Which such rapid development taking place, it’s important to keep track of the upcoming changes and tech growth. What should you be on the lookout? Our latest articles lets you know!

Virtual and Augmented Reality

The increase for VR and AR applications has seen steady growth and its projected that this expansion will only continue due to its many advantages in cross-industries such as retail, healthcare, education, logistics, and especially, travel/tourism. Currently, with the global health crisis that halted travels across the globe, explorers started to look for alternatives that, although can’t compare to the actual nomadic experience, can deliver quick travels in minutes anywhere in the world. Which such a growing trend, AR is becoming the next big thing that companies are investing in how users interact with the real world through their mobile devices. Plus, VR with its immersive capabilities is taking the tech world by storm.

Cloud-based Mobile Apps

According to Gartner, the cloud services market revenue grew by 17% in 2020 to $266.4 billion when compared to 2019 with $227.8 billion in revenue. With cloud-enhanced solutions and new platforms that can deliver businesses with greater capabilities, cloud solutions are much more than a trend. Focused on flexibility and scalability, this technology can be used in the mobile application. Thanks to its compatibility and time-reduction in app development, it results in faster time to market and these are just some of its advantages. How can your business benefit from Cloud-based Mobile Apps? Get to know Out.Cloud, a leading cloud consulting and management team!

The Wonders of Artificial Intelligence

The improvements and market applications in AI are non-stop. More than new capabilities, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning will take mobile app development to a whole new level. Its integration with mobile apps will increase user engagement, faster responses, and quicker task execution thanks to automation, resulting in a better experience and more money saved by businesses. This is especially beneficial for companies with a steady flow of online customers who can rely on Chabot’s for faster client support and perhaps, not so far into the future, emotion recognition. Mobile software that will allow reading emotions from the humane face, as well as audio, from micro-speech to voice tones, determining user’s satisfaction, among many.

Internet of Things

The IoT provides useful and beneficial technology for several industries, from logistics to e-commerce, and many more. With device IoT-compatibility growing, companies will increase their search and ways to integrate them with new features on Android Applications. A great example of this is smart home tech that allows the users, through a mobile app, to use and adjust remotely all manner of home features, such as the lights, thermostat, lock, and security systems. With the growing number of mobile devices, there will be no shortage of multiple opportunities for IoT technology.

Instant Mobile Apps

What if your target audience could have the possibility to experience your app before deciding to download it? Aimed at convincing users to install the full app, instant mobile apps serve as demos, enabling users to use part of a native application without installing it on their device. This approach allows companies to get immediate feedback, increase their social sharing while gaining more exposure and for the user, it provides a window without having to compromise space in their device’s internal memory.

In the current digital landscape, mobile apps are, more than ever, an integrated part of our lives’ which demand greater sophistication. Knowing what to expect in the following years is more than keeping track of the future of tech. The goal is to expand its capabilities, and consequently, in the way we experience the combination of life and technology.

When it comes to a remote interview, let’s be honest. The comfort of home or a familiar environment provides a relaxed state, eliminating that nervous or anxious commotion. Yet, it can also cause you to let your guard down. Imagine you receive an unexpected phone call from a hiring manager saying that they like your resume and see plenty of potential in you. All good so far!

However, because of the busy schedule, the hiring manager asks you if you’re available for an interview in 30 minutes. Although an uncommon request, flash interviews are not unheard-of. Of course, you could ask to reschedule but your enthusiasm got the better of you and you said “yes!”. Now everything’s changed: you have 30 minutes to prep for a great opportunity but you’re all over the place. The solution to such a problem if it ever comes up is all about preparing beforehand for such an event.

We put together a list that is sure to help you if needed with your next remote interview in under 30 minutes!

Read Up!

Reading up on the company you applied is key. In the midst of what just happened and even more so with only 30 minutes to prepare, it’s normal that little comes to mind about the company. After all, you possibly sent several other resumes to similar job postings. Don’t worry, in the next 10 minutes you can read up on plenty of things. First, read once more the job posting and take note of what grabbed your attention in the first place.

