Business

What is Technology Debt?

Businesses love innovation and making things simple both for the organization and the customers whom they serve. Technology was built on that premise and it’s the reason we have so much variety in the selection of technology providers and services in 2023. However, just like the businesses that use technology to enhance their operations, the providers of the technology are running a highly complex operation and working hard to continuously make it profitable. 

As technology providers continue to innovate and improve their products and services, they may also accumulate “technology debt”. This can happen when they rush the launch of a new product or feature, use shortcuts to solve problems, or simply neglect to properly maintain and update their systems. It’s normal to see prices rack up but not making it a priority to have paid off is dangerous.

Why is Technology Debt so Detrimental?

The biggest issue with technology debt is that it can make it harder for the provider to continue innovating and improving their technology, in addition to making it more difficult for their customers to fully utilize the technology's capabilities.

Technology debt is like when you use your allowance money as a kid to buy something you want now, but then you don't have enough money to buy something else you need later. 

When a company or organization uses shortcuts or quick fixes to solve a problem, they can get things done faster in the short term, but it can make it harder and more expensive to fix or update things in the future. So just like saving money, it's crucial to keep on top of technology debt so it doesn't become a bigger problem later on.

Last year alone, nearly 70% of organizations struggled with rising tech debt costs which was primarily attributed to the pandemic. As a result, many companies are making efforts to reduce their tech debt and invest their cash in more cost-effective solutions. These solutions include:

  • Open source software: This software is free to use, simple to modify, and distribute. It can make for a cost-effective alternative to proprietary software, which typically requires a license or subscription fee.

  • Cloud computing: Companies only pay for the computing resources they use, lowering initial costs and providing flexibility in usage and scaling.

  • Outsourcing: This provides access to specialized expertise at a lower cost than that of maintaining an in-house team.

The main concern with tech debt in this sense is the expense of maintaining, updating, and modernizing technology in the long run. Again, using the pandemic as an example, many companies had to quickly adopt new technical methods to support remote work and online operations alike. 

This sudden increase in technology usage and adoption led to a dramatic rise in tech debt for many organizations. As a result, organizations began turning to alternative solutions like the ones listed above. 

We’ve done a lot of talking about what tech debt is, but the real question is: how can your business avoid becoming part of the 70%? The answer is simple: stay on top of your technology debt. It may seem like a daunting task, but updating your software systems can save you a lot of trouble in the long run which is a key reason to invest in IT systems. 

Aside from the obvious risks and headaches that come with accumulating debt, 6 of the main consequences of not managing tech debt include:

  1. Difficulty in attracting and retaining top talent: Engineers may be less willing to work on a system that is difficult to maintain or update.

  2. Reduced flexibility: The codebase may be difficult to understand or modify, limiting the ability of the organization to adapt to its own changing needs.

  3. Difficulty in integrating new technologies: Branching off the above point, the existing codebase may not be compatible with newer technologies.

  4. Security vulnerabilities: Code that hasn’t been updated may not have been written with optimal security measures.

  5. Hard to scale: The codebase may not be designed to handle increased usage or traffic.

  6. Maintenance costs: It becomes more and more expensive to maintain and update the affected systems, which may result in reduced productivity and higher costs for the business.

Managing The Issue

One of the sure ways to stay on top of your technology debt is by working with a trusted provider who can help you assess your current systems, identify areas of improvement, and, most importantly, implement cost-effective solutions. By being proactive, you can ensure that your organization is well-positioned to take advantage of new technology as it becomes available.

At ISU Corp, we understand the importance of staying ahead of technology debt. That's why we offer a range of services to help businesses like yours assess, manage, and reduce their technology debt. From open-source software and cloud computing to outsourcing, we have the expertise and resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organization stay on top of tech debt and overall improve your bottom line.

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

 
 

API Development for Small Businesses: A Key to Digital Transformation & Growth

Businesses of all sizes are constantly looking for ways to dominate today's digital markets. This has led to the emergence of various technologies that assist in doing so. In this article, we’re going to focus on one of the biggest developments.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have become a very valuable tool for businesses across various industries. These industries include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and finance, which all use APIs as a means to connect with customers, partners, and other businesses. 

The use of API development has triggered a push for digital transformation in these industries as a means to stay competitive. As you can likely tell, it puts an emphasis on growth which has made API development a popular choice for small to mid-size companies looking to expand their operation. 

Take an E-Commerce store, for example. They might use APIs to manage orders, and store information on pricing and user data, as well as to catalogue content, all of which would contribute to building a better foundation for that store to scale. 

There are many ways an API works to enhance the performance of an organization but in this article, we’re going to go over just a few of the most notable:

Expanded Reach 

In previous posts, we’ve outlined that an API essentially operates through a set of guidelines and protocols in which software applications communicate with each other to perform various actions. 

What this means for small to mid-size organizations is that developing an API can allow them to easily connect with other online marketplaces (social media, E-Commerce, etc). When effectively implemented, this can drive engagement for businesses by reaching new audiences without the need to invest in a big marketing campaign.

Scalability

In addition to building and expanding the foundation of a business, API development can enhance workflows by automating and simplifying procedures. For example, when connecting different systems and software via APIs, tasks such as managing inventory, customer service, and even virtual transactions (just examples) can be automated.

In addition to the productivity boost, these improvements often allow organizations to focus more of their energy on growth and expansion. When a business uses a system that doesn't perform well, you can expect the exact opposite. 

New Revenue Potential

Now, let’s get into the best part: how you can bring in some new revenue using API development. By allowing others to access your data and services through an API, you can charge a fee for usage or simply sell access to your services to other companies. In addition to the value your business brings with the help of an API, this added revenue can potentially help to offset some of the development costs.

