Q: Is BearPeak a tech "matchmaking" service? A: We're more than that - We are your partner. Our clients look at BearPeak as an extension of their engineering team at all levels - Individual Contributor, Leadership / Strategy, and Human Resources. Q: Are BearPeak candidates BearPeak employees? A: Sometimes. BearPeak is flexible with our candidates (and clients), engaging with them on whatever basis is best for the individual. Some BearPeak candidates are employees, some are contractors. Q: What does BearPeak provide beyond the engineer? Any project management support, work tracking/guarantees, etc.? A: Every engagement (optionally) includes a dedicated "Software Delivery Director" at no additional cost, who ensures timelines are met and quality is high. We guarantee that if you're not happy - for any reason - in the first month (30 calendar days) we will refund our fee. Q: Are you serious about your money back guarantee? A: 100%! If you are not completely satisfied in the first month (30 calendar days) of the beginning of your BearPeak engagement, you may - for any reason - request a refund. We will return all fees related to the person who wasn't a fit and work to find you a replacement resource. Q: What are the strategic advantages of working with BearPeak? A: Flexibility, outside perspective, supervision, and significantly reduced risk. Q: What makes BearPeak candidates better than other agencies? A: BearPeak vets our candidates more deeply than typical agencies. In many cases, our candidates are people we have personal knowledge of; almost referrals. Q: How do BearPeak prices compare to the market? A: Comparable to fully burdened FTE salaries, typically. Cheaper than most of our competitors as well, on a margin basis, which means you receive higher-quality resources. Q: How do you compare contractors to FTEs from a cost perspective? A: We always look at compensation as a combination of base salary, benefits, bonuses, stock, etc - which we refer to as the "fully burdened" cost of the role. We also assume that only 48 full weeks of any given year are worked, as everyone needs time off. Q: Are you hiring? A: We're happy to hear you're interested in joining the BearPeak team! The best place to see our job openings and get notified of new ones is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bearpeaktech/jobs Q: What if my question isn't here in your FAQs? If your Q isn't an FAQ, let's chat! Visit our contact page to get in touch. BearPeak Technology Group is a software studio based in Boulder, CO, offering studio, strategy, and staffing services. The startup studio takes ideas from concept to reality. The strategy services range from Fractional CTO mentors to architecture and specialized skillset services. for startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The staffing services assist teams in connecting with high-quality software developers. If one of these sounds like the solution for you, get in touch with BearPeak for a free consultation at bearpeak.io/contact .

Let's discuss what CI/CD is and how its revolutionary structure can benefit your business. We don't need a word counter to tell you what themes will appear the most: 1. Continuous 2. Automation The CI/CD procedure harnesses the practicality of uninterrupted, constant development. Sections that suffer from human error and take valuable time away from developers are instead automated. CI/CD - Definition definition. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (or Delivery) is a set of procedures that streamline code changes for improved software development. It “introduces ongoing automation and continuous monitoring throughout the lifecycle of apps, from integration and testing phases to delivery and deployment. Taken together, these connected practices are often referred to as a CI/CD pipeline.” - Red Hat Let's break apart those sections: Continuous Integration definition. Continuous Integration refers to the procedure where copies of work are constantly merged. “Developers regularly merge their code changes into a central repository, after which automated builds and tests are run.” - Amazon Web Services . In the figure eight above, the steps that correlate to Continuous Integration are: 1. Plan - The precursor step: mapping out the procedure. 2. Code - Continuously writing and integrating code into a shared repository. 3. Build - Compiling and assembling code into executable artifacts / packages. 4. Test - Running automated tests to ensure the code functions as expected. Continuous Delivery definition. Continuous Delivery refers to automating the process of delivering code changes to a production-like environment, which tests and validates the code. “By developing in short cycles, teams can reliably release their software at any time… this reduce[s] the cost, time, and risk of delivering each change.” - Synopsys The pipeline steps that correlate are: 5. Release - Preparing and packaging the app for deployment, 6. Deploy - Moving the app to the staging environment for further testing. 7. Operate - Managing in the staging environment; tasks like configuring servers, setting up databases, and ensuring the environment is stable. 