The Importance of Non-Disclosure Agreements in Outsourcing Software Development

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a term which describes a pact between two or more parties. It is used to limit the original members from telling the information to someone else or to someone who is not part of the initial agreement. Such an agreement is usually done to make sure that important information is not leaked or is made public. Such an agreement is necessary to use when trade secrets are discussed and is used when a new and previously not known technology is used. Usually, this type of agreement is signed when organizations are in practice of using the concept of outsourcing.

Outsourcing is somewhat of a new procedure where organizations are looking for cheaper way to get their work done. Outsourcing can be either Near-shore or Off-shore. The major difference between the two methods is based on geography. In near-shore outsourcing practices, an organisation looks for closer partners to work with. Partners with which the outsourcing firm shares the same time zone, language and work standards are preferable. In contrast, when offshore outsourcing is used, firms work with partners who are in a completely new region which follows a different time zone and has different working standards. Firms when using the concept of outsourcing for software development need to share important information with their partners and trust them that the information will not be leaked or made available to a third person. In such case, outsourcing firms usually ask their outsourced partners to sign an NDA. The importance of following such a practice is high because companies, while outsourcing, allow outside employees to go through private details of the firm like information about the company’s shareholders and the type of technology and working methods they use. If such information is made public, competitors and rival firms can significantly benefit from it.

Companies using outsourcing partners to develop software for any purpose are more careful and usually ask their offshore software development partners to sign a NDA form. Obviously there are threats in offshore software development and these firms must be careful of virus attacks or being a victim of counterfeiting. In some cases, firms ask their outsourcing partners to develop certain software to operate machinery or equipment which is new and not many people are aware of it. This technology may be part of the firm’s strategy and the organization does not want that information be disclosed. In this case, having a NDA with the outsourced partners is critical as they are aware of what information they cannot disclose to an external source. Furthermore, the benefit of using a NDA is that it makes sure that there are no communication gaps between the two partners. Everyone is aware of their roles and they know what is right and what is wrong. This allows the entire work procedure to run smoothly without any unnecessary stoppages.

Lastly, for those businesses that are using outsourcing to develop their company software must be aware about the use of NDA. Through an NDA, they can limit the use of their outsourcing partner and restrict them only towards the actual job they are hired to do. The outsourcing organization can always be in control when using NDA. If something goes wrong through the use of NDA, the firm can control the damages. Also the outsourced partner is aware of the legal cost if they break the pact. Therefore, it is good that firms who use outsourcing partners make a NDA and get it approved by their partners. Businesses that are in the information and technology industry are now adopting the use of NDA as outsourcing has become a common practice.

Mindfire Solutions has already carved a niche for itself as one of the premier vendors offering offshore software development services to its SMB clientele and help them excel in their core business. If you are interested to hire the expert software services of this 16 year old organization then do send in a mail with your requirements to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com and we will get back to you in 72 hours.

ASP.Net and JavaScript can make great engaging web applications

"ASP .Net the flagship and most ambitious product from Microsoft to serve the web industry in an amazing way have been ruling the industry since its inception. The only technology that can directly compete with the all-time industry leader Java is none other than ASP .Net. Being a web domain specific technology, it has all the features and components that a web developer may need during the development process. As a framework it really helps ASP .Net developer lot in terms of lessening the development effort and time. Altogether, ASP .Net is an awesome package i.e. fully loaded with features and functionalities along with in-built libraries enabling web developers creating highly efficient web solution. When it combines with JavaScript, the web developer will undoubtedly get the best result out there. Let's see how? "

ASP .Net controls are simply boon for web developers: Controls of ASP .Net is treated as the success key for the product; because they really give life to the platform with their unmatched quality of service and power to empower any web application with utmost care. Different controls of ASP .Net perform different tasks for the application with perfection that is the most important part. Controls like Menu control, grid view, graphs and charts etc will definitely improve the quality of web application without much hassle. Along with that AJAX and Editor control will help web developers in creating asynchronous web applications on the fly that make the application not only light but engaging enough to stick the audience with the browser.

ASP .Net with JavaScript for interactive and dynamic web development: Dynamic web page is at its peak and so should be. Considering the fact, that web applications are getting mass traffic from smart devices like smart phones and tablets; it is supposed to the developer to design smart apps that can well behave in different smart devices without compromising on the quality of the application. With Dynamic web content, it makes a lot sense in improving the overall user experience to a next level. Again, when ASP .Net comes together with JavaScript the things get much refined than before. JavaScript can be used in a much refined manner in creating interactive and attractive web application on the fly. Flood your web application with events to make it interactive and user friendly- JavaScript will takes care everything seamlessly.

ASP .Net with BootstrapJS can add fragrances to the application: JavaScript is super-fast faster than any other programming language on the earth and hence the terrific demand of the same. ASP .Net does not make any mistake by integrating twitter bootstrap with the framework in the latest edition. Now, the ASP .Net developer can directly get benefit of the library from the platform in designing responsive and event driven application. Moreover, with bootstrap the content rendering over the web page on various screen resolution will be seamless. Again, with media query, web developer will end up with amazing web app development on ASP .Net framework.

