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1. Software engineering is a team sport

You do need capable software engineers who can code, but once you are cleared on that front, the next thing is how to orchestrate each individual talent to achieve a common goal.

2. Communication is in every aspect of software engineering.

Communication is the most important aspect.

You have to work across teams, convince different stakeholders, hold your ground when challenged by senior engineers, and present your ideas to the management team.

3. Software engineers have to write a lot and it’s not all about code

A job description of a software engineer is to write code.

You have to write comments in code as well as design specs, and in some cases, feature and test specs too.

4. Coding is a very small part of software engineering

What else does a software engineer do ? Meetings, discussions, code reviewing, debugging, testing, presenting ideas, and preparing to do all these other activities.

5. Software engineering is not software development

A software engineer, on the other hand, is responsible for building a system that is sustainable, reliable, secure, and scalable.

6. Habit is a formidable friend or foe

Every company has its own unique culture and every team has certain procedures and processes that are not formally defined or written.

Usually, the beginning members set the tone and soon it becomes a convention which becomes a hard habit to break․

7. Software engineering is a hard physical labor

To be a good developer or an engineer, you need to be healthy both physically and mentally to focus well.

Your mind cannot function well if you are tired, irritated, or burnt out.

The world has changed tremendously and the opportunities now because of technology are far more broadly distributed than ever before. The technological opportunities for Armenia are special.

As the Reddit founder mentioned in one of his speeches, Information Technology has a central role in Armenia. In recent years, the sector has been witnessing essential growth with the number of new companies and hiring increasing at double-digit annual rates. At the same time, the number of startups, and foreign investments are record-breaking.

High demand in the tech sector and interest in developing solutions to add value to the global chain motivate many people in Armenia to experience Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Among the most significant developments related to the Armenian tech industry are innovative startups, educational programs, investments, and career opportunities.

Picsart became the first Armenian unicorn, reaching a valuation of $1 bln. Another startup, Krisp, which removes background noise from audio with the use of machine learning, attracted $9 M, raising a total of $17.5 M in 4 investment rounds. Podcastle AI, an audio creation platform founded in 2020, raised $7 M in an early-stage funding round.

Along with the growth of domestic companies, the number of foreign tech companies establishing branches or subsidiaries in Armenia has been increasing essentially. Among them already are Adobe, EPAM, Oracle, SADA, Siemens, Synopsis, Teamviewer, Optym, Mentor Graphics, SEMRush, etc.

Some leading international companies including Microsoft, IBM, NVIDIA, ManyChat, National Instruments, and others have opened research laboratories and maker spaces in the country. The main location for the ventures is Yerevan. Next come Vanadzor and Gyumri.What are the most in-demand tech jobs in Armenia?

Taking a look into the Armenian IT industry, you’ll see that people with different experience levels, skills, and knowledge come together around various projects. The demand for specialists is high and it continues to grow. Salaries in this sector are comparatively high. They mainly depend on the skills and experience of employees.

The most demanded tech specialists in Armenia are:

Backend developers

Backend developers work on server-side functions that users can’t see. Their job includes building and maintaining data processing, storing, and security solutions. Popular programming languages for backend developers are JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, Node.js, MySQL, Linux, and others. Useful skills in this specialty are problem-solving, analytical thinking, and good communication. The salary range of backend developers in Armenia is large. According to data from salaries.am, it varies between 150,000 AMD and 2,000,000 AMD.Frontend developers

Frontend developers are an essential part of any technology team as they build solutions that allow users to interact with websites and applications. Popular programming languages for front-end developers are HTML, CSS, Javascript, React, Vue, Angular, and others. Creativity, teamwork, and a problem-solving mindset are useful skills for them. Based on skills and experience, front-end developers in Armenia earn from 120,000 AMD to 1,500,000 AMD.Quality Assurance (QA) testers

Quality assurance testers check if the software that a team plans to release is reliable. Also, they help products recover from failed releases, and make improvements. There are manual and automated testing specialists. In a manual process, a specialist performs tests step by step without description patterns. In automated testing, tests are executed automatically through frameworks, tools, and software. Useful skills for QA testers are planning, the ability to compose documentation, critical thinking, understanding of development methods, etc. The salary range for this position is 100,000 AMD – 1,800,000 AMD.Artificial Intelligence specialists

Today, Artificial Intelligence is among the main drivers of digital transformation. This emerging technology allows a machine to simulate human behavior and solve different complex problems through smart computer systems. AI with its subsets such as Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, and Chatbots is one of the hottest technology trends. According to LinkedIn data, hiring growth for AI specialists has grown 74% annually from 2016 to 2020. In Armenia, there are many AI-focused companies including SmartClick, Cognaize, Expper Technologies, Podcastle, and others. The profession is highly competitive. Among the most demanded skills are knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, R, Linear algebra and statistics, signal analysis, etc. The monthly salary for AI specialists varies from 200,000 AMD – 1,200,000 AMD.Product Management and Project Management

If you have strong organizational skills, and you are keen on technology, one of these careers may be a good opportunity for you. Although it can be confusing, product management isn’t the same as project management. While a product manager focuses on the development and release, a project manager takes care of the coordination, management, and supervision of the project. Common skills for both roles are time management, leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities. Project managers also need to be technical to handle projects in a tech company. Both product and project managers are in high demand in Armenia. Their monthly salary range is 120,000 AMD – 1,400,000 AMD.

