| Software development focus areas | The creation of a planning allowance can be carried out at any time, independent of the location. Optionally, positions can also be transferred from other applications (e.g. MTOs/bills of materials) via an interface. The measurement creation/check of the measurements are carried out independent of the location. Performance testing is fast, semi-automated, secure, transparent and timely. |
| Development environment | Cloud solutions (SaaS) |
| Target system / target | Independent of operating system (cross-platform) |
Software development (service)
Software development generally describes a process for solving a problem using computers or other IT hardware. The problem is defined by the client, while the software developer solves this task with the help of suitable tools, such as the development environment to be used or the desired target system. The result is then one or more programs that can be used by the user to perform his tasks more efficiently.
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| Software development focus areas | Software development Embedded systems |
| Target system / target | Embedded system Linux Micro-controller |
| Additional project / development services | Electronics development Mechanics solutions |
| Software development focus areas | Software development Database connections Database development Show all Measurement data analysis Measurement data documentation Measurement data acquisition APP development |
| Development environment | Visual Studio® C C++ |
| Target system / target | Embedded system Linux Windows PC Show all Real-time controller Siemens PLC IOS Android Micro-controller |
| Software development focus areas | Software development Modernization of existing software Extension of existing software Show all Measurement data analysis Measurement data acquisition |
| Development environment | LabVIEW DASYLab® FlexPro® |
| Target system / target | Windows PC |
The task can vary from a pure software solution without the use of additional hardware to complex systems in which a variety of additional hardware must be controlled and queried. The hardware to be controlled can be, for example, a measuring card for the retrieval of analog values or a frequency converter for motor control.
The target system (i.e. the hardware on which the program is to run later) can either be a computer with any operating system or special devices that are able to run programs with the help of a processor. These include, for example, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontrollers or even a so-called embedded system, in which program execution is largely invisible to the user, i.e. without the keyboards and displays normally found on PCs. With these devices, the programs created are also called firmware, since these programs are stored in memory blocks in the device and thus belong "permanently" to the device. These devices are also often "real-time capable", i.e. the output of the results takes place within a previously defined time grid.
In addition to software, system providers also offer project-specific hardware.
The target system (i.e. the hardware on which the program is to run later) can either be a computer with any operating system or special devices that are able to run programs with the help of a processor. These include, for example, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontrollers or even a so-called embedded system, in which program execution is largely invisible to the user, i.e. without the keyboards and displays normally found on PCs. With these devices, the programs created are also called firmware, since these programs are stored in memory blocks in the device and thus belong "permanently" to the device. These devices are also often "real-time capable", i.e. the output of the results takes place within a previously defined time grid.
In addition to software, system providers also offer project-specific hardware.
What are the current trends and technologies in software development?
There are several current trends and technologies in software development. Here are some of them:
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): AI and ML have made considerable progress in recent years and are used in various areas of software development, such as data analysis, image and speech recognition and process automation.
2. Containerization and microservices: Containerization technologies such as Docker enable developers to create, package and deploy applications in isolated containers. Microservices are an architectural method in which applications are divided into smaller, independent services that can be easily scaled and updated.
3. Agile development methods: Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban are widely used and enable development teams to react flexibly to changes and develop software iteratively.
4. Cloud computing: The cloud offers developers a flexible and scalable infrastructure to create, deploy and manage applications. Platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offer various services and tools for development in the cloud.
5. DevOps: DevOps is a combination of development and operations and promotes close collaboration between developers and IT operations teams. DevOps practices aim to accelerate the delivery of software and improve the reliability and scalability of applications.
6. Low-code development: Low-code development tools make it possible for people without extensive programming knowledge to create applications. These tools offer visual user interfaces and abstract complex programming concepts to simplify development.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT encompasses the networking of devices and sensors via the internet. The development of IoT applications requires special knowledge in the areas of embedded systems, cloud computing and data analysis.
This list does not claim to be exhaustive, as software development is constantly evolving and new trends and technologies can emerge.
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): AI and ML have made considerable progress in recent years and are used in various areas of software development, such as data analysis, image and speech recognition and process automation.
2. Containerization and microservices: Containerization technologies such as Docker enable developers to create, package and deploy applications in isolated containers. Microservices are an architectural method in which applications are divided into smaller, independent services that can be easily scaled and updated.
3. Agile development methods: Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban are widely used and enable development teams to react flexibly to changes and develop software iteratively.
4. Cloud computing: The cloud offers developers a flexible and scalable infrastructure to create, deploy and manage applications. Platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offer various services and tools for development in the cloud.
