LTS Group’s CEO Xuan Phung: An Inspiring Journey of A Woman Entrepreneur Shaping The Future Technology

May 9, 2024

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10 min read

LTS Group’s CEO Xuan Phung: An Inspiring Journey of A Woman Entrepreneur Shaping The Future Technology

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Ashley Nguyen

Ashley Nguyen

Meet Ashley Nguyen, our dedicated Content Marketing specialist with a passion for digital transformation, AI, and software development. Ashley's words bridge the gap between complex tech concepts and everyday understanding. Her insightful pieces not only educate but also inspire readers to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. Join her in exploring the evolving landscape of technology and innovation. Contact her at ashley@ltsgroup.tech

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Comprehensive Guide to SaaS Development in 2024: Process, Challenges, Cost Estimation, and More

Comprehensive Guide to SaaS Development in 2024: Process, Challenges, Cost Estimation, and More

May 15, 2024

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29 mins read

SaaS development is becoming more and more popular thanks to the rise of cloud technology. By 2030, the SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) market is projected to reach $908 billion, showcasing an annual growth rate rise from 18% to 18.7%. Increasingly, businesses are embracing the SaaS model for its cost-saving advantages, scalability enhancements, and heightened security measures. It’s time for businesses to join the fray, develop a successful SaaS application and make a bundle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the ins and outs of SaaS development, from understanding its key components, and steps to building SaaS applications, to overcoming common challenges, estimating SaaS costs, and building the right SaaS development team. Let’s delve deeper!   Table of Contents Toggle What Is SaaS Development?Benefits of SaaS Application DevelopmentPredictable revenue streams and higher profit marginsFaster time-to-marketScalabilityContinuous improvement and innovationHow To Build a SaaS Product: A Step-by-Step GuidePlan and researchChoose the right model and development approachDesignKick-off development and testingDeploy and maintainSaaS Application Development ChallengesData protectionIntegration with third-party servicesEnsuring no-downtime deploymentCost managementHow Much Does It Cost To Develop a SaaS Application?Team Up with A Reliable SaaS Development CompanyFrequently Asked Questions About SaaS App DevelopmentFinal Thoughts About SaaS Software Development What Is SaaS Development? SaaS (standing for Software-as-a-Service) is a model where software applications are hosted on the internet rather than on an organization’s in-house servers. SaaS offers a comprehensive software solution that you buy on a pay-as-you-go model from a cloud provider. Some examples of SaaS companies include Zoom, Slack, Canva, Microsoft, and HubSpot. Software as a Service (SaaS) development is the process of creating and delivering software applications over the Internet on a subscription basis. SaaS development streamlines the deployment, maintenance, and updating of software, offering a cost-effective and adaptable solution for businesses of any size. Unlike traditional software development, where software is created and installed on individual devices, SaaS products are designed to be accessed and used remotely.   What Is SaaS Development? Let’s take a look at the comparison table below to learn the key differences between SaaS apps and traditional web apps: Aspect SaaS Application      Traditional Web Application  Deployment Hosted on cloud servers by the provider Installed on local servers or third-party hosting Accessibility Accessible from any device with internet Requires specific software/hardware compatibility Cost Model Subscription-based pricing model One-time development and hosting costs Upfront Costs Typically lower, based on subscription plans Higher upfront costs for development and setup Maintenance Managed by the SaaS provider Requires in-house or third-party maintenance Updates Automatically updated by the provider Manual updates and maintenance required Scalability Easily scalable, usually based on subscription tiers Scalability depends on infrastructure and upgrades   Benefits of SaaS Application Development Compared to traditional on-premise software, the SaaS approach offers several advantages. Here are some key benefits that SaaS product offers to businesses: Benefits of SaaS Application Development   Predictable revenue streams and higher profit margins In the early days of technology, software was sold as a one-time purchase, much like any other product. This approach changed with the invention of cloud computing, which made software easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Adopting a subscription business model offers SaaS companies flexibility to adapt to customer expectations and swiftly modify pricing and packaging, leading to higher profit margins. This is because once the software is developed and deployed, the cost of serving additional customers becomes relatively low. The reason behind this is that infrastructure and software maintenance costs are spread across many users, meaning each new subscription primarily contributes to profit. Furthermore, continuous revenue generation from existing customers reduces the need for constant new sales to maintain revenue levels, resulting in sustained higher profit margins compared to traditional one-time software sales. Additionally, this model provides detailed insights into financial health by tracking recurring revenue. It enables businesses to predict growth, forecast revenue, monitor cash flow, and optimize internal processes to increase Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). This steady stream of recurring revenue is more predictable and stable than traditional one-time software licensing, making it easier for businesses to plan for sustainable growth.   Faster time-to-market SaaS applications can be developed and deployed more quickly than traditional on-premises software. Updates and new features can be rolled out seamlessly to all customers without the need for complex installation processes on their end. This agility allows businesses to respond to market demands more swiftly, gain a competitive edge, and capitalize on new opportunities faster than ever before.   Scalability The scalability of SaaS applications is a compelling benefit for businesses experiencing growth or fluctuating project requirements. SaaS development offers flexible scaling options, allowing companies to adjust their subscription plans or add features/ modules as required.  Particularly, if businesses opt to develop SaaS application on cloud servers or hybrid, they can easily navigate changes in user numbers, storage requirements, or operational needs without investing in additional hardware or facing downtime during upgrades.   Continuous improvement and innovation SaaS providers can continuously improve their products by gathering user feedback and usage data, enabling them to respond quickly to customer needs and market trends. This ongoing innovation can help businesses stay competitive and meet evolving customer demands. With real-time analytics and monitoring, SaaS companies can identify areas for enhancement and implement changes without disrupting the user experience. This continuous improvement cycle ensures that the software evolves alongside customer expectations, fostering long-term customer loyalty and satisfaction. Furthermore, the ability to swiftly incorporate the latest technologies and industry trends keeps the software cutting-edge and highly functional.   How To Build a SaaS Product: A Step-by-Step Guide How to make a SaaS product? You can develop SaaS application effectively by following our comprehensive guide below! How To Build a SaaS Product?   Plan and research Thorough market research and competitor analysis are crucial for identifying opportunities and defining the scope of a SaaS application. Market research involves gathering data about target demographics, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Competitor analysis examines strengths, weaknesses, and strategies of existing SaaS solutions in the market. The main purposes of this phase are: Set a strong foundation based on data-driven insights. Identify market gaps and opportunities. Define target audience and user personas. Develop a clear vision for your SaaS product. Create a roadmap that guides you through the development process. Uncover potential challenges or barriers to entry. Devise strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Expert tips: During the planning and research phase, work closely with your development team to establish clear goals, objectives, and milestones for the project. This collaboration helps ensure alignment and provides context for effective development. We have curated a list of articles for businesses to kick off SaaS development effectively: 10 questions help organization sketch an ace software development strategy Project specification: Template and how to write one   Choose the right model and development approach Choosing a cloud provider Selecting a reliable cloud and SaaS platform development provider is essential for hosting your SaaS application. While researching popular cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce SaaS), stakeholders should consider factors such as scalability, security, uptime, pricing models, data residency, compliance, and disaster recovery. The main purposes of this phase are: Host and manage your SaaS application in a secure and scalable environment. Leverage cloud services for infrastructure, storage, and computing resources. Ensure scalability and flexibility for your SaaS product. Manage costs effectively based on usage and demand. Expert tips: Choose a cloud provider that offers comprehensive services and meets your specific requirements for data security, compliance, and scalability.   