3 Ways Rapid Application Development Benefits Your Business
Great software design forms the foundation of any modern business. However, it’s not always easy to determine which of the software development methodologies is right for your organization. For the most part, software development lifecycles fall into two broad categories – monolithic and modular.
Traditionally, software was developed using the monolithic approach, whereby the application would be developed as a single self-contained platform with extensive planning and testing. Today, businesses generally prefer the modular approach of rapid prototyping. Let’s look at some of the reasons why:
#1. User Involvement
Traditional software development typically starts with building solid foundations as per the instructions and requirements of the customer. By contrast, rapid application development is a constantly evolving project in which the client is always involved and kept informed. In other words, the customer gets to enjoy complete control over the project, while the development team takes care of all the technicalities involved. The result is an application that’s built based on a combination of client feedback and software development expertise.
#2. Design Flexibility
Today’s IT systems are constantly evolving with the emergence of new technologies and changing business needs. That’s why monolithic software design is falling out of favor to make way for complete design flexibility. Instead of paying for something to be developed once, rapid application development involves continuous improvement and unlimited scalability as such that software evolves with your business, instead of holding it back. With a modular design, it’s also much easier to integrate the software with your existing systems as well as any you might start using later on.
#3. Reduced Cost
Rapid application development typically works out cheaper, particularly in the shorter term thanks to the greatly reduced upfront costs involved. By contrast, developing a monolithic application requires a high upfront investment and, when the time comes to replace the system, you’ll likely need to fork out the same amount of money again. Opting instead for rapid application development means reduced development times, which means you’ll typically have a modularized software system that’s ready for use within a couple of months. Furthermore, you’ll have greater visibility into longer-term costs thanks to the fact that testing and ongoing development will be provided on an as-needed basis.
At 18Techs, we understand the complexities involved in the development of software solutions that perfectly align with the needs of your business. Give us a call today if you’d like to find out more.