8. Monitor - Tracking the app's performance and health (which is an ongoing process). Continuous Delivery allows final testing and approval before actually deploying the code to production. The decision is typically made manually. Delivery Vs. Deployment The concept above is taken a step further: Once the code changes pass all tests and quality checks, they are automatically deployed without manual intervention. This means that the key difference between ‘Delivery’ and ‘Deployment’ is the level of human intervention in the decision-making process. Therefore, which the better option for your project? That may depend on these key factors: Is there a desire to achieve faster release cycles? What is your organization’s risk tolerance? Is there a systematic or legal need for final human approval before releasing changes into production? Consider these with your engineering team to pick the best process for your startup. Benefits of CI/CD Faster Development & Fewer Errors Since CI/CD automates the building, testing, and code change deployment process, it reduces manual errors and speeds up the cycle. No developer wants to release faulty code by mistake; CI/CD makes it less likely for errors to be deployed to production, which minimizes downtime and potential end-use issues. Improved Collaboration Developers can focus on writing code while operations teams manage the deployment process. Collaboration streamlines communication and also fosters a more efficient environment. Continuous Feedback Through automated testing, developers receive immediate feedback on their code changes. This feedback loop helps them identify and address issues early in the development cycle, promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Real-World Examples: Amazon The online retailer's move to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud "spurred a transition to a continuous deployment process that allows any developer to deploy their own code to whichever servers they need, whenever they want." - TechBeacon.com . This transition reduced the amount and duration of outages, which increased revenue. Netflix Their custom-built platform called Spinnaker "allows Netflix to deploy code changes to production environments in minutes rather than hours or days... Before using CICD pipelines, the website becomes unavailable; why push the updates on it?" - Shiksha Online Etsy "Etsy struggled with the development of their organization because they adopted the monolithic architecture." They adopted DevOps practices with a "CI/CD pipeline [that] helped in deploying services about 50 to 100 times a day." - Medium.com . They started automating integration with the tool Jenkins and developed Kale to monitor deployment. Challenges & Considerations While CI/CD pipelines are being implemented by top-name brands, it still may not be best for your project. Consider each of these potential outcomes with your team before rolling out a new structure plan: Complex Growth & Skillset Gaps As your application and pipeline evolve, the configuration files and scripts get more elaborate. Managing these can become complicated, leading to potential errors and inconsistencies. Team members may need to acquire new skills to effectively work with CI/CD tools and updates. Providing training and support will be essential. Storing and version-controlling pipeline configurations is also crucial. Use tools like Git to manage files and ensure consistency. Test Environments & Coverage Ensuring comprehensive test coverage can be challenging, especially as the app becomes more complex. Setting up and maintaining test environments can be resource-intensive. To address this, identify which areas need testing and maintain a balance between unit, integration, and end-to-end tests. Containerization and infrastructure as code (IaC) can help. Scalability As your application grows, you'll need to ensure that your CI/CD pipeline can scale with it. This includes scalable infrastructure for running tests and deploying to multiple environments. Security Testing It can be challenging to keep up with evolving security threats and vulnerabilities, but integrating security testing into the pipeline will be essential . Regularly update your security tools and practices, and manage access control and permissions. Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized changes or deployments. Third-Party Integrations Integration Dependencies. If your pipeline relies on third-party services or tools, you are dependent on their reliability and availability. Consider redundancy or fallback mechanisms for critical integrations. Compliance and Regulation Depending on your industry, you may need to adhere to specific compliance standards. Ensuring that your CI/CD pipeline complies with these standards can be a complex, ongoing effort. Handling Failures & Preparing Rollback Strategies Despite all precautions, failures can occur. Having well-defined incident response and recovery procedures is essential to minimize downtime and data loss. Consider the rollback complexity and whether you need a "canary" or "blue-green" deployment strategy to minimize risks. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of technical solutions, process improvements, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Successful CI/CD implementation involves not only selecting the right tools but also fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and adaptability within your development and operations teams. New to BearPeak? - Watch a client testimonial . - Explore our software studio . - Learn more about us . Wondering if CI/CD is right for your team? We're here to help ! At BearPeak, we can analyze your company's framework, needs, and goals to determine if CI/CD would be a beneficial new structure. It's important for us to disclose the multiple authors of this blog post: The original outline was written by chat.openai, an exciting new AI language model. The content was then edited and revised by Lindey Hoak. "OpenAI (2023). ChatGPT. Retrieved from https://openai.com/api-beta/gpt-3/" BearPeak Technology Group is a software studio based in Boulder, CO, offering studio, strategy, and staffing services. The startup studio takes ideas from concept to reality. The strategy services range from Fractional CTO mentors to architecture and specialized skillset services. for startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The staffing services assist teams in connecting with high-quality software developers. If one of these sounds like the solution for you, get in touch with BearPeak for a free consultation at bearpeak.io/contact .