Choosing the subscription model Selecting the right subscription model influences revenue generation and customer retention. Here are the most common subscription models: Freemium pricing model (free usage for a limited time, followed by payment) Fixed fee model (consistent fee regardless of users or usage) Usage-based model (payment for services utilized) Tiered model (increased payment for additional features) Feature-based model (pricing based on features, akin to the tiered model) Per-user model (payment based on targeted user numbers) The main purposes of this phase are: Define pricing strategies that align with customer value and market expectations. Encourage customer adoption and retention through flexible pricing plans. Generate recurring revenue streams for your SaaS product. Expert tips: Analyze competitor pricing strategies. Conduct pricing experiments and gather feedback from beta users. Offer a free trial or limited-feature version to showcase value and encourage users to upgrade to premium plans.   Choosing SaaS development technology stack Selecting the right technology stack ensures efficient development, scalability, and performance of your SaaS application. The technology stack includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, and infrastructure. In this step, assess project requirements and technical constraints. Choose technologies that support scalability, security, and developer productivity. Here are our experienced SaaS software developers’ picks: 1. SaaS front-end development: Often revolves around JavaScript/TypeScript frameworks and libraries such as Angular, React, and Vue.js. 2. Native mobile front-end development: Native languages: Swift, Objective-C, Kotlin, and Java Mobile. Cross-platform JavaScript frameworks: React Native, Xamarin, and Flutter. 3. Back-end SaaS development: JavaScript-based: Node.js PHP-based: Symfony, Laravel C# .NET Java Python-based: Django 4. Database management: Popular choices are MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. Cooperating with an experienced SaaS development team like LTS Group can guide you in selecting the most suitable tools for your project, a crucial step in shaping your app’s success.   Design Designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of your SaaS application to ensure usability, aesthetics, and functionality. This step includes collaborating closely with UX/UI designers to create wireframes, prototypes, and design mockups.  The main purposes of this phase are: Develop visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. Align design elements with branding and user expectations. Conduct usability testing to refine design iterations. Expert tips: Prioritize mobile responsiveness for multi-device accessibility. Focus on intuitive navigation and clear calls-to-action for user interactions.   Kick-off development and testing Building the development team This phase includes assembling a skilled and collaborative team of developers, designers, and other specialists to work on your SaaS project. Common roles required in a SaaS development team are: Project managers  Business analysts  Back-end & front-end developers UI/UX designers QA engineers  Companies can consider building an in-house team or hiring an outsourced SaaS development team to best align with your resources and project requirements.    Creating the minimum viable product (MVP) Developing an MVP with essential features helps validate your SaaS product concept and gather user feedback.  Through this step, you can validate assumptions and market demand early in the development process. This also allows you to iterate based on user feedback and prioritize features for the full product release. To create the SaaS MVP, the first action is to identify key features and functionalities for the MVP based on user needs and business goals. Afterward, it is essential to gather feedback from beta testers, early adopters, and target users for future upgrades.   SaaS product quality assurance testing No software development process is complete without software QA & testing, and the SaaS lifecycle is no exception. In this SaaS product development lifecycle stage, quality assurance engineers play a key role. These professionals run various types of testing, including regression, load, functional, and security testing, to evaluate the SaaS product’s performance under numerous conditions. The testing phase is crucial to creating a winning product development strategy in any industry. A comprehensive test plan ensures that the developed application is secure, reliable, and free from critical vulnerabilities. Moreover, testing enhances the user experience and fosters trust among the application users. Other software QA and testing that businesses may implement during the SaaS development process: Non functional testing Cybersecurity testing Penetration testing   Deploy and maintain Teams can proceed to deployment after collecting ample feedback from early adopters and thoroughly testing the product. This step is usually the last stage of the SaaS development life cycle, wherein stakeholders make final changes to the product and launch it. This includes adding more features, enhancing the UX, and delivering a well-polished final version based on early feedback. Companies can also integrate APIs into the SaaS product to further optimize it before deployment. By providing continuous support and maintenance for the SaaS application, businesses can ensure that their users always have access to the latest features and improvements, resulting in a more engaging and valuable experience overall.   SaaS Application Development Challenges Developing a successful SaaS application comes with its own set of challenges that require careful consideration and strategic software development planning. Let’s delve into some of the key challenges faced during SaaS application development: SaaS Application Development Challenges Data protection Data protection is a paramount concern in SaaS application development due to the sensitive nature of user data. Ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability requires robust security measures. This includes implementing strong encryption standards for data at rest and in transit, securing APIs with authentication and authorization mechanisms, and regularly auditing security protocols to detect and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA adds an additional layer of complexity that the SaaS development team must navigate effectively.   Integration with third-party services SaaS applications often rely on integration with third-party services such as payment gateways, CRM systems, or marketing platforms to enhance functionality and provide a seamless user experience. However, integrating these disparate systems can be challenging due to differences in data formats, protocols, and API versions.  The SaaS team needs to design flexible and scalable integration solutions, conduct thorough testing to ensure compatibility and data consistency and establish monitoring mechanisms to detect and address integration failures promptly.   Ensuring no-downtime deployment Achieving zero-downtime deployment is a significant challenge in SaaS application development, especially when rolling out updates, bug fixes, or new features. Downtime can lead to user dissatisfaction, and loss of productivity, and impact the reputation of the SaaS provider. To ensure smooth and uninterrupted service, the SaaS team needs to implement strategies such as blue-green deployments, canary releases, and rolling updates.  Blue-green deployment: Canary release:  Rolling update: Besides, automation tools, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and robust testing plans play a crucial role in minimizing downtime risks and maintaining service reliability during deployment cycles.   