In this article we are going to see what involves in developing a digital product that a founder should know. We are covering here typical definition steps as well as tools and technologies to use to cover all aspects of your digital product.

Process

Developing a digital product involves creating a digital experience that connects a customer to your business electronically. It is a process that requires research, design, development, testing, and launch of a digital solution that solves a problem or fulfills a need for the target audience.

There are different models and frameworks for digital product development, but some common stages are

Analysis, Research & Preparation 

This stage involves identifying the market need, the customer pain points, the value proposition, and the feasibility of the product idea. It also involves conducting market research, competitor analysis, user interviews, surveys, and other methods to validate the product concept and define the product vision and goals.

Sketching & Wireframing 

This stage involves creating low-fidelity sketches and wireframes of the product interface and functionality. It helps to visualize the user flow, the layout, the navigation, and the key features of the product. It also helps to get feedback from stakeholders and potential users early on and iterate on the design.

Design 

This stage involves creating high-fidelity mockups and prototypes of the product that reflect the branding, the aesthetics, and the user experience of the product. It also involves applying design principles, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistency, usability, and accessibility of the product. It also helps to test the product with users and refine the design based on their feedback.

Prototyping 

This stage involves creating a working model of the product that simulates its functionality and behavior. It helps to validate the technical feasibility, the performance, and the functionality of the product. It also helps to identify any issues or bugs that need to be fixed before development.

Agile Implementation

This stage involves developing the product using an agile methodology that allows for frequent delivery of working software, collaboration among cross-functional teams, and adaptation to changing requirements. It also involves following coding standards, quality assurance practices, and security measures to ensure reliability and maintainability of the product.

Launch 

This stage involves releasing the product to the market and making it available to customers. It also involves monitoring the product performance, usage, feedback, and satisfaction. It also involves measuring the product outcomes against the predefined goals and metrics.

Maintenance & Support 

This stage involves providing ongoing support and updates to the product to ensure its functionality, security, and relevance. It also involves fixing any issues or bugs that arise, adding new features or enhancements based on customer feedback or market trends, and optimizing the product for better performance or user experience.

These stages are not necessarily linear or sequential; they can overlap or repeat depending on the nature and scope of the product.

Tools and Technologies

Modern digital product development involves integrations with APIs and Cloud Solutions. Custom development should be only focused on core features of your product. Here we have listed some tools and technologies you can consider for taking care of developing and running your digital platform.

Mobile App

Mobile app development involves different tools and technologies depending on the type of app, the target platform, and the desired features and functionality.

Some of the common tools and technologies for mobile app development are:

Programming languages: These are the languages used to write the code for the app logic, user interface, and data processing. Some of the popular programming languages for mobile app development are Java, Kotlin, Swift, Objective-C, C#, Dart, JavaScript, and Python.

Frameworks: These are software libraries that provide reusable code, components, and tools for developing apps faster and easier. Some of the popular frameworks for mobile app development are Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, Ionic, PhoneGap, Appcelerator, and NativeScript.

Web Application 

Web application development is the process of creating software applications that run on web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Web application development involves different tools and technologies.

There are software libraries that provide reusable code, components, and tools for developing apps faster and easier. Some of the popular frameworks for web application development are React, Angular, Vue, Laravel, Ruby on Rails, Django, Spring Boot, and ASP.NET.

Website and Content Management 

Two of the most popular tools for creating websites are WordPress and Neos CMS:

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create and manage websites without coding. WordPress offers thousands of themes and plugins that can customize the appearance and functionality of the website. WordPress is suitable for beginners and professionals alike, as it is easy to use, flexible, and scalable. WordPress is widely used for blogs, news sites, e-commerce sites, and more.

Neos CMS is a modern CMS that allows users to create and edit content directly on the website, using a live editing feature. Neos CMS also offers a beautiful and intuitive control panel, a powerful roles and user management system, and a flexible content model. Neos CMS is suitable for complex and enterprise-level projects, as it is highly customizable, secure, and performant. Neos CMS is widely used for corporate websites, e-commerce sites, publishing sites, and more.

eCommerce 

E-commerce websites can be created using different tools and technologies, depending on the needs and preferences of the website owner. Two of the most popular tools for creating e-commerce websites are Magento and WooCommerce.

Magento is an open-source e-commerce software that allows users to create and manage online stores without coding. Magento offers a variety of features and functionalities, such as product catalog management, shopping cart management, checkout management, order management, customer account management, inventory management, marketing tools, analytics tools, and more. Magento is suitable for medium-to-large businesses that need a scalable, customizable, and secure e-commerce solution.

WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin that allows users to create and manage online stores using WordPress. WooCommerce offers a simple and easy way to turn any WordPress site into an e-commerce site, with features such as product catalog management, shopping cart management, checkout management, order management, customer account management, inventory management, marketing tools, analytics tools, and more. WooCommerce is suitable for small-to-medium businesses that need a flexible, affordable, and user-friendly e-commerce solution. WooCommerce is widely used by millions of WordPress sites.

Hosting 

Cloud hosting offers many benefits, such as high availability, performance, security, and flexibility. Cloud hosting also allows users to pay only for the resources they use, rather than a fixed monthly or annual fee. There are many cloud hosting providers in the market, but some of the most popular and reputable ones are:

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is the leading cloud hosting provider, with a global network of data centers and a wide range of services and features. AWS offers cloud computing, storage, database, networking, analytics, machine learning, security, and more. AWS also has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with various plans and options to suit different needs and budgets. AWS is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any type of workload and scale easily.

Microsoft Azure: Azure is the second-largest cloud hosting provider, with a global network of data centers and a comprehensive portfolio of services and features. Azure offers cloud computing, storage, database, networking, analytics, machine learning, security, and more. Azure also has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with various plans and options to suit different needs and budgets. Azure is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any type of workload and scale easily.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP is the third-largest cloud hosting provider, with a global network of data centers and a rich set of services and features. GCP offers cloud computing, storage, database, networking, analytics, machine learning, security, and more. GCP also has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, with various plans and options to suit different needs and budgets. GCP is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any type of workload and scale easily.

These are just some of the top cloud hosting providers in the market; there are many others that can offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on the type and scope of the web project. 

Payment Gateways 

Payment gateway integration is the process of connecting a website or an application with a service that enables users to accept and process payments online. Payment gateway integration allows users to offer various payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc. There are many payment gateway services in the market, but some of the most popular and reputable ones are:

Stripe: Stripe is a payment gateway service that allows users to accept and process payments online using various methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc. Stripe also offers features and functionalities, such as recurring billing, invoicing, subscription management, fraud prevention, reporting and analytics, etc. Stripe is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any type of payment scenario and scale easily.

PayPal: PayPal is a payment gateway service that allows users to accept and process payments online using various methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc. PayPal also offers features and functionalities, such as recurring billing, invoicing, subscription management, fraud prevention, reporting and analytics, etc. PayPal is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any type of payment scenario and scale easily.

Chargebee: Chargebee is a payment gateway service that allows users to accept and process payments online using various methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc. Chargebee also offers features and functionalities, such as recurring billing, invoicing, subscription management, dunning management, tax management, reporting and analytics, etc. Chargebee is suitable for businesses that run on recurring revenue models (such as SaaS or e-commerce), as it can handle complex and flexible subscription scenarios.

Transactional Emails 

Transactional emails are emails that are triggered by a user's action or interaction with a website or an application, such as account creation, password reset, order confirmation, invoice receipt, etc. Transactional emails are essential for communicating important information and updates to customers and users. Some of the top services for sending transactional emails in Europe are:

SendGrid: SendGrid is a transactional email service that allows users to send and deliver transactional emails using various methods, such as SMTP, API, or web interface. SendGrid also offers features and functionalities, such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. SendGrid is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any volume and type of transactional email and scale easily.

Mailjet: Mailjet is a transactional email service that allows users to send and deliver transactional emails using various methods, such as SMTP, API, or web interface. Mailjet also offers features and functionalities, such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. Mailjet is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any volume and type of transactional email and scale easily.

Postmark: Postmark is a transactional email service that allows users to send and deliver transactional emails using various methods, such as SMTP or API. Postmark also offers features and functionalities, such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. Postmark is suitable for businesses that prioritize speed and reliability of their transactional emails, as it can deliver emails in seconds and guarantee high inbox placement.

Sendinblue allows users to send and deliver transactional emails using various methods, such as SMTP or API. Sendinblue also offers features such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc.

Email Marketing 

Email marketing is a digital marketing strategy that involves sending emails to prospects and customers to promote products, services, or content. Top tools for email marketing in Europe are

Intuit Mailchimp: Intuit Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform that allows users to create and send email campaigns using various methods, such as drag-and-drop editor, HTML editor, or API. Intuit Mailchimp also offers features such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, automation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. Intuit Mailchimp is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any volume and type of email campaign and scale easily.