Besides the above-mentioned, there are many other technical and non-technical roles demanded in the Armenian IT industry. Among them are UI/UX designers, graphic designers, digital marketers, illustrators, technical writers, content managers, SEO specialists, sales executives, customer support assistants, and more.

Digital transformation has a slightly different meaning for every company. For some people, it means upgrading to the latest ERP software, whereas for others, it is about automating their marketing funnel.

In general terms, we can define digital transformation as integrating digital technology into various aspects of a business. It also considers the fundamental changes to how an organization operates and delivers value to customers.

Digital transformation is also a cultural change requiring organizations to continually experiment with different digital initiatives and adapt to the latest trends.

What is an Ideal Digital Transformation Framework for your Business?

The digital transformation strategy will always vary depending on the specific challenges and demands of the organization.

But there are a few constants among successful case studies that all business and technology leaders should know before they embark on digital transformation.

Here are some of the vital touchpoints of a successful digital transformation framework:

• Customer experience
• Operational agility
• Culture and leadership
• Workforce enablement
• Digital technology integration
• Data privacy and security

Also, every company should understand the underlying phases of digital transformation before proceeding further.

6 Phases of Digital Transformation

Understanding the different phases of digital transformation can guide businesses toward result-oriented initiatives that may be successful in the long term. Let us take a brief look at them:

1. Status quo

It is the primary stage and involves evaluating the current state of your organization and operations.2. Present and Active

It is the phase where you can experiment and encourage your employees to bring out their creativity. You can also try improving their digital literacy.3. Formal Initiative

Your previous experimentation now transforms into clear goals and objectives. Be very specific with them.4. Strategic

Once you have set the goals and objectives, it is time to outline a digital transformation strategy. Your employees work together to achieve the set goals.5. Converged

It is an advanced phase where you should deploy a dedicated digital transformation team. The team will help implement the strategic plan and guide and modify the strategy as needed.

Also, it will set up the systems and processes needed to streamline your digital journey.6. Innovation and Adaptability

We will be glad when you make it to this phase of digital transformation! It is the phase when your organization is well-aligned with the process and marching toward success.

Establish a monitoring team to understand and implement the upcoming trends in the technological landscape. You should also improvise the current process so that your company continues to progress and evolve.

Your digital goals and the technology you leverage to achieve them will define your digital transformation journey to a great extent. Remember, proper planning and improvisation at every step of the process are crucial.

Once you have followed a robust digital transformation framework and got most things right, it is time to reap the benefits of your efforts. We will explore some of the business benefits of digital transformation in the next section.

Digital transformation also provides a valuable opportunity to improve core business functions, such as finance and HR. You can move away from manual processes and automate key areas like payroll while focusing on better business opportunities.

The demand for mobile and web apps has significantly skyrocketed during the pandemic years. Even now, as businesses keep scrambling to digitize their core architecture to meet the changing needs of the markets and consumer behavior, app development is the investment that many are ready to make.

However, is investing in developing, launching, and marketing an app enough? What are the factors that influence app development? What elements should be present in an app to drive ROI? Well, it’s the latest technology trends and their projected impact in the future that must be taken into consideration when building an app. On that note, here are all the hot trends in app development that remain relevant in 2022 and beyond.1) Web 3.0:

For one’s who are not quite familiar with the term, Web 3.0 is one of the most highly anticipated technological evolutions, that is all set to transform and revolutionize the very fabric of how businesses function today.

Web 3.0 is an equitable open network that allows people to engage and interact without having to worry about the breach of their data security and privacy. It combines the power of Big Data, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence.

It presents an improved version of the internet and the advantages of autonomy. As per experts, Web 3.0 also counters spying and unethical censorship.

How does it impact businesses? Well, for starters, it can deploy more transparent and consumer-centric solutions. It guarantees accountability regarding how corporations collect and handle their data, something that’s quite lacking in the present-day internet and digital solutions.

How does it impact app development? Web 3.0 creates a semantic web ecosystem where data can be curated transparently. Accordingly, developers can craft the apps.

You can expect more intensive integrations of AI, ML, 3D graphics, and mixed reality, further influencing a ubiquitous experience for the user. Last but not the least, Web 3.0 is increasingly intelligent and independent, due to the semantic web, which significantly influences app development and functioning.2) Internet of Things (IoT):

You can run, you can hide, but you can’t escape the internet. Yes indeed! The Internet has its hooks deep into our lives, with its influence in every facet of our lives. These days we have found solace in the connectivity within all our devices; how one connects and coordinates with the other to make our life easier and comfier.