Cost management Cost management is a fundamental challenge in SaaS application development, as it involves optimizing resource utilization and controlling expenses throughout the development and operational phases. Cloud infrastructure costs, software licensing fees, maintenance expenses, and personnel costs contribute to the overall expenditure. The SaaS team must monitor resource usage, leverage cost-effective cloud services, implement efficient scaling strategies, and periodically assess the return on investment (ROI) to ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or performance. Adopting serverless architectures, optimizing database queries, and utilizing auto-scaling capabilities can help in managing costs while maintaining scalability and performance levels.   How Much Does It Cost To Develop a SaaS Application? There is no strict answer to these questions. The SaaS application development costs for a minimum viable product vary from $60,000 to $200,000.  The exact amount depends on a host of factors, primarily determined by the developers’ location, the complexity of the application, and the type of team helping with the development. By comparing development team types, you can evaluate factors such as cost-efficiency, expertise, scalability, and risk mitigation. Aspect In-house team Local agency Freelance developers Outsource agency How it works Internal team hired and managed by you. Professional agency within your region. Individual contractors for specific tasks. Offshore agencies with lower rates. Pros Full control, immediate communication. Expertise, easier communication. Cost efficiency for short-term projects. Cost efficiency, diverse skill sets. Cons High hiring and operational costs. Potentially high hourly rates. Limited availability and expertise. Time zone and communication challenges.   So, how to build a SaaS application most cost-effectively? To minimize costs, consider outsourced SaaS development services, paying only for the hours worked plus any vendor fees. Outsourcing can offer significant savings depending on the location while still providing access to expert SaaS development skills. The monthly salary to hire a SaaS developer in different countries (2024 edition): Country Average Monthly Rate (USD) United States $9,158 (source ZipRecruiter) United Kingdom $8,800 (source reed.co.uk) India $3,000 (source payscale.com) Vietnam $1,546 (source TopDev)     Team Up with A Reliable SaaS Development Company Embarking on SaaS application development on your own is a challenging endeavor. An experienced custom SaaS development team can take the weight off your shoulders. They can provide an initial consultation, and project discovery, and take over the technical side of development. Selecting the appropriate software development vendors is a critical determinant of a successful IT outsourcing management strategy. In-depth research and assessment are essential components of this process, ensuring that the chosen vendor aligns with the specific requirements and goals of the outsourcing initiative. It goes beyond the surface-level evaluation and involves a comprehensive understanding of the vendor’s track record, expertise, and client feedback. At LTS Group, we’ve been working closely with over 60 businesses globally for over 8 years, providing a wide range of services including bespoke software development, software QA & testing, and digital BPO. Thereby, we deeply understand how our clients dignify these key criteria when choosing SaaS development outsourcing companies. With over 214 successful outsourcing IT projects, including distinctive SaaS development projects completed globally, LTS Group brings extensive expertise in overcoming challenges of SaaS development like communication barriers, data protection, and cost management. We offer 24/7 support and foster effective collaboration for offshore SaaS development projects through a range of innovative communication tools.  Besides that, to ensure data protection, we strictly comply with data protection regulations and confidentiality assurance, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and NDAs (Non-disclosure Agreements). Moreover, by collaborating with LTS Group, our clients can benefit from a 2-week free pilot. This allows both parties to evaluate the suitability, establish a foundation of collaboration method, address potential barriers, and make early adjustments and optimizations before diving into the bigger project.   Frequently Asked Questions About SaaS App Development What SaaS stands for? SaaS stands for Software as a Service. It’s a software delivery model where software is hosted centrally and accessed by users over the Internet.   What is SaaS development? SaaS development refers to the process of creating, designing, and deploying software applications that follow the Software as a Service model. This involves developing software that can be accessed remotely by users as a subscription service, typically through a web browser.   What is SaaS with an example? SaaS is a software licensing model that allows users to access software on a subscription basis using external servers. This means users can access programs via the Internet instead of installing the software on their computers. A common example of SaaS is email services like Gmail or productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365. These services provide users with email, calendaring, document creation, and collaboration tools without needing to install software locally.   How much does it cost to develop a SaaS application? The cost of developing a SaaS application can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the application, the number of features, the technology stack used, the development team’s location, and the level of customization required. Generally, SaaS development costs can range from $60,000 to $200,000 or even more. It’s essential to carefully plan and budget for development, including ongoing maintenance and updates.   How to choose a SaaS development vendor? When choosing a SaaS development vendor, consider factors such as their experience in developing SaaS applications, their portfolio of previous projects, client testimonials and references, expertise in relevant technologies, adherence to security and compliance standards, scalability of their solutions, pricing and payment models, communication and collaboration processes, and their ability to understand and meet your specific business needs and timelines. Conducting thorough research, asking detailed questions, and reviewing proposals can help you make an informed decision.   What is the difference between SaaS and traditional software? The main difference between Software as a Service) and traditional software lies in how they are accessed and delivered. SaaS applications are hosted centrally on external servers and accessed over the Internet, typically on a subscription basis. Users do not need to install or maintain the software locally. In contrast, traditional software is installed and run on individual computers or servers, requiring users to manage updates, backups, and maintenance themselves. SaaS offers greater accessibility, scalability, and flexibility compared to traditional software.   What size team is needed to develop a SaaS? The size of the development team needed to build a SaaS application depends on various factors such as the complexity of the project, the desired timeline, the scope of features, and the skills required. Generally, a SaaS development team may include roles such as project managers, software architects, UI/UX designers, frontend developers, backend developers, quality assurance engineers, and DevOps engineers. For small to medium-sized projects, a team of 5-10 members might suffice, while larger and more complex projects may require teams with 10+ members or even multiple teams working in parallel. Efficient collaboration, communication, and coordination are crucial for the success of the development process regardless of team size.   Final Thoughts About SaaS Software Development SaaS development presents a range of advantages over traditional software, such as recurring revenue, minimal initial expenses, scalability, global accessibility, automatic updates, and strong security features. We trust our guide has addressed your questions regarding the most efficient and cost-effective approach to building a SaaS product. If you need a seasoned SaaS software development team to transform your concepts into a successful SaaS product, LTS Group is ready to assist. Our portfolio includes the creation of numerous cloud solutions across diverse sectors, indicating our proficiency in meeting the most demanding business requirements. If you have any further questions about SaaS development or customized software engineering, feel free to reach out to our team of experts today!   Website: https://ltsgroup.tech/  Tel: (+84) 96-238-7474 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lts-group-vietnam/ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What SaaS stands for?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "SaaS stands for Software as a Service. It's a software delivery model where software is hosted centrally and accessed by users over the Internet." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is SaaS development?