by Teknita Team | Jul 5, 2023 | Project Management
Agile project management is an iterative approach to managing software development projects that focuses on continuous releases and incorporating customer feedback with every iteration. Software teams that embrace agile project management methodologies increase their development speed, expand collaboration, and foster the ability to better respond to market trends.
But what are the agile principles that guide this approach? And how can they be applied to IT projects? In this blog post, we will explore the 12 agile principles, derived from the agile manifesto, and how they can help you manage your IT projects more effectively.
The 12 Agile Principles
The agile manifesto is a brief document that defines the core values and principles of agile. It was created in 2001 by a group of software developers who wanted to find a better way of developing software. The manifesto states four values and 12 principles that define the agile methodology and also act as best practices for agile teams.
The four values are:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
The 12 principles are:
1. Satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
This principle emphasizes the importance of delivering working software to the customer as soon as possible and frequently throughout the project. This way, the customer can see the progress and provide feedback that can be incorporated into the next iteration.
2. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development.
This principle acknowledges that customer needs and market conditions may change during the project, and that agile teams should be flexible and adaptable to accommodate those changes. Rather than seeing change as a disruption, agile teams see it as an opportunity to improve the product and deliver more value to the customer.
3. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
This principle supports the idea of breaking down the project into smaller and manageable chunks, called sprints or iterations, that can be completed in a short period of time. By delivering working software at the end of each sprint, agile teams can ensure that they are meeting the customer’s expectations and that they are on track with the project goals.
4. Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
This principle emphasizes the need for close collaboration between the business stakeholders and the development team throughout the project. By working together daily, they can communicate effectively, align their vision, resolve issues quickly, and build trust and rapport.
5. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
This principle recognizes that people are the most important factor in any project, and that they need to be motivated, empowered, and supported to perform their best. Agile teams are self-organizing and autonomous, meaning that they have the authority and responsibility to make decisions and manage their own work. Agile managers provide them with the resources, guidance, and feedback they need, but do not micromanage or interfere with their work.
6. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
This principle advocates for direct and personal communication among team members and with other stakeholders. Face-to-face conversation allows for faster and clearer exchange of information, as well as better understanding of emotions, intentions, and body language. Agile teams use various tools and techniques to facilitate face-to-face communication, such as daily stand-up meetings, pair programming, co-location, video conferencing, etc.
7. Working software is the primary measure of progress.
This principle states that the main indicator of how well a project is going is whether it produces working software that meets the customer’s needs and expectations. Working software is software that is functional, reliable, usable, and valuable. Agile teams focus on delivering working software rather than on producing extensive documentation or following rigid plans.
8. Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
This principle suggests that agile teams should work at a sustainable pace that allows them to deliver quality software without compromising their health, well-being, or productivity. Agile teams avoid burnout, stress, or overtime by setting realistic goals, managing their workload, prioritizing their tasks, taking breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
9. Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
This principle implies that agile teams should always strive to improve their technical skills and practices, as well as their software design and architecture. By doing so, they can ensure that their software is easy to maintain, modify, test, and deploy. Agile teams use various techniques to achieve technical excellence and good design, such as refactoring, code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, etc.
10. Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential.
This principle encourages agile teams to eliminate any unnecessary or wasteful work that does not add value to the customer or the project. By simplifying their work, agile teams can focus on the most important and essential features and tasks, and avoid over-engineering or over-complicating their software. Agile teams use various methods to achieve simplicity, such as prioritizing their backlog, applying the Pareto principle, following the YAGNI (You Ain’t Gonna Need It) principle, etc.
11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
This principle asserts that agile teams are capable of creating the best solutions for their projects by collaborating and organizing themselves without external interference or direction. Self-organizing teams have the autonomy and authority to make decisions and manage their own work, as well as the skills and knowledge to solve problems and overcome challenges. Self-organizing teams leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of their members, and use feedback loops and retrospectives to learn and improve.
12. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.
