CI&CD
Imagine you're writing a novel. CI is like sending your manuscript to an editor every time you finish a chapter. The editor checks for errors, inconsistencies, and overall quality. CD is like sending your finished book to the printer. Every time you make significant improvements, a new version of the book is printed and distributed.
Together, CI/CD ensures your book (or software) is always up-to-date, error-free, and ready for readers (users).
CI/CD definition
CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery) is a software development methodology that automates the build, testing, and deployment of code. It emphasizes frequent integration of code changes from multiple developers into a shared repository and the automated build and testing of the resulting codebase.
What is a CI/CD delivery pipeline?
A CI/CD delivery pipeline is an automated process that moves software from development to production. It encompasses a series of steps, including building, testing, and deploying code.
Continuous Integration (CI). Developers frequently merge code changes into a shared repository, triggering automated builds and tests.
Continuous Delivery (CD). Builds and tests the code, preparing it for deployment to a production-like environment.
Continuous Deployment (CD). Automatically deploys code changes to production after successful testing.
A CI/CD pipeline consists of several sequential stages that automate the software development process.
Commit. Developers commit code changes to a version control system (e.g., Git).
Build. The code is compiled, packaged, and prepared for deployment.
Test. Automated tests (unit, integration, and acceptance) are executed to ensure code quality.
Deploy. The tested code is deployed to a staging or production environment.
Release. The software is made available to end-users.
Monitor. The application's performance and user feedback are monitored in production.
Alternatives to CI/CD
While CI/CD is the dominant approach to modern software development, there are alternatives that you might be considering.
Traditional Waterfall model
A linear sequential design process where each phase depends on the deliverables of the previous one. Less flexible and adaptable compared to CI/CD.
Agile development without CI/CD
While Agile promotes iterative development, it doesn't inherently require CI/CD. Manual testing and deployment can be more error-prone and time-consuming.
Manual deployment
Relies on human intervention for each deployment, which is inefficient and prone to errors. It lacks automation and standardization.
These alternatives generally offer less efficiency, speed, and quality compared to CI/CD. In today's tech environment, CI/CD is the preferred approach for most companies.
Specialists involved in CI/CD
Creating, integrating, and managing a CI/CD pipeline requires a collaborative effort from various specialists. Some of them are:
DevOps engineers. They are at the core of CI/CD, responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the pipeline.
Software developers contribute to the pipeline by writing code and committing changes to the version control system.
QA engineers define test cases and integrate them into the pipeline.
Release managers oversee the deployment process and manage releases.
IT operations manage the underlying infrastructure and ensure the pipeline runs smoothly.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and more, over the internet (the cloud) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. Cloud computing enables users to access and utilize various IT resources and services on demand without needing to own or manage physical hardware or infrastructure.
Five key characteristics of cloud computing
On-demand self-service. Users can provision and manage computing resources as needed, often through a self-service portal, without requiring human intervention from the service provider.
Broad network access. Cloud services are accessible over the internet from a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Resource pooling. Cloud providers pool and allocate resources dynamically to multiple customers. Resources are shared among users but are logically segmented and isolated.
Rapid elasticity. Cloud resources can be rapidly scaled up or down to accommodate changes in demand. This scalability ensures that users can access the resources they need without overprovisioning or underutilization.
Measured service. Cloud usage is often metered and billed based on actual usage, allowing users to pay for only the resources they consume. This "pay-as-you-go" model offers cost efficiency and flexibility.
Service models of cloud computing
There are three primary service models of cloud computing: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Let’s break them down.
IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can access virtual machines, storage, and networking components, allowing them to deploy and manage their software applications and services.
Description: IaaS provides users with virtualized computing resources over the internet. These resources typically include virtual machines, storage, and networking components. Users can provision and manage these resources on demand, giving them control over the underlying infrastructure.
Use Cases: IaaS is suitable for users who need flexibility and control over their computing environment. It's commonly used for hosting virtual servers, running applications, and managing data storage.
Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Cloud Compute Engine.
PaaS
Platform as a Service offers a higher-level development and deployment environment. It includes tools and services for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications. Developers can focus on writing code while the platform handles infrastructure management.
Description: PaaS offers a higher-level development and deployment environment that abstracts much of the underlying infrastructure complexity. It includes tools, services, and development frameworks that enable users to build, test, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the infrastructure.
Use Cases: PaaS is ideal for developers who want to focus solely on coding and application logic without managing servers or infrastructure. It accelerates application development and deployment.
Examples: Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.
SaaS
Software as a Service delivers fully functional software applications over the internet. Users can access and use software applications hosted in the cloud without the need for installation or maintenance. Common examples include email services, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and office productivity suites.
