Software development team structure and skills
IT organizations can adapt software development team structure and skills to suit business needs or individual strengths. Learn how to structure DevOps and Agile teams, divvy up responsibilities, communicate with team members and keep everyone on the same page.
Top Stories
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News
19 May 2025
New GitHub Copilot agent edges into DevOps
The GitHub Copilot coding agent can take on toilsome tasks such as bug fixes and code reviews with its own GitHub Actions pull requests. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2025
18 ways to improve developer productivity
One of the most important factors of dev productivity is a good developer experience. Give developers a productivity boost with these concrete strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 software development and test tips of 2020
What can you do better in 2021? Adopt different test tools, automate more processes, run a more productive dev team? Follow this advice from various experts to make it all happen. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2020
5 examples of ethical issues in software development
As software becomes entrenched in every aspect of the human experience, developers have an ethical responsibility to their customers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Dec 2020
How to use Agile swarming techniques to get features done
Agile teams can produce a viable product in no time when they swarm, but this all-hands approach to produce a user story or feature isn't easy. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Nov 2020
Software development outsourcing throughout the lifecycle
Whether to accelerate a project or overcome a particular skills gap, it might make sense to engage an external specialist to bolster your software development efforts. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Nov 2020
7 keys to a successful diversity and inclusion initiative
Today's workforce is calling for a stop to bias and prejudice, and business and HR leaders need to take effective action. Here's a look at diversity initiative best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2020
IBM's Lisa Seacat DeLuca on being a woman in the tech industry
IBM's master inventor Lisa Seacat DeLuca gives insight into promoting gender diversity. Learn why both official programs and informal outreach are so important. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2020
3 dramatic ways to increase developer productivity
Developers work best when distractions are at a minimum, yet most organizations simply aren't doing their part to reduce them. Be brave and try these three aggressive methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Sep 2020
Why development team membership should change regularly
Static development teams might be hurting your company. But too much reorganization can cause chaos. Here's how to strike a balance that keeps teams engaged and innovative. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
5 SMART goals for a QA analyst
QA testers can earn respect and gain influence with peers through SMART goals. Take ownership of the software you work on, look up to good product managers and achieve these five goals. Continue Reading
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Infographic
10 Aug 2020
IT staffing trends evolve during a trying 2020
Surveys indicate few IT pros should be concerned about layoffs due to COVID-19. But other factors, such as reskilling, training and the new WFH reality, are having a profound effect. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2020
Agile FAQ: Get started with these Agile basics
Check out these tips on Agile basics for a quick catch-up or a great head start on maximizing the value of using Agile methods in your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2020
Virtual software development and testing conferences to attend
Yes, you're stuck at home, but developers and testers can actually learn more for less money than in the past. Connect with dev and test experts at these virtual conferences. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Apr 2020
5 best practices for remote development teams
More developers than ever now work from home and must quickly adapt to remote life. Our experts explain how to proactively support the isolated members of your development team. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
5 ways to empower remote development teams
It's hard to maintain productivity when you work from home. Take up these remote dev and test practices to keep software projects on track despite the obstacles. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Deal with remote software testing challenges
Is your software QA team new to remote work? Learn what technical, process and culture challenges you will encounter, and how to surpass them to ensure quality. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2020
IBM Call for Code unleashes developers on COVID-19
IBM's Call for Code competition wants developers to create applications that help communities deal with and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2020
Developers vie for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certs
Oracle hopes to attract new developers to its cloud platform with its new developer certification for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, as it trails AWS, Microsoft and Google in market share. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
3 reasons testers need a QA manager in Agile
Agile teams without a QA manager prioritize developers' perspectives -- even to the software's detriment. Here are three ways in which a QA manager offers value to Agile teams, and how they support testers. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
31 Jan 2020
Organize your team with an Agile scaling frameworks comparison
It's not easy to get Agile right, let alone replicate an individual team's success. For enterprises looking for a wide-scale transition, an Agile scaling framework might do the trick. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
IBM expands patent troll fight with its massive IP portfolio
IBM has contributed more than 80,000 patents to the LOT Network, a group of more than 600 companies that IBM has joined to fight patent trolls and their often frivolous lawsuits. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2020
How user story mapping aids requirements gathering in Agile
Agile requirements are dynamic, not static. Collaborate on user story maps to make sense of frequently evolving customer needs, and put a Scrum Master at the center of it all. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2019
How to train junior developers in 5 steps
Junior developers thrive on trust and training -- even if you're wary of the former and have little time for the latter. Here's how to get inexperienced programmers tuned up fast. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
5 vital QA skills for software testers
As testing extends throughout the SDLC, QA engineers do much more than execute a quick functionality check. Pick up these skills to ensure an effective, team-wide approach to quality. Continue Reading