Sendinblue: Sendinblue is a CRM platform that allows users to create and send email campaigns using various methods, such as drag-and-drop editor, HTML editor, or API. Sendinblue also offers features such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, automation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. Sendinblue is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries, as it can handle any volume and type of email campaign and scale easily.

HubSpot email marketing is a feature of HubSpot Marketing Hub that allows users to create and send email campaigns using various methods, such as drag-and-drop editor, HTML editor, or API. HubSpot email marketing also offers features such as email templates, personalization, segmentation, automation, analytics, deliverability optimization, etc. HubSpot email marketing is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries that want to improve their customer experience and grow their business. HubSpot email marketing is powered by HubSpot CRM, which means that users can leverage their contact data to tailor their emails to each recipient.

Maps and Distance Calculations

Maps and distance calculations are useful features for many applications that involve location-based data, such as navigation, travel, delivery, etc. 

Google Maps Platform: Google Maps Platform is a collection of APIs and SDKs that enable developers to integrate Google Maps features into their applications. Google Maps Platform offers various APIs for maps and distance calculations.

Mapbox: Mapbox is a platform that provides various tools and services for creating custom maps and location-based applications. Mapbox offers various APIs for maps and distance calculations

Delivery Services

API integration with delivery services is the process of connecting an application with a service that enables users to send and track parcels online. API integration with delivery services can help users to streamline their shipping operations, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and access new markets. There are many delivery services in Europe that provide APIs for integration, such as:

DHL eCommerce Solutions Europe: This API allows users to send shipment data, retrieve labels, and access track and trace information for DHL Parcel Connect, DHL Parcel Return Connect, DHL Parcel Connect PLUS, and DHL Parcel International products. These products are suitable for cross-border and direct injection shipments within Europe and from Europe to the rest of the world.

DPD Classic: This API allows users to send international parcels within Europe with fast transit times, insurance up to 520 € per parcel or 8.33 SDR per kg (whichever is higher), online parcel tracking, and proof of delivery. This service is available for DPD's contractual customers and occasional shippers.

GLS Web API: This API allows users to create labels and manifests for domestic and international parcels with GLS products and services. Users can also access parcel tracking information and print labels in PDF format. This API is suitable for small and medium-sized shippers who want to integrate GLS into their web applications.

Accounting Integration

API integration with DATEV, Sage, FastBill, SavDesk, Lexoffice is the process of connecting an application with one or more of these accounting software solutions that enable users to manage their financial transactions, records, reports, and compliance.

DATEVconnect online: This API allows users to transfer data from their application to DATEV applications, such as DATEV Unternehmen online or DATEV Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen. Users can also retrieve data from DATEV applications to their application, such as master data or account balances.

Sage Accounting API: This API allows users to access and manipulate data in Sage Accounting products, such as Sage 50cloud or Sage Business Cloud Accounting. Users can perform various tasks related to time-definite international shipments , such as rating , shipping , tracking , products , landed cost , etc.

FastBill: FastBill is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed for small businesses and freelancers. FastBill allows users to create and send invoices, track expenses, manage projects, accept payments, and generate reports. FastBill also integrates with various third-party apps and services, such as PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, Zapier, etc. FastBill provides an API for integration that allows users to access and manipulate data in FastBill products , such as customers , invoices , expenses , projects , etc.

SavDesk: SavDesk is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed for small businesses and freelancers. SavDesk allows users to create and send invoices, track expenses, manage taxes, accept payments, and generate reports. SavDesk also integrates with various third-party apps and services , such as PayPal , Stripe , Shopify , Zapier , etc. SavDesk provides an API for integration that allows users to access and manipulate data in SavDesk products , such as customers , invoices , expenses , taxes , etc.

Lexoffice: Lexoffice is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals. Lexoffice allows users to create and send invoices, track expenses, manage taxes, accept payments, and generate reports. Lexoffice also integrates with various third-party apps and services , such as PayPal , Stripe , Shopify , Zapier , etc. Lexoffice provides an API for integration that allows users to access and manipulate data in Lexoffice products , such as customers , invoices , expenses , taxes , etc.

Multiple languages and Translation

Translation tools are software applications that help users to translate text or speech from one language to another. 

SDL Trados Studio: SDL Trados Studio is a professional translation software that enables users to translate and edit various types of files, such as documents, websites, software, etc.

Smartcat: Smartcat is a cloud-based translation platform that enables users to translate and manage various types of projects, such as documents, websites, software, etc. Smartcat supports over 100 languages and offers features such as translation memory, terminology management, quality assurance, machine translation, etc. 

