Five weeks into 2012 and how many of your New Year’s resolutions have you broken?

Well, I have yet to get up early and do my half mile power walk… on the other hand, I have managed to keep off the mulled wine, possibly due to the fact that there isn’t any left!

What are your resolutions for 2012? One of mine is to ensure I have a pipeline of candidates with the skills my clients are looking for. As a delivery professional, I often get calls from people asking me what technologies are in demand; what skills will make them more marketable? My next few blogs will be on how to make and keep yourself marketable in these challenging times; what technologies are expected to be hot, what soft competencies do employers look for and how do you capture a recruiter’s attention to ensure your CV gets sent for the job?

Let’s start with technologies - what skills will be in demand in 2012?

Here is Computerworld’s list of what looks hot for this year – based on a survey of 300+ IT hirers.

• Programming and Application Development
  61% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months, up from 44% in the 2010 survey. This covers the gamut from website development to upgrading internal systems and meeting the needs of mobile users. I know my clients are always on the lookout for solid .NET skills. C#.NET is high on many lists and both Java and J2EE remain strong as well.
• Project Management (but with a twist)
  The twist is that they’re not going to just be looking for people who can oversee and monitor projects. They also want people who can identify users’ needs and translate them for the IT staffers, the increasingly popular business analysts. The tip here is to have and emphasize customer facing experience, whether key stake holders, suppliers or end users, clients want PMs who know how to and are comfortable with the business community.
• Help Desk / Technical Support
  Mobile operating systems have added a new dimension to help desk and tech support. Always in demand, MAC is a real plus, think of all those iPads and iPhones!
• Networking
  This demand is being fuelled partially by virtualization and cloud computing projects. The survey also revealed that execs will be looking for people with VMware and Citrix experience.
• Business Intelligence
  This is one to watch! Computerworld interprets this uptick to a focus shift in many companies, from cost savings to investing in technology. That will be nice if it pans out that way. BI buzzwords: Cognos, Oracle Enterprise and Hyperion, SAS, Business Objects and Netweaver.
• Data Centre
  Virtualization and the Cloud could also be behind the increased need for IT professionals with backgrounds in data centre operations and systems integration.
• Web 2.0
  Tech skills centred on social media will be in demand, with .Net, AJAX and PHP as key back-end skills, with HTML, XML, CSS, Flash and Javascript, among others, on the front-end.
• Security
  Although down from 32% in the 2010 survey, security stays a top concern of IT executives. Think ‘ethical hacking’.
• Telecommunications
  The survey indicates a demand for people with IP telephony skills, and for those familiar with Cisco IPCC call centre systems.

This list is just a snapshot of what hirers are looking for, so keep up to date with the market by staying tuned to the RDF Recruitment blog.

ITJOBBSADWATCH/2011

Nobody likes being delayed on the train but when it does happen, why not make the most of it? With the major train operators now offering an online ticket refund service, what could be handier than access to them all from a single App in the palm of your hand? RDF Group starts off 2012 with the launch of their new Train Refunds App, developed over the last month at their central Brighton office.

“The great thing about the Train Refunds App is that it enables you to deal with the refund, while you are delayed on the train. You don’t have to worry about retaining your ticket or remembering the details of a specific journey. With this App, you can have your claim sent off by the time you step onto the platform,” says Dave Wood, CEO of RDF Group.

With the Train Refunds App, users can save their preferred settings, such as favourite journeys, contact information and season ticket details for future use. If the network connection fails, the App saves your current form to the history tab, where users can also view their past submissions, and even use these as a shortcut to resubmit a frequent journey by simply changing the time and date of the delay.

Key Features:

• Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad - available from the App Store.
• Light footprint – less than 1MB, downloads in seconds.
• Stores your contact details and preferred settings.
• Current train operators available: First Capital Connect, Southern Railway, London Underground, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway - more to follow.
• Automatically saves an active form if the network connection drops or the device runs out of charge.
• Saves all historical submissions for future use and reference.

With almost twenty years of experience as an IT solutions company, RDF Group is firmly established within the industry, offering a wide range of IT solutions as well as consulting and recruitment services. With a head office in Brighton and an affiliate in Livingston, RDF Group’s offices combined houses about one hundred employees and a wealth of knowledge and talent.

Staff at RDF Group have already put the App to the test on a few delayed occasions, and Araceli Hurtado, Designer at the Brighton office comments: “On my way home from a training course in London, I was delayed for more than 2 hours and although I didn’t think the train company would pay any compensation due to the cause of the delay, I decided to give the App a try. Two weeks later I received a cheque in the post for the full amount of my ticket - it couldn’t have been more straightforward.”

Try out the Train Refunds App for yourself by visiting the iTunes App Store or go to the RDF Website for more information. For feedback or comments, please email trainrefundsapp@rdfgroup.com.