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "SaaS development refers to the process of creating, designing, and deploying software applications that follow the Software as a Service model. This involves developing software that can be accessed remotely by users as a subscription service, typically through a web browser." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is SaaS with an example?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "SaaS is a software licensing model that allows users to access software on a subscription basis using external servers. This means users can access programs via the Internet instead of installing the software on their computers. A common example of SaaS is email services like Gmail or productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365. These services provide users with email, calendaring, document creation, and collaboration tools without needing to install software locally." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to develop a SaaS application?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The cost of developing a SaaS application can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the application, the number of features, the technology stack used, the development team's location, and the level of customization required. Generally, SaaS development costs can range from $60,000 to $200,000 or even more. It's essential to carefully plan and budget for development, including ongoing maintenance and updates." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How to choose a SaaS development vendor?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When choosing a SaaS development vendor, consider factors such as their experience in developing SaaS applications, their portfolio of previous projects, client testimonials and references, expertise in relevant technologies, adherence to security and compliance standards, scalability of their solutions, pricing and payment models, communication and collaboration processes, and their ability to understand and meet your specific business needs and timelines. Conducting thorough research, asking detailed questions, and reviewing proposals can help you make an informed decision." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between SaaS and traditional software?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The main difference between Software as a Service) and traditional software lies in how they are accessed and delivered. SaaS applications are hosted centrally on external servers and accessed over the Internet, typically on a subscription basis. Users do not need to install or maintain the software locally. In contrast, traditional software is installed and run on individual computers or servers, requiring users to manage updates, backups, and maintenance themselves. SaaS offers greater accessibility, scalability, and flexibility compared to traditional software." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What size team is needed to develop a SaaS?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The size of the development team needed to build a SaaS application depends on various factors such as the complexity of the project, the desired timeline, the scope of features, and the skills required. Generally, a SaaS development team may include roles such as project managers, software architects, UI/UX designers, frontend developers, backend developers, quality assurance engineers, and DevOps engineers. For small to medium-sized projects, a team of 5-10 members might suffice, while larger and more complex projects may require teams with 10+ members or even multiple teams working in parallel. Efficient collaboration, communication, and coordination are crucial for the success of the development process regardless of team size." } }] } { "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How To Build a SaaS Product: A Step-by-Step Guide", "description": "How to make a SaaS product? You can develop SaaS application effectively by following our comprehensive guide below!", "totalTime": "PT20M", "estimatedCost": { "@type": "MonetaryAmount", "currency": "USD", "value": "0" }, "step": [{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Planning and research: Thorough market research and competitor analysis are crucial for identifying opportunities and defining the scope of a SaaS application. Market research involves gathering data about target demographics, industry trends, and competitive landscape. Competitor analysis examines strengths, weaknesses, and strategies of existing SaaS solutions in the market. During the planning and research phase, work closely with your development team to establish clear goals, objectives, and milestones for the project. This collaboration helps ensure alignment and provides context for effective development.", "name": "Planning and research" },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Choose the right model and development approach: Selecting a reliable cloud and SaaS platform development provider is essential for hosting your SaaS application. While researching popular cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce SaaS), stakeholders should consider factors such as scalability, security, uptime, pricing models, data residency, compliance, and disaster recovery. Choose a cloud provider that offers comprehensive services and meets your specific requirements for data security, compliance, and scalability. Besides, selecting the right subscription model influences revenue generation and customer retention. And finally, selecting the right technology stack ensures efficient development, scalability, and performance of your SaaS application. The technology stack includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, and infrastructure. In this step, assess project requirements and technical constraints. Choose technologies that support scalability, security, and developer productivity. Here are our experienced SaaS software developers’ picks:", "name": "Choose the right model and development approach" },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Design: Designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of your SaaS application to ensure usability, aesthetics, and functionality. This step includes collaborating closely with UX/UI designers to create wireframes, prototypes, and design mockups. Businesses should prioritize mobile responsiveness for multi-device accessibility, and focus on intuitive navigation and clear calls-to-action for user interactions.", "name": "Design Ui/UX" },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Development and testing: Starting with building the SaaS development team. This phase includes assembling a skilled and collaborative team of developers, designers, and other specialists to work on your SaaS project. Companies can consider building an in-house team or hiring an outsourced SaaS development team to best align with your resources and project requirements. Next step is creating the SaaS minimum viable product (MVP). Through this step, you can validate assumptions and market demand early in the development process. This also allows you to iterate based on user feedback and prioritize features for the full product release. Lastly step is product quality assurance testing. The testing phase is crucial to creating a winning product development strategy in any industry. A comprehensive test plan ensures that the developed application is secure, reliable, and free from critical vulnerabilities. Moreover, testing enhances the user experience and fosters trust among the application users.", "name": "Development and testing" },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Deployment and maintenance: Teams can proceed to deployment after collecting ample feedback from early adopters and thoroughly testing the product. This step is usually the last stage of the SaaS development life cycle, wherein stakeholders make final changes to the product and launch it. This includes adding more features, enhancing the UX, and delivering a well-polished final version based on early feedback. Companies can also integrate APIs into the SaaS product to further optimize it before deployment. By providing continuous support and maintenance for the SaaS application, businesses can ensure that their users always have access to the latest features and improvements, resulting in a more engaging and valuable experience overall.", "name": "Deployment and maintenance" }] } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://ltsgroup.tech/blog/saas-development/" }, "headline": "Comprehensive Guide to SaaS Development in 2024", "description": "What is SaaS development, and how to how to build a SaaS application? This article offers the complete guideline, cost estimation, and best tips.", "image": "", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ashley Nguyen" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "LTS Group", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://ltsgroup.tech/_next/static/media/logo.962a51ed.png" } }, "datePublished": "" }