5. DevOps: DevOps is a combination of development and operations and promotes close collaboration between developers and IT operations teams. DevOps practices aim to accelerate the delivery of software and improve the reliability and scalability of applications.
6. Low-code development: Low-code development tools make it possible for people without extensive programming knowledge to create applications. These tools offer visual user interfaces and abstract complex programming concepts to simplify development.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT encompasses the networking of devices and sensors via the internet. The development of IoT applications requires special knowledge in the areas of embedded systems, cloud computing and data analysis.
This list does not claim to be exhaustive, as software development is constantly evolving and new trends and technologies can emerge.
How does software development as a service differ from internal development in a company?
Software development as a service differs from internal development in a company in several respects:
1. Order basis: In the case of software development as a service, the service company works on behalf of a customer to develop a specific software solution. In a company, on the other hand, internal development takes place within the framework of its own business objectives and requirements.
2. External expertise: Service companies often have a wide range of expertise and experience in various industries and technologies. You can use this knowledge to develop specific solutions for customers. Internal development departments in companies may have less external expertise and are more reliant on internal resources.
3. Flexibility: Service companies are often more flexible in terms of project scope, duration and resources. You can react quickly to the customer's needs and provide the required resources. Internal development departments, on the other hand, often have to deal with limited resources and priorities from other business units.
4. Costs: The costs for software development as a service can vary depending on the scope and duration of the project. Companies can better control and budget costs as they use their own internal resources. However, the costs of service development can be higher, as external resources and expertise are required.
5. Communication: Communication plays a decisive role in software development as a service. The service company must work closely with the customer to understand requirements, make changes and meet expectations. In internal development, communication channels can be shorter and more direct.
Ultimately, the choice between software development as a service and in-house development depends on a number of factors, including business objectives, available resources, project scope and complexity, and the level of expertise required.
1. Order basis: In the case of software development as a service, the service company works on behalf of a customer to develop a specific software solution. In a company, on the other hand, internal development takes place within the framework of its own business objectives and requirements.
2. External expertise: Service companies often have a wide range of expertise and experience in various industries and technologies. You can use this knowledge to develop specific solutions for customers. Internal development departments in companies may have less external expertise and are more reliant on internal resources.
3. Flexibility: Service companies are often more flexible in terms of project scope, duration and resources. You can react quickly to the customer's needs and provide the required resources. Internal development departments, on the other hand, often have to deal with limited resources and priorities from other business units.
4. Costs: The costs for software development as a service can vary depending on the scope and duration of the project. Companies can better control and budget costs as they use their own internal resources. However, the costs of service development can be higher, as external resources and expertise are required.
5. Communication: Communication plays a decisive role in software development as a service. The service company must work closely with the customer to understand requirements, make changes and meet expectations. In internal development, communication channels can be shorter and more direct.
Ultimately, the choice between software development as a service and in-house development depends on a number of factors, including business objectives, available resources, project scope and complexity, and the level of expertise required.
What are the advantages of outsourcing software development as a service?
Outsourcing software development as a service offers a number of advantages:
1. Cost efficiency: By outsourcing software development, companies can save costs for personnel, infrastructure and technology. You do not have to set up your own development team and can access the resources of the service provider.
2. Access to specialist knowledge: Service companies that specialize in software development have broad expertise and experience in various technologies and industries. Companies can benefit from this expertise and develop innovative solutions.
3. Scalability: By outsourcing software development as a service, companies can react flexibly to changes in the scope or requirements of their projects. You can increase or reduce the service provider's resources as required.
4. Time saving: By working with a software development service provider, companies can drive their development projects forward more quickly. The service provider can have the necessary infrastructure and personnel to shorten the development time.
5. Focus on the core business: Companies can concentrate on their core competencies while outsourcing software development to a service provider. This allows them to use their resources more efficiently and focus on their strategic goals.
6. Risk reduction: By outsourcing software development, companies can reduce the risk of project failures or technical problems. The service provider assumes responsibility for the development and quality assurance of the software.
7. Access to the latest technologies: Software development service providers are generally at the cutting edge of technology and have expertise in new technologies. Companies can benefit from this knowledge and develop innovative solutions.
8. Improved quality: Software development service companies usually have strict quality controls and processes to ensure that the software developed meets the requirements. This improves the quality of the software.
Overall, outsourcing software development as a service offers companies the opportunity to reduce costs, utilize expertise, scale flexibly and focus on their core business.
1. Cost efficiency: By outsourcing software development, companies can save costs for personnel, infrastructure and technology. You do not have to set up your own development team and can access the resources of the service provider.