Sussex Enterprise recognised our long-standing, well established relationship with the local business community.

Working in partnership with Sussex Enterprise we will reach out to local companies, helping them to leverage IT to refine and enhance their business processes, adding value to their business.

RDF Group has a strong base of expert consultants, analysts and software engineers, based in Brighton, and can deliver a comprehensive portfolio of IT Solutions: from hosting and infrastructure through mobile optimisation of websites and application development, to complex enterprise solutions and bespoke systems.

Organisations I have worked with have often faced difficulties developing in an Agile way. The main issue is what I believe to be the major impediment to Agile usage - the, sometimes ideological, clash between existing working practices and Agile tends to disrupt the Agile process. For example, a development team may be reliant on an external team who are working in a waterfall mindset. This is where strong management is key in ensuring that other areas of the Organisation support the Agile team(s) in a timely fashion to avoid delays.

Some Agile and Scrum processes seem to work better than others when compared to other development frameworks. For example, although tools are available for task tracking (e.g. Jira), a task board on a whiteboard close to the development team works extremely well once the team gets used to their ownership of tasks and the board itself. However, some things take more getting used to - the User Stories for Agile projects that I have worked on are not always as complete as one might hope. This leads to confusion and difficulty when, for example, Sprint planning - the team is expected to commit to delivery of functionality that may not be sufficiently defined.

Overall, Agile can save development time and certainly gives a different and powerful slant on project 'ownership'. However, the best applications of Agile that I have seen take a pragmatic approach and only introduce the Agile processes that work alongside the Organisations existing methodologies. In these cases, it can be said that the Organisation is working Agile but with a small 'a'.

and you have to transfer data about groups and accounts in a data file, then make sure that your file structure does not look like this:

Use the same structure you have identified in the problem domain, that is:

The irony in this situation was that a robust domain model did exist and was the basis for the new software platform data and component structure. However the data files were designed by the team in charge of the legacy system, who had no access to these models and worked in a more traditional model-less fashion.

The same principles that apply to batch data files also appy to messages and parameters of service operations. Make sure these match the structure of the corresponding domain model elements, to reduce software complexity and make interfaces resilient to changes in requirements.

User Interfaces

UI requirements vary a lot according to the complexity of the task, the frequency of use, the type of user and so on. However I have found one element common to all applications where the end users are also the business experts: the concepts the users need to see and manipulate through the user interface must be the same concepts around which the data model and the system business architecture is organised. If differences exist, they will inevitably lead to higher costs in development and maintenance. New and changing requirements will become harder to accommodate. This philosophy has a few practical consequences:

• In complex domains, the domain model becomes the key artefact to share knowledge between business and IT. It is essential that it is produced in conjunction with the business, that the terminology used is agreed by all stakeholders, and that the model is widely understood and communicated. All design activities, UI design, data design and component design will be heavily based on this model. In several projects, visual diagrams depicting key parts of the model become a lingua franca for efficient communication between business and IT.
• Do not try to be clever and produce two separate models, one for business consumption and one for the technical team. Often IT designers are tempted to invent concepts and structures that might make a solution more reusable or generic, but do not match the thinking of the business people. This temptation is to be avoided at all costs.
• Do not pamper your business people by sheltering them from the complexity of their own business world. Attempts to make the user interface less transparent and more idiot proof will lead to inefficiencies and distortions that will not improve business processes and will alienate business people, preventing them from using their business knowledge when they use your application.

In summary, give business users visibility of the applications’ conceptual model of the data, and, conversely, represent the business users’ view of the world, as in their UI, in the underlying data model.

You will have guessed by now that I am a strong believer in building robust domain models as a prerequisite for project success. Models must be earnest in reflecting the business as seen by the business people. Domain modelling is not an academic exercise beloved by purists for its own sake. On the contrary, it is essential to the design of a solution that will last the test of time, especially new requirements.

If you have any feedback on my stories or have had similar experiences, I’d like to hear from you: Franco.Civello@rdfgroup.com.

http://www.vendorcom.com/event.php?event_id=109 For the networking event

http://www.vendorcom.com/event.php?event_id=110 For the conference

Both have experience of graphic design and web site design. We selected James and Mayur on the basis of their stylish work portfolio, their drive and commitment to deliver, and their communication and technical skills.

James has been with RDF since May and has already contributed to the rebranding of a web site for one of our major clients, as well as working on our own web site. Mayur is currently working for a mobile app project for a large corporation.

Both are enjoying the challenge of working as part of development teams that deliver software solutions such as mobile apps, B2B and B2C sites. In these projects, UI designers need to deal not only with demanding clients but also with equally demanding team members such as analysts, developers, technical architects, test analysts, project managers. They have to consider how their artefacts integrate with wider project artefacts, and use environments and tools that extend their technical skills in new directions.

