Software Development Frameworks
When a business or organisation has bespoke software designed to meet their specific requirements, the experts they choose to create it will use software development frameworks: as its name suggests, this is literally a ‘framework’ on which the new software will be designed on.
Why should a business be interested in software development frameworks?
Actual software development frameworks are determined by the OS (operating system) at the core of the business’s set up.
For Windows the .NET framework is popular, and we at Objective IT are experienced in working with it to create a variety of software solutions in a wide array of business settings, including property, construction, manufacturing and media amongst many others.
Software development frameworks are platforms used to develop specific software applications and provide a foundation for software developers to create solutions for a specific platform whether Windows, Linux, Android or Apple (Mac OS).
The framework will contain a suite of development tools, such as programming language options, to enable the software developer to build the application. Along with .NET for Windows, other software development frameworks exist including ActiveX (also for Windows) and, for other platforms, Cocoa for Mac OS and the Android Application Framework for Android.
Software concept, design and development
As a first step in creating software for a new client – or embarking on a new project for an existing one – your software development company should follow a logical sequence to ensure you end up with a software solution that you’re fully familiar with, and that fully meets your needs.
- Briefing – the first step in creating new bespoke software and consists of the project manager getting to know you and your business and precisely what your new software should achieve.
- Concept and technical design – as part of this a development company such as ourselves at Objective IT would create either mock up screens and where possible a usable framework for you to test and provide feedback to ensure we’re all on the same page and working towards a software solution that suits you.
- Development – where the full creation of your new software happens based on agreed milestones and schedules.
Using a logical framework such as .NET for the Windows platform means we can efficiently put together your entire software solution. Whether it’s one specific project such as a new client portal, or various elements including systems integration, a new mobile app, database development and more.
FAQs
Are software development framework-based solutions suitable for smaller outfits?
They certainly can be! At Objective IT, we work with clients of all sizes ranging from owner-managed smaller, independent business types to multi-million concerns looking to build bespoke systems or link their systems across several sites nationally or even worldwide.
While bespoke software is a significant investment, the improved productivity, built in functionality and adaptability will likely save you expenditure in the long run: your software can adapt and grow with you whereas off the shelf solutions may need complete replacement as your needs change.
What types of software can be designed with frameworks?
Most types ranging from databases, apps and systems integration solutions where existing packages such as databases can be adapted to work together if they were previously ‘not communicating’ with each other. They can also be streamlined so as to cut out repetitive and time-consuming activities such as re-keying the same data into different databases.
Frameworks can also be used to create cloud or locally based software packages.
How can framework-based software help me into the future?
A key asset to bespoke solutions designed with software development frameworks such as .NET is the way they can easily be altered by your software company as your needs change.
Knowing how your software was created using a logical framework method means we can effectively revise it to meet changing requirements so your databases, apps and general systems integration set ups can respond quickly as and when your needs alter.
This is far easier in the long run than having to jettison off the peg software packages when they no longer fulfil your requirements – not to mention the likely limitations such as the pre-configured functionality, of solutions such as these. Your bespoke software development company also takes the role of a specialist business partner – taking care of your ongoing software requirements into the future.