Description: SaaS delivers fully functional software applications over the internet. Users can access and use these applications through a web browser without the need for installation or maintenance. SaaS providers handle everything from infrastructure management to software updates.
Use Cases: SaaS is widely used for various business applications, including email, collaboration tools, customer relationship management (CRM), human resources management, and more.
Examples: Salesforce, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Google Workspace, Dropbox.
These three cloud computing service models represent a spectrum of offerings, with IaaS providing the most control over infrastructure and SaaS offering the highest level of abstraction and simplicity for end-users. Organizations can choose the service model that best aligns with their specific needs, resources, and expertise.
How are cloud services hosted and delivered?
Public Cloud. Services are offered to the general public by cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Resources are shared among multiple customers.
Private Cloud. Cloud infrastructure is exclusively used by a single organization. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider. Private clouds offer more control and customization options.
Hybrid Cloud. A combination of public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. Hybrid clouds provide flexibility, enabling organizations to leverage the scalability of public clouds while maintaining sensitive data on private infrastructure.
Multi-Cloud. Companies use services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and exploit each provider's strengths. Multi-cloud strategies often involve managing resources and applications across various cloud environments.
Cloud computing providers
These are some of the most popular and widely recognized cloud computing providers.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is one of the largest and most widely used cloud service providers globally. It offers a vast array of cloud services, including computing, storage, databases, machine learning, and analytics
Notable services: Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service), AWS Lambda, Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service).
Website: AWS
Microsoft Azure
Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform, providing a comprehensive suite of cloud services, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
Notable services: Azure Virtual Machines, Azure App Service, Azure SQL Database, Azure AI and Machine Learning.
Website: Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
GCP offers cloud services for computing, data storage, machine learning, and data analytics. Google's expertise in data and AI is a standout feature of GCP.
Notable services: Google Compute Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), BigQuery, Google Cloud AI Platform.
Website: Google Cloud
IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud provides cloud computing and AI services with a focus on hybrid and multi-cloud solutions. It offers a variety of cloud deployment options, including public, private, and on-premises.
Notable services: IBM Virtual Servers, Watson AI services, IBM Cloud Object Storage, Red Hat OpenShift on IBM Cloud.
Website: IBM Cloud
Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud offers cloud infrastructure and services, including databases, applications, and cloud-native technologies. It is designed to support enterprise workloads and applications.
Notable services: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle Autonomous Database, Oracle Cloud Applications.
Website: Oracle Cloud
Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud is a leading cloud service provider in Asia and offers a wide range of cloud computing services, data storage, and AI capabilities.
Notable services: Elastic Compute Service (ECS), Alibaba Cloud Object Storage Service (OSS), Alibaba Cloud Machine Learning Platform.
Website: Alibaba Cloud
Salesforce (Heroku)
Salesforce provides a cloud-based platform known for its CRM solutions. Heroku, a subsidiary of Salesforce, is a cloud platform for building, deploying, and managing applications.
Notable services: Salesforce CRM, Heroku Platform as a Service (PaaS).
Website: Salesforce, Heroku
Custom software development
Custom software development is like building a tailor-made suit. Instead of buying something off the rack, you design and create a garment that fits perfectly. This involves understanding the client's specific needs, creating a design, and then crafting the software to match those requirements precisely.
Stages of custom software development
1. Requirement gathering
This is the foundational stage where the software's purpose is defined. It involves identifying client needs and goals, conducting feasibility studies, and creating detailed functional specifications.
2. Design
The design phase outlines the software's architecture, user interface, and database structure. Key activities include creating wireframes and prototypes, defining data models and relationships, and designing the software's overall structure.
3. Development
This stage involves writing the actual code for the software. Activities include building the user interface, developing the backend logic, integrating databases and APIs, and writing unit tests.
4. Testing
Rigorous testing ensures the software functions as intended. This includes unit testing individual components, integration testing to check how components interact, system testing to evaluate the overall system, and user acceptance testing to get client feedback.
5. Deployment
The software is released into the production environment. This involves installing the software on servers, configuring the environment, and deploying the database.
6. Maintenance
Ongoing support and updates are provided. This includes bug fixing, performance optimization, adding new features, and providing technical support.
Options for custom software development
There are several models for developing custom software, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown:
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Many organizations combine elements of these models to create a customized approach that best suits their needs. For example, they might build a core team in-house and outsource specific components or augment their team with external experts.
Factors affecting custom software development cost
The cost of custom software development can start from several hundreds to millions of dollars. It is determined by several key factors.
Project complexity. The number and intricacy of features directly influence development time and cost.