This principle highlights the importance of continuous improvement and learning for agile teams. Agile teams regularly review their performance, processes, and practices, and identify what is working well and what can be improved. They then implement changes and experiments to optimize their efficiency and effectiveness. Agile teams use various tools and techniques to facilitate reflection and improvement, such as retrospectives, sprint reviews, metrics, etc.
How to Apply Agile Principles to IT Projects
Now that we have reviewed the 12 agile principles, how can we apply them to IT projects? Here are some practical tips and examples:
- To satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software, you can use agile tools such as product roadmaps, user stories, and minimum viable products (MVPs) to define and deliver what the customer wants in small increments.
- To welcome changing requirements, even late in development, you can use agile tools such as backlog grooming, sprint planning, and change requests to manage and prioritize changes in a flexible way.
- To deliver working software frequently, you can use agile tools such as sprints, iterations, kanban boards, and burndown charts to plan and track your work in short cycles.
- To work together daily with business people and developers, you can use agile tools such as daily stand-up meetings, collaboration software, and customer feedback surveys to communicate effectively and regularly with your stakeholders.
- To build projects around motivated individuals, you can use agile tools such as team charter, team contract, and team roles to define and align your team’s vision, values, and responsibilities.
- To convey information face-to-face within a development team, you can use agile tools such as pair programming, co-location, and video conferencing to facilitate direct and personal communication among team members.
- To measure progress by working software, you can use agile tools such as demos, user acceptance testing, and quality assurance to verify and validate your software functionality and quality.
- To promote sustainable development, you can use agile tools such as velocity, workload management, and time tracking to monitor and balance your team’s productivity and well-being.
- To pay attention to technical excellence and good design, you can use agile tools such as refactoring, code reviews, automated testing, and continuous integration to improve your technical skills and practices, as well as your software design and architecture.
- To maximize simplicity, you can use agile tools such as backlog prioritization, Pareto principle, YAGNI principle, and lean canvas to eliminate any unnecessary or wasteful work that does not add value to the customer or the project.
- To create the best solutions from self-organizing teams, you can use agile tools such as decision making techniques, conflict resolution techniques, feedback loops, and retrospectives to empower your team to collaborate and organize themselves without external interference or direction.
- To reflect on how to become more effective, you can use agile tools such as retrospectives, sprint reviews, metrics, and experiments to review your performance, processes, and practices, and identify what is working well and what can be improved.
Conclusion
Agile project management is a powerful approach to managing software development projects that focuses on delivering value to the customer through continuous releases and feedback. By following the 12 agile principles, you can apply the agile methodology to your IT projects more effectively.
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by Teknita Team | Jun 30, 2023 | Artificial Intelligence - Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a disruptive force in the job market, causing both concerns and excitement among workers and industries worldwide. As the capabilities of AI continue to advance, there is a growing debate about how it will impact employment. Will AI kill jobs, leading to widespread unemployment, or will it create new opportunities, paving the way for a more efficient and innovative workforce? In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and delve into the potential consequences of AI on the job landscape of the future.
AI’s Impact on Job Elimination
There is no denying that AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and replace human workers in various industries. Routine, repetitive, and manual jobs are particularly susceptible to AI-driven automation. For example, manufacturing assembly lines can be streamlined with the introduction of AI-powered robots, reducing the need for human labor. Similarly, customer service roles can be partially or fully automated through chatbots and virtual assistants.
Furthermore, advancements in machine learning and natural language processing have allowed AI systems to perform complex cognitive tasks previously exclusive to humans. Fields such as data analysis, financial modeling, and even medical diagnostics are experiencing disruption as AI algorithms excel in processing vast amounts of data and making accurate predictions. Consequently, some jobs in these sectors may be at risk.
While these developments raise concerns about job losses and the potential for increased inequality, it is essential to recognize that history has shown us that technology-driven transformations often lead to the creation of new jobs.
AI’s Impact on Job Creation
As AI automates certain tasks, it also creates opportunities for the emergence of new jobs and the transformation of existing roles. The widespread adoption of AI technology requires a skilled workforce to develop, maintain, and optimize AI systems. AI engineers, data scientists, and machine learning specialists are in high demand, reflecting the need for individuals who can design, train, and improve AI algorithms.