Leveraging Global Power with IT Staff Augmentation: How Your Business Can Benefit

Leveraging Global Power with IT Staff Augmentation: How Your Business Can Benefit

May 14, 2024

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23 mins read

In 2022, 76% of employers worldwide faced challenges in finding skilled talent to meet their technology demands, as reported by ManPower Group. In the USA, the talent gap within the IT industry reached a significant 78%. Under such circumstances, coupled with the increasing demand for IT talent, staff augmentation becomes a lifeline for businesses. Nowadays, more and more companies turn to IT staff augmentation firms to seek the right talent for their projects. Indeed, according to a report by Market Reports World, the global IT staff augmentation market is projected to reach $147.2 billion by 2028, with a growth rate of 7.6% from 2021. So, if your business is hoping to enhance the tech workforce via third parties, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore what IT staff augmentation is, its types, benefits, potential drawbacks, when to apply, and more. Let’s jump right in! Table of Contents Toggle What is IT Staff Augmentation?Types of IT Staff Augmentation ServicesBased on engagement levelBased on locationBenefits of IT Staff AugmentationDrawbacks of IT Staff AugmentationSecurity concernsQuality controlLanguage and time zoneTechnical expertiseComparing Staff Augmentation with Other Staffing SolutionsStaff augmentation vs. managed servicesStaff augmentation vs. dedicated teamsStaff augmentation vs. outsourcingWhen Should You Choose IT Staff Augmentation?How to Choose the Right IT Staff Augmentation Service Provider?Step 1: Identify your requirementsStep 2: Conduct research and create a shortlist Step 3: Assess experience and expertise Step 4: Verify references and reviews Step 5: Evaluate data security measures Step 6: Review communication quality Step 7: Explore engagement modelsStep 8: Consider pricing and budgetary factors Step 9: Ensure legal and regulatory compliance Step 10: Make your final decision FAQs about IT Staff AugmentationFinal Thoughts about IT Staff Augmentation What is IT Staff Augmentation? IT staff augmentation is a strategic solution in which an external workforce is brought in temporarily to tackle project tasks, bridging gaps and ensuring timely project completion. It operates as a hybrid model, seamlessly integrating the expertise of both in-house teams and external specialists, with each entity typically assigned distinct project components. One of the key advantages of this approach lies in its flexibility. Augmented staff function as an extension of the in-house team, without the commitment of full-time employment. They only step in when needed, aligning with your project demands, and are compensated accordingly. This not only streamlines budget allocation but also simplifies the disengagement process, as the partnership operates on a per-project or per-engagement basis. Especially for businesses encountering sudden spikes in demand for specific skill sets, IT staff augmentation emerges as the optimal solution. Let’s say, your healthcare software development project requires the expertise of 5 additional developers, while your in-house team can only provide 3 members. Instead of struggling with prolonged hiring processes, staffing augmentation enables you to swiftly integrate external talent into the core team, minimizing associated costs and risks and guaranteeing timely project delivery. Types of IT Staff Augmentation Services Now let’s explore 8 different types of staff augmentation models, categorized based on two key criteria: engagement level and location. Based on engagement level Project-based staff augmentation: Suitable for companies seeking software developers or engineers for specific projects within defined timelines. Time and material-based staff augmentation: Ideal for securing third-party developers for designated time periods, ensuring seamless project continuity. Hybrid staff augmentation: Integrating different augmentation approaches above to craft bespoke solutions tailored to unique organizational needs. Dedicated team augmentation: Recruiting an exclusive development team devoted solely to the organization’s projects, delivering a high level of proficiency and specialization. Based on location Onshore staff augmentation: Hiring IT professionals from the same country as your company, facilitating smooth communication and collaboration. Nearshore staff augmentation: Recruiting a development team from nearby countries, fostering synergy through shared time zones and cultural similarities. Offshore staff augmentation: Engaging IT professionals from different countries, often characterized by huge time zone differences, offering a cost-effective augmentation strategy. Sitting on the fence choosing nearshore or offshore options for a development project? Check out Nearshore vs offshore software outsourcing: Which is better? Benefits of IT Staff Augmentation With IT staff augmentation services, organizations can enrich the existing team with seasoned professionals adept at addressing different complex business issues. Let’s take a closer look at 5 notable advantages that this hiring approach offers. Access to top IT talent By embracing augmentation staffing, businesses in any industry can gain access to a pool of top-tier IT personnel, transcending geographical constraints. This enables them to onboard individuals with specialized expertise, precisely tailored to their project requirements. Significant cost savings By bypassing the expenses associated with traditional recruitment processes, including hiring, training, and retaining full-time employees, software team augmentation translates to substantial cost savings. Especially in the long run, opting for external professionals on a flexible, as-needed basis has proved to be economically advantageous. Maximum flexibility The inherent flexibility of this outsourcing approach empowers companies to effortlessly scale IT team according to project demands. Whether it’s bolstering resources for particular projects or ramping up team capacity during peak workloads, IT staff augmentation seamlessly adapts to the evolving needs. Reduced risks Engaging external staff mitigates numerous risks associated with onboarding new full-time employees. This makes it possible for your company to evaluate performance and cultural fit before committing to permanent hiring decisions, thereby minimizing organizational liabilities. High productivity One of the most significant features of software development staff augmentation is its ability to foster high productivity. Unlike outsourcing teams managing multiple projects concurrently, augmented teams offer your project undivided focus, channeling 100% of their time and energy towards achieving the best outcomes possible. Drawbacks of IT Staff Augmentation While staff augmentation solutions can bring significant cost savings and operational efficiency to the table, it’s important to be mindful of several challenges related. Here, we outline 4 key obstacles that companies may encounter when collaborating with an IT support services provider: Security concerns Navigating security risks is a significant challenge when engaging remote developers or contractors, who may lack the same level of access controls as full-time employees. This discrepancy heightens the risk of security breaches and regulatory non-compliance, which might jeopardize both your reputation and financial stability. Mitigating such risks necessitates robust measures, including the implementation of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to uphold data confidentiality. Additionally, firms should consider applying stringent security protocols and comprehensive background checks to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of augmented staff. At LTS Group, a leading IT staff augmentation firm in Vietnam, security is our top priority and we safeguard your data through different measures, notably by enforcing NDAs and empowering our clients to conduct thorough candidate evaluations for a secure partnership environment. Quality control Oftentimes, in