost of re-delivery, or the shortage of such goods. Users are more willing to pay more if they are offered relevant things as additions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cashback, Loyalty, and Promotional Offers</h3>



<p>The savings trend has emerged recently but has become popular all over the world. The return of part of the funds spent is nothing more than an additional incentive to buy more. After all, the higher the transaction amount, the more money is returned to the wallet.</p>



<p>The loyalty system works similarly. The more often and more expensively your clients make purchases, the more points they earn, save, and spend on other goods, compensating for part of the funds. Considering retail margins, your store won’t lose money, especially if the maximum discount is limited (the figure may be specified in the program terms).</p>



<p>Sales of illiquid goods, themed promotions, pre-holiday discounts, and other marketing techniques take root in mobile commerce perfectly. Arrange a waterfall of prices: you will increase your turnover by attracting those who like to buy cheaper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Let’s Summarize</h2>



<p>Mobile commerce follows all the rules of traditional trading. Similar marketing techniques are effective here, and omnichannel and scalability are provided. To launch a startup successfully, you need market analysis, strategy, and a high-tech MVP. If you are thinking about starting your mobile commerce project, you have already dealt with the first two points. Rocketech will help you with the third one! </p>



<p>We will develop a comprehensive IT solution that will satisfy your customers and allow you to compete even with market leaders. If you still don’t know what should be in the application, we will advise. To discuss cooperation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/ru/contacts" target="_blank">our manager</a>. Delegate tasks to Rocketech and develop your startup faster.</p>


How Mobile Commerce Helps Businesses Increase Their Benefits

<p>In media, booming startups are often associated with marketing gurus and gods of sales. Overnight success stories make fresh founders hire an expensive marketer from day one, expecting some magic on day two. The reality is, however, more prosaic: there’s a long way from ideation to creating a startup marketing strategy.</p>



<p>The Rocketech experts have decided to dispel the popular myths about <strong>early-stage startup marketing</strong> and analyze the most common mistakes that can lead to dramatic consequences.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="874" height="620" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/early-stage-marketing.png" alt="Human hands are typing on a laptop while marketing-related icons are symbolically floating around." class="wp-image-5524"></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why Startups Fail</strong></h2>



<p>Since 2018, the market intelligence platform <strong>CB Insights</strong> has been collecting <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cbinsights.com/research/startup-failure-post-mortem/" target="_blank">startup failure post-mortems</a>. Their analysts summed up <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cbinsights.com/research/startup-failure-reasons-top/" target="_blank">the top twelve reasons why startups fail</a>. Expectedly, most of the new businesses that didn’t make it simply ran out of cash. However, the second frequent reason is <strong>no product-market fit</strong>.</p>



<p>Many startup marketing mistakes don’t begin with wrong strategies but with a lack of understanding of the target audience’s needs. In today’s people-centric business environments, <strong>it’s all about the customer</strong>. But when you launch a new product (in this case, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/startup-funding-explained-investment-rounds-and-sources" target="_blank">pre-seed and seed funding stages</a>), you simply don’t have this customer yet. </p>



<p>This misunderstanding often leads to failure. Young founders hire marketers who can’t adjust the strategy to non-existing customers. <strong>People just don’t need the product</strong>, as the product is the result of the market need.</p>



<p>Moreover, it’s vital to understand <strong>how well your product will fit the existing ecosystem and environment</strong>. If we have one phone, we’ll have nobody to call. But the entire network’s value increases as the number of applications or sold units grows. If the network effect becomes more complex, the product can take off quickly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Startups vs. Established Businesses</strong></h2>



<p>Some founders believe they need a full-scale marketing strategy before the journey begins. But such elaborate plans fitting established businesses don’t work for startups. Here’s why.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Traditional Businesses Have Certainty</strong></h3>



<ul></ul>



<p>There are step-by-step guides (even in the public domain) on opening a beauty salon, grocery store, or pizzeria. <strong>Traditional businesses have defined rules and can use collective knowledge</strong>. They have already explored the target audience, found the identity idea, and established the positioning to distinguish themselves from the competitors. They can even predict the revenue fairly accurately.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Startups Have No Ready Solutions</strong></h3>



