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Starting a tech business is an exciting and challenging journey. One of the essential components to the success of a tech startup is the technology stack. The tech stack refers to the set of technologies, solutions, and tools that a startup uses to develop, deploy, and improve its digital products and services. In simpler words, you cannot make tech without using tech.
So, which tech stack to choose? At first glance, it might seem like a simple question, but it can be quite overwhelming for startups. You need to consider all your business processes and decide which tools will facilitate each one of them. For startups, it can be helpful to have a standard list of the common tools that works as a guide to assembling their tech stack.
In this article, we discuss the top 7 digital solutions or tools that are necessary for any tech startup business to have as they start their journey.
1. Cloud computing
Startups do not usually have the resources to purchase expensive physical storage servers. Cloud computing is a solution that allows startups to store and access their digital data and applications over the internet. It significantly reduces infrastructural costs and provides on-demand scalability.
For instance, a mobile gaming startup would require cloud computing to manage the large amount of data generated by its users. Working with a cloud infrastructure service provider could enable the startup to scale the infrastructure based on the number of users, making it more significantly cost-effective. Currently, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google dominate the cloud market:
Figure 1. The cloud infrastructure landscape in 2022
2. Customer relationship management (CRM)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a software solution that allows the business to streamline all customer-related business functions and improve the customer’s overall experience. As the CRM landscape grows (Figure 2), the solution has become a must-have for all businesses.
For example, a tech startup that sells a software tool for managing social media campaigns can benefit from a CRM solution in the following ways:
- Their team can keep track of all their leads, prospects, and customers in one central location.
- They can easily record all interactions with each customer, including emails, phone calls, and meetings, and set reminders for follow-up tasks.
- With real-time analytics and reports, the team can track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Some popular CRM solutions include:
Figure 2: Customer relationship management software market growth
3. Payment gateway integration
Payment gateway integration is a technology that allows businesses to accept online payments through different payment methods. For instance, it can be an essential tool for startups that work with overseas customers.
Suppose a tech startup incorporates a payment gateway system into its mobile app for scheduling and managing appointments with local service providers. As a result, they can safely process online payments from their customers using different payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets.
The startup can offer its users a simple and secure payment experience thanks to the payment gateway system, which fosters greater customer loyalty and trust, and streamlines the payment process, reducing the administrative burden of manually managed payments.
You can also use the following payment API solutions:
- ShipStation API
- Microsoft Payment Request API
- Facebook Payments Webhooks API
You can also check our data-driven list of payment APIs to find the option that best suits your business.
4. Mobile app development
Mobile apps offer a convenient and accessible way for customers to interact with the startup’s products or services. They also enable a seamless and enjoyable customer experience by providing features such as easy navigation, quick access to information, and an intuitive design.
For instance, a tech startup that delivers customized meals to customers can incorporate an app development software into its tech stack. Due to this, it can quickly develop and roll out a mobile application that lets users order meals, specify their dietary needs, and monitor deliveries in real-time.
The startup can reduce the amount of time and money it spends on front-end development thanks to the app development software, which also enhances customer satisfaction.
Some popular app development software include:
To compare the best app development software on the market, check out our data-driven list.
5. Analytics and business intelligence
Analytics and business intelligence (BI) tools allow businesses to collect, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions. Startups can use such solutions to gain insights into their operations, identify trends, and implement continuous improvement in their processes.
A tech startup should consider the following while selecting a business analytics platform:
5.1. Features and capabilities
To make sure that the business analytics software satisfies their unique needs and requirements, the startup should assess the features and capabilities of the software. In addition to making sure the software can integrate with their current data sources and platforms, they should take into account features like data visualization, predictive analytics, and reporting.
5.2. Scalability and adaptability
A tech startup should select the software based on how scalable and adaptable it is. Tech startups go through various changes till their business becomes stable. The software should be adaptable to the changing needs of the business and be able to handle growing numbers of users and data.
5.3. Cost and value
Every responsible tech startup has a spending plan. The price and worth of the business analytics software should align with that plan and offer a positive return on their investment. They should think about the software’s initial and ongoing costs in addition to any potential advantages and return on investment.
5.4. Ease of use and implementation
Chances are, not all your employees are tech-savvy programmers. Therefore, the analytics software should be simple to use, require little technical expertise, and be easy to implement. A user-friendly interface and clear documentation support are features that will help the startup quickly get up and running.
Some popular analytics and business intelligence tools include:
Click here to see the complete list of business analytics platforms.
6. Cybersecurity Solutions
Startups’ risk of cyber attacks rose 14% from 2021 to 2022. Tech startups need to be prepared before entering the highly vulnerable market (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Cyber threat index 2022 (Startup edition)
Cybersecurity solutions include tools that protect businesses from online threats such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware. Startups that prioritize cybersecurity can protect their sensitive data and start a trustable relationship with their customers.
Some popular cybersecurity tools include:
Our data-driven cybersecurity hub offers a vast range of lists comparing the best solutions and tools to help you make your business more secure.
DevOps is a set of practices that combine software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). DevOps tools enable tech startups to streamline their development and deployment processes, reducing errors and downtime and improving collaboration among teams.
While selecting the right DevOp tools, a tech startup can consider the following:
- Integration with existing tools and infrastructure
- Scalability and flexibility to adapt to the startups changing needs
- Ease of use and learning curve to ensure teams can adapt to them fast
You can also work with the following DevOps as a Service provides to simplify this process:
- Threat Stack
- Diaspark Retail
- DevCom
Click here for the complete list of DevOps as a Service providers
Further reading
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