2. Access to specialist knowledge: Service companies that specialize in software development have broad expertise and experience in various technologies and industries. Companies can benefit from this expertise and develop innovative solutions.
3. Scalability: By outsourcing software development as a service, companies can react flexibly to changes in the scope or requirements of their projects. You can increase or reduce the service provider's resources as required.
4. Time saving: By working with a software development service provider, companies can drive their development projects forward more quickly. The service provider can have the necessary infrastructure and personnel to shorten the development time.
5. Focus on the core business: Companies can concentrate on their core competencies while outsourcing software development to a service provider. This allows them to use their resources more efficiently and focus on their strategic goals.
6. Risk reduction: By outsourcing software development, companies can reduce the risk of project failures or technical problems. The service provider assumes responsibility for the development and quality assurance of the software.
7. Access to the latest technologies: Software development service providers are generally at the cutting edge of technology and have expertise in new technologies. Companies can benefit from this knowledge and develop innovative solutions.
8. Improved quality: Software development service companies usually have strict quality controls and processes to ensure that the software developed meets the requirements. This improves the quality of the software.
Overall, outsourcing software development as a service offers companies the opportunity to reduce costs, utilize expertise, scale flexibly and focus on their core business.
How can good communication between the service provider and the customer be ensured during software development?
Good communication between the service provider and the customer in software development can be ensured in various ways:
1. Regular meetings: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the current status of the project, clarify questions and provide feedback. This can take the form of weekly or monthly meetings.
2. Clear communication channels: Define clear communication channels through which the service provider and the customer can communicate with each other. This can be done via e-mails, telephone calls, video conferences or project management tools, for example.
3. Documentation: Make sure that all important information and decisions are recorded in writing. This can take the form of meeting minutes, e-mails or a joint project management tool.
4. Involvement of the customer: Offer the customer the opportunity to actively participate in the development process. This can be done, for example, through regular feedback, user acceptance testing or participation in design reviews.
5. Comprehensible language: Use plain language to ensure that both parties clearly understand the information and requirements. Avoid technical jargon and explain technical terms if necessary.
6. Open communication: Create a culture of open communication in which both the service provider and the customer can freely express their questions, concerns and ideas. Encourage respectful interaction with one another and take constructive criticism seriously.
7. Agile methods: Use agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban to improve communication and collaboration between the service provider and the customer. These methods promote short feedback loops and enable continuous adaptation of the project plan.
8. Project management tools: Use project management tools to facilitate the exchange of information and documents. These tools enable the central storage of files, task management and a transparent view of project progress.
9. Conflict resolution: Ensure that there are mechanisms in place to resolve conflicts or disagreements between the service provider and the customer. This can be done, for example, by involving a neutral mediator or a project manager.
10. Feedback: Ask for regular feedback from both sides in order to identify and resolve potential communication problems at an early stage. Take the feedback seriously and implement appropriate measures to improve cooperation.
1. Regular meetings: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the current status of the project, clarify questions and provide feedback. This can take the form of weekly or monthly meetings.
2. Clear communication channels: Define clear communication channels through which the service provider and the customer can communicate with each other. This can be done via e-mails, telephone calls, video conferences or project management tools, for example.
3. Documentation: Make sure that all important information and decisions are recorded in writing. This can take the form of meeting minutes, e-mails or a joint project management tool.
4. Involvement of the customer: Offer the customer the opportunity to actively participate in the development process. This can be done, for example, through regular feedback, user acceptance testing or participation in design reviews.
5. Comprehensible language: Use plain language to ensure that both parties clearly understand the information and requirements. Avoid technical jargon and explain technical terms if necessary.
6. Open communication: Create a culture of open communication in which both the service provider and the customer can freely express their questions, concerns and ideas. Encourage respectful interaction with one another and take constructive criticism seriously.
7. Agile methods: Use agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban to improve communication and collaboration between the service provider and the customer. These methods promote short feedback loops and enable continuous adaptation of the project plan.
8. Project management tools: Use project management tools to facilitate the exchange of information and documents. These tools enable the central storage of files, task management and a transparent view of project progress.
9. Conflict resolution: Ensure that there are mechanisms in place to resolve conflicts or disagreements between the service provider and the customer. This can be done, for example, by involving a neutral mediator or a project manager.
10. Feedback: Ask for regular feedback from both sides in order to identify and resolve potential communication problems at an early stage. Take the feedback seriously and implement appropriate measures to improve cooperation.
How are quality standards and security measures guaranteed in software development as a service?