Team size and expertise. Larger teams with higher skill levels generally equate to higher costs.
Technology stack. The specific tools and languages used can affect project budget.
Location. Development costs vary significantly based on geographic location.
Timeline. Accelerated development often requires additional resources, increasing costs.
Change requests. Frequent alterations to project requirements can impact budget and timeline.
Licensing and legal fees. Additional expenses for software licenses and legal compliance.
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What is the future of the custom software development?
The future of custom software development is marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations. Key trends shaping the industry include AI/ML, low-code/no-code development, cloud-native architecture, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, IoT integration, as well as AR and VR. Overall, custom software development is poised for significant growth as businesses increasingly rely on technology for competitive advantage.
What are the alternatives to custom software development?
While custom software offers tailored solutions, there are other viable options. You can try off-the-shelf software. These are pre-built software packages designed for general use. These solutions offer faster implementation but might not perfectly align with specific business needs.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is another option you can try. These are cloud-based applications accessed through a web browser. They provide scalability and reduced upfront costs but might have limited customization options.
You can also combine custom development with off-the-shelf or SaaS components to create a hybrid solution that balances cost, time, and functionality.
Cutoff date
In financial reporting, the term "cut-off date" denotes the deadline for incorporating transactions into a financial report for a designated accounting period. Within the United States, this date often coincides with the conclusion of the business day (5 p.m. EST).
Why does the cutoff date bear significance?
Precision. This date enables firms to categorize and document transactions within the appropriate timeframe.
Chronology. The cut-off date influences the sequence of revenues and expenditures. If an entity logs a transaction post this date, it will be designated to the subsequent accounting cycle, potentially leading to variances in the profit and loss statement. This might complicate the juxtaposition of fiscal outcomes across different periods. Consequently, the reliability of financial documents might be compromised as they may not portray the latest data.
Regulatory adherence. The selected cut-off period can modulate a firm's tax obligations. An prematurely chosen cut-off might bypass potential tax deductions, while a belated one could result in taxation on unaccrued revenues.
Stature. A judicious selection of the cut-off date can shape commercial affiliations. Suppliers might withhold credit or rebates if a cut-off seems too premature, given their outstanding dues. Conversely, an overly delayed cut-off might lead to clientele dissatisfaction due to the delivery of services or goods based on obsolete data.
What advantages does a cut-off date offer?
Several merits accompany a cut-off date, such as:
Assurance of transaction recording within the apt fiscal window, fostering accurate financial oversight, pragmatic budget formulation, and informed resource deployment.
Aiding nascent and established entities in optimizing cash flow through punctual revenue acquisition and expense settlements.
Mitigating fraudulent activities by mandating transactional documentation prior to the period's culmination.
Guaranteeing timely transaction execution, precluding any eleventh-hour hustles or postponements.
Bolstering organizational methodicalness. Adhering to cut-off dates aids in systematic task completion, forestalling any task-related ambiguity or duplicity.
How might one instate a cut-off date?
Operating cycles. Aligning the cut-off with operational rhythms is a commendable approach. For inventory-centric entities, a post-receipt yet pre-sale cut-off might be optimal, ensuring comprehensive inventory accountability during audits.
Monthly designation. Companies might opt for a month's end as their cut-off. For instance, if a fiscal year concludes on December 31, that would serve as the cut-off, with transactions prior to this being attributed to the ongoing year and those after – to the ensuing year.
Rolling framework. Here, the cut-off consistently follows a set duration after the preceding period's culmination. If a fiscal year terminates on December 31, a 30-day rolling framework would signify transactions up to January 30 for the current fiscal year and post this date for the next.
Monthly and rolling hybrid. Entities might employ a dual approach with a month-end cut-off, supplemented by a 30-day rolling framework. This implies transactions up to a month's end are for the ongoing month, while those post the month-end but within 30 days of the month's end are for the succeeding month.
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It's imperative for business proprietors to opt for a consistent cut-off mechanism to ensure the veracity of their financial declarations.
Cybersecurity
What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity encompasses the techniques and processes aimed at protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital threats, unauthorized access, or damage. It involves deploying security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems, coupled with user education and stringent security policies.
With hybrid wars that include cyber attacks today, the importance of cybersecurity, common threats, and best practices for protection is essential.
What does cybersecurity do?
Protecting sensitive data. Cybersecurity shields personal and corporate data from theft, damage, or unauthorized modification. According to Verizon's 2023 report, data breaches have increased by 33% over the past year, emphasizing the need for robust data protection.
Preventing unauthorized access. Cybersecurity practices involve implementing measures like multi-factor authentication and access controls. A study by IBM found that unauthorized access was a primary cause of 43% of data breaches.