We wish them both a rewarding career at RDF.

With sleek design and increased functionality the new site provides businesses of all sizes with an enhanced range of complimentary services now made accessible on one easy-to-use site.

RDF Group came to the market in 1994 and has its headquarters in the heart of Brighton with an additional development facility in Livingston, Scotland. Since that time the company has firmly established itself as a key player in the industry. With some of the best minds in the business RDF Group offer clients a wide range of design, development, testing and maintenance services. They also provide tailor-made IT solutions and recruitment services to an ever-growing and wide range of long standing clients.

Jade Taylor, Marketing Manager at RDF Group, said: “Not only does the new website provide much more information about RDF’s services, which broadly includes Software Development, Testing, Support and Maintenance and IT Recruitment, it also hosts a live jobs board, a technical blog, a wealth of case studies, company news, twitter feeds and more.”

“With its fresh new design and increased functionality, the new site provides for much more of a pleasant user experience, our visitors can now find the services they are looking for in seconds.” said Chief Executive at RDF Group, Dave Wood.

RDF Group have a respected and proven track record helping businesses with small projects, as well as sourcing the right staff and playing a key role in major development challenges. The new website now effectively conveys this whilst providing a forum for RDF's technical experts to share their knowledge via the new blog.

“Clients range from start-ups' to FTSE100 companies. The launch of the new website now looks set to see the company further develop existing relationships and expand its client base in 2011.” said Dave Wood.

Visitors to the site are encouraged to give their feedback by sending any thoughts or suggestions they may have to feedback@rdfgroup.com.

IIP is the UK’s leading people management business improvement standard, focused on meeting business needs and delivering improved performance to many organisations. RDF is extremely proud to retain the standard, recognising that it is essential for organisational growth.

Jo Scott, HR Manager of RDF Group, comments: “Since being awarded the accreditation three years ago, we’ve all worked very hard, not only to maintain current processes but also to significantly improve them, as recognised by our IIP Assessor.”

Kevin Newman, Investors in People Assessor for Inspiring Business Performance, comments: “Being awarded the Investors in people recognition is a great achievement. RDF’s processes have greatly improved – their communication methods are strong and they are excellent at recognising their people.”

~Ends~
For more information about Investors in People, visit http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/
For more information about RDF Group, for images or to publish this article, contact Jade Taylor on 01273 200100.

Franco, the coach (benevolent judge), Sue Laughland, Peter Murty and Jason McGucken, three analysts (resigned convicts) from Park Group, did not spend much time gazing at the stars though, as there was a lot to cover in just two days.

The aim of the course was to consolidate and unify the analysis approach and deliverables for future projects in Park Group's IT department. Key techniques were reviewed and applied on an example system.

Sue Laughland, System Designer at Park Group, comments: “I was impressed with Franco’s flexible and professional approach as we covered the key design techniques which I will need in my new role as System Designer at Park. The historic setting and tasty homemade cakes served at coffee breaks were an added bonus!”

The participants left with a good grasp of each technique and of their use in a project context. For the technically minded, we covered system requirements, use cases, data models and service specifications, using a number of UML diagrams: class diagrams, activity diagrams, state diagrams and interaction diagrams.

~Ends~

For more information about the courses RDF offer please contact us on 01273 200100.
For more information about Leasowe Castle visit: http://www.leasowecastle.com/

The winning IT recruitment and consultancy company also sponsored the themed event, which took place at the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Hove. Over 20 teams took part in the fundraiser, with some arriving in superhero fancy dress.

RDF has donated £2, 822.95 to the charity since April 2010. Jade Taylor, Marketing Manager at RDF Group, said: “We’re extremely proud supporters of Rockinghorse, donating regularly to the charity since 2008. We are really pleased to have won the quiz! It was a brilliant night and was great to see so many people celebrating and supporting such a worthwhile local cause.”

The money was raised through ticket sales, as well as through a raffle and an auction, which had some fantastic prizes including a giant cupcake, a laptop and tickets for a cricket game taking place during Hove Festival.

All money raised on the evening will go towards helping local sick and disabled children at the charity’s projects, which include The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Trevor Mann Baby Unit and Tudor House Respite Centre.

Allie Preiss, Marketing & Events Manager, said: “We’re completely overwhelmed by the support we received on the evening and how fantastic the team spirit was. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as us! We’re especially grateful to our sponsors and winners, RDF Group, to all those who donated prizes and to all our generous quizzers!”

~Ends~

For more information about Rockinghorse or to find out how you can get involved in the charity’s work, call 01273 730286 or visit http://www.rockinghorse.org.uk/

Tickets are £20 per person which includes a curry and a drink. The evening will begin at 7pm and the quiz will start at 7.30pm.