Quality standards and security measures in software development as a service are usually guaranteed by various measures:
1. Compliance with best practices and standards: The development company should use proven methods and standards such as ISO 9001 or CMMI to ensure that the quality of the software is guaranteed. These standards define how processes must be documented, monitored and improved.
2. Quality assurance and testing: The development company should carry out extensive tests to ensure that the software meets the requirements and does not contain any errors. This can include automated testing, manual testing or a combination of both.
3. Security checks: The development company should carry out security checks to ensure that the developed software is secure against attacks and threats. This can include penetration tests, code analyses or security audits.
4. Use of Agile or DevOps methods: Agile or DevOps approaches enable continuous integration, continuous testing and continuous delivery of software. This allows errors to be detected and rectified at an early stage, which ultimately improves quality.
5. Certification and compliance: The development company can acquire certifications to prove its ability to comply with certain safety and quality standards. Examples of this are ISO 27001 (information security management) or ISO 13485 (medical devices).
6. Training and further education: The development company should ensure that its employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop high-quality and secure software. Training and further education can help to improve employees' skills.
These measures should be implemented in a holistic approach to quality assurance and safety to ensure that both customer requirements are met and safety risks are minimized.
1. Compliance with best practices and standards: The development company should use proven methods and standards such as ISO 9001 or CMMI to ensure that the quality of the software is guaranteed. These standards define how processes must be documented, monitored and improved.
2. Quality assurance and testing: The development company should carry out extensive tests to ensure that the software meets the requirements and does not contain any errors. This can include automated testing, manual testing or a combination of both.
3. Security checks: The development company should carry out security checks to ensure that the developed software is secure against attacks and threats. This can include penetration tests, code analyses or security audits.
4. Use of Agile or DevOps methods: Agile or DevOps approaches enable continuous integration, continuous testing and continuous delivery of software. This allows errors to be detected and rectified at an early stage, which ultimately improves quality.
5. Certification and compliance: The development company can acquire certifications to prove its ability to comply with certain safety and quality standards. Examples of this are ISO 27001 (information security management) or ISO 13485 (medical devices).
6. Training and further education: The development company should ensure that its employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop high-quality and secure software. Training and further education can help to improve employees' skills.
These measures should be implemented in a holistic approach to quality assurance and safety to ensure that both customer requirements are met and safety risks are minimized.
What steps are necessary to ensure successful cooperation between the customer and the service provider in software development?
The following steps are necessary to ensure successful cooperation between the customer and the service provider in software development:
1. Clear communication: Open and clear communication between the customer and the service provider is crucial. Both sides must communicate their requirements, expectations and goals clearly and comprehensibly.
2. Requirements analysis: The service provider must thoroughly analyze and understand the customer's requirements to ensure that the end product meets the customer's needs. This includes the identification of objectives, functions, priorities and any restrictions.
3. Definition of milestones and schedules: It is important to set clear milestones and timetables for the course of the project. This allows both the customer and the service provider to track the progress of the project and ensure that it is completed within the agreed timeframe.
4. Regular review and feedback: The customer should regularly check the progress of the project and provide feedback. This allows the service provider to make changes or adjustments to ensure that the end product meets the customer's expectations.
5. Transparency and documentation: Both the customer and the service provider should be transparent and disclose all relevant information. In addition, all agreements, requirements and changes should be documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
6. Quality control: The service provider should implement quality control mechanisms to ensure that the final product meets the client's quality standards. This includes testing, troubleshooting and checking functionality.
7. Aftercare and support: Once the project has been completed, the service provider should continue to offer support and maintenance to ensure that the end product works properly and that any problems are resolved.
By taking these steps into account, successful cooperation between the customer and the service provider in software development can be guaranteed.
1. Clear communication: Open and clear communication between the customer and the service provider is crucial. Both sides must communicate their requirements, expectations and goals clearly and comprehensibly.
2. Requirements analysis: The service provider must thoroughly analyze and understand the customer's requirements to ensure that the end product meets the customer's needs. This includes the identification of objectives, functions, priorities and any restrictions.
3. Definition of milestones and schedules: It is important to set clear milestones and timetables for the course of the project. This allows both the customer and the service provider to track the progress of the project and ensure that it is completed within the agreed timeframe.
4. Regular review and feedback: The customer should regularly check the progress of the project and provide feedback. This allows the service provider to make changes or adjustments to ensure that the end product meets the customer's expectations.
5. Transparency and documentation: Both the customer and the service provider should be transparent and disclose all relevant information. In addition, all agreements, requirements and changes should be documented in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
6. Quality control: The service provider should implement quality control mechanisms to ensure that the final product meets the client's quality standards. This includes testing, troubleshooting and checking functionality.