Maintaining privacy. This function of cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding user data against illicit tracking and collection. Privacy laws like GDPR in the EU have put a spotlight on the importance of privacy in cybersecurity.
Ensuring continuity of business operations. Cybersecurity prevents disruptions caused by cyberattacks. For example, the WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017 caused an estimated $4 billion in worldwide losses.
Legal and regulatory compliance. Non-compliance with laws like HIPAA can lead to heavy fines. For example, HIPAA violations can cost up to $1.5 million per incident.
Building trust. Effective cybersecurity practices enhance customer confidence. Surveys indicate that 85% of consumers value privacy and data protection when choosing companies to do business with.
Cybersecurity is integral to modern business operations, offering protection against a wide range of digital threats and ensuring compliance with legal standards. It safeguards data and plays a vital role in maintaining business continuity and building customer trust.
Common cybersecurity threats
These are some of the most common threats modern companies have to face.
Malware encompasses various forms of harmful software, including viruses that can replicate themselves, worms that spread across networks, trojans that disguise themselves as legitimate software, and ransomware that locks users out of their systems until a ransom is paid. The impact of malware can be severe: for example, the WannaCry ransomware attack we mentioned above affected more than 200,000 computers across 150 countries.
Phishing attacks involve deceptive emails or websites that trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report noted that phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2020.
Man-in-the-middle attacks (MitM). This form of eavesdropping intercepts communication between two parties to steal or alter the data. A common example is a hacker intercepting data on an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
Denial of service (DoS) attacks flood systems, servers, or networks with traffic to exhaust resources and bandwidth, rendering the service unusable. One of the most notorious DoS attacks was against Dyn, a major DNS provider, in 2016, disrupting internet platforms and services.
SQL injection involves inserting malicious code into SQL-using databases via a vulnerable website, which can then be used to access and manipulate confidential data. For example, in 2019, a SQL injection attack exposed the data of over 1 million customers of an Australian telecommunications company.
Zero-day exploits target unknown vulnerabilities in software or hardware, making them particularly dangerous as they occur before the vendor becomes aware and fixes the issue. The Stuxnet worm, discovered in 2010, is one of the most famous examples of a zero-day exploit.
Best practices for IT and cyber protection
Here are some things you can do as an individual or as a business owner to protect your personal and sensitive data from the simplest attacks and cyber threats.
1/ Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Strong, unique passwords, coupled with MFA, significantly heighten security. According to Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report, 81% of hacking-related breaches leveraged either stolen and/or weak passwords.
2/ Regular software updates. Consistently updating software and systems helps patch security vulnerabilities. Microsoft reported that updating systems could prevent 85% of targeted cyberattacks.
3/ Employee training and awareness. Training staff on cybersecurity risks is essential. IBM’s Cyber Security Intelligence Index found that 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.
4/ Firewalls and antivirus software. These tools are fundamental in safeguarding against various cyber threats. The use of antivirus software can detect and block nearly 100% of known malware.
5/ Data encryption. Encrypting sensitive data, both in transit and at rest, is critical. A study by the Ponemon Institute showed that encryption can significantly reduce the cost of a data breach.
6/ Regular backups. Backing up data ensures recovery in the event of an attack. Companies that regularly back up and encrypt their data can reduce the impact of data breaches significantly.
7/ Incident response plan. An effective response plan can reduce the cost of a data breach by as much as 40%, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report.
8/ Secure Wi-Fi networks. Securing wireless networks is vital. A survey by Symantec revealed that 60% of consumers believe their Wi-Fi networks are secure, but only 50% have taken steps to secure them.
9/ Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Regular testing and patching of vulnerabilities are key. Cisco’s Annual Cybersecurity Report highlighted that 42% of organizations faced public scrutiny after a security breach.
10/ Limiting user access. Implementing the principle of least privilege can significantly reduce risks. A study by Forrester found that 80% of security breaches involve privileged credentials.
What kind of specialists provide IT and cyber protection?
As cybersecurity is so complex and varied, it demands many skills from its providers. What used to be done by one person today is covered by five specialists and more. Here are some of the job positions you can find in cybersecurity and a short explanation of what these people do.
Cybersecurity Analyst monitors networks for security breaches, investigates violations, and implements protection solutions.
Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains network security solutions to protect against cyber threats.
Information Security Manager oversees and coordinates the company’s information security policies and procedures.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a high-level executive responsible for the overall strategy and direction of information security in an organization.
Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester simulates cyber attacks to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
Security Software Developer develops security software, such as encryption technologies and firewall programs.
IT Security Consultant advises on best practices for protecting companies’ IT infrastructure and data.
