Just a few months ago, it was unfathomable for all workers to access the same workspace or have a shared network across various offices or regions, potentially across borders. Nonetheless, this has become a new normal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our work styles considerably, but specific fields had already commenced the transition towards unconventional work patterns before the epidemic. This transformation is not only feasible, but also beneficial in various cases, thanks to technological advancements that enable remote work and collaboration. You can read more about integrating new remote workers into your company inthis post.
Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and business growth through distributed software development has gained a lot of traction nowadays. This methodology has become even more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic and could be the catalyst for businesses to survive and thrive in tough economic situations.
The Definition of Distributed Software Development
Collaborative software development that is worked on by remote teams is often defined as distributed models. To keep all team members informed of the progress, tools such as project management suites and chat rooms are frequently employed. As a part of contributing to a unified outcome, it is common for separate teams to work on different aspects of a project.
Although distributed software development provides benefits, such as operating remotely, nearshore outsourcing can offer even more advantages. Since teams are situated in comparable or the same time zones, this could help to expedite communication and decrease delays.
Benefits of a Decentralized Approach
Additionally, there are various advantages to distributed software development.
Cost Saving
By embracing a decentralized approach, businesses can reduce infrastructure-related expenses. This method could be advantageous for all types of companies, especially for start-ups that can considerably lower their costs by implementing it right from the start. Additionally, employing an offshore outsourcing company or permanent overseas staff can reduce expenses even further.
Access to Skilled Professionals
By restricting yourself to only the people in your local area, you may not be making full use of the potential resources available. Even though this could help you find the specific expertise you need, taking a decentralized approach by leveraging talent from all over the world, from South America to East Asia, could be advantageous for software development.
Improved Productivity and Efficiency
By reducing the amount of time spent commuting, there is more time to concentrate on software development. Distributed software teams offer several benefits, such as allowing work to be done outside of the office and making use of resources and expertise available in nearshore and offshore locations, thus leading to improved productivity and reduced waste.
By decreasing the amount of time spent commuting, teams can concentrate more on completing tasks at hand.
Why the Decentralized Model is a Good Choice Amidst COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in remote work, which is widely recognized. However, with the multitude of resources accessible, this transition can be more streamlined and productive. Engaging specialists from various regions and countries can assist in ensuring that crucial operations remain functional, even in tough times. The decentralized approach can be effective in sustaining stability until the crisis subsides.
Although the circumstances are unprecedented, moving to distributed software development can still be problematic, particularly if this alteration was not planned before the pandemic.
Working together is not easy, and the current global pandemic has worsened these concerns for many. Developers are now grappling with challenges such as the increase in homeschooling, the lack of private space, and the difficulty in balancing work and personal responsibilities. Additionally, the economic downturn has likely weakened your organization’s base.
Distributed software development continues to be a valuable solution for organizations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to consider the many benefits it provides during this time.
Effective Approaches
Below are the crucial specifics.
Highlight Your Priorities
For remote teams collaborating from diverse locations, having a shared comprehension of the organization’s overall mission and principles is vital to fostering unity and efficiency. Guaranteeing that all team members understand and are devoted to this objective will enhance their collaborative endeavors.
Provide Access to Resources
It is crucial that all remote employees and contractors have access to the appropriate resources and materials. This should encompass tools for project management and collaboration tools, such as Trello and Jira; cloud-based file-sharing and storage solutions like Dropbox; and any other relevant software and data.
Communicate
Effective communication is a critical aspect of a fruitful distributed software development approach. To keep your remote staff informed and connected, you should devise and implement communication and meeting methods utilizing appropriate remote technologies, such as video conferencing or online chat.
In order to not waste people’s time, meetings should always have specific objectives. Create agendas and receive input from attendees.
Cultivate a Socially Connected Community
Nurturing collaboration among co-workers can be accomplished by creating a network of connections. Offering team members opportunities to establish relationships outside of work can lead to enhanced performance. To facilitate this, we recommend incorporating regular intervals of informal communication via video conferencing or other electronic methods.
Motivation is a critical factor in preserving a productive and optimistic work environment, as it can enhance team morale and reinforce working relationships.
Envision the Future and Establish Plans
It is prudent to contemplate the likely impact of COVID-19 on your IT operations and how distributed software development may help to mitigate them over the long haul, even if your current methods persist. Assessing the advantages of distributed development in light of the pandemic is advisable and could be advantageous in the long run.
In the midst of the ongoing global pandemic, it is crucial that your software framework remains reliable. Distributed software development can offer a practical remedy for leveraging remote employees and delivering top-notch outcomes, if executed appropriately. This has the potential to be a long-term resolution.