case of team augmentation, opting for cost efficiency at the expense of quality can backfire, leading to substandard outcomes, project delays, and compromised security standards. However, adopting rigorous quality control measures can help mitigate these risks. Typically, by scrutinizing the competence and track record of augmented staff through client feedback and performance evaluations, organizations can better ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality results. Recognizing the paramount importance of deliverable quality, LTS Group integrates strict quality control checkpoints into our workflow. By facilitating early performance evaluations and continuous feedback loops, we make sure that our clients receive high-quality outcomes consistently, thereby fostering success and satisfaction in all your projects. Language and time zone Another big challenge in staff augmentation is the language barrier, which can lead to misunderstandings during project development due to varying levels of English proficiency. Nevertheless, this obstacle can be easily minimized by carefully assessing the language skills of your potential candidates or consulting with company representatives to set up clear communication channels. Additionally, aligning meeting schedules to accommodate different time zones can also help facilitate seamless communication for the maximized value of resource augmentation. When collaborating with LTS Group, organizations can rest assured that all engineers in our talent pool are carefully selected to be fluent in their native language. Additionally, for remote collaborations, we supply required equipment and establish effective two-way communication channels, eliminating any time zone-related disruptions. Technical expertise Another major concern in staff augmentation is the risk of hiring employees lacking adequate technical expertise, leading to poor performance and project delays. To reduce this risk, interviewers should carry out a comprehensive candidate selection process. Beyond reviewing portfolios and references, businesses should also consider assigning pilot tasks to evaluate candidates’ ability to meet business objectives in real-life scenarios. Partnering with us guarantees a transparent recruitment process, enabling you to directly interview and assess each candidate’s qualifications. This meticulous approach ensures the selection of the most suitable candidates, aligning with your project requirements and cultural considerations. Comparing Staff Augmentation with Other Staffing Solutions As discussed earlier, IT staff augmentation is a powerful outsourcing model for effectively acquiring the talent you need. However, it’s just one among various staffing options available. Let’s explore the differences between these models and determine which one is your best fit. Staff augmentation vs. managed services The primary difference between IT staff augmentation and managed services lies in the level of control the client holds. With staff augmentation, the client delegates only the task of providing necessary staff to the vendor, keeping the rest of the operation under their control. In contrast, managed services involve the vendor assuming complete control over the client’s non-core systems, managing all aspects of operations while simultaneously providing talent. In other words, managed services offer a higher degree of delegation, making them ideal for companies seeking to streamline resource allocation and focus on strategic priorities. Besides, unlike staff augmentation, managed service providers often have pre-assembled developer teams ready to handle projects immediately after contract signing, reducing wait times for recruitment. Staff augmentation vs. dedicated teams Though similar in concept, staff augmentation and dedicated teams differ significantly in terms of vendor responsibility. With staff augmentation, clients directly manage remote developers, while dedicated teams operate under the vendor’s supervision. Also, in dedicated team setups, the vendor oversees salary reviews, whereas in staff augmentation arrangements, clients manage this aspect. Staff augmentation vs. outsourcing In contrast to staff augmentation, IT outsourcing involves entrusting an external entity with the entire project, giving it full control over your organization’s execution, thus offering a lower level of flexibility and management. Staff augmentation, on the other hand, is ideal for companies seeking specific expertise to augment their existing team temporarily. With staff augmentation, you retain control over your projects, ensuring they are executed according to your requirements and timelines. In summary, while each staffing solution offers unique advantages, staff augmentation provides the flexibility and control necessary for companies to bolster their teams effectively while retaining ownership of their projects. When Should You Choose IT Staff Augmentation? Making the right call on when to expand your team is crucial for business success. Here are 5 scenarios where staff augmentation should be your next hiring strategy. Need to meet deadlines  Traditional recruitment can be a lengthy process, taking up to two months on average from job posting to onboarding. If you’re pressed for time and can’t afford to wait, staff augmentation is a perfect solution. It grants you instant access to a global talent pool of seasoned IT experts, thereby swiftly enhancing your IT team to meet project deadlines, whether your needs are short or long-term. Need to fill skill gaps  Chances are your company might have multiple projects underway, each requiring different skill sets. Therefore, adapting dynamically to changing demands is inevitable. Staff augmentation helps companies recruit experienced developers, testers, and other required positions with specialized skills, tailored to the specific requirements of each project. This saves time, energy, and resources that would otherwise be spent on training in-house employees for these fleeting skills. Need to quickly expand your team  When you urgently need a local expert in areas like blockchain development or AI development, the conventional hiring process proves to be extremely time-consuming. Staff augmentation streamlines this process, allowing you to quickly review resumes, conduct interviews, and onboard skilled IT professionals as needed. Need more flexibility  In need of a software engineer for just one day or one task? Staff augmentation comes to the rescue! Unlike standard hiring methods, staff augmentation offers unparalleled flexibility. Organizations can easily adjust their team composition according to project requirements, bringing in additional members as required and scaling down when tasks are completed. Have a tech-savvy manager on your in-house team  While staff augmentation gives you control over your augmented staff’s product development and team management, challenges can still arise, even with highly skilled individuals. Without a tech-savvy manager, ensuring quality control may be compromised, potentially impacting the quality of your project deliverables. Therefore, having a tech-savvy manager on your in-house team is of great importance to ensure smooth coordination and comprehensive oversight of your augmented resources. How to Choose the Right IT Staff Augmentation Service Provider? Now that you’ve grasped the fundamentals of staff augmentation, let’s quickly go over 10 essential steps to choose the perfect staff augmentation partner for your business. Step 1: Identify your requirements The first and foremost step in choosing the right staff augmentation partner is clearly outlining your specific needs. To do that, you might consider asking yourself a few important questions like: What’s the scope of the project or role you need help with? What skills and expertise are needed? Is the project short-term or long-term? What’s your budget for staff augmentation services? This way, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful partnership that aligns well with your business expectations. Step 2: Conduct research and create a shortlist  Once your requirements are clear, begin researching potential staff augmentation