Are you worried about web app development- It's possible with ASP & JS combo: Counting the number of smart devices! It’s growing man at a much faster pace than our imagination. So, you must accommodate with the situation by creating amazingly exceptional web apps for those smart phone and tablets. From ASP .Net framework develop smart apps for any platform like android or iOS or windows with the power from JavaScript making the entire process funnier. You app will render perfectly fine in all devices and platforms now. Again since JavaScript-AJAX development is super-fast; it will make the app powered with lots of speed in-built in the application.

Engaging and attractive web app with HTML5 and CSS3 along with ASP .Net: Thinking of modern web app development; and we are missing out HTML5 and CSS3 there. It's not fair. Now, make your web application powered by ASP and JavaScript along with HTML5 and CSS3 in creating overwhelming and attractive web pages on the fly. HTML5 canvas and SVG are there to make the multimedia file render and run smoothly on the web page whereas CSS3 transition and other effects are simply awesome. HTML5 local storage i.e. improved and bigger cookie will definitely help your application to run while offline; it’s a virtual concept though. Engage your visitors with engaging HTML5 games and visual graphics in a hassle free manner and all within very less memory or light weight. Again, make your multimedia video files render over the page without any flash but with same user experience or even better with HTML5 video!! With these technologies as a part of your web application development, the application will touch the heart of your user and definitely be a grand success.

Create cross platform apps from within ASP .Net: The latest ASP .Net platform supports cross platform web app or native app development. Those who used say Microsoft does only monopoly; are now silent because, with latest version Microsoft enables web developers in creating awesome apps for Android, iOS and Windows etc. In fact, ASP .Net has in-built simulator kind of stuff that will enable the web developer in visualizing how their stuff will render in practical device from within the platform itself. This will definitely change the app development work and improve their quality to a large extend. On the other hand, it will eliminate unnecessary works for the tester since many are done by the developer by visualizing the exact look and feel of the web app through the in-built simulator and hence creating marvellous piece of smart apps with ASP .Net.

Forget about engaging web application; think ahead for smart site and smart app with ASP .Net powered by JS: No more websites! Now it’s time for smart sites; the sites that are highly intelligent and powered by artificial intelligence. Apps can now render themselves in a beautiful and smarter manner knowing where they are i.e. their platform! If they are within iOS they will behave in certain way other than that of Android and same case happens with the device screen size as well. And, everything is possible with ASP .Net powered by JavaScript!! So, the future lies here only.

Mindfire Solutions has been a leading software services provider since the last 16 years. Apart from dedicated ASP.NET developers it has extensive experience in handling JavaScript programming as well. Check out our plethora of services and send in your query to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com and we will help you with your web application development needs.

Checklist for outsourcing software development

As globalization increases with every step of the way, companies and major organizations are moving towards the concept of outsourcing and using external contractors to get relevant software and production processes developed. However, outsourcing brings with it an increased amount of security and trust issues. Companies usually have very important trade secrets that they would not wish to be disclosed. Therefore, sharing company sensitive information with a client who is not physically present can be taxing. Over the past years many outsourced projects have taken a turn for the worst, where either due to mismanagement the project failed delivers on the desired results, or due to certain negligence trade secrets or sensitive company information was leaked.

In order to avoid such a scenario, companies must undertake a proper background check of their client whom they intend to work with. Following is a checklist that companies can follow when choosing their outsourcing partner.

Make a criteria list: A list of criteria must be established that the outsourcing partner should follow. By outlining the essentials both the firms doing business together are aware of their rights and limitations. All ambiguities are sorted out, and work can commence in a proper way. By doing so a proper framework is established through which the business venture can move ahead in a professional way. This would reduce the chance of any unforeseen risk and deadline breaches. Furthermore the firm would not have to spend additional amount of capital on contingency plans.

Compile an alternate client list: It is always prudent to have backup or alternate options in case the primary client, either back out or due to some reason is deemed as unqualified for the job. By having a list of alternate outsourcing software developers, the respective organization can reduce the cost of finding clients every time. The alternate list can also be used for future outsourcing plans and would save the firm valuable time on researching upon prospective outsourcing clients.

Background check is a definite to-do: Undertake a credibility check of the outsourced partners. To make sure that the outsourcing company’s software developers are credible and reliable; a proper background check regarding the work efficiency of the partner should be undertaken. It is essential that the following outsourced partners are using legitimate production techniques and have a reputation of delivering on time and are not regarded as a company that is known for slacking. It will be ill advised if the firm neglects doing the appropriate credibility check because there might be a chance that the outsourcing partner usually breaches deadlines or has a reputation of committing some sort of felony.

Narrow down the list of alternates: After the complete due diligence process, the list of potential alternates can be reduced and only those that the company sees as a future partner can be left. This allows the organization to focus their energy on the important alternates and take an informed decision.

Select the best of the lot: The last aspect on the checklist is the selection of an appropriate client/partner. After all the necessary information is collected and the outsourcing software development partner is chosen the respective company can visit their offices and have interactive meetings so that a proper understanding is established between the two partners. Even though the process is only for a temporary time period, yet the cost associated with the project and the sensitivity of it, compels the organization to undertake the entire checklist procedure.

