The key skills to look for when hiring SaaS software developers

Finding the right SaaS software developers is the only way to make sure the SaaS product you create is a decent and functional one. This is an exceptionally specialized area, and just in case you are about to hire a developer yourself, it is important you know what to look for. The right dev team brings not just tech skills, but understanding about this specific niche. Then you can make sure, that the final product is secure, scalable, and user-friendly.

In this article, we will take a quick look at the main competencies that every good SaaS developer should have. But first, let’s start with what SaaS actually is.

(Image credit) Understanding SaaS

SaaS is an abbreviation for “Software as a Service”. This term refers to the model of software distribution where users get access to applications online and based on paid subscription plans. Unlike traditional software, SaaS is an improved version of distributing software, so to speak—a more modern one, tailored to the necessities of a modern user.

SaaS itself is stored in cloud infrastructures, so this means that compared to traditional software you need to download, you can just use SaaS online. This also means that the developers need to be able to account for such functionality.

It is in the right skills of a developer that separates headaches in the form of bugs, security issues, or poor user experiences from effectively launching a SaaS product.

Technical skills

A SaaS product is as good as its technical foundation, and this foundation is built by expert teams like Digiteum. Here’s what a SaaS developer should be competent in to stay relevant in the constantly growing SaaS market.

Starting with programming languages, of course. A good SaaS developer should be comfortable working with popular languages such as:

• JavaScript
• Python
• Ruby
• Node.js

That’s what scalable SaaS apps are typically built on. Of course, some fit certain projects better than others. It’s all about finding a developer who would know how to use the language effectively for your particular project and can consult you on this.

Another important matter is cloud Infrastructure, meaning your developer needs experience with services like:

• Amazon Web Services
• Google Cloud
• Microsoft Azure

These platforms offer the infrastructure required to host, scale, and maintain your SaaS product. Skilled SaaS software developers like Digiteum will know their way around those platforms, so they will be able to create a scalable product, that is also robust and reliable.

(Image credit) API integration and database management

APIs are an integral part of most SaaS products. Those interfaces allow different software systems to connect. A proficient SaaS developer should know their way around developing APIs and integrate them with other systems. This will help your product connect with third-party services since this is often a requirement in today’s market.

When it comes to database management, SaaS applications have to keep a huge volume of data for thousands or millions of users and store it somewhere securely. A good developer should be able to manage databases either in SQL form, like MySQL and PostgreSQL or in NoSQL form, like MongoDB.

DevOps and automation

With SaaS development, regular updates to the software and automation are crucial. That’s where DevOps enters the stage, and there’s a lot for them to handle.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, for example, are regular procedures in DevOps. A good SaaS developer understands that having CI/CD enables the product to have more frequent feature updates without service downtime or interruptions. Moreover, it is easy to deploy new features or bug fixes.

Containerization and microservices

SaaS applications are designed to run on containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, that allow to use of microservices. The microservices further break down an application into small, self-sufficient features that can be updated independently. An experienced developer who knows these tools can design a much more flexible app, which would, in turn, let your SaaS product grow without a hitch.

Online security and data protection

Security is a always concern. Especially when it comes to the enormous volumes of data that SaaS products handle. It requires a SaaS software developer who will not only write good code but also bring in best practices to protect sensitive data.

This requires an in-depth knowledge of encryption methods. A SaaS developer should also know about important standards and regulations while working with user data. Making sure that your product is protected from cyber threats will help you avoid security breaches, that are costly both for your wallet and your reputation.

Soft skills: Problem-solving and communication

No matter how brilliant your developers are, there will always be some unexpected issues along the way. That’s normal. What separates a great developer from a good one is their problem-solving skills: adapting to situations and finding solutions quickly.

It’s also important to keep in mind, that SaaS development is a team effort. The developers will have to work closely with their colleagues—designers, project managers, testers, managers, and others. Good communication means a mutual understanding for everyone involved. This in turn means that technical decisions will align with every other aspect of the product.

A good SaaS developer would not only have the technical expertise but would also be able to explain complex ideas to people less proficient in his work. This is crucial for discussing challenges and issues with other team members, who might not have a technical background. This skill will help your team collaborate better and move towards a common goal.

Conclusion

Picking up the right SaaS software developer is one of the most important things to build a competitive application. New technology appears every day, so SaaS developers should follow the latest tools, frameworks, and best practices to keep their skills sharp.

A good developer will always be in learning mode, adapting to changing trends to keep your SaaS product up-to-date too. In other words, investing in the right developer from the beginning will save time and money in the long run. This will be a guarantee that your SaaS project will achieve the results you want.

Featured image credit: Tai Bui / Unsplash