<ul></ul>



<p><strong>Launching a startup is like treasure hunting when you don’t know where and sometimes what you are looking for</strong>. It’s all about hypothesis testing and generating more ideas to test. Predicting what will work out is difficult: early-stage startups are looking for the very formula that will allow them to scale in the future.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="500" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pivot.png" alt="Infographic: Navigating startup pivots: Understanding the transformative nature of pivots and the need for adaptable marketing approaches in the evolving startup environment." class="wp-image-5526"></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Unfinished Products Don’t Need Branding</strong></h3>



<p>Founders establish the startup marketing budget and rush to choose the logo, slogan, and communication strategy when they don’t know the customers and their needs yet. There’s only a “raw” product to show investors and introduce to consumers. </p>



<p>This early positioning may confuse customers as <strong>the product will inevitably change</strong>. If done right, it will grow and adjust to changing customer needs. Some features will be replaced or altered to the extent that the final version will have little to do with the initial idea. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Great Expectations</strong></h2>



<p>How much should you spend on marketing as a startup? Short answer: it always depends. On the industry, niche, product, and even ambitions. But what’s most important is to remember that <strong>marketing should develop as the product (or idea) evolves</strong>. In the early stages, many variables create a great deal of uncertainty.</p>



<p>To address this uncertainty, many founders want to hire an experienced marketer who will build a long-term strategy. Many create an entire marketing department at the beginning and expect immediate results.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">We help startups tackle uncertainty. Learn more about our strategy.</div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>



<p>The tricky part is that even the best marketers’ skills won’t help founders save time or money at this point. It’s not yet the time for launching scaling campaigns, determining segmentation, or designing creative branding promotions. Instead, it’s the showtime for founders and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/key-responsibilities-every-po-should-take" target="_blank">product owners</a> for project discovery and proper market research. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Discover Your Product</strong></h2>



<p><strong>The most important task is understanding which product you should build and who needs it.</strong> A startup that releases an irrelevant product will quickly fail. And it doesn’t matter why the market isn’t prepared for the new offer: customers’ pain may not be there yet, or the target audience may not be ready to change consumer behavior.</p>



<p>Here’s a striking <strong>example </strong>of such irrelevance. A customer doesn’t understand which of their needs the product will address in the future — the marketing team failed to find the audience and target it.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>The biggest risk of an early-stage startup failure is to discover that the problem your product can solve either doesn’t exist or interests only a fraction of the market. That’s why <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/discovery-phase-why-is-it-crucial-for-your-project-success" target="_blank">product discovery</a> is the first and foremost priority for early-stage startups</strong>. It’s a dynamic and crucial process that can be done even with limited resources.<em> </em></p>
</blockquote>



<p>Many founders have a perfect picture, for example, of a mobile app and want to spend money on creating flashy designs and catchy features already at the beginning. In reality, users don’t pay much attention to design and color schemes if the product solves their problem. <strong>And the best (and easiest) way to discover customer pain points is to ask them directly</strong> by following the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://guides.co/g/how-to-build-a-startup/3010" data-type="URL" data-id="https://guides.co/g/how-to-build-a-startup/3010" target="_blank">Customer Development</a> approach.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="500" src="https://wp.rocketech.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cd-4.png" alt="Infographic: Exploring Customer Development (CD): Discovering customer needs, pain points, and expectations through market research, competitor analysis, pricing, and market readiness for startup product development." class="wp-image-5536"></figure>



<p>This stage centers around conducting <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/the-guide-for-perfect-customer-development-problem-interview-checklist" target="_blank">problem interviews</a> and assessing potential profitability based on the answers. It may involve creating prototypes to demonstrate to focus groups or in-depth interviews. The latter may unexpectedly give you a competitive advantage if done right. <strong>The main point is to focus on the customer rather than the product itself.</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Importance of a Strong MVP </strong></h3>



