software development

The deadline of the SA Software Development Capability Survey has expired. More than 180 people registered for the survey, offering a wide variety of inputs from various sectors (see above). These inputs, together with interviews conducted with local and European software developers will inform the Meraka roadmapping workshop, that will take place February 2009. The winner of the iPod touch will be announced before the end of the year.

We have extended the deadline for the Questionnaire for South African Software Development Capability to give respondents more time to complete it. The new deadline is 15 October 2008.

So far more than 170 people have registered for the survey, and as can be seen from the chart above, they represent a wide variety of industries. If you want to know what other developers are doing, complete the survey before the expiration date. More information about the survey is available on the survey web site.

One of our current projects consists out of conducting a survey on behalf of the Meraka Institute: Questionnaire for SA National Software Development Capability.

This survey is part of the Meraka Institute’s efforts to build South Africa’s software development capability, with which they aim to strengthen software development competence, increase software innovation, and provide R&D support in government policy.

The survey asks developers questions about the kind of software they develop, their processes, the technologies they use, and so on. Users of specialised software are asked about their needs, the platforms they use, and what opportunities and problems mould the software market in South Africa.

If you are a developer or user of custom-built software, please help shape the future of software development by filling in the survey. You will get feedback on the trends in South African software development, and stand the chance to win an iPod Touch. It might also be a good opportunity to self-audit your systems and processes.