For example, if it makes references to ”Experience in Javascript” it’s important to take note and point out different projects you’ve been involved with. Also, check the about us and press page. Search the most used social media platforms, and check for the latest posts for events and news. You can also take a quick look at their blog. Of course, you don’t have the time to read each article so simply go through the headlines to get an idea of what the company as a business and brand is all about.

Have Your Questions Ready

In the same way that the interview is the perfect platform for the interviewer to know more about you, it’s also a great chance for you to learn more about the company and more about the job position. With that in mind, it’s important to have a list of key questions to ask. This will, at the same time, show the interviewer that you’re engaged and interested. For example, you can start by asking why is the company in need of an experient Javascript employee, what kind of benefits are there too, how is the onboarding process, its length, and what kind of project is it. It’s equally important to task about what kind of support can you expect.

Test Your Computer Before the Remote Interview

This might seem like a no brainer but with just 30 minutes to get ready for the big opportunity, there are plenty of things that can get overlooked. For a remote interview, few things are as annoying as a malfunctioning computer, faulty connection, or a computer crash. Ensure your setup is good. Before the interview, take a few minutes to download, and to go through a quick tutorial of the platform used for the interview, it can be Google Hangouts or Skype, among others. Make sure you have headphones or you might risk interference due to eco. Lastly, always have a plan B, in other words, your smartphone. In case your computer decides not to cooperate, your phone can do the trick!

Flexibility

At Nearshore Portugal, we practice Flex Work. The traditional 9-to-6 office schedule is becoming outdated. Providing employees with flexible work hours can accommodate all needs: For the client, the employee and the business. Working with your team at the office has various advantages, one of them being immediate support. Sometimes when help is needed, a team member next to you makes all the difference. Despite that, Flex Work isn’t just about the hours spent at the office, it can also be about adjusting those hours to one’s needs.

Our daily lives don’t always follow a schedule and, commonly, situations arise that demand our immediate attention. We get that and understand that there’s more to life than just work. What can you expect from us? Work-life balance. Need to work remotely for a few days? All good. Just stepped out from your daily stand-up but something came-up and you need to go home? No problem at all, just let your team know. If the issue is changing your work hours to what fits you best, go ahead and discuss it with your manager to work out a solution. Regardless of the reasons, we know that people are more than assets and providing flexibility in the workplace, gives way to a happier and healthier work environment

By applying our five tips above, you’ll be able to take on any interview even if you’re rushed for time. At the end of the day, the simplest bits of advice remains the most important: readiness and confidence will go a long way!

Outsourcing IT projects have gained strength over the years. The fears that many companies had of losing control and that great work can only be done on-site, is changing. More than ever, executives see the benefits of establishing a nearshore team acknowledging the increase of efficiency and the overall distinguished performance that outsourcing providers can bring. When handing over your IT project, the right nearshore team will achieve cost reduction and faster scalability.

This is what you need to know!

A nearshore team with the right outsourcing partner

If you’re set on Portugal as the destination for your endeavor, browsing the market for an outsourcing partner is key. This will, without a doubt, play a decisive role in the success of your operation. Such an impact on your business future demands extensive research. Therefore, before deciding who the provider will be for your nearshore team, there are a few things to look for:

• Proven experience in delivering services you are searching for is a must;
• Seek references from current and former clients. This will help determine the consistency of the service quality, technical skills, methodology and compliance of deadlines;
• Visit your potential partner’s site. Check for equipment, the quality of the infrastructures and more importantly, if the means for scalability exist;
• Search for your potential partner’s openness and availability. This means meetings, doubts, and disposal for receiving you on their site at any day or time;
• Verify that you will have a nearshore team fully dedicated only to your project. Ensure regular communications are a common practice.

No more recruitment & HR headaches

As you know, everything starts with people, in other words, talent. To make sure your project is as successful as can be, highly skilled professionals are needed and finding these individuals can be a monumental and time-consuming task. Of course, there are services such as IT recruiters and headhunters that can deliver the talent you need. However, it doesn’t come cheap. In the case of a nearshore provider, such as Nearshore Portugal, this won’t be a problem since it’s your providers main role to deliver the experts you need with no extra costs.