7. Aftercare and support: Once the project has been completed, the service provider should continue to offer support and maintenance to ensure that the end product works properly and that any problems are resolved.
By taking these steps into account, successful cooperation between the customer and the service provider in software development can be guaranteed.
How is the success of a software development project measured and evaluated as a service?
The success of a software development project as a service can be measured and evaluated in various ways. Here are some common methods:
1. Fulfillment of the requirements: The success of a project can be measured by whether the defined requirements have been met. This can be done by comparing the actual functionality with the requirements and specifications.
2. Time compliance: Completing a project on time can be an indicator of success. This can be done by comparing the actual completion date with the planned date.
3. Budget compliance: Adherence to the budget can also serve as an indicator of success. The actual cost trend is compared with the planned budget.
4. Customer satisfaction: Customer satisfaction with the developed product and the service provided is an important success factor. This can be determined by customer feedback and ratings.
5. Quality of the product: The quality of the developed software can be measured by means of tests and evaluations. This includes aspects such as functionality, user-friendliness, performance and security.
6. Economic benefit: The economic benefit of the developed product can also serve as an indicator of success. This can be determined, for example, by measuring cost savings, efficiency gains or sales increases.
It is important to note that the success of a software development project as a service is dependent on various factors and should therefore not be evaluated on the basis of a single criterion. A holistic assessment usually takes several of the above-mentioned aspects into account.
1. Fulfillment of the requirements: The success of a project can be measured by whether the defined requirements have been met. This can be done by comparing the actual functionality with the requirements and specifications.
2. Time compliance: Completing a project on time can be an indicator of success. This can be done by comparing the actual completion date with the planned date.
3. Budget compliance: Adherence to the budget can also serve as an indicator of success. The actual cost trend is compared with the planned budget.
4. Customer satisfaction: Customer satisfaction with the developed product and the service provided is an important success factor. This can be determined by customer feedback and ratings.
5. Quality of the product: The quality of the developed software can be measured by means of tests and evaluations. This includes aspects such as functionality, user-friendliness, performance and security.
6. Economic benefit: The economic benefit of the developed product can also serve as an indicator of success. This can be determined, for example, by measuring cost savings, efficiency gains or sales increases.
It is important to note that the success of a software development project as a service is dependent on various factors and should therefore not be evaluated on the basis of a single criterion. A holistic assessment usually takes several of the above-mentioned aspects into account.
What role do agile methods and DevOps play in software development as a service?
Agile methods and DevOps play a decisive role in software development as a service. They enable companies to provide high-quality software solutions faster and more efficiently.
Agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban promote iterative and incremental development in which the development team receives continuous feedback from the customer. This makes it possible to react quickly to changing requirements and continuously improve the software. Agile methods also promote close collaboration between developers, designers and customers, which leads to better communication and a better understanding of requirements.
DevOps, on the other hand, refers to the integration of development and operations. It aims to improve collaboration between developers and operations teams and to automate the provision of software. DevOps makes it possible to bring software into production faster and more stably by incorporating continuous integration, continuous deployment and continuous monitoring. This leads to improved quality, higher availability and faster response times when rectifying faults.
In software development as a service, agile methods and DevOps enable companies to react more flexibly to customer requirements and market changes. They make it possible to deliver software solutions faster that meet customer requirements and are of high quality at the same time. They also help to reduce costs by optimizing the development and provisioning process and increasing efficiency.
Overall, agile methods and DevOps play a crucial role in software development as a service by improving efficiency, quality and customer focus. Companies that successfully implement these approaches can gain a competitive advantage and serve their customers better.
Agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban promote iterative and incremental development in which the development team receives continuous feedback from the customer. This makes it possible to react quickly to changing requirements and continuously improve the software. Agile methods also promote close collaboration between developers, designers and customers, which leads to better communication and a better understanding of requirements.
DevOps, on the other hand, refers to the integration of development and operations. It aims to improve collaboration between developers and operations teams and to automate the provision of software. DevOps makes it possible to bring software into production faster and more stably by incorporating continuous integration, continuous deployment and continuous monitoring. This leads to improved quality, higher availability and faster response times when rectifying faults.
In software development as a service, agile methods and DevOps enable companies to react more flexibly to customer requirements and market changes. They make it possible to deliver software solutions faster that meet customer requirements and are of high quality at the same time. They also help to reduce costs by optimizing the development and provisioning process and increasing efficiency.
Overall, agile methods and DevOps play a crucial role in software development as a service by improving efficiency, quality and customer focus. Companies that successfully implement these approaches can gain a competitive advantage and serve their customers better.