Memsource: Memsource is a cloud-based translation management system that enables users to translate and manage various types of projects , such as documents , websites , software , etc. Memsource supports over 400 languages and offers features such as translation memory , terminology management , quality assurance , machine translation , etc.

Lokalise: Lokalise is a cloud-based localization platform that enables users to translate and manage various types of projects , such as websites , software , mobile apps , games , etc. Lokalise supports over 80 languages and offers features such as translation memory , terminology management , quality assurance , machine translation , etc.

Chat and Customer Service

Chat and customer service tools are software applications that help users to communicate with their customers and provide them with support and assistance.

Zendesk: Zendesk is a cloud-based customer service platform that enables users to provide omnichannel support to their customers across various channels, such as email, phone, chat, messaging, social media, etc.

HubSpot Service Hub: HubSpot Service Hub is a cloud-based customer service platform that enables users to provide proactive and personalized support to their customers across various channels , such as email , phone , chat , messaging , social media , etc. 

Intercom Chat and Customer Service are the ways that Intercom helps businesses communicate with their customers and provide them with assistance and support. Intercom Chat and Customer Service can include: Messenger, Inbox, Articles, Automation and Reporting.

Cloud-Based Testing Tools

Cloud-based testing tools for mobile and web application are software applications that allow testers to access real or virtual devices on the cloud for testing mobile and web applications.

Tools that allow testers to interact with real or virtual devices on the cloud for manual testing of mobile and web applications. Manual testing tools can provide real-world conditions, gesture support, and remote debugging. Some examples of manual testing tools are 

1. Kobiton
2. BrowserStack 
3. LambdaTest 
4. HeadSpin
5. Perfecto

Uptime Monitoring

Cloud-based testing tools for monitoring the uptime and downtime of websites can include:

Alertra: A cost-effective tool that checks multiple services such as HTTPS, DNS, FTP, SSL/TLS, SMTP, POP, URLs, REST APIs, and SOAP web services from over 30 locations around the world. 

Pingdom: A cloud-based tool that checks your website’s uptime, response times, load times, and error rate from more than 60 locations. Pingdom also offers real user monitoring, page speed analysis, transaction monitoring, and alerting features. 

Uptime.com: A testing service that monitors website availability, performance, functionality, and security from over 30 locations. Uptime.com also offers real user monitoring, domain health checks, API monitoring, and status pages. 

CRM - Customer Relationship Management 

Cloud-based CRM for startups are software applications that help startups to manage their customer relationships, sales, marketing, and other business processes on the cloud. 

HubSpot CRM: A powerful and popular CRM that offers a generous free plan and startup-exclusive discounts. HubSpot CRM provides contact management, deal pipeline, email marketing, web analytics, chatbot, and integrations with Slack and Gmail. HubSpot CRM also offers paid plans for more advanced features such as automation, reporting, and customer service.

Zoho CRM: A comprehensive and customizable CRM that offers a free plan for up to three users and affordable paid plans for startups. Zoho CRM provides lead management, sales automation, email marketing, social media integration, AI assistant, and integrations with Zoho apps and other third-party tools.

Pipedrive: A user-friendly and sales-focused CRM that offers a 14-day free trial and low-cost paid plans for startups. Pipedrive provides pipeline management, email tracking, lead generation, automation, reporting, and integrations with over 200 apps.

Social Media Marketing 

Cloud-based social media management tools for startups are software applications that help startups to manage their social media activities on the cloud. These tools can help startups to create, schedule, publish, monitor, and analyze their social media content and presence across multiple platforms. Some examples of these tools are Buffer, Crowdfire, and SocialBee.

Project Management

Agile project management tools for startups are software applications that help startups to manage their projects using agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban. Agile methodologies are value-driven approaches that break down complex work into smaller tasks, encourage frequent feedback, and adapt to changes. Agile project management tools can help startups to plan, track, release, report, and automate their projects. Some examples of agile project management tools are Jira, Zoho Sprints and ClickUp. 

Team Communication

Team communication tools are software applications that help teams to communicate and collaborate effectively across different platforms and devices. Team communication tools can include features such as team chats, emails, video/audio calls, file sharing, cloud storage, project management, and integrations with other tools. 

Teams: A Microsoft product that allows teams to chat, call, meet, and collaborate in one place. Teams also integrates with Office 365 apps and other third-party tools. 

Slack: A popular tool that allows teams to create channels for different topics, send direct messages, make voice and video calls, and share files. Slack also integrates with over 2,000 apps and services. 

Asana: A project