<p>The customer needs analysis then becomes the basis for a <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/when-to-launch-an-mvp-7-scenarios-where-its-crucial" data-type="URL" data-id="https://rocketech.it/blog/post/when-to-launch-an-mvp-7-scenarios-where-its-crucial" target="_blank">minimal viable product</a></strong> (MVP), a powerful tool for <strong>hypothesis testing</strong>. Although this version has limited functionality and sometimes only one (the most important) feature, it’s already the project’s face. </p>



<p>At this stage, neither investors, customers, nor competitors can see anything but the MVP. Certainly, the stakeholders will listen to the pitch and read any provided documentation. But it’s a short moment for the startup to show the seriousness of intentions and entrepreneurial maturity.</p>



<p>There are only two critical requirements: <strong>the MVP must function flawlessly and reflect the product’s features</strong>. Sounds easy. However, people always remember if they don’t get the promised functionality and quality. </p>



<p>Although some entrepreneurs may include CD in the overall startup marketing strategic plan, the product discovery doesn’t require a team of hardcore marketers — there’s no product to market yet. </p>



<p>By carefully collecting and analyzing the first customer feedback from the released MVP, startups can plan further features and adjust the product to address the market needs directly. Successful scaling of the initial limited product should gradually lead to the full-fledged product being ready for monetization. <strong>That’s where you need the marketing team</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Choose Your Strategic Partner</strong></h2>



<p>If early-stage startups don’t need marketing departments, then how can they do it right? In an ideal world, at the very beginning, nobody will do a better job than the founder. These are the people who should “feel” the product, know the market, and understand the problem that needs solving.</p>



<p>Although people can do a lot on enthusiasm and ambitions, it’s strategically reasonable to find a trusted tech partner if your idea includes developing a digital product. Since 2015, we’ve been partnering with innovative and creative startups and guiding them throughout the entire journey from product discovery to an established and successful business.</p>



<div class="wp-block-blog-action wp-block-action has-light-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background"><div class="wp-block-action__text">Do you have an idea? Let’s bring it to life together. </div><button class="wp-block-action__button has-light-background-color has-primary-color" data-type="callback">Book a call</button></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAQ</strong>: <strong>Startup Marketing</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Q1: Do I need a marketing team for my early-stage startup?</strong></p>



<p>Not necessarily, it depends on your resources and priorities. If you have limited funds or prefer to focus on other aspects of your business initially, you can explore alternative options like outsourcing marketing tasks, hiring freelancers, or implementing lean marketing strategies on your own.</p>



<p><strong>Q2: How important is a startup marketing plan?</strong></p>



<p>A well-defined marketing plan is crucial to guide your efforts and maximize results. It helps you identify your target audience, set goals, outline strategies, and allocate resources effectively. Having a clear roadmap ensures that your marketing activities are purposeful and aligned with your overall business objectives.</p>



<p><strong>Q3: How much should I budget for startup marketing costs?</strong></p>



<p>Start with a conservative budget that aligns with your financial capabilities and gradually increase it as you see results. Consider factors like industry norms, competition, and the scope of your marketing activities to determine a reasonable allocation for marketing expenses.</p>



<p><strong>Q4: What are some of the best startup marketing campaigns I can learn from?</strong></p>



<p>Look into successful startup campaigns like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Duolingo for inspiration and insights. Study their creative strategies, unique value propositions, and customer acquisition techniques to gain valuable lessons that can be applied to your own marketing efforts.</p>



<p><strong>Q5: How can I effectively target my audience with limited resources?</strong></p>



<p>Define your target audience clearly, focusing on specific demographics, interests, or pain points that align with your product or service. Utilize data-driven strategies like social media targeting, keyword research, and customer segmentation to optimize your reach and ensure that your marketing efforts are directed toward the right people.</p>



<p><strong>Q6: When should I consider building an in-house marketing team?</strong></p>



<p>Once your startup has grown, validated its product-market fit, and has the necessary resources, you can consider building an in-house marketing team. This allows for greater control over your marketing activities, the ability to develop long-term strategies, and more efficient collaboration between marketing and other departments within your organization.</p>


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