Moreover, AI can augment human capabilities and enhance productivity. By automating repetitive tasks, workers can focus on more creative and strategic endeavors. AI systems can assist professionals in decision-making, augmenting their expertise and improving overall efficiency. This collaboration between humans and AI, often referred to as “augmented intelligence,” has the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare and finance to education and transportation.
Additionally, the development and deployment of AI technology spur the growth of ancillary industries. Companies specializing in AI infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity will see increased demand. Furthermore, the implementation of AI may lead to the creation of new business models and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Preparing for the Future
As AI continues to reshape the job market, it is crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to adapt and prepare for the future. Here are a few key considerations:
Upskilling and Reskilling
Workers need to embrace lifelong learning and acquire new skills that complement and leverage AI technology. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence will become increasingly valuable.
Collaboration and Adaptability
Businesses must foster a culture of collaboration between humans and AI systems. Organizations that successfully integrate AI into their operations will be better positioned to thrive in the evolving job landscape.
Ethical Considerations
As AI systems gain more autonomy, ethical concerns such as privacy, bias, and accountability become paramount. Clear regulations and guidelines are necessary to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
Social Safety Nets
Governments and policymakers should anticipate potential job displacement and implement social safety nets to support workers during transitional periods. Measures such as retraining programs, unemployment benefits, and universal basic income experiments can help mitigate the negative impacts of job displacement.
Conclusion
The advent of AI brings both disruption and opportunities to the job market. While certain jobs may be automated and eliminated, AI also creates new roles, enhances productivity, and opens doors to innovative industries. It is crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to adapt and embrace the changes brought by AI. By preparing for the future, upskilling, fostering collaboration, and addressing ethical considerations, we can harness the transformative power of AI to create a more inclusive and prosperous job market in the years to come.
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by Teknita Team | Jun 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
Wi-Fi is one of the most essential technologies in our lives, enabling us to connect to the internet wirelessly and enjoy various online services and applications. But as our demands for faster speeds, lower latency, and more devices increase, Wi-Fi needs to evolve to keep up. That’s why the next generation of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 7, is on the horizon.
What is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is the upcoming Wi-Fi standard, also known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT). It works across all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to fully utilize spectrum resources. It is expected to be finalized by 2024 and will be backward compatible with previous Wi-Fi generations.
Wi-Fi 7 promises to deliver major improvements over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, such as:
- Faster speeds: Wi-Fi 7 could offer speeds up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6/6E, reaching up to 5.8 Gbps on a single device. This is achieved by using wider channels, higher modulation, and more spatial streams.
- Lower latency: Wi-Fi 7 will reduce latency by using a technique called multi-link operation (MLO), which allows a device to connect to multiple access points simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. This will enable smoother gaming, video conferencing, and AR/VR experiences.
- More capacity: Wi-Fi 7 will support more connections by using a feature called enhanced multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (E-MU-MIMO), which allows an access point to communicate with up to 16 devices at the same time. This will reduce congestion and interference in dense environments.
Why do we need Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is designed to meet the growing needs of consumers and businesses for high-performance wireless connectivity. Some of the use cases that will benefit from Wi-Fi 7 include:
- Cloud gaming: With extreme wireless internet speeds and consistent low latency, Wi-Fi 7 will enable immersive cloud-based gaming experiences that require high throughput and responsiveness.
- 8K video streaming: With four times the resolution of 4K, 8K video streaming requires a lot of bandwidth and stability. Wi-Fi 7 will be able to handle this demand with ease, delivering high-quality video without buffering or lagging.
- Video conferencing and casting: With more people working and learning from home, video conferencing and casting have become essential tools for communication and collaboration. Wi-Fi 7 will ensure that multiple devices can stream video simultaneously without compromising quality or reliability.
When will Wi-Fi 7 be available?