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Podcast
04 Nov 2019
Why it's time to take IT burnout seriously
Disengaged or apathetic employees are a sign of weak culture -- not weak people. In this podcast, Dr. Christina Maslach shares what IT job burnout looks like and how to address it. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2019
Try these 5 team-building activities for software developers
Whether it's a soft skills workshop, simulated outage exercise or in-house tech conference, these one-day events get dev teams out of a coding rut. Plan yours now. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2019
10 skills of highly effective software testers
QA professionals with hands-on experience and a mix of technical and soft skills offer great value for software engineering teams. Testers with these 10 skills can boost their careers. Continue Reading
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Guide
19 Aug 2019
How to create a successful DevOps organizational structure
To build a DevOps organizational structure for speed and quality, align various skill sets with shared goals -- a process that requires a revolution, or evolution, of the status quo. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2019
How to choose cross-platform mobile development tools
Cross-platform development tools help organizations build apps for a variety of users and devices. But where to start? Learn what types of tools fit which situations. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2019
How to meet QA responsibilities during a software tester shortage
An organization facing a dire shortage of QA engineers can't just dump these tasks on developers. Here's how to keep up software quality with limited QA resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2019
Get started with native Windows mobile app development
There are pros and cons to embarking on Windows mobile app development. Find out if developing natively in Windows is right for your company. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2019
Fit iOS development tools into your app dev approach
There are pros and cons to going full bore into iOS development tools. Find out if developing natively in iOS is worth the extra cost and effort. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2019
Pros and cons of Android app development tools
There are pros and cons to embarking on native Android app development. Find out if implementing an Android dev tool is right for your company. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2019
How to make distributed Agile teams efficient and collaborative
Agile teams don't always exist under one roof, but they should still be aligned in responsibilities and goals. Here's the best way to approach global Agile team management. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2019
Learn the basics of freelance developer agreements
Developer work agreements protect both the client and the freelancer, and they ensure that the code meets expectations. Each side should pay attention to these contract clauses and technicalities. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
Software tester roles must embrace code focus
IT gives testers license to voice contrarian opinions about software. But, as pressure to deploy intensifies, they might not be able to ignore code responsibilities anymore. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Apr 2019
Continuous architecture combats dictatorial EA practices
To thrive today, Agile businesses must outgrow the architecture review board and enterprise silos to create an integrated culture of continuous planning and management. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2019
Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout
Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2019
Hire testers with a mix of technical skills and hutzpah
There's a lot at stake when you hire a software tester -- and a lot to consider about the applicants. Matt Heusser shares how to evaluate capabilities and personalities. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
IBM, CTA: Apprenticeships key to bridging IT skills gap
Apprenticeships might help to cut the shortage of skilled IT workers and help companies keep pace with demands for new apps and services for their employees and customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2019
How to keep developers and testers happy -- and productive
The stresses of software development can strain testers and developers' comradery. Foster a collaborative and communicative environment to keep the whole team productive. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2019
Why I moved from programming to a software testing role
Testers rejoice when they find flaws, even as project managers gnash their teeth. Matt Heusser explains how, in QA, he learned to stop worrying about deadlines and love the delay. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2018
How can I course-correct my testing career path?
Don't get stuck in QA monotony. Show your technical knowhow and expand your horizons to boost your career -- even if it means throwing out the map. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2018
What makes for a quiet developer work environment on the road?
Developers run into distractions when they work out of a hotel or Airbnb. Here's how to fight back against subpar accommodations that halt productivity -- and how to avoid them next time. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
12 Dec 2018
5 software development trends propel innovation in 2019
Get ready to jettison your comfort zone and dive into shift-right testing, IoT development and other emerging skill and coverage areas for software developers and testers. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2018
Embrace these 5 tenets for better QA leadership
Knowledge and hands-on skills are always useful, but successful QA team leads also inspire and stand up for their teams. Here are five ways to remove team obstacles and coach great testers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Oct 2018
Good teams come clean about their IT competence
How is your company culture going to stay up to date on IT trends? Don't let that question linger, since, sooner or later, you'll work with a technology you don't understand at all. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2018
Hire a software testing team that fits your startup culture
Albeit strapped for cash and time, software startups need testers as much as large companies. Advocate for a testing team, and find candidates who will excel in a startup culture. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jul 2018
How do I find my career path in software testing?
I've been a tester for many years and want to progress professionally. Yet, I'm struggling to find chances for advancement and a career path in software testing. Any pointers? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Enterprise software developers: Forget minor software bugs
Many enterprises think software isn't perfect unless they eliminate minor defects. However, this approach won't prevent major disasters, and it hinders the practices that would. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can learning scripting languages help junior testers?
