Distributed development has become a blazing hot trend in recent years, enabling companies to access a global pool of talent and reduce costs associated with traditional development. However, managing distributed software teams come with unique challenges, including miscommunication, cultural differences, and time zone issues.
Miscommunication can lead to delays, errors, and pitfalls such as misunderstandings, while cultural differences can affect team dynamics and productivity. Time zone issues can also pose challenges, as team members may need help coordinating schedules and meetings across different regions.
In this article, we will define distributed development and will try to seek solutions for the most common issues that arise along the way.
Distributed development definition – is it that hard?
Distributed development, also known as distributed software development, refers to building software with team members working collaboratively on a project from different geographical locations. This approach encourages organizations to leverage global talent and access specialized expertise while reducing outlay and increasing efficiency. Team members communicate and collaborate through various technological tools and platforms, such as video conferencing, online chat, and project management software.
Distributed development model failed projects
While the distributed development model has several benefits, it can lead to project collapses if not managed effectively. That’s why we need to examine each problem and address its issues.
The Mars Climate Orbiter
In 1999, NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft crashed into the Martian atmosphere and was destroyed due to a software error that occurred while integrating the spacecraft’s navigation system. The error was caused by a miscommunication between two teams working on different parts of the spacecraft, one in the US and the other in Europe, and the failed conversions from the English to the metric system. It’s safe to say it’s been labeled as one of the big blunders of the XX century.
The Healthcare.gov Website
The launch of the Healthcare.gov website (planned to happen in 2013), designed to allow US citizens to purchase health insurance, was marred by technical glitches and long wait times. The project was managed by a distributed team of contractors from different companies, which led to communication issues and delays.
The Knight Capital Trading System
Knight Capital, a financial services company, lost $440 million in just 45 minutes due to a software glitch in its trading system in 2012. The glitch was caused by a distributed development team failing to properly test the software changes to the trading system, leading to a catastrophic failure. Not the best way to get swept; we have to be honest.
How to tackle potential distributed development problems?
Establishing clear requirements and milestones is crucial to the success of distributed development projects. Clearly defining project goals and objectives helps ensure teams are aligned and working towards a common goal. Additionally, breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting realistic milestones helps keep team members motivated and accountable.
Ensuring proper quality assurance is essential to minimizing errors and ensuring that the project meets the desired quality standards. Quality assurance procedures should be clearly defined, and teams should have the appropriate tools and resources to perform necessary testing and debugging.
Regular status checks are critical to keep track of project progress and identify potential issues early. Regular communication and collaboration help identify and address potential problems before they escalate. Scheduled status updates, daily stand-up meetings, and regular progress reports can guarantee that everyone is on the same page, that the project is moving forward as planned, and that there aren’t any “oopsie” situations.
Projects involving remote development must be successful in speaking effectively. To prevent misconceptions, teams should develop clear communication standards and guidelines encouraging openness and clarity. The process entails using suitable tools for communication and cooperation as well as frequent check-ins to make sure everyone is aware of the project’s status and any changes that could impact it.
Role of project managers – between the hammer and the anvil
When it comes to distributed development projects, project managers are unsung heroes. They’re like the conductors of a musical masterpiece, ensuring that everyone is playing in harmony and heading toward the same goal. But let’s be real; it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Project managers have a lot on their plates, from managing risks and quality control to setting up communication channels and making sure everyone is on track. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. And if they do it right, they can lead their team to a successful project launch on time, on budget, and full of high-fives. So, let’s give it up for the project managers – the backbone of distributed development projects!
Summary
Distributed development is crucial for today’s world, but people should be aware of the risks that come with it and take measures to avoid potential failures.
Abhay is a Digital Marketing Guru and an accomplished entrepreneur with an experience of a decade working with various businesses varying from startups to established brands. He co-founded many companies like Logicsofts, PrintYo, CrazyRise and more. He is passionate about SEO and Online Data Analytics, which plays a vital role in any business to grow and mutate as per the data results.
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