What is Distributed Development?

Welcome to the “DEFINITIONS” category on our blog! In this post, we will explore the concept of Distributed Development. If you’ve ever wondered what this term means and how it impacts businesses, teams, and projects, you’re in the right place.

Distributed development, also known as remote or offshore development, is a software development methodology that has gained popularity in recent years. In this approach, team members work together on a project but are located in different geographical locations, often operating across various time zones.

This way of working has become increasingly prevalent due to the advancement of technology and the rise of the internet. It enables businesses to tap into a global talent pool, breaking down the barriers of physical proximity and expanding their options when it comes to assembling a skilled and diverse team.

So, how does distributed development work?

When adopting distributed development, teams leverage various collaboration tools and technologies to bridge the geographical gap. These tools include instant messaging platforms, video conferencing software, version control systems, project management tools, and virtual meeting spaces. By using these tools effectively, team members can communicate, share code, collaborate on tasks, and manage projects, just as if they were working side by side in a traditional office environment.

This approach offers several benefits:

1. Access to a diverse talent pool: By embracing distributed development, businesses can access skilled professionals from different parts of the world. This expands the potential talent pool and provides opportunities to assemble teams with a wide range of expertise and cultural perspectives.
2. Extended working hours: With team members spread across different time zones, distributed development allows for round-the-clock work. This can lead to increased productivity as tasks can be worked on continuously, leading to faster turnaround times and reduced development cycles.
3. Cost savings: Distributed development often allows businesses to tap into talent pools with lower labor costs, resulting in potential cost savings compared to maintaining an in-house team. Additionally, companies can save on infrastructure expenses as remote team members typically use their own resources.

In conclusion, distributed development is a software development approach that embraces remote collaboration and breaks down geographical barriers. By leveraging technology and tools, businesses can tap into a global talent pool, enjoy extended working hours, and potentially reduce costs. It’s an innovative and efficient way to build successful software projects in today’s interconnected world.