Apple’s crusade to tighten privacy in its App Store is shifting into another gear. The company is cracking down on developers who use a technique called device fingerprinting to track user activity – even if they’ve opted out.

Specifically, the company wants devs to explain why they’re using certain application programming interfaces (APIs) and third-party software development kits (SDKs) in their apps. As part of its app store review process, it is also requiring developers to update their privacy documentation.

Those who fail to comply could find their apps denied approval in the App Store. 

Should developers fear the emergence of artificial intelligence?

Will AI replace the need for humans to craft robust, efficient, and elegant code?

One software company CEO thinks curiosity is infinitely preferable to fear, and his developers are already reaping the rewards.

Note: This article continues our look at mobile-friendly websites, and why it has become essential for all businesses to have a mobile-first web presence. For guidance on making the business case within your own organization, check out our earlier article – Your business needs a mobile-friendly website. Here’s why.

Have you ever thought about making your website more mobile-friendly?

You should. 

Whatever business you’re in, it’s reasonable to assume that software powers your day-to-day operations.

So as the end of year approaches, now is an ideal time to look at all of your software-related assets through a critical lens and ask whether or not you’re getting your money’s worth.

It’s been a tumultuous couple of years for knowledge workers.

The sudden shift to remote work amid the first wave of pandemic-driven lockdowns in March 2020 forced a complete re-think around how work gets done. It also challenged leaders to come up with new ways to manage their teams – and themselves – not only day-to-day, but over an extended period of time.

As software as a service (SaaS) tools continue to gain more popularity with businesses, it's only natural that on-premises, perpetual license software will decline in usage. That's already resulting in significant changes for information technology (IT) departments in many companies. For example, technology managers recognize that they will need staff with different skill sets, new infrastructure to support cloud-based technologies, and a complete overhaul of their processes to support their evolving mission. Here are the most significant ways that SaaS is transforming IT departments.

Hiring for Different Skill Sets

Traditionally, IT staff have been expected to possess highly technical skills because workers needed to be able to manage and configure on-premises software and servers. However, since cloud-based servers require less technical expertise, IT departments need fewer computer science graduates with programming and database management skills. Instead, technology workers need more proficient in business analytics and savvy decision-making skills. As more companies transition to SaaS, it becomes more about creating business processes based on what the technology can effectively support, as opposed to customization, because that's how it's always been done. Therefore, IT departments will likely hire an increasing number of business graduates - and fewer computer science grads - in the future.

DevOps is a cultural movement that has taken software development by storm over the last decade. The idea of DevOps is to encourage increased collaboration between software developers and IT operations through automation, tools, and best practices. The core aim of DevOps is to shorten software development cycles, leading to more frequent software releases.

An important flaw in the original DevOps movement is that software security remains an afterthought. This article overviews an updated approach--DevSecOps--in which security is embedded throughout the software development process. You will also find some useful best practices on how to effectively embed security in DevOps teams.

You have established policies and procedures that have been evolving with your business - you shouldn’t have to shove them into a one-size-fits-all piece of software. Bespoke software, like a good tailor, takes your measurements and customizes the results so they’re uniquely suited to meet your specific needs.  

Bespoke software development begins with a collaborative approach to define your needs and outline your requirements. Any reputable custom software company relies on open communication to keep those requirements top of mind throughout the development process. We’re on the same team - developer, customer, project manager, (really, any STEP employee) - and we solicit feedback throughout the process so a) there are very few surprises and b) your new software does exactly what you need it to do, for a mutually agreed upon reasonable price.

Which animal is known for its ingenuity and agility, and would be worthy of building your brand around? Can you guess?

Traditionally, a mascot is an animal or object used to represent a group with a common identity. This includes schools, sports teams, organizations, charities, and brands. The choice of mascot often embodies an organization’s most desirable qualities and characteristics, aligned with the brand’s spirit, and is reflected in its daily operations.

Let’s continue the mascot guessing game, shall we? Here’s another hint: STEP Software serves our clients with solutions that are nimble, agile, and resourceful. And we pride ourselves on hiring team members who aren’t only skillful, they’re clever.

Figure it out? For those of you playing along at home, we’ll give you a clue: