Blog

<h2>Are you in a situation where security efforts are too expensive and time consuming?</h2><p>Maintaining robust security for your tech company can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Balancing the demands of keeping your systems secure with the need for agile and efficient operation can be challenging. And if you're feeling overwhelmed by the cost and time needed for comprehensive security efforts, it might be because your approach needs tweaking.</p><h3>Prioritize What's Important</h3><figure id="figure-xkkyfy3e6rlvycx4hn"><img id="xkkyfy3e6rlvycx4hn" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522585624307-f88c7d42b236?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzN3x8TWluaW1hbCUyME5hdHVyZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTUyMDUyNjF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="Fog of war" title="Fog of war" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Every company has vulnerabilities, but not all vulnerabilities carry the same weight. Identifying and prioritizing these weak spots is key. You need to assess the risks associated with each vulnerability and determine the potential impact on your business if it was exploited. Closing the most critical holes first and implementing internal controls where possible, will improve your security posture significantly without overwhelming your resources.</p><h3>Seek Help from Third Parties</h3><p>One of the common misconceptions about cybersecurity is that it's always expensive. While it's true that some aspects can require a substantial investment, there are plenty of affordable solutions. Specialized third-party teams can provide the security expertise you need at a reasonable price. But remember, don't rush into a partnership with the first service provider you come across. Shop around, compare offerings, and most importantly, make sure they understand your business and its specific needs</p><h3>Implement Policies and Processes</h3><p>Many companies fall into the trap of seeing policies and processes as a cure-all for their security woes. While they are crucial, they should not be your only focus. Good security policies and processes are a response to known threats and are there to guide your actions when an incident occurs. However, they don't directly strengthen your defenses. They should be part of a comprehensive security strategy, complementing other proactive measures.</p><p>Finding a balance in your security efforts is key. The goal isn't to make your company impenetrable – that's an unrealistic aim for any business. Instead, aim for resilience. A resilient company can withstand an attack, limit the damage, and bounce back quickly.</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>Remember, it's never "too late" to improve your security. The first step is recognizing there's room for improvement, which is a sign of strength, not weakness.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Overcoming the Security Challenge: Prioritize, Seek Help, and Implement Policies

aerial photography of city during night time

<h2>Is your infrastructure supporting the development process?</h2><p>Welcome back to our series where we delve into critical areas within your tech department that can significantly impact your company’s performance. Today, we're looking at your IT infrastructure and how it serves as a bedrock for your development process. So, let’s ask ourselves: "Is your infrastructure supporting your development process?"</p><h3>Basic Environment Setup: The Fighting Chance</h3><p>A sound IT infrastructure begins with the setup of different environments for the different stages of development. Providing your engineering team with local, development, staging, and production environments is not an option, it's a necessity. This segregated structure enables your team to test, tweak, and finally deploy the code without affecting the live production environment.&nbsp;</p><h3>Testability: The Ability to Foresee</h3><p>With a well-structured environment, we can now turn our focus to testability. Your IT infrastructure should provide the ability to test all foreseeable scenarios of a release. Of course, there will always be unknowns that we didn't anticipate. Yet, any scenario that you know can occur should be testable, thereby minimizing the risks associated with the unknowns.</p><h3>Reproducibility: Catching the Unforeseen</h3><p>Unforeseen scenarios are inevitable in development. When they happen, your IT infrastructure should allow for the reproduction of these scenarios in a non-production environment. Replicating issues is critical for troubleshooting and fixing them. Debugging in a live production environment is never a good idea; with the right infrastructure, it shouldn't be necessary.</p><h3>Stability, Consistency, and Trust: The Backbone of a Good Infrastructure</h3><p>Lastly, an effective IT infrastructure brings stability and consistency to your engineering department. It's the backbone of your web application - the platform on which all else stands. Your team will encounter enough challenges with the code and users. Make your life easier by ensuring the infrastructure – the base on which everything runs – is trustworthy and reliable.</p><figure id="figure-giz8fe44mulvycwdmx"><img id="giz8fe44mulvycwdmx" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1707906315315-6166585f9cc8?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHx0d28lMjBncmF5JTIwcGVuY2lscyUyMG9uJTIweWVsbG93JTIwc3VyZmFjZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTUyMDQ5Mzh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="two gray pencils on yellow surface" title="two gray pencils on yellow surface" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>In conclusion, a robust IT infrastructure supports the development process, provides a foundation for efficient testing, allows for the reproduction of unforeseen issues, and delivers a stable, reliable backbone for your web application. So, ask yourself: "Is my infrastructure supporting the development process?"</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>If you are looking to enhance your IT infrastructure to better support your development process, our team of experts is here to help. Stay tuned for our next article, where we will delve into engineering performance monitoring. Let's work together to identify the problems you might not know exist and fortify your tech processes for success. Reach out to us today to get started.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Infrastructure Woes Slowing Your Dev Process? Unleash Efficiency with TechAikido's Blueprint

<h2>Is automation high on your list of priorities?</h2><p>As we continue our series exploring key areas of focus in your tech department, we turn our attention today to an aspect that could significantly transform your business operations - automation. The question we pose today is, "Is automation high on your list of priorities?"</p><h3>Automate What Can Be Automated: Standardisation is Key</h3><p>The pathway to efficient automation starts with standardisation. This means creating a uniform, repeatable process across your entire operation. Once you have this solid base in place, the magic of automation can start. Whether it's repetitive tasks, complex processes, or mundane checks, if it can be automated, it should be. Not only does automation improve efficiency, but it also frees up your valuable human resources to focus on more creative and critical tasks.</p><h3>Reduce Human Error and Effort: It's the Small Things</h3><p>We are all human, and humans make mistakes. Automation can reduce the risk of these errors creeping into your operation. By automating tasks, big and small, you limit the potential for human error and ensure consistency in your processes. Moreover, automation can be a safeguard for when team members change roles or leave the company - the automated processes stay in place, ensuring business continuity.</p><h3>Automate Testing, Deployments, Releases, and Feedback: The Heart of the Development Process</h3><p>The automation potential goes beyond administrative tasks. Core elements of the development process, including testing, deployments, releases, and feedback loops, can be automated to a significant extent. These efficiencies bring us full circle back to the discussion about the importance of selecting the right tools and processes.</p><figure id="figure-ci8z96o83lvycv92g"><img id="ci8z96o83lvycv92g" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1420442442888-15c96323ec3c?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0MXx8Z3JlZW4lMjBzeW50aGV0aWMlMjBmYWJyaWMlMjB0ZXh0dXJlfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNTIwNTE4OXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="Tree bark pattern" title="Tree bark pattern" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>In conclusion, the beauty of automation lies in its ability to streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. So, ask yourself: "Is automation high on my list of priorities?"</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>If the answer is no or if you're unsure of how to proceed, our team of experts is here to help. In our next article, we will delve into the topic of engineering performance monitoring. Let us help you identify the hidden opportunities in your processes and build a robust, automated tech department that drives your business success. Reach out to us today to start the conversation.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Stuck in Manual Mode? Elevate Productivity with TechAikido's Automation Mastery.

blue and black city buildings photography

<h2>Do you use the right tools for the product you develop?</h2><p>As part of our ongoing series dedicated to untangling the complexities of your tech department, we're turning the spotlight onto a topic that can dramatically shape the success of your product: your technology stack. The question we're posing today is, "Do you use the right tools for the product you develop?"</p><h3>The Technology Stack Matters: Consider All Factors</h3><p>The selection of your technology stack can propel your product to new heights or stifle its progress. But the stack you choose goes beyond the immediate needs of development. It encompasses the availability and cost of hiring engineers skilled in those technologies, scalability for future growth, and even the potential resale value of your product. All these factors need to be in harmony for your tech stack to fully support your product development.</p><figure id="figure-z9mtm7tbrvlvycuoyk"><img id="z9mtm7tbrvlvycuoyk" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1454165804606-c3d57bc86b40?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxDb25zdWx0aW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNjgwOTg5OHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="person holding pencil near laptop computer" title="person holding pencil near laptop computer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Balance Innovation and Pragmatism: Engineers Love a Challenge</h3><p>Engineers are problem solvers by nature, drawn to new and exciting challenges. They love to experiment with new technologies and rewrite code to improve it. However, as business leaders, it's crucial to balance the risk/reward of adopting new technologies. Just because something is new and shiny doesn't mean it's the best choice for your product. Keep your business goals and product requirements at the forefront when making tech decisions.</p><h3>Avoid Overkill or Underkill: Tailor Your Tech Stack to Your Needs</h3><p>It's equally important to ensure your tech stack is suited to your needs. If your product is a small, agile SaaS offering, it doesn't require a tech stack capable of running a multinational eCommerce platform. Conversely, if you're building a high-traffic, data-intensive application, you'll need a more robust technology stack. Choose tools that are neither too simple nor overly complex for your requirements - you wouldn't swat a fly with a sledgehammer nor would you take down a tiger with a water pistol.</p><p>In summary, the tools you choose to build your product play a significant role in its success. So ask yourself again: "Do I use the right tools for the product I develop?"</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>If you're unsure about the answer or if you're considering making changes, our team of experts can help guide your decision-making process. In our next article, we will explore engineering performance monitoring. Let us partner with you to create a tech department that's aligned with your business goals and drives your success. Reach out to us today to start the conversation.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Is Your Tech Stack Tailored to Your Product's Needs?

<h2>Are your costs proportional to the profit your products make?</h2><p>In today’s highly competitive business environment, the success of your products does not solely rest on their inherent value. As a business leader, your objective is to optimize every facet of your operations. This includes ensuring your IT infrastructure costs align with the revenue your products generate.</p><h3>Optimal Environment Size: Don’t Overspend</h3><p>One crucial area to scrutinize is the size of your development environments. Overspending on excessive server capabilities that your product doesn't require is a common pitfall. Start by optimizing your code - a streamlined codebase requires less server power, enabling you to operate with leaner server configurations. Explore cost-effective solutions rather than being lured by the latest and greatest in the market. Weigh your options carefully and rationalize your decisions based on actual needs and cost-benefit analysis.</p><figure id="figure-l6cj5stwslvycqeoi"><img id="l6cj5stwslvycqeoi" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545091741-2231068f3478?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxibGFjayUyMGFuZCUyMHNpbHZlciUyMHBvY2tldCUyMGtuaWZlJTIwYmVzaWRlJTIwc2lsdmVyJTIwcm91bmQlMjBjb2luc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTUyMDQ5NDZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="black and silver pocket knife beside silver round coins" title="black and silver pocket knife beside silver round coins" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Scalable Infrastructure: Future-Proof Your Investment</h3><p>As your product grows, your IT infrastructure needs to scale proportionately. Migrations to a new system due to unanticipated growth can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, select a technology stack that facilitates easy scaling. Gradually upgrade your infrastructure as your demands increase. Planning for growth upfront can save you significant resources in the future.</p><h3>Performance Monitoring: Be Proactive, Not Reactive</h3><p>It's essential to keep a close eye on your servers and applications. Swift reactions to problems and slowdowns can mitigate potential damage and avoid escalating costs. Make use of monitoring and alerting tools to stay ahead of any emerging issues. Your goal should always be to fix before you scale – addressing underlying issues first can often prevent the need for scaling up your infrastructure.</p><h3>Evaluate Your Choices: Question, Analyze, Optimize</h3><p>If you're being told, "it just costs that much," it's time to ask more questions. While certain costs are inevitable, there's often room for optimization. Explore alternative solutions and question whether your current setup truly offers the best value for your product.</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>In conclusion, aligning your IT infrastructure costs with your product's profits can have a significant impact on your bottom line. If you're uncertain whether your current setup fits this bill, our team of seasoned tech consultants is here to help. We can provide expert insights into how to streamline your infrastructure and align it more closely with your product’s profits. In our next article, we'll delve into the vital subject of engineering performance monitoring. Let's partner up and ensure your tech department becomes a robust profit center. Contact us today to get started.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Are Your IT Infrastructure Costs Aligned with Your Product Profits?

<h2>Do you know when a feature/fix will be released?</h2><p>Performance monitoring extends beyond just your IT infrastructure. It also applies to your engineering team and their ability to deliver projects on time. The question you should always be able to answer is, "Do you know when a feature or fix will be released?"</p><h3>Estimations are Challenging, But Necessary</h3><p>Despite the complexities of software development, establishing timelines is crucial for accountability and planning. It's fair to say that estimations can be challenging - software engineering is a highly intricate process with numerous variables at play. Yet, the ability to provide a ballpark release date for a feature or fix is essential for efficient business operations. Deadlines enable wider business planning, ensuring engineering is synchronized with marketing, sales, and other critical business functions.</p><h3>"We Don't Know": A Red Flag from Engineering</h3><p>Should you ever hear "we don't know" as an answer from your engineering team regarding delivery timelines, consider it a red flag. This response could hint at several underlying issues - from a lack of care or motivation to a deficit in understanding the scope of work. It could also suggest the existence of blockers that you, as a non-technical executive, might not be aware of.&nbsp;</p><h3>Chronic Lateness: Time to Investigate</h3><p>Repeatedly missing deadlines is another warning sign that cannot be ignored. If your engineering team is consistently late in delivering features or fixes, it could be indicative of poor management, lack of accountability, or even poor performance by the engineers. Such patterns need to be addressed promptly to prevent ongoing business disruption.</p><figure id="figure-5iyn5xqmfplvycphq3"><img id="5iyn5xqmfplvycphq3" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1630754157718-8b7b3aaa57e2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwzNnx8QXVkaW8lMjBFZGl0aW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNjc0MTQ3Mnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="black and white audio mixer" title="black and white audio mixer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Understanding the state of your engineering performance monitoring is crucial in ensuring your technology aligns with your business objectives. If you find yourself unsure about when your next feature or fix will be released, or if you're troubled by the red flags we've outlined, it's time to take action.</p><h3>Contact us</h3><p>Our tech consultancy is dedicated to helping non-technical executives like you grasp the complexities of your engineering department and improve its performance. In our upcoming article, we will delve into the critical subject of security, another essential pillar of successful tech management. We invite you to reach out to us today to learn how we can help transform your tech department into a reliable, high-performing part of your business.</p><p><br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://techaikido.com/about" href="https://techaikido.com/about" title="CTA-TechAikido">Contact us</a></p>

Blog

Overcoming the Security Challenge: Prioritize, Seek Help,...

Infrastructure Woes Slowing Your Dev Process? Unleash Eff...

Stuck in Manual Mode? Elevate Productivity with TechAikid...

Is Your Tech Stack Tailored to Your Product's Needs?

Are Your IT Infrastructure Costs Aligned with Your Produc...

Engineering Performance Monitoring: Do You Know When Your...