If you would like to put a team together and participate - simply call Allie Preiss (Marketing & Events Manager, Rockinghorse) on 01273 730286 to register.

~Ends~

The killer question most organisations will face this year is - app or optimise? To aid your decision making process, here’s a brief evaluation of the two approaches.

Mobile Apps

Mobile apps run natively on smart phones, they are designed and built with a specific device in mind.

Apps offer greater functionality as they use in-built facilities such as Compass, GPS, Camera and Phone - further facilities include:

1. Location services: Displays current location and surrounding area.

2. Push notifications: Ability to send ‘push’ messages to all users of the app, for example, ‘20% in-store sale’ today. The app does not have to be running for the device to receive and display the message.

3. Image recognition: Bar code scanner - scans a bar code and display information about the product.

4. Colour matching: Pick a colour from a photograph and find matching products.

5. Contact: Use the phone facility to make contact.

The additional functionality that mobile apps offer, over and above a mobile optimised site, reduces downloading time and provides an aesthetically pleasing graphical user interface, rich and simple at the same time. On the whole, mobile apps provide a much greater customer experience. Another value added benefit is that apps are mobile signal independent, meaning that the app retrieves and stores data locally.

Mobile Optimised Website

Mobile optimised websites are usually separate from standard websites as they are specifically designed to be viewed on a mobile device. There are many advantages to this approach including the following:

1. Larger customer reach: Can be viewed by a huge range of mobile devices which have a web browser; customers do not have to upgrade to a Smartphone to view - see the market share of the various mobile device vendors.

2. Build once: Constructed using existing standard technology - HTML, CSS and JavaScript. No need to create a separate version for different devices as with the above.

3. Can be located using standard technology: Using search engines or by links in documents and emails.

Conclusion

The conclusion as to whether to build native mobile applications or create mobile optimised websites depends on whether in-built mobile facilities (GPS, messaging, camera and phone) are required and whether offline mobile app browsing is important. Put simply - larger mobile optimised website audience reach versus highly customised mobile application user experience.

Some companies have decided that both mobile apps and mobile web are important for different target audiences and as a result have incorporated both into their digital marketing strategy.

References

[1]http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2010/9/European_Smartphone_Market_Grows_41_Percent_in_Past_Year

• Look at your market – are you specifically targeting iPhone and iPads? If so, you can focus your testing on these devices
• Identify the top handsets on the market - If you want a good cross section of handsets to test against, identify the top 10 selling handsets on the market to focus on. This will ensure good coverage.
• Are you targeting your app at certain countries? If so, pick the networks in your specific targeted countries. Different networks can behave differently.
• Should you go in-house or outsource to get the testing done? There are many companies out there that have purchased thousands of handsets and they can do the testing against the devices you want, or they think are the best devices for what you are hoping to achieve. If you would prefer to test your app yourself, there are various applications that you can purchase for a reasonable price. These applications allow you to control and test against thousands of handsets over the internet, without having to physically purchase the actual handset!
• Ensure test scripts are stored and created – like all other forms of testing, ensure that test scripts are created and stored in a central repository. This will allow you and others to see exactly what has been tested and what the results were.

Way back when, when we were deciding the best way to test apps that we were developing, we couldn’t decide whether it was easier to bring in a company who had the physical handsets, or test the handsets ourselves using a tool over the internet. We went with the latter and that has meant we now have good in-house skills, and can charge less than our competitors for our services as we don’t have to purchase physical handsets!

“We are delighted to support the work that these young people will do to help school children and villagers in Nepal. It is thanks to the efforts of both our staff and clients who gave so generously at our Golf day that we were able to raise this money for such a worthy cause.” Caroline McManus, Account Manager, RDF.

Caroline’s sister, Kirsten McManus, a consultation and participation officer at ‘The Who Cares?’ Trust comments: “This is the second year that RDF has raised funds for the charity and we are extremely grateful as this will help send our young people back to do some important work in Nepal.”

Willie Ryan, a young person who was on the first visit to Nepal said: “I would really like to thank the employees and clients of RDF Group for their tremendous support. The work we will be doing involves digging trenches and laying pipes to bring fresh water to one of the villages high up in the Himalayas.”

RDF takes their responsibilities as both an employer and contributor to the local community very seriously. They were very proud to be able to donate to the trust for a second year running.

~Ends~

Please contact Jade on 01273 200100 if you would like to publish this press release or if you would like further information about this project.

About ‘The Who Cares? Trust:
The Who Cares? Trust is a voice and a champion for children and young people in the UK living in care. Set up as a charity in 1992 to improve the everyday lives and future life chances of these children, of whom there are currently 74,000 around the UK. The charity grew out of the magazine Who Cares? , started in 1985 and still published today.
http://www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/