providers. You can do this by exploring various sources like online platforms, professional networks, and recommendations to compile a shortlist of prospective IT staff augmentation companies. Step 3: Assess experience and expertise  When evaluating potential partners, focus on their experience and expertise in your required area. Whether it’s AI, software development, or another field, you should prioritize partners with a proven track record in that relevant domain. Also, don’t forget to review their portfolio and past projects to confirm they possess the necessary skills to meet your needs. Step 4: Verify references and reviews  One of the most effective ways to assess a partner’s capabilities is by speaking with their previous clients. You might consider communicating directly with past clients to understand their experiences, the quality of work delivered, and their satisfaction levels. You might also try browsing online reviews and testimonials for more insights. Step 5: Evaluate data security measures  Data security is vital for most organizations, especially when dealing with sensitive information. If your project contains such data, make sure your staff augmentation service provider has all the data security measures in place. Besides, don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire about: their data security procedures, encryption methods, compliance with industry standards to ensure the confidentiality and safety of your information. Step 6: Review communication quality  Effective communication is key to successful staff augmentation. Thus, you should carefully evaluate how well your potential partner communicates with you during this selection process. We highly recommend you look for openness and transparency in their communication style, as these qualities are vital for a productive partnership. Step 7: Explore engagement models Engagement model also plays an important role in fruitful staffing augmentation, so don’t overlook different engagement models offered by your potential partners. For the best results, they should be flexible and adaptable to your preferred working style and company culture. Step 8: Consider pricing and budgetary factors  Another important factor is your budget and the pricing structure of your potential partners. This will help you determine an appropriate IT staff augmentation cost that fits your financial capabilities. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Instead, it’s better to focus on the value you’ll receive for your investment. Step 9: Ensure legal and regulatory compliance  Legal issues should also be kept at bay, so ensure that your staff augmentation partner complies with all relevant laws and regulations, especially if you’re considering international collaborations. Step 10: Make your final decision  After thorough research and evaluation, time to make your final selection! Here, just remember your chosen partner should have the capability to meet your project needs, offer all of your required IT staffing services, and be a good fit for your organization’s business objectives. FAQs about IT Staff Augmentation What is staff augmentation service? Staff augmentation is a strategy where you temporarily hire external workers to fill skill gaps or meet project deadlines. What are the benefits of IT staff augmentation? IT staff augmentation is a cost-effective and flexible way for organizations to access the expertise they need in a short amount of time. Some of its major advantages are: Access to top IT talent Significant cost savings Peak flexibility Reduced scope of risks High productivity What are the types of IT staff augmentation? There are different types of IT staff augmentation solutions. Based on the engagement level: project-based, skill-based, time-based, dedicated team, and hybrid staff augmentation. Based on location: onshore, nearshore, and offshore staff augmentation. How does IT staff augmentation work? At LTS Group, a leading IT staff augmentation company in Vietnam, here’s our staff augmentation process: Firstly, upon your request, we initiate by signing a non-disclosure agreement to ensure mutual data confidentiality. Then, you share your talent requirements and expectations with us. We carefully select and present you with profiles of the most suitable candidates for your review. After that, we arrange personal interviews between you and the top matches. You continue by evaluating the candidates’ qualifications and suitability using your preferred approach. Once you’re satisfied with the candidates, we proceed to sign an official contract to formalize our collaboration. It’s time for onboarding! We prepare the candidates for onboarding and establish communication channels for remote work, if necessary. During the initial period, we closely monitor the performance of your dedicated developers to ensure they meet your expectations. With your feedback on their work quality, you can make necessary adjustments accordingly. As your project progresses, you may require additional software engineers to support your initiative. Simply reach out to us, and our recruitment team will swiftly assist you in filling any vacant roles with top-notch IT specialists. What are some IT staff augmentation examples? Here’s a quick staff augmentation example: Suppose you need to update your internal CRM system, but your current team lacks the necessary expertise. Instead of going through the traditional hiring process, you approach a software development staff augmentation vendor. The vendor handles your team augmentation by selecting skilled engineers with relevant experience. They then provide you with their candidates’ resumes for your review. The person in charge can interview the chosen experts and proceed with hiring them through a contract agreement. Final Thoughts about IT Staff Augmentation Recruiting new talent can be a hassle, and the results are often unpredictable. That’s where IT staff augmentation comes in handy. It offers a solution to these challenges by allowing you to onboard skilled talent without long-term commitments. By hiring flexible talent, you can streamline your operations and gain better project oversight without the hassle of paperwork or complex procedures. If you’re on the lookout for a reputable IT staff augmentation company, LTS Group is here to help. We offer comprehensive support throughout the entire process, giving you immediate access to IT experts and engineers to efficiently execute your projects. Website: https://ltsgroup.tech/ Tel: (+84) 24-6660-7474 Fanpage: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lts-group-vietnam/ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is staff augmentation service?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff augmentation is a strategy where you temporarily hire external workers to fill skill gaps or meet project deadlines." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the benefits of IT staff augmentation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "IT staff augmentation is a cost-effective and flexible way for organizations to access the expertise they need in a short amount of time. 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We carefully select and present you with profiles of the most suitable candidates for your review. After that, we arrange personal interviews between you and the top matches. You continue by evaluating the candidates' qualifications and suitability using your preferred approach. Once you're satisfied with the candidates, we proceed to sign an official contract to formalize our collaboration. It's time for onboarding! We prepare the candidates for onboarding and establish communication channels for remote work, if necessary. During the initial period, we closely monitor the performance of your dedicated developers to ensure they meet your expectations. With your feedback on their work quality, you can make necessary adjustments accordingly. As your project progresses, you may require additional software engineers to support your initiative. 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LTS Group’s CEO Xuan Phung: An Inspiring Journey of A Woman Entrepreneur Shaping The Future Technology