Wi-Fi 7 is still in development and is expected to be finalized by 2024. However, some manufacturers have already announced their plans to launch Wi-Fi 7 routers in 2023. For example, TP-Link has unveiled its lineup of Wi-Fi 7 routers, which include the Archer AXE11000E gaming router, the Deco XE1000 mesh system, and the RE9000E range extender. These routers will support some of the features of Wi-Fi 7, such as wider channels, higher modulation, and MLO.
However, to enjoy the full benefits of Wi-Fi 7, you will also need compatible devices, such as smartphones, laptops, TVs, etc. These devices are likely to arrive later than the routers, as they depend on the availability of Wi-Fi 7 chipsets from companies like Intel and Qualcomm. Therefore, it may take a few years before Wi-Fi 7 becomes mainstream.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi 7 is the next evolution of wireless technology that will bring a wealth of improvements for all-new levels of responsiveness and consistency. It will enable faster speeds, lower latency, and more capacity for various online activities and applications that demand extreme consistency and precision. While it is still in development, some manufacturers have already announced their plans to launch Wi-Fi 7 routers in 2023. However, it may take some time before we see widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 7 devices.
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by Teknita Team | Jun 21, 2023 | Security
Working from home has become more common than ever, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. But how can you ensure that your home workstation is secure and that your data is protected when you access your office network remotely? One key technology that is crucial to enabling secure remote access to your organization’s internal network is a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
What is a VPN and how does it work?
A VPN allows you to create a secure virtual tunnel to your office network through the public network such as the internet. It protects confidentiality (data remains secret via encapsulation) and integrity (data remains unaltered via encryption) of data as it travels over the public internet. A VPN also provides authentication (data comes from a trusted source) and authorization (data can only be accessed by authorized users) of data by using certificates, passwords, tokens or other methods.
When you use a VPN, your device connects to a VPN server operated by your organization or a third-party provider. The VPN server assigns you an IP address from the office network and routes all your traffic to and from the office network. This way, you can access all the resources and services on the office network as if you were physically there, such as files, printers, databases, intranet websites, etc.
Why do you need a VPN at home?
Using a VPN at home has several benefits for both you and your organization. Here are some of them:
Privacy: A VPN prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on your online activities and selling anonymized data about you to third parties. It also prevents advertisers and snoops from gathering data about you using advanced techniques like browser fingerprinting.
Security: A VPN protects you from hackers and cybercriminals who may try to intercept your data or infect your device with malware when you use public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also protects you from phishing, spoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks and other threats that may compromise your data or identity.
Access: A VPN allows you to access geo-restricted or censored content on the internet by changing your IP address and location. For example, you can stream video from other markets or access websites that are blocked in your country.
Productivity: A VPN enables you to work from anywhere without compromising your performance or efficiency. You can access all the tools and applications that you need on the office network without any delays or interruptions.
How to set up a VPN at home?
In order to set up a VPN at home, you need two things: a VPN client on your device and a VPN server on your office network.
VPN client
A VPN client is a software application that you install on your device (such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet) that allows you to connect to a VPN server. There are different types of VPN clients depending on the protocol they use, such as IPsec, SSL/TLS, OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc. Some VPN clients are built-in to your operating system (such as Windows 10 or macOS), while others are provided by third-party vendors (such as NordVPN or Surfshark).
To use a VPN client, you need to configure it with the settings provided by your organization or VPN provider, such as the server address, username, password, certificate, etc. You may also need to adjust some settings on your device’s firewall or antivirus software to allow the VPN connection. Once configured, you can launch the VPN client and connect to the VPN server with a click of a button.
VPN server
A VPN server is a hardware device or software application that runs on your office network and accepts incoming VPN connections from remote devices. It acts as a gateway between the public internet and the private office network. It assigns IP addresses to remote devices and routes their traffic securely through the VPN tunnel.
In order to set up an office VPN (IPsec or SSL VPN) to support working from home, you’ll need to purchase, install and configure a hardware device known as VPN Gateway in your office location. This device connects to your office router or firewall and provides VPN functionality for multiple users simultaneously. You’ll also need to configure your office network to allow VPN traffic and assign VPN policies and permissions to your users.
