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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 is a multifaceted process that differs significantly across organizations, each tailoring it to their unique needs and goals. Whether it’s upgrading to the latest ERP software or automating marketing efforts, digital transformation fundamentally integrates digital technologies into all areas of a business, leading to profound changes in how it operates and delivers value to customers.

Moreover, digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s also a cultural shift, pushing organizations to continuously experiment with new digital initiatives and adapt to the ever-evolving trends.

What is an Ideal Digital Transformation Framework for Your Business?

While the specifics of a digital transformation strategy will vary depending on an organization’s unique challenges and needs, there are common elements that have proven successful across different case studies. Business and technology leaders should consider these critical touchpoints:

Customer Experience: Prioritizing customer-centric innovations and seamless experiences.

Operational Agility: Ensuring the ability to adapt quickly to market changes.

Culture and Leadership: Fostering a digital-first mindset within the organization.

Workforce Enablement: Empowering employees with the right tools and skills.

Digital Technology Integration: Seamlessly integrating new technologies into the existing infrastructure.

Data Privacy and Security: Upholding robust standards to protect sensitive information.

The 6 Phases of Digital Transformation

Understanding the phases of digital transformation can guide businesses in implementing initiatives that are sustainable and effective in the long run:

Status Quo: Evaluate the current state of the organization’s operations, identifying areas that need change.

Present and Active: Encourage experimentation and creativity among employees, enhancing digital literacy.

Formal Initiative: Transform experimental ideas into clear, specific goals and objectives.

Strategic: Outline a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, with employees collaborating to achieve set goals.

Converged: Deploy a dedicated digital transformation team to implement the strategic plan, adapting it as necessary.

Innovation and Adaptability: Achieve alignment with the digital transformation process, continuously monitoring and adapting to new trends.

Benefits of Digital Transformation

Successfully navigating the digital transformation journey allows businesses to reap numerous benefits, including improved core functions like finance and HR. By automating key processes such as payroll, companies can focus more on strategic growth opportunities. Proper planning, a solid framework, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for maximizing the advantages of digital transformation.

The demand for mobile and web apps has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. Even now, businesses are scrambling to digitize their core architecture to meet the evolving needs of the market and shifting consumer behavior. In this landscape, app development has become a crucial investment for many companies.

However, is simply investing in developing, launching, and marketing an app enough? What factors influence app development? What elements must be present in an app to ensure a return on investment (ROI)?

Key Trends Shaping App Development in 2022 and Beyond

To answer these questions, it’s essential to consider the latest technology trends and their future impact when building an app. Below are some of the most important trends in app development that remain relevant in 2022 and beyond.

1. Web 3.0: The Next Evolution of the Internet

For those unfamiliar, Web 3.0 is one of the most highly anticipated technological evolutions, poised to transform and revolutionize how businesses operate. Web 3.0 represents an equitable open network that enables people to engage and interact without concerns over data security and privacy breaches. It combines the power of Big Data, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence, offering an improved version of the internet with the advantages of autonomy.

Impact on Businesses:

Web 3.0 allows for more transparent and consumer-centric solutions, ensuring accountability in how corporations collect and handle data. This level of transparency is often lacking in current digital solutions.

Impact on App Development:

Web 3.0 creates a semantic web ecosystem where data can be curated transparently, allowing developers to craft more sophisticated apps. Expect to see more intensive integrations of AI, ML, 3D graphics, and mixed reality, enhancing the user experience.

2. The Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting the World

The Internet is deeply embedded in our lives, influencing nearly every facet. We have grown accustomed to the connectivity between our devices, which seamlessly coordinate to make our lives easier.

Role in App Development:

Incorporating IoT is crucial when building an app, particularly with target consumers in mind. IoT systems identify unique users, enabling them to send and receive commands across the internet, ensuring connected devices function smoothly. As more smart devices and wearables join the IoT ecosystem, the demand for IoT-backed apps will continue to rise.

3. Blockchain: The Future of Secure App Development

Although still in its early stages of development and adoption, blockchain technology is gaining significant attention. While its most well-known application is cryptocurrency, blockchain offers much more.

Role in App Development:

Blockchain facilitates the creation of decentralized databases, ensuring transparency in data collection and usage while upholding data privacy. This technology allows developers to create more secure applications, enhancing user trust. Notable examples include Microsoft’s blockchain consortium Coco and smartphone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung, who are integrating blockchain into their devices.

4. Artificial Intelligence: The Mainstream Trend

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a focal point for many app-building companies, especially with the rise of chatbots and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. AI is a crucial trend to watch for in 2022 and beyond.

Key Developments:

User predictions and AI-based cameras are becoming more prominent, with Google Maps’ use of AI for enhanced user experience being a standout example. Other emerging trends include automated geolocation detection, predictive maintenance, algorithmic trading, and image tagging and recognition.

5. Machine Learning: Real-Time Data and Analytics

While related to AI, Machine Learning (ML) is a distinct domain with significant growth potential in 2022. ML provides real-time data and analytics, which are invaluable in app development projects, particularly in creating MVPs (Minimum Viable Products).

Notable Applications:

Apple has set the benchmark with its use of ML to create immersive experiences. ML APIs simplify the process of adding new features to apps, making it an essential tool in the app development cycle.

6. Metaverse: A New Frontier in Virtual Experiences

The Metaverse, though recently launched, has already made a significant impact, set to revolutionize app development and business marketing. It creates immersive virtual experiences, blending the physical and virtual worlds.

Impact on App Development:

The Metaverse offers opportunities for developing virtual meeting apps, gaming apps, educational apps, dating apps, and event apps. Incorporating Metaverse features into your next project can give you a competitive edge.

7. Mixed Reality: Blurring the Lines Between Real and Virtual

Mixed reality, an amalgamation of AR and VR, has found multiple use cases, especially during the pandemic. Retail businesses, real estate companies, and gaming have all embraced this technology.

Role in App Development:

With the emergence of the Metaverse, mixed reality has become an essential consideration for app developers. It enables the creation of virtual spaces that offer real-life experiences, further enhancing user engagement.

8. Multiplatform Development: Cost-Effective Solutions

Multiplatform app development, or cross-platform apps, allows developers to write a single code that works across multiple platforms. This approach is ideal for

companies looking to build and develop apps cost-effectively.

Tools to Use:

Some tools that can aid in cross-platform app development include React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, Ionic, and Cordova. This approach reduces development cycles, ensures easier maintenance, and results in more progressive apps that work seamlessly across platforms.

9. Chatbots: Enhancing Customer Engagement

Chatbots have become the virtual version of traditional customer support, always ready to answer queries when visiting a website. Data shows that chatbots significantly boost customer engagement, making them a valuable addition to any app.

10. Databases: The Backbone of App Development

Choosing the right database is crucial for app development in 2022. A robust database ensures better storage and security of the data used in building the application.

Top Databases to Consider:

MySQL

Redis

MongoDB

PostgreSQL

Couchbase