It's time to design! Add these items to make your office space the foundation for a great work culture. This article is tailored for companies with a physical office space. If you're looking for tips for remote employee management, check out our last article . ↓ Scroll to the bottom for our Ultimate Office Space Shopping List ↓ New to BearPeak? - Watch a client testimonial . - Explore our software studio . - Learn more about us . TABLE OF CONTENTS Keep It Flexible Open & Collaborative Modern Tech Personalization Wellness Seek Feedback Keep It Flexible This space is going to evolve; Your staff will change people and size in ways you can't predict, so keep flexibility in mind. Pick modular furniture pieces that you can easily move around, desks that can adjust between standing and sitting, and signage for any workspace rules you want new teammates to inherit. Providing diverse workstations can keep the space feeling fresh from day to day. Designate separate spaces for collaborative work, quiet zones, and casual breaks to help your team work in harmony. Consider scheduling days for everyone to rearrange their workspaces, so they don't see the same wall or window every day of their career. Open & Collaborative Like mentioned above, it's good to have collaborative workspaces, or breakout areas. Invite your team to enter a space for informal coworker meetings, brainstorming, and conversation. Make sure your entire team is well-versed on your employee handbook . This will help staff understand what appropriate conduct for the office is, as well as when they're expected to be working. Modern Tech You don't need to have the latest technology to make your staff happy. But features like high-speed internet and tech-friendly spaces with ample charging stations are a plus. Personalization A shared business space is an opportunity for you, your staff, and your company to show some personality! Encourage your staff to decorate their desk spaces so they feel a sense of ownership and familiarity. Decorate your own space so your team can know you better, too. Customizing the space with company branding can encourage a sense of community. Wall art, murals, staff event photos, trophies or awards, even a display of some of your product's original prototypes can build team identity. Wellness If your staff are in the office just as much as they're at home (if not more!), it's important to incorporate a wellness space. Even if it's a single lawn chair on the office roof, a break room promotes a healthy work-life balance. If you have the space and the means, a meditation room, fitness area, or green space are great options, and can help your staff want to be at work! Instead of associating the office with stress, your staff could find it relaxing and productive. With everyone under the same roof, don't miss the opportunity to help your staff bond. Schedule regular group activities like team-building games, workshops, and events. The office space isn't worth much if everyone comes in, sits at their own desk, and barely interacts! Seek Feedback A great work culture is not just about the physical space, but also the team interactions, values, and relationships. Continuously seek feedback from your employees to adapt and improve this workspace based on their needs and preferences. Your staff will also feel respected and appreciated if they know you're willing to make changes on their behalf. The Ultimate Office Space Shopping List Click to view as a PDF Furniture: Desks (adjustable or standing) Office chairs (ergonomic) Meeting room table(s) Meeting room chairs Lounge/breakout area modular (and moveable) couch Lounge/breakout area chairs Shelving units (modular if possible) Collaboration Tools: Whiteboards or glass boards Projector Projector screen Video conferencing equipment Technology Essentials: Computers and laptops High-speed internet and Wi-Fi routers Printers and scanners Ample outlets / charging stations Office Decor: Brand signage or logos Plants (real or fake, the more the merrier) Wall art or murals Trophies/awards Team photos Warm-toned lighting fixtures Storage Solutions: Filing cabinets Storage lockers Shelves (modular) Cable management solutions Workstation Accessories: Desk organizers Monitor stands Warm-toned desk lamps Noise-canceling headphones Meeting Room Essentials: Meeting room scheduling system Flip charts or presentation boards Breakout Area Supplies: Magazines or reading materials Wellness and Relaxation: Meditation cushions or mats Fitness equipment Wellness room accessories Relaxing background music system Kitchen and Pantry Supplies: Refrigerator Microwave Coffee machine or espresso maker Utensils Plates Cups Mugs Dish soap Sponge Paper towels Safety and Security: First aid kit Fire extinguishers Security cameras Secure document disposal bins Office Supplies: Stationery (pens, notebooks, sticky notes) Whiteboard markers Printer paper and ink cartridges