UI/UX (User Interface and User Experience)

Small businesses often combine API development and UI/UX design to create a custom solution that can be used as an extension of the business to access the digital marketplace. Just as we were using the example of E-Commerce stores, a brick-and-mortar retailer might use this concept to create an online store that will expand their exposure. 

Designing a powerful UI/UX landscape could create a digital space where users enjoy shopping and, most importantly, can navigate easily through the custom layouts and interactions. The API would then assist the design on the backend by retrieving data, creating interactive components, and personalizing the experience for users. 

It’s important to remember that every technology has its risks. APIs are no exception, especially when they’ve been misused or poorly developed and implemented. When it comes to a small business utilizing an API, it’s important to ensure that a secure foundation is in place first and foremost. 

When there is a lack of solid infrastructure, you can expect to see the following:

  • Third-party dependency: Some small businesses may rely on a third party to function. This can lead to complications when an API faces changes or goes down. 

  • Security breaches: APIs often protect sensitive information which puts a target on their back for hackers. 

  • No ability to scale: If an API is poorly developed for the specific needs of the organization, the growth potential becomes limited.

  • Lack of support: When a small business doesn’t have sufficient support for the API, issues can become a lot bigger. 

The key point here is that when developing an API, ensure that the necessary precautions are taken and that nothing is being left to chance.

The Takeaway

APIs represent a great opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses that are data-driven, lean, and want to improve their efficiency. With the help of APIs, companies can automate various aspects of their workflows that they may have never even thought were possible. In addition, they can create smooth interactions between all their cloud services as well as generate automated reports and dashboards. 

Nowadays, APIs are not only useful for developers, businesses that want to leverage their data and gain a competitive advantage are taking this technology and running with it. How are you going to use this opportunity to improve your business?

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

 
 

6 Ways BNPL Can Scale With Custom Software

Have you ever found yourself in a tight spot, needing to make a purchase but not having the funds available to pay for it upfront? This is a common situation for consumers globally, especially in today's world. 

These situations are uncomfortable and inconvenient, to say the least, but they are the kind of problems that FinTechs work tirelessly to solve. It’s reached a point where the solution is there but innovation is needed for it to consistently adapt.

As we’ve discussed here before, BNPL is one of the biggest advancements we’ve seen in FinTech to date. To jog your memory, buy now, pay later (BNPL) services allow you to make purchases and pay for them incrementally rather than upfront. 

These services have gained traction in recent years with increasing demand which has made the market highly competitive. To reap the rewards of this market, BNPL providers need to differentiate themselves and innovate, and the use of custom software is one of the best ways for them to do that. 

What is Custom Software?

Many may not know exactly what it means for businesses to use custom software and if that’s the case, then we need to cover that first. Custom software is software tailored to the needs and goals of any organization.

For BNPL providers (or any financial service provider), custom software can perform in ways that simplify and optimize operations, such as handling the processing and installing of payments (just one example).

Custom software solutions can also allow BNPL providers to offer unique and innovative features that set them apart from their competitors (essential). For example, a provider could use custom software to create a rewards program or to offer personalized payment plans based on a customer's specific financial circumstances.

How is it Built?

This all sounds great and useful, but we want to know what makes this possible. So now we’re going to go over some of the coding languages commonly used specifically for creating BNPL services:

  • JavaScript: JavaScript is always going to be on the list when it comes to your best options for programming, especially in the financial industry. It’s well-suited for BNPL applications because it can be used to create a dynamic, interactive UI and to process payments on the front end of a web application.

  • Python: Just like Java, Python is a regular popular choice and is one of the most versatile and powerful programming languages best used for data analysis and machine learning. A few specific features that BNPL companies can use Python for include fraud detection, credit risk analysis, and other data-intensive tasks.

  • SQL: SQL (Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific programming language used for managing and querying relational databases. Simply put: SQL is a powerful and efficient way to handle the storage, retrieval and manipulation of data, especially when it comes to transactional data in BNPL companies. Using SQL, BNPL companies can access and process user data such as their purchase history, order status and payment history to name a few.

Choosing the right programming languages especially when it comes to the automation and streamlining of tasks involving complex data is essential. It not only ensures that the software is optimized for performance and scalability but also supplies the tools and capabilities needed to handle the requirements of business operations. 

How It Changes The Customer Experience

When it comes to financial technology in general, a secure infrastructure is foundational to delivering a seamless user experience. If someone has chosen your platform to make their lives easier, you not only want to but need to offer the best possible platform to build that credibility that keeps them coming back. Here are some ways that software allows this to happen: 

  • Checking Out: Custom software enables BNPL providers to provide an easy checkout experience, with low-friction and simplified checkout forms, which make it more convenient for customers when they shop. Additionally, custom software enhances the security of these payments. 

  • Easy-to-use Mobile App: BNPL providers that use software to create a mobile app make it convenient for their users to make purchases and manage their accounts from anywhere. In the United States alone, it is said that 1 in 3 consumers prefer mobile over any other mode of shopping.

  • Rewards Program: We briefly mentioned it earlier, but you should know that custom software can enable BNPL providers to create a rewards program. How this program works will depend on the business's vision but it can certainly make the BNPL experience more appealing and add value for customers.

The Takeaway

Using custom software has become pivotal for BNPL providers to stay competitive in this market, which is expected to grow at a rate of over 70% annually. By tailoring software to the organization's specific goals, BNPL providers can stand out by offering unique, innovative features. But like we always say, this starts with analyzing your business and what the vision is for it long term. Everything after that is best situated by consulting with a professional team once you’re ready to take action and implement.

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.