LTS Group’s CEO Xuan Phung: An Inspiring Journey of A Woman Entrepreneur Shaping The Future Technology

May 9, 2024

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10 min read

Having entered the Information Technology (IT) industry at the age of 22, Mrs. Xuan made a bold decision to leave the position of Quality Assurance Unit Director at the no. 1 Tech company in Vietnam to start up at the age of 35. She is now a woman entrepreneur in technology, the CEO of a growing IT company providing services and solutions for businesses all over the world. Let’s hear about the wonderful 26-year journey of LTS Group’s CEO Phung Thanh Xuan in empowering women and shaping the future of technology.     Table of Contents Toggle “I am one of only four girls in the class back at the university” Women Entrepreneur in Technology: No Stereotypes for SuccessNo Opportunities Without ChallengesNo Resting On LaurelsEmpowering Women in Technology “I am one of only four girls in the class back at the university”  One of the common stereotypes about the IT industry is that it is only suitable for men. Sharing her decision to chase that male-dominated field, Mrs. Xuan called it an attempt to win over herself and break all social prejudices. At that time, she received many opposite opinions and judgments like “Why can girls compete with boys in studying IT?”, and “What’s interesting about studying IT, just staring at the computer’s screen and repeated formulas day by day?”.   However, the more skeptical people are, the more motivated she is to prove otherwise. Especially with her father’s encouragement, in 2000, she passed the IT major at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, becoming one of only four girls in the class at that time.  Women in tech: No stereotypes for success Women Entrepreneur in Technology: No Stereotypes for Success After 4 years of cultivation with persistent efforts in school, she made her initial progress in affirming women’s capability in IT field by becoming a technology engineer at the largest IT company in Vietnam.  The next 13 years was a journey of constantly learning, and trying different positions from a developer, test leader, test manager, then Business Unit Leader managing more than 100 employees. Looking at how far Mrs. Xuan has gone now, nobody can doubt the potential of women in technology.  When asked about her thoughts and feelings regarding the IT industry after 13 years of working, Mrs. Xuan shared that this field was not boring or difficult as people had said. This is a practical science, a combination of logical thinking and vivid practice.  Her daily work motivation is when she sees her products bring value to life and the perfect experience for users. That’s how Mrs. Xuan maintains her inspiration to work every day. After listening to her thoughts and watching her eyes light up every time she shares about her work, who can say that the IT industry is boring?  Mrs. Xuan defined her success at that time was being able to help break social prejudices, stereotypes, and myths about the IT industry. But when looking around her working environment, she noticed that the gender disparity in the IT field in Vietnam is still very large. According the Mrs. Xuan, the IT world was too far ahead of us, in places like Silicon Valley, woman entrepreneurs are not uncommon. Woman entrepreneurs in technology are not rare   This has motivated her to conquer a bigger mission, which is to bring Vietnam’s IT industry to the World and bring the quintessence of Global IT standards to Vietnam. That is the reason why she was determined to leave the position of Business Unit Leader at FPT after 13 years of cultivation, to build her own career and establish LQA (Lotus Quality Assurance) – Vietnam’s first testing company in 2016.    No Opportunities Without Challenges On the 6-year journey of bringing the first testing company in Vietnam to the top, Mrs. Xuan faced the two biggest challenges: finding the first customer and overcoming the economic crisis during the COVID-19 era. But with the keen intuition of a businesswoman, how did she turn those challenges into opportunities?  Always believing in the potential of the international market, she started with her husband to build a website, prepare marketing materials and send hundreds of emails a day to demanding markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, and some European countries to find customers. After 3 months of relentless efforts, she won her first bidding project. This can be considered as a mark for the first steps of LQA on the world map. In the first two years, Lotus Quality Assurance Company had many advantages and leaped forward in growth. In the third year, under Mrs. Xuan’s management, the company achieved a growth rate of 20-30%; scale up to nearly 300 engineers and experts; “encroaching” to exploit other potential markets such as Korea, America, Europe, …  Mrs. Xuan and her colleagues quickly seized the opportunity, and took advantage of their own expertise and advantages, turning IT into a solution for all businesses at that time to be able to survive the epidemic. In the midst of the COVID storm, the boat named LQA is still steady, ready to welcome the “wave” of digital transformation; step by step win the trust of customers and affirm the brand in the global market.    No Resting On Laurels After 2 years of starting a business, and 3 years of coping with the COVID crisis, LQA has matured and developed into LTS Group with 4 subsidiaries, spread in fields from software development, and software testing, to IT human resource training and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing). Not only that, but LTS also expanded into international markets with the establishment of two branches in the US and Japan. With the spirit of continuous innovation, the company was honored to be a partner of ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), and receive two Sao Khue awards in 2021 and 2022 for Vietnamese IT enterprises with excellent services.   Sharing about the Sao Khue award (Biggest Award of Vietnam Software Industry), CEO Xuan Phung said: “This prestigious award as well as LTS Group’s 94% customer satisfaction rate is the reward for our efforts and the biggest motivation for us to keep trying! However, this achievement is only a small contribution to the development of Vietnam’s IT industry. With the spirit of continuous innovation, LTS aspires to bring greater value and impact in the future.”  Not resting on her laurels, Mrs. Xuan is still working hard every day to accomplish the next goal of expanding the LTS Group’s staff size to 1000 people, transforming from a technology start-up to one of the pioneering enterprises in the field of IT, bringing Vietnamese intelligence to the world.    Empowering Women in Technology When asked about her advice for female engineers who are engaged in the technology field, she shared: “There will always be challenges when we are in a male-dominated environment, but the gap is narrowing and women can go hand in hand in the high-tech sector. At the same time, the responsibility of women in the family is not necessarily opposed to the development of women in society. We can prioritize by timing, find the support we need, and do both tasks brilliantly.”  The demand for human resources in the IT industry is increasing, especially in the digital transformation era. Women are increasingly proving the strengths and qualities that the IT industry is lacking. For instance, the position of Testing requires great care, meticulousness, accuracy, and patience. Front-end Developer requires good taste, and sophistication to design interfaces that can bring flawless user experience. Or like the BA position – the bridge between customers and the engineering team, it is necessary to have good communication skills, and the flexibility of women is an advantage.  It is no coincidence that she named her first “brainchild” Lotus Group. Lotus is a Vietnamese national flower. It is known as the flower of the dawn – the symbol of purity, commitment, and optimism for the future. What message does she want to transfer when choosing the lotus flower as the symbol of her company?  Women in technology are like a lotus flower. Don’t let social stereotypes hold you back. Keep growing and flourishing from the mud! Lotus from the moment it sprouts in the mud until it rises to the surface and spreads its leaves and flowers – it’s a persistent growth process. Gender, boring or interesting work, appropriate or inappropriate can only become barriers when you allow them to set limits for yourself.    Website: https://ltsgroup.tech/ Tel: (+84) 96-238-7474 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lts-group-vietnam/