Trust form the basis of any long term relationship but that does not mean one would choose its software development partner based on all that. A due diligence and meaningful interactions could save a lot of time, effort and money in the future. So when you choose your software development partner choose wisely. You may also like to check out a 16 year old offshore software development company who has a reputation for having constantly delighted its clients over the years. If you need a software development partner to help you achieve your business goals, reach out to us at sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

Front end Vs. back-end development

What is Frontend development? Front end web development is something that the end user can view, feel and experience! Though it’s an intangible thing still the user can well feel it through his eyes and mind. Whatever a user sees on the browser is none other than the front end part. The design, the interaction, the attraction and the visual effects are the parts of Front end development. In tech world, we can say front end is the combination of HTML and CSS being tightly coupled with JavaScript for generating enterprise standard user interface for any web solution. In fact, today’s industry is highly influenced by the look and feel of any application besides the core functionalities. Hence industry is inclining more towards Front end development considering its future potential.

What is backend development? If front end is our skin or complexion or beauty then Back end is our Heart and Mind!! Though it is absolutely hidden from the rest of the world but, we can never express our feelings without our mind and heart. The back end part keeps the secret of the application i.e. the core logic. Whatever the user sees on the browser is the result of the instruction from the back end part. All types of interactions that make the user feel delight is in fact controlled by the back end codes. Though, JavaScript plays an important role in rendering user focused data on the browser; but, at the end of day it’s the backend that enables the hidden data to come in front of the user. The whole database and the core logic are well written in the back end section with lots of codes in a programming language like JSP, ASP, PHP or Python etc.

Components that make a lot different: If the two major ends of a web application have different contribution; then obviously their components must be different enough from each other. Let’s see what the major components of front end development are!

1. HTML & CSS: As we discussed above HTML and CSS are the most important part of front end development. It’s like the skin of the web application. HTML is the content that we see on the browser while CSS is the style or look and feel that is being imposed to the HTML contents. In other words, HTML contents are designed with the help of CSS for better look and feel of the application. HTML is written in the form of tags whereas CSS gives styles to the contents inside the tags. They are well coupled with each other in creating a splendid web application.
2. JavaScript is a must: Though the look and feel is crafted by HTML or CSS but what about the user interaction? JavaScript is there for the purpose. JavaScript enables the web solution to work in parallel with the HTML and CSS contents in a magical manner. The user is given more power to customize the web page through different triggers i.e. events. Events are like a triggering function that enables any web page to behave in a systematic manner as per the demand of the user. The user on the other hand, feels more privileged with those powers given by the JavaScript events.
3. Frontend web frameworks: Frameworks are nothing but powerful tools to make the life of any web developer easy. For front end design, there are lots of tremendous frameworks available in the industry with which the developer can design highly scalable yet efficient enough web applications without more effort and time. Mostly, frameworks are developed in JavaScript or CSS; because they play the important role in crafting interactive and attractive web applications. JS tools like Google’s AngularJS, KnockOutJS, BackboneJS and NodeJS etc are in high demand in the industry due to their unmatched quality and reliability in different scenarios.

Back end components in web application development: Just like Front End development, Backend is also supported by many components that enable the application to run smoothly behind the screen. It is essential to know those components from the developer’s point of view especially when we are considering Web application development process.

1. Programming Skill: This is the most important part of back end programming; just like HTML and CSS here the Programming language plays an important role in back end application development. There are many back end programming languages in the industry like C#, Java, PHP or Python etc. These programming languages are use in creating the logic section of the application i.e. how the application will behave under different circumstances. It deals with different types of data type, methods, classes and many object oriented approach to make the web application a successful one.
2. Logical analysis: Without proper logic or analysis a web application is like a scrap!! If all the functionalities of the application are not well defined by the back end programmer then the application will never be a reliable one. For the same, back end web developers analyses a lot before starting coding. They take the requirements from the client and analyses what should be the functionalities of different modules followed by how the code should be written for better performance. Why better performance? Functionalities can be written in different manner and it varies from developer to developer; but the code that is highly stable and optimized is given priority; because this affects the overall user experience of the application. An un-optimized code will load slowly and it will even stretch the loading time under bandwidth constraints like mobile networks; resulting with a bad user experience.
3. Server communication: This is yet another important component of back end application development. The data is stored in the database and being retrieved by the user as per requirement but by an intermediate stage i.e. the server communication. Usually in data driven web solutions, servers like Apache Tomcat is used for efficient server side communication., They implements threading concept into the application but with time, it is now performed by JavaScript (nodeJS); but will discuss it in a different chapter.

At the End of day, it’s all about user Experience (UX): For the success of any web application, the user experience remains at the top priority. Because if the user rejects an application then, no one can save it!! Isn’t it?

Mindfire Solutions has been developing practical, user-friendly software solutions for its clients ever since it started operations 16 years back. If you need any form of assistance be it in the form of an interactive front end or you need help in building a robust back end or both, just let us know at sales at MindfireSolutions dot com and we will be getting in touch with you in one business day.