After recruitment comes HR, followed by schedules, training sessions, pay and legal papers, among many other time-consuming tasks. On the other hand, having the right nearshore partner will take all these concerns away since it’s your provider’s function to set up the nearshore team as well as handling the above details, removing the time factor from your hands.

EU data regulations

By choosing a partner within the EU you will have a better knowledge of economic systems and financial legislation and will benefit from the same regulations spread throughout the EU. All outsourcing projects need regulations and data management is no different. However, if you are more inclined to nearshore outside the European Union, it’s crucial to partner with a company that is experienced and knowledgeable of the legal system outside Europe where different regulations may exist from country to country.

In essence, outsourcing IT projects is a growing industry practice that focuses on saving time and money to provide a faster and more scalable method for businesses. This can only be possible by with an advantageous partner who is familiarized with delivering an experienced and dedicated nearshore team, as well as ensuring all management and regulations, allowing you to focus on the direction of your business and the best route to success.

Bruno became a self-taught developer. Not so long ago, when he was 27, he started reading a lot about coding and started in a ten month intensive course. He fully committed himself to learn development and later became a consultant at Findmore. Developing skills as a consultant gave him the necessary experience to feel comfortable working at Nearshore Portugal, a scenario that involves international companies. At the moment, he is working for a Danish client and describes the project as the one that enjoyed the most, for the following reasons: he is working with an experienced team, the project is dynamic and open to suggestions, there is learning potential and structured feedback.

In this article we point out some of the qualities shared by successful Project Managers.

A positive attitude

A positive attitude is half way to success. A PM needs to be optimistic to overcome challenges, or at least to avoid freaking out on every obstacle! If they do that, the team will be able to focus on resolving the issues and the other stakeholders can trust that the situation is under control.

Listening and communicating skills of project managers

In order to understand the project requirements and expectations, PM’s must be good listeners. They are the bridge between the team and the organization, so they have to communicate clearly about goals, responsibility, performance, expectations, and feedback. They must be honest and persuasive to both the stakeholders and the project team so they can complete the projects on time.

Delegator

Project managers have to show they are trustable and they trust their team. They do it to get to know the team’s personal strengths and abilities so they can bring out the best of them. A good sense of delegation is connected to an understanding of value delivery and helps to maintain its focus on the overall project and its performance.

Being a Cool-headed project manager

Project management is demanding work and project managers need to be able to keep calm when there is much work to do in little time. Instead of wanting to solve anything at once, it’s important to focus on one step at a time.

Problem solver and decision-maker

The secret behind every manager’s success is the ability to make quick and right decisions. No one will expect them to always have a ready-made solution to a problem; they must acknowledge the value of their team members and trust them when trying to find solutions.

The project managers: Multi-taskers

Project managers need to be organized people to be able to manage multiple tasks or projects in a limited time. Being well-organized helps to stay focused on the big picture and to prioritize responsibilities. To deal with organizational issues, the use of management software is recommended.

Team builder

A team builder is a strong person who provides the substance that holds the team together in common purpose toward a common goal. Project managers should understand how to get people working together, collaborating, and sharing ideas. After all, the project stakeholders will either fail together or succeed together.

Sometimes, project managers don’t naturally have the qualities mentioned above. Although these characteristics are critical to the success of a project, they can be developed and trained. It’s important they evaluate their own performance and have the will to improve.

It’s not by chance that multinational companies like Accenture, Microsoft, or Nokia Siemens have highly successful nearshore operations in Portugal. We’ll present you some topics that prove that Portugal is the perfect nearshore destination for your operation:

Attractive costs

Costs play a major role in any organization when choosing a lading-place and Portugal is more cost-efficiency in comparison to other countries. If you want to optimize your business, you should choose a nearshore destination country that guarantees a healthy cost of living.

Language

Portugal is one of the most multilingual European countries and has a big number of English speakers with Portuguese and English both used in a working environment. Furthermore, Portuguese people have great knowledge and adaptability to other European markets and cultures. This undoubtedly plays a major role when it comes to the right nearshore destination.

