As 2023 draws to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on some impactful advancements that shaped the year.
DevOps Roles Evolving (Emphasizing Collaboration)
When taking on a new software development project or engagement at Works, we prioritize building our technology organization and culture, equipping ourselves with the necessary tools and practices to ensure the end product meets the highest level of quality in both its functionality and user experience. We follow the 80/20 rule, dedicating eighty percent of our efforts to this preparation and twenty percent to the actual product and features. As a result, each team member takes on responsibilities traditionally assigned to DevOps.
Our approach takes into account every aspect of building a contemporary application, not just the end product. It covers the entire process from conception to code contribution, deployment and providing value to millions of users. When we begin a sprint, our focus shifts to ensuring complete development of features, tackling any technical debt that may have accumulated by flipping the typical 80/20 ratio.
To fulfil this lofty objective, it is vital for our entire team to adopt the principles and values of DevOps. By 2023, this methodology had firmly established itself both culturally and technically. Our clients have embraced this approach, and its effectiveness has been amplified by employing cutting-edge technologies and platforms.
Decentralized Systems Evolving (Focusing on Teams and Architecture)
Cloud-native By 2023, application development had firmly established itself as the norm for product development, owing in part to the growing awareness of “everything as code” practices. Cloud-based technology was rapidly replacing traditional on-premises solutions, and cloud infrastructure could now be constructed and maintained entirely through software. Function-as-a-Service and serverless architectures had made it easier to manage, provision and scale services on demand, compared to the shift from physical to virtual machine to container solutions seen in previous years.
In 2023, it was predicted that dispersed software development teams would become more prevalent due to several factors, including better availability of bandwidth, technologies, and culture. Moreover, the absence of a local market meant that teams could be established more efficiently, and with improved quality of life for members, leading to lower turnover and higher satisfaction. Furthermore, without commutes and physical locations, the team’s carbon footprint could be reduced. With the growing adoption of least privilege access and the ability to distribute members across different time zones, teams can operate more securely. These benefits have enabled companies like Works, GitLab and Zapier to expand globally by making remote work more efficient.
New Technologies and Opportunities Abound
As product development, tools, architecture, and teams continue to evolve, it is important to eliminate any impediments that hinder customer value. In 2023, companies like Azlo and Chime, which are now estimated to be worth 5 billion US dollars, exemplify the remarkable progress of FinTech. Their respective product systems are designed to improve personal banking by making it easier and more convenient for customers.
It is evident that the healthcare sector is continuously striving to improve the customer experience, whether it be in biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms or traditional health care organizations. As a result, the ability to work efficiently and effectively has emerged as a critical factor in implementing innovative initiatives that can bring genuine change and progress in healthcare. This includes facilitating internal digital transformation, such as the one provided by IQVIA, as well as providing technical resources to innovative disruptors like Outcome Health.
