Software development is a cumbersome process and can often be challenging. There are different phases in developing a software which needs involvement of both the client and the technology partner. The phases are successive which have to be performed in an organized manner. Custom software development includes many crucial considerations to requirements, a focus on overall objectives, the creative design process, and the actual process of writing the code necessary to ensure optimal software functionality. Good communication between two parties can help effective development and timely execution and completion of the project. For this, it’s important to outline the requirements and make a proper plan before embarking on the development process.

The CTO of an enterprise software development company or an offshore software development as the key person can guide the whole team through this process only if he has all the information and understanding about the existing scenario of the project, their requirements, target audience and date, budget, and future plans. The questions that get clarified from the beginning can result in an astute plan of action with the desired result. After all, every business has its unique challenges, needs and requirements. That’s why there is no thumb rule or general guide that suffices the need and fits all. A more targeted approach designed would provide more visibility to navigate where the digital business transformation will go and where you should start. It is possible to discover all necessary through these five basic questions that a CTO of an enterprise software development company should ask before starting a custom software development project. These questions could be tech-related and non-tech related which can help you get ready taking into account all possible risks.

1. What problem needs to be solved?

This is the first question which can give direction to the entire development project. Though it might seem very basic but often overlooked by product development teams until inconsistencies are encountered. By identifying the problem that’s being solved, you’ll be able to stay on task and get a better picture of the clients that will be using your product. To successfully implement any idea, it’s essential to first understand the reasoning behind that idea.

2. Who are the target audience and what features are most important to them?

Once you have clarity of what problem you’re hoping to solve, it’s critical to understand the target audience and determine which features would be most important to them. The end users of the software help your work out the plan to deliver a viable custom software program to your clients. It is essential to consider their reactions to features that you are considering adding to the program. This may require you to engage in user modelling, which is a type of testing that will allow you to understand of your target audience as well as their wants and needs. This will provide a strong driving force and a clear roadmap to govern your software development journey.

3. What Is Your Software Development Budget?

Getting down to software development without knowing the deadline set and the budget available is never a good idea. You can only start building a house only when you know the cost involved. Knowing about the company’s or clients’ financial restrictions in addition to other contingencies which may appear in the course of work, is essential for a successful project. If you skip taking into account these aspects, customers may run out of money at a point when they have already spent a lot of resources on development, and the project release is still a long haul ahead.

4. Which Platform Will Your Software Product Be Developed For?

Get a clear understanding of the requirement as to what platform the client need. It can be a web, mobile, or desktop OS. At the same time, there are two main operating systems in the mobile market: Android and iOS. You may choose a native and cross-platform development approach. Depending on your budget, product functionality, and target audience, you may suggest and choose in favour of a specific platform.

5. What Is the List of the Functionalities You Want to Implement in the Future?

This question is important for making the right architectural decisions. After all, you may envision your product in several future years and understand what capabilities you will have to implement to help it evolve. Taking everything into account, you can develop an excellent evolution roadmap for your product.

CSM Tech an enterprise software development company has a digital transformation framework for creating custom software. It helps the government entity or enterprise to address the existing problems and needs and create bespoke software while understanding their ecosystem, landscape and challenges. Instead of aping any bigger global peer, it has been indigenously ingenuous in delivering digital transformation services to our customers. The questions asked to the client before developing the software can help the client to go through the different phases of the digital transformation framework. There is more visibility in every phase which starts from - evaluating, envisioning, establishing and evolving. CSM’s Digital Transformation Services navigates enterprises on a digitalized journey with the following bouquet of offerings:-

• Innovative digital products & services

• Intelligent, insightful data driven operations  

• Efficient core processes

• Agility in Bi-Modal IT Change Transformation 

• Optimized Omni-channel, experience driven user engagement

• Connected Stakeholders

• Cloud based operations 

• Dashboard and Metrics 

• ROI Analytics