Meet our Innovative Minds: Maria Meheden

We're excited to introduce a new series that shines a light on the amazing people who make innovation happen at ASSIST Software. Our team is made up of highly skilled professionals who truly understand their fields and stay at the forefront of tech advances. In this series, we'll highlight their professionalism, expertise, and the value they bring to our projects. 

First up is Maria Meheden, the Deputy of our Microsoft Technologies department. Maria has been with us for eight years, and her deep knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem makes her an essential part of our team. Among us, she's known for developing and implementing solutions that meet clients' needs and exceed their expectations. 

What sets Maria apart is her mix of technical skills and client focus. She takes the time to understand what clients really need, building strong relationships that lead to impactful software solutions. Also, Maria is a big supporter of collaboration and communication. She thinks that the most successful projects are born from teamwork, and she creates an environment where every team member feels supported and motivated to contribute.

Tech Insights from Innovative Minds: Maria Meheden, Deputy of Microsoft Technologies

Don't miss our interview with Maria as she delves into her perspectives and insights on Microsoft Technologies.

Maria's insights into the Microsoft Technologies landscape

In the following interview, Maria shares her insights into the fast-evolving landscape of Microsoft Technologies, the role of Artificial Intelligence in the current software development industry, and the importance of building solid teams. We believe her perspectives will be valuable to both technical professionals and those interested in understanding the broader impact of technology on our work and future. Let's delve into the interview!

1️⃣ What frameworks or libraries do you consider to effectively and quickly deliver solutions based on a Microsoft Tech stack?

In my experience, using existing tools and services at every level is the best way to deliver an end-to-end solution efficiently. For example, you can use Blazor for web-based UIs, MAUI for mobile and native UIs, and .NET for the backend. You can host everything in the Azure cloud and connect with Azure Synapse and Power BI for business analytics

2️⃣ What recent advancements in the Microsoft ecosystem have stood out to you the most?

One of the advancements that stood out to me was .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI). This framework helped our team create both web & mobile apps using the same codebase and streamlined cross-platform development. I have also witnessed Blazor mature into a powerful tool, which our team used to build robust interactive web UIs. 

3️⃣Do you use AI tools? How do you integrate them into your projects?

Yes, we use Azure AI Services, including Vision, Language & Speech, Azure ML, and Synapse Analytics, to bring AI capabilities like image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive analytics into our work. AI is a core part of the Microsoft ecosystem we engage with, spanning from Office 365 to Azure Copilot and Power BI

We’ve also explored tools like Azure OpenAI Service, ML.NET, and Azure Semantic Kernel. 

4️⃣ What skills do you believe are indispensable for backend developers using Microsoft tools to remain at the forefront of innovation?

The Microsoft ecosystem is evolving, and new AI tools and skills are popping up regularly. Thus, it's essential for me and my team to keep learning and to stay updated. Thanks to the variety of tools and services available, there are countless ways to tackle a problem. I've found that quickly setting up what I need in Azure, testing out different solutions, and picking the best one is a valuable skill.  

5️⃣ With the increasing popularity of low-code/no-code solutions, what does the future hold for .NET developers?

I closely follow tech trends and am intrigued by the rise of low-code/no-code solutions. Tools like Azure Data Factory allow users to create virtually no-code ETL pipelines. Microsoft Power Platform offers a low-code/no-code approach to workflow automation, data analytics, and more. I believe these tools are excellent for handling simple tasks and are user-friendly for those without a tech background. Of course, for bespoke solutions, there's no substitute for professional software engineers. 

We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Maria as much as we did. In the future editions of "Tech Insights from Innovative Minds," we will introduce more colleagues who are making a difference through their expertise. We will feature a new interview each month, providing fresh insights and perspectives on the latest trends and technologies. Stay tuned!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ASSIST Software's development process?  

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) we employ defines the following stages for a software project. Our SDLC phases include planning, requirement gathering, product design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

2. What software development methodology does ASSIST Software use?  

ASSIST Software primarily leverages Agile principles for flexibility and adaptability. This means we break down projects into smaller, manageable sprints, allowing continuous feedback and iteration throughout the development cycle. We also incorporate elements from other methodologies to increase efficiency as needed. For example, we use Scrum for project roles and collaboration, and Kanban boards to see workflow and manage tasks. As per the Waterfall approach, we emphasize precise planning and documentation during the initial stages.

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We can offer software consultancy services to determine the type of software you need based on your specific requirements. Please explore what type of app development would suit your custom build product.   

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4. My software product is complex. Are you familiar with the Scaled Agile methodology?

We have been in the software engineering industry for 30 years. During this time, we have worked on bespoke software that needed creative thinking, innovation, and customized solutions. 

Scaled Agile refers to frameworks and practices that help large organizations adopt Agile methodologies. Traditional Agile is designed for small, self-organizing teams. Scaled Agile addresses the challenges of implementing Agile across multiple teams working on complex projects.  

SAFe provides a structured approach for aligning teams, coordinating work, and delivering value at scale. It focuses on collaboration, communication, and continuous delivery for optimal custom software development services. 

5. How do I choose the best collaboration model with ASSIST Software?  

We offer flexible models. Think about your project and see which models would be right for you.   

  • Dedicated Team: Ideal for complex, long-term projects requiring high continuity and collaboration.   
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  • Project-Based Model: Best for well-defined projects with clear deliverables and a fixed budget.   

Contact us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. 

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