Location

Portugal shares the same time zone as the UK, one of the most important business centers. It’s also two hours away by plane. Being “the door of Europe”, Portugal plays an important role in trading across borders.

Technological infrastructures

Portugal is a country with a strong technological infrastructure, both in telecommunications (broadband, fiber optics) and data centers, for the storage of large volumes of data and applications.

Security, political and social stability

Portugal is a peaceful country with social and political stability. It’s all due from a significant investment in education, infrastructure modernization, simplification of public services, and a public and private focus on research and development. These are some of the main features of many companies that Portugal as an ideal nearshore destination.

Technical quality

Portugal was ranked 17th at IMD World Talent Ranking 2018. The entirety of the country is filled with people who value technology and engineering. Portugal is the owner of countless prestigious universities, recognized in international rankings. It also offers easy access to education. Annually, its capital is the home of the biggest event in tech: Web Summit.

While Portugal is clearly a growing market with regard to IT resources, it is essential that Portugal continues to invest in research and development as well as training for qualified people in order to increasingly become the answer as the nearshore destination. Portugal offers the best conditions for shortening distances and increasing results. That’s what Nearshore Portugal is all about!

From graduating and becoming a designer in São Paulo, she moved to Dubai to work as a Web Design Director and from there, she never stopped. She became a Brand Manager in Bahrein, moved to South Africa where she immersed in the mobile and interaction world, worked as a freelance designer all around the world, and once back in Brazil, she studied Business, UX and Digital to get updated to build her own Startup.

Lisbon as the new tech hub in Europe seemed like a good option for Cristina to restart fresh with her projects, that was when she caught the attention of Nearshore Portugal where she works with a German client and describes the project as “challenging”.

As a member of the Nearshore team, she takes advantage of the Findmore Academy and AgileNow workshops to continue learning and adapting to the constantly changing digital market.

She recognizes the importance of an open spirit, good global experience and sociability as important personal characteristics for someone who wants to work at Nearshore Portugal.

Your team has three members now with the recent addition of Catarina. What’s the role of each one in the project?

Oliver: I’m the Project Manager, while Ivo and Catarina are responsible for UI/UX design.

Last week you all traveled to Germany to work directly with the client. How is your work routine when you’re there?

Ivo: This week we have been working on the mobile app wireframes. So, we arrive at the office around 9:00 and we have several meetings with the team during the day to understand their requirements and create the wireframes for the mobile app.

Can you tell us the main benefits of visiting the client regularly?

Oliver: In terms of UI/UX design, the main benefit is being able to review the wireframes directly with the client onsite and therefore fasten the process significantly. Whenever we have a question we can meet with them and resolve the issue almost immediately.

In terms of Project Management, the main benefit is to have a better overview of what is happening with each team locally here in Germany. It also gives me the opportunity to review the current work process with them and adapt accordingly. For example, if we have a process that lacks communication we can setup weekly conference calls and improve the communication process to work more closely with the customer.

Ivo: It’s a good way to get clear some questions and some misunderstandings that sometimes can appear. Being here, in person, we can educate the client in some UI/UX processes for example, and in the other way around, we can understand better some processes from the client side. Things are way faster to decide and allow us to explain some details to the client directly. I also think they can give more importance to our role in the whole process and see that we can actually bring a lot of value to the project.

Finally, can you share with us your experience visiting Hannover? What has attracted you the most?

Oliver: I love Germany because it is a very “green country”.  In terms of infrastructure for bicycles, the whole city has bicycle roads, so I can use my longboard throughout the whole city. Hannover has a forest within the city that covers 6.4 km2. The food is also very attractive to me because you have a lot of Turkish and Greek restaurants.

Catarina: Hannover is a cool city with a lot of gardens and beautiful sightseeing. The food was ok, it’s a lot different than the Mediterranean food, but we could manage great meals and good experiences.

Ivo: It’s not a touristic city so it’s very calm and nice to walk around. It has some beautiful monuments like churches nearby. Hannover also has a lot of “green” and big lakes.