As a junior tester, I think learning scripting languages could make me more valuable to my team and enhance my career. But how do I pick the scripting language to learn? Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2018
How can I attend software testing conferences?
You want to attend a software testing conference, but your employer said it's too expensive. Here are some ways to improve your chances to attend. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
Which software engineer skills matter? All of them
The ongoing developer shortage means employers face unique challenges when it comes to hiring. LinkedIn's Sarah O'Brien offers insight into how developers behave and what they're really looking for. Continue Reading
- 12 Apr 2018
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Feature
06 Apr 2018
DevOps, cross-platform, test are top mobile developer skills
Learn about four mobile app dev skills and experience enterprises value: Agile, DevOps, cross-platform and test-driven development, and newer, native languages Swift and Kotlin. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2018
Thumb through these app development books for a skills tuneup
Software experts discuss the latest app development books. Pick up one of these recommended books to round out your knowledge and rev up your career. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
IBM Cloud Garage Method on display at Think conference
Playing to its roots in services, IBM plans to demonstrate how its Garage development methodology can help startups and enterprises 'think' through cloud projects. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
What developers must know about supervised machine learning
Humans play a vital role in training an ML/AI system. Expert Torsten Volk explains what software developers need to understand about machine learning education. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Feb 2018
The promise of ML/AI is real -- so are the challenges
Machine learning and artificial intelligence will make the impossible happen, if developers can understand the what-ifs involved. Expert Torsten Volk unpacks it all. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2018
Pluralsight IQ, Stack Overflow boost developer street cred
Tying the Pluralsight IQ skills test to the Stack Overflow Developer Story helps developers measure their technical skills and better highlight them for jobs. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
How is startup culture different from a proven company?
Expert Gerie Owen discusses the differences between a startup culture and an established company's work environment. Learn more about which would work best for you. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2018
Is a software test schedule at the development team's mercy?
Does the development team determine the software test schedule? Find out why working with DevOps can alleviate some time and test constraints. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2018
What enterprises learn from software failure incidents
Research from Etsy and IBM suggests we are learning the wrong lessons from software failure incidents and points toward how to get it right. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Jan 2018
Is there a software developer age limit? Apparently, it's 45
Software development is a young person's purview, according to a Harvey Nash Technology Survey. Expert David Savage explains how over-45s can stay in the game. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2018
Want to make software developer hiring easier? Be flexible
Developers are still in short supply, but companies can hire and retain talented people through a flexible and learning-driven workplace, according to insights from a HackerRank survey. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2018
Testers face pressure to improve software technical skills
If you want to stand out from the testing crowd, spend some time acquiring technical skills. Expert Matthew Heusser offers an on-point tester training curriculum. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jan 2018
What skills do Agile testers need?
The Agile team collaborates closely and makes a lot of changes. What does the ideal Agile tester possess in technical and people skills? Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2018
Why you should get on board with software testing trends
Will your organization design a machine learning app in 2018? Or should you pick up DevOps skills to be in demand as a tester? These trends will all have a major effect on software testing. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
06 Nov 2017
Guide to DevOps Enterprise Summit 2017
Industry giants are coming together once again for the annual DevOps Enterprise Summit. Learn what is trending in DevOps, IT ops, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Oct 2017
Who is responsible for software development and design?
Can developers and designers ever meet in the middle? And if so, how can they speak the same language? Expert Jason Grant offers tried-and-true advice for making it work. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Oct 2017
What are the pros and cons of contract QA jobs?
Contract QA jobs can pay more than staff positions, but only if you're a good negotiator. Expert Amy Reichert helps explain the differences between staff QA and contractors. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2017
Five reasons your software testing career is harder than necessary
No job is perfect, but software testers do have a few things to complain about. Expert Amy Reichert shares the five things that make her want to polish her résumé. Continue Reading
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Guide
30 Nov 2016
Why -- and how -- BizDevOps is going to change everything
BizDevOps is the latest in software development approaches and is considered a next-gen DevOps. Find all there is to know about this trend and why businesses are racing after it. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Sep 2016
How do I know if my busy QA professionals are actually engaged?