Staplers and paper clips Label maker Personalization and Employee Well-being: Desk toys or stress-relief items Employee recognition board Grab bin / available items for staff desk décor Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies: Cleaning supplies Trash bins and recycling bins Vacuum cleaner or cleaning service arrangement Light bulbs and maintenance tools The Fine Details Scent plug-ins or diffusers Seasonal gifts for bathroom attendants Seasonal gifts for staff Polaroid camera to capture office moments Dog treats, food, and bowls for pet visitors It's important for us to disclose the multiple authors of this blog post: The original outline was written by chat.openai, an exciting new AI language model. The content was then edited and revised by Lindey Hoak. "OpenAI (2024). ChatGPT. Retrieved from https://openai.com/api-beta/gpt-3/ " BearPeak Technology Group is a software studio based in Boulder, CO, offering studio, strategy, and staffing services. The startup studio takes ideas from concept to reality. The strategy services range from Fractional CTO mentors to architecture and specialized skillset services. for startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The staffing services assist teams in connecting with high-quality software developers. If one of these sounds like the solution for you, get in touch with BearPeak for a free consultation at bearpeak.io/contact .

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY. BearPeak's Startup Design Studio will bring your ideas to life. Trusted by companies big & small Let's go on an expedition to... Build your MVP as you learn product management. With BearPeak's guidance, we'll drive you to product launch. Provide deliverables, not just advice. We're here to supply structure for your product process. Help you know and find your customer. Bring your idea to life. Empower Your Startup Journey You shouldn't have to give away pieces of your business just to get Let's Talk started. De-risk your venture and be your own first investor with BearPeak as your guide. How You'll Conquer the Tech Landscape Product Design What problem does your product solve? In this stage, we'll lead you through how to become a customer-focused, product-led, lean startup. Cross-Platform Solutions Next, we'll build a website and app for you with intentional design. Let's make your online presence seamlessly intuitive and intriguing. Data & Scalability A solid foundation will support your growth. We'll incorporate cloud-native infrastructure and automated deployments using i ndustry-best data & business intelligence. Bootstrapping = Success You're putting your skin in the game, demonstrating that your product is viable, and showing you have the motivation to find the right people. These traits look excellent to investors. We'll help get you in front of them and prepare you for that conversation. This is a foundation for initial and future startup success. Build the right product for the right reason in the right way. Connect with Our Startup Studio "I can not say enough great things about the people and quality of work at BearPeak. [They] demonstrated their technical expertise, attention to detail, and ability to execute and deliver in tackling the re-platforming of our central data store and conducting a thorough analysis of our storage platforms. These projects took deep technical analysis and collaboration, and BearPeak surpassed our expectations." Lee Gerakos President and CTO of TrainingPeaks Claim your free consultation by scheduling a call. LET'S HIT THE TRAIL!

CONCEPT → REALITY Let's take your product idea from the back of a napkin to MVP. We'll accelerate your concept with deliverables, not just advice. ​ Work with skilled experts in BearPeak's Startup Studio . LEARN HOW Up Studio Strategy Staffing Up YOUR STARTUP AT IT S PEAK. Unlock Your Potential Trusted by Companies Big and Small WE HELP STARTUPS START UP. BearPeak is committed to connecting people with great ideas to experts who bring ideas to life. Even if you don't hire us, we'll g et you connected to our startup network, which spans multiple exits. We want to see you succeed! Learn Our Story "I can not say enough great things about the people and quality of work at BearPeak. [They] demonstrated their technical expertise, attention to detail, and ability to execute and deliver in tackling the re-platforming of our central data store and conducting a thorough analysis of our storage platforms. These projects took deep technical analysis and collaboration, and BearPeak surpassed our expectations." Lee Gerakos President and CTO of TrainingPeaks OUR QUALITY GUARANTEE If any issues arise within the first 30 days, you can walk away at no cost . All services come with this risk-free money-back guarantee because we're positive you'll have an amazing experience! Let's Talk Claim your free consultation by scheduling a call. LET'S HIT THE TRAIL!