That’s the Internet of Things (IoT) for you and it’s what all developers should be aware of when building an app, keeping their target consumers in mind. In the consumer version, home appliances, computers, and other smart devices are interconnected, ensuring that it runs smoothly, without manual interference.

IoT system identifies the unique user enabling the person to send and receive commands across the internet, which enables the connected devices to function. As more smart devices and wearables get added to the IoT system, the demand for IoT-backed apps will only increase.3) Blockchain:

Even though it is still in its nascent stage of development and adoption, blockchain is that new-age technology that the world can’t get enough of. We have seen its successful use case in the form of crypto, but there is so much more that blockchain can do. So, in terms of app development what can blockchain do? Why do developers give importance to this should decentralized ledger technology? Your answer is in the word decentralized.

In terms of app building blockchain, helps in creating decentralized databases ensuring transparency in data collection and usage, not to mention, upholding data privacy. Using blockchain one can develop more secure applications, and offer the same enhanced security to the user. Some notable examples have been set by Microsoft with the formation of their blockchain consortium Coco or Confidential Consortium framework. Other are smartphone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung, who are launching devices that have blockchain integrations in the form of crypto mobile wallets and DApps stores, etc.4) Artificial Intelligence:

Artificial Intelligence has been the main area of focus for many app-building companies, with it becoming almost mainstream in that domain, especially with the popularity of chatbots and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. So, it is one of the most important trends to take note of in 2022 and beyond for mobile app developers and mobile app development companies.

User predictions and AI-based cameras are becoming more prominent these days. Google Maps’ use of AI for enhanced user experience is another marvel to notice, with features like a Live view of large indoor spaces through AR navigation and suggestions of less-carbon-intensive routes via direction optimization.

Other AI-app development trends that will gain popularity are automated geolocation detection, predictive maintenance, algorithmic trading, image tagging, and recognition. Companies invested in gaming app building will have lots of areas to explore with AI integration.5) Machine Learning:

Machine Learning, although related to AI has its very own separate domain to explore. This year projects significant growth in the global Machine Learning industry, which makes it a notable addition to our list of app development trends. ML can work wonders by providing real-time data and analytics in app development projects. It is especially useful in the development of MVPs or Minimum Viable Products, where you can get real-time and make changes in the app development accordingly.

Speaking of ML in app development, one has to name Apple, which has set the benchmark in using the technology to create amazing immersive experiences. ML APIs make it easier to create and add new features. So, it’s worth taking a closer look at the potential and efficacy of Machine Learning so that you can use the same in your app development cycle.6) Metaverse:

Metaverse might be the new kid on the block with its very recent launch but it has already taken the world by storm, all set to change the face of app development and business marketing. The Metaverse is all about creating immersive virtual experiences, through the mish-mash of the physical and virtual worlds. It allows people to interact with each other virtually through avatars.

It takes mixed reality to the next level, creating a virtual space for conducting meetings and parties, attending concerts, and getting educated. The spaces feel real and offer real-life experiences. How do you access Metaverse? You can do that through VR headsets. Now, the disruption of Metaverse into the app development space creates a plethora of opportunities for the development of virtual meeting apps, gaming apps, educational apps, dating apps, and event apps. Something to consider when ideating and building your next project! Best to leave some room open for introducing Metaverse features, to stay ahead in the game.7) Mixed Reality:

Mixed reality is where the barriers of the physical and the virtual blur enable people to have real-life experiences in the virtual world. An amalgamation of AR and VR, mixed reality has found multiple use cases amid the pandemic months, especially with retail businesses, which started selling their products by allowing buyers to try them online.

Real estate companies created mixed reality spaces so that potential clients could take a tour of the property in the comforts of their homes. The industry that has been most influenced by this technology is gaming. And now with the emergence of the Metaverse, you simply cannot rule out mixed reality from your app development plans.8) Multiplatform Development:

There is nothing new to say about multiplatform app development or cross-platform apps. It’s perfect for companies who want to build and develop apps cost-effectively. Cross-platform App development allows the developer to write a single code that works across platforms. As the demand for apps increases across industries and more people pool in investments, enterprises will need cost-effective measures to mitigate that requirement. Some tools that can help app developers in delivering cross-platform apps are:

• React Native
• Xamarin
• Flutter
• Ionic
• Cordova

Cross-platform app development reduces the cycle of development and ensures easier maintenance, not to mention more futuristic and progressive apps that work seamlessly across multiple platforms.9) Chatbots:

We all know about chatbots, the virtual version of traditional customer support that is always ready to answer all your queries when visiting a website. Data shows that including chatbots can boost customer engagement unlike any other.10) Databases:

Choosing the right database is more of a necessity rather than an app development trend that you should know about in 2022. Incorporating a robust database not only ensures better storage and security of the data used in building the application. Some of the top databases to use in 2022 are:

• MySQL
• Redis
• MongoDB
• PostgreSQL
• Couchbase