A busy tester seems like a happy tester, but expert Amy Reichert warns that appearances can be deceiving. Here's why you need to be sure your testers are really paying attention. Continue Reading
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Guide
08 Jun 2016
Want satisfaction guaranteed? Add user experience to the design process
UI and UX are set to change nearly everything about application design, development and testing. Get expert advice on this new user experience design process. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2016
What modern test manager responsibilities entail
What does a test manager do? That's not the easiest question to answer, as responsibilities vary. Expert Matt Heusser explains the crux of the role and provides some tips as well. Continue Reading
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Guide
25 Mar 2016
Guide: How to hire software developers
Looking to hire software developers? Find out the latest hiring trends, employment needs, software development training opportunities and skill levels in this guide. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Oct 2015
Three traits of a mature Agile team
What it takes to have successful mobile project development might surprise you. Expert Jennifer Lent shares the secrets around creating a mature Agile team. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2015
Can time management improve productivity of QA testers?
Despite what you might think, time management is possible. Expert Amy Reichert explains how QA testers can stop procrastinating and take charge of their lives. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2015
Visual Studio IDE offers many advantages for developers
Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE allows development teams to create apps for multiple Windows 10 mobile and desktop platforms, as well as for iOS and Android. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2015
Learn more about the Android Studio IDE from Google
Android Studio IDE from Google allows developers to build apps running on mobile, desktop and other emerging technologies running on Android. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Sep 2015
Product owners don't have time to write Agile user stories? You write them.
If the product owner won't or can't write the vital Agile user stories, expert Ben Linders explains how to take on this project yourself. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2015
Virtual worlds used as business collaboration tools
Consider virtual worlds as legitimate business collaboration tools. Not only might you save travel money, you might spur team creativity and innovation. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2014
How to resolve team conflict
Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2014
When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal
Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2014
Software quality metrics paint partial project picture
QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2014
Knowledge, skills and abilities for software QA jobs
The right knowledge, skills and abilities for QA jobs don't necessarily include test script automation or security testing skills. Jenn Lent explains. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2012
How does the role of project manager change in the cloud?
Agile and ALM expert Yvette Francino discusses how the role of project manager may change when applications are developed and tested in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2012
Agile project management using the Cynefin framework
Learn how the Cynefin framework facilitates problem solving, Agile project management and teamwork. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Feb 2011
How to gain acceptance of organizational change
Any organizational change can meet with internal resistance. In this response, SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino offers advice on how to win buy-in from those affected through honest communication and continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2010
Eight steps for a successful software release
Have you done everything to prepare for a successful software release? Software project manager Kay Diller describes eight things you can do to ensure your deployment will go smoothly. From creating your team to being prepared with a back-out plan, Diller steps you through important considerations covering all aspects of the project. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2010
Do developers/tester's skills age like a fine wine?
Does age equate to experience/capability when it comes to development and testing? While some say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", others believe that experienced testers are above others in the new-tech learning curve. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2010
Information Security pros might be next to join the unemployment line
A poll of 1,000 IT professionals working in application and online security reveals-- many information security pros have unrealistic faith that their careers are running on auto-pilot. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2010
How enhanced Agile skills can make your resume standout
With a large percentage of Americans out of work, the better your resume looks, the better your chances are for getting a job. Boost your employability by ramping up your Agile understanding--learn how in this post. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
What are the pros and cons of centralizing a QA or software test team?
Is it better to centralize a test team or have testers paired organizationally with developers? There can be advantages to either approach. This expert response examines some considerations and an alternative that will allow your quality team to work effectively with either model. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2009
How software testers can get deliverables without nagging
A panel of software and project management experts take on "people management", offering tips and advice on how to avoid nagging while still getting desired results. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2009
Is your software test team rigorously incompetent?
What happens when a software development or test team's manager preaches rigor in processes, but doesn't make sure that team members do processes correctly? Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2009
How software test teams' people skills affect results
Experts discuss the importance of positive workplace relationships in the software industry and recommend a populace of books which support their axioms and can strengthen your work relationships as well. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2009
Adaptation in project management through agile
Project managers often focus on following the test plan versus agile leaders who expect change and are prepared to adapt on the fly, learn how to transition quicly in this chapter from Agile Project Management by Jim Highsmith Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2009
Expert shows seven ways to improve your project management abilities
Project management offices can benefit when the team has a diverse portfolio of skills. Learn how to become a better project manager by reading these seven suggestions, which range from developing talents and group leaders to better assessing software tools. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2009
Cybersecurity czar candidate questions clout of new position
A former U.S. Congressman, reportedly one of the leading candidates for the White House position of cybersecurity czar, this week questioned whether the new post would have any clout, suggesting that the legislative and bureaucratic issues that lie ahead are so complex that it's unclear what the position would entail. "If you think it's difficult to get through the bureaucracy, wait till you get to congress," said Tom Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia. "If there's a crisis things can move quickly, that's one thing we've seen in this town … but the difficulty right now is that there are so many things going on in Washington." Continue Reading