Ronnie Royston is a telecomputing architect and software developer whose favorite clients are startups. He is also a partner of Hightekk, a web app development company, certified Cisco reseller, and certified Microsoft Surface reseller located in New Orleans. Over the years, Ronnie has seen a stark difference between entrepreneurs attempting DIY apps/web services versus partnering with an expert. Still, many startups attempt these critical projects on their own in order to survive on a shoestring budget.
As a result, thousands of developers are happy to exchange expert services for equity in lieu of cash. Whatever the arrangement, Mr. Royston urges startups to allow experts to design and maintain their technology.
Reasons Why Startups Should Partner with Experts When Designing Apps
Time to Market
Tech is transforming every industry. And as digital transformation permeates the entrepreneurial landscape, time to market is a genuine concern. DIY entrepreneurs frequently lack the experience to develop reliable project timelines and milestones. As a result, simple glitches can derail a product launch for months and potentially even years.
In contrast, professional developers can address routine glitches and focus on higher-level performance issues. The end result is a faster turnaround, as well as a better quality product.
Intuitive Design
Mobile apps, websites, and web services are a dime a dozen. But only a select few of them are reliable, exceptional, and intuitive. Many entrepreneurs know just enough code to be dangerous. And while understanding programming basics can inspire industry-changing solutions, the sooner that an entrepreneur partners with an expert, the more efficient the UX design and functionality will be.
Expert developers, according to Ronnie Royston, understand users in ways that single-minded startups often can’t. It’s only natural. Entrepreneurs must remain focused on their tasks and exercise tenacity before, during, and after product launch. But without input from experts, that entrepreneur often gets tunnel vision, designing a clumsy version of their dream developed for themselves rather than their target market.
Reliable Beta Testing
Programming relies heavily on a process known as iteration. In iteration, the quality of an app or web service depends upon a balance between product development and testing. Launching beta tests and then leveraging user feedback to improve the product is easier said than done.
Thankfully, expert developers understand the iteration process intimately and usually know when and how to initiate beta testing phases.
Why Startups Should Partner with Experts When Maintaining Systems
In today’s cybersecurity environment, paying attention to compliance and cyber-threats is a full-time job, says Ronnie Royston. For young startups, establishing secure technology and then maintaining its integrity is not merely a matter of common sense.
If entrepreneurs will be collecting and using customer information (such as an e-commerce website), they will need to work with cybersecurity specialists. Often, these small to medium-sized enterprises look for fractional or virtual cybersecurity information security officers or CISOs. These experts’ sole purpose is to protect systems from security breaches that could end a startup prematurely.
Even the decision-making process for hosting and hardware must take these concerns into account. After initiating beta testing and product launches, users need to feel safe using the new technology. Development experts are aware of these concerns and can advise entrepreneurs on policies and tools to maintain systems.
Performance and data storage are also critical maintenance concerns for any organization. Even if the functionality of new tech is optimal in its early days, performance could suffer without scalable code and data storage.
Final Thoughts from Ronnie Royston
Launching a successful business is not easy. But with the help of seasoned experts, an entrepreneur’s chances of success are much higher. Entrepreneurs that work by themselves and without a team lose the benefit of multiple perspectives and compensating strengths, says Ronnie Royston.
