Top Software Development Challenges for Businesses to Overcome in 2024

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Introduction

Software development companies revolve around two project management methodologies: waterfall and agile. Companies generally use them to develop software and sell it in the market. These two methodologies comprise standard protocols that software development follows in its operations. For example, Toyota and NASA are the two giant companies in their industry that use the waterfall methodology for software development.

However, despite having the instructions, the software team faces various challenges while developing software. But why does this happen? Let’s go through this blog to find out the main problems faced by the software team.

1. Adapting to New Technologies

a) The Demand for AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are currently ruling the world. These two technologies have become necessary for businesses to integrate into their operations to remain competitive. However, software development companies face immense challenges while adopting these technologies.  

Solution: Businesses should focus on building robust AI strategies. They can use TensorFlow and PyTorch for machine learning, NVIDIA Deep Learning Suite, and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning for AI development suites. These strategies should stay within the boundaries of business objectives and enhance their operational capabilities.

Example: A medium-sized retail company faced several challenges while integrating AI into its inventory management system. They brainstormed various plans and developed a strategic AI plan matching their business objectives. They implemented a machine learning model to check stock levels and optimize reordering processes. Following these steps helped reduce overstock and improve operational efficiency.

b) Quantum Computing’s Early Adoption Phase

Quantum computing is the fastest way for computer processing to perform hard-core calculations, which generally helps in cryptography and complex system simulations. Big giants such as IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Baidu, etc. use this technology for their operations. However, budget issues arise when small and medium businesses have to apply this technology, and there is talent scarcity in the industry.

Solution: There are several top universities around the world that are into quantum computing. Small and medium businesses can partner with these educational and specialized research institutions. These collaborations can provide access to quantum computing resources and expert guidance at a reduced cost.

Example: Quantum computing is popular in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, a drug company can design new medicines using a university’s quantum computer. Like this, the end results could be fetched faster and save on research costs.

2. Managing Software Complexity

a) The Increasing Complexity of Software Solutions

When the software starts offering more features to the users, its development complexity increases. The simpler they seem to operate, the more difficult they are to develop.

Solution: Businesses should focus on modular architectures and use robust project management strategies. These activities will eliminate the software’s complexity and improve its maintainability.

Example: Instagram is a popular application where you can post photos and videos by adding various filters. However, adding filters is simple for common users; however, building them at the developer level requires complex code. Breaking the app into modules (filters, editing tools, etc.) makes it easier to develop and maintain.

b) Balancing Customization and Standardization

Users like the word “customization” because they can achieve what they want in software. However, it becomes a difficult task for the software development team to deliver it. They have to make hard-core changes to their software or do reverse engineering. 

Solution: There should be a proper balance between what users require in their software and what a company can offer in the standard package. It is a good practice to follow that “customer first.”. However, you have to ensure that the extra effort doesn’t put pressure on your team.

Example: Salesforce now provides standard software and if someone wants customization, they can go for the Gold or Silver Partners of Salesforce. This step releases the work load from the shoulders of Salesforce. Therefore, companies can achieve high performance and cost efficiency while maintaining a perfect balance between customization and standardization.

3. Ensuring Cybersecurity and Compliance

a) Rising Cybersecurity Threats

Forbes officially published a report stating that last year went really badly because there was an increase of 72% in cyberattacks all over the world.

Furthermore, IBM added more negative points to this report by stating that the worldwide average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million.

Solution: Businesses should use advanced security networks and protocols to safeguard their intellectual property.

Example: In September 2022, a GTA VI leak happened, which disturbed the entire gaming industry. The parent company, Rockstar Games, implemented strict measures, such as incorporating digital rights management, to curb further game leakage.  

b) Compliance with Changing Regulations

Companies have to follow the rules of the land. When a company develops software, it should follow the region’s stringent guidelines. If a company develops software focusing on the European market, then it should strictly follow GDPR guidelines. While developing software for a specific region, such as California, the development team should have knowledge of CCPA. 

Solution: The software team should have proper knowledge about the audience for which they are making the software. If they follow proper guidelines and compliance, then there will be no chances of software getting under the surveillance of the concerned authorities.

Example: A company building a fitness app in California must comply with CCPA, a data privacy law that requires user consent for data collection and transparent data practices.

4. Coping with Talent Shortages

a) Global Shortage of Skilled Developers

Companies are always looking for developers who can understand their requirements and build software. However, there is a global shortage of professional software developers.

Solution: Businesses should hire fresh talent from various universities and educational institutions and provide them with optimum training to write software code. Furthermore, they can hire experienced contractual or freelance software developers to assist them. Moreover, companies should motivate their employees to take part in software development programs so that they can help write software code.

Example: A retail company wanted a mobile app to improve customer loyalty programs. Due to a developer shortage, they struggled to find someone who could build it efficiently. This delayed the app’s launch, and they started losing customers.

b) Remote Work Dynamics

Before COVID-19, companies were not open to work-from-home (WFH) or remote settings. However, as the Corona virus took over the world, every home became an office space. It is viable to say that work-from-home has opened doors to a global talent pool. However, there are some remote work challenges that the company faces. The software manager or team leader faces team coordination and project management challenges. 

Solution: Companies should prepare stringent work-from-home policies to which every employee should adhere. Furthermore, there should be appropriate tools (Zoom, MS Teams, and Slack) for communication for the teams working in different time zones.

Example: GitLab follows a complete work-from-home setting. The company uses communication tools like Slack and Zoom to convey messages and conduct meetings among employees working across different time zones.

5. Integrating and Upgrading Legacy Systems:

a) Challenges of Legacy System Integration

Many businesses still operate on legacy systems and are reluctant to upgrade to new technologies. However, they want their systems to remain secure from cyberattacks or other menacing acts. This challenge exists for several software companies, which develop new updates for their clients while they are still using old systems. 

Solution: A software company should ask its clients who are using old systems to upgrade to new systems so that they can provide them with better services. Like this, the client can use various APIs for integration for better work.

Example: MTNL, a Government of India company, still uses old systems for its operations. It becomes difficult for anti-virus companies to run their software on these systems. Hence, organizations should adopt new systems so that new software can run smoothly on them.

Concluding Words 

Several challenges exist while developing software, which can be overcome if a strategic approach is tailored to the specific needs of the client. Software companies should keep their team updated about the latest trends, prioritize cybersecurity, manage software complexity, and optimize resource allocation. 

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