Alternatively, you can use a software application known as VPN Server that runs on a computer or server on your office network and provides VPN functionality for a limited number of users. This option may be cheaper and easier to set up, but it may not offer the same level of performance, security and scalability as a VPN Gateway.
Conclusion
A VPN is a vital technology for working from home securely and productively. It allows you to create a secure virtual tunnel to your office network and access all the resources and services that you need remotely. It also protects your privacy and security from online threats and censorship. To set up a VPN at home, you need a VPN client on your device and a VPN server on your office network. You can choose between different types of VPN clients and servers depending on your needs and preferences.
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by Teknita Team | Jun 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
Microsoft Whiteboard is a digital whiteboard app that lets you sketch out and share ideas visually with your team. Whether you use it online, on your desktop, or on your mobile device, you can enjoy a variety of features and tools to enhance your creativity and collaboration. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you make the most of Microsoft Whiteboard.
1. Share and save your whiteboard
One of the main benefits of Microsoft Whiteboard is that you can easily share your whiteboards with others and invite them to join you in real time or asynchronously. You can also save your whiteboards to the cloud and access them from any device. To share your whiteboard, click or tap the Share button in the top-right corner and choose how you want to share it: by email, by link, or by QR code. You can also control who can edit or view your whiteboard and revoke access at any time.
2. Use the toolbar location to your advantage
Depending on your device and preference, you can change the location of the toolbar in Microsoft Whiteboard. On Windows and web, you can choose to have the toolbar on the left or right side of the screen. On Android and iOS, you can choose to have the toolbar on the top or bottom of the screen. To change the toolbar location, click or tap the Settings button (the gear icon) and select Toolbar Location.
3. Convert your writing into readable text
If you prefer to write with your pen or finger instead of typing, you can use Microsoft Whiteboard’s ink-to-text feature to convert your handwriting into readable text. This can make your whiteboards more legible and organized. To use this feature, select the Lasso tool from the toolbar and draw a circle around your handwritten text. Then click or tap Ink to Text from the menu that appears.
4. Convert your hand-drawn shapes and tables to digital
Another useful feature of Microsoft Whiteboard is ink-to-shape recognition. This feature allows you to draw familiar shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, etc., and have them automatically converted into perfect digital shapes. You can also draw tables with rows and columns and have them converted into editable tables. To use this feature, select the Pen tool from the toolbar and draw a shape or a table. Then click or tap Ink to Shape from the menu that appears.
5. Use the ruler
If you need to draw straight lines or align objects on your whiteboard, you can use the ruler tool. The ruler tool lets you rotate and move a virtual ruler on your screen and use it as a guide for drawing or moving objects. To use the ruler tool, select it from the toolbar and drag it to where you want it on your whiteboard. You can also use two fingers or a mouse wheel to rotate it.
6. Lock an image in the background
Sometimes you may want to use an image as a background for your whiteboard, such as a map, a diagram, or a photo. You can do this by inserting an image from your device or from Bing Images and resizing it to fit your whiteboard. To prevent accidentally moving or deleting the image while working on your whiteboard, you can lock it in the background. To do this, select the image and click or tap Lock Background from the menu that appears
7. Group your objects
If you have multiple objects on your whiteboard that belong together, such as text boxes, shapes, images, etc., you can group them into one object for easier manipulation. This can help you keep your whiteboard organized and tidy. To group objects, select them using the Lasso tool or by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while clicking or tapping them. Then click or tap Group from the menu that appears
8. Create different whiteboards
You don’t have to limit yourself to one whiteboard for all your projects and ideas. You can create multiple whiteboards for different purposes and switch between them easily from the home screen of Microsoft Whiteboard. You can also use templates to start a new whiteboard with a pre-made layout for common scenarios such as brainstorming, lesson plans, compare and contrast, etc.
These are just some of the tips and tricks for using Microsoft Whiteboard. There’s a lot more that you can do with this versatile app, such as inserting lists, PDFs, and word documents, using reactions to interact with others, and integrating Whiteboard into Microsoft Teams.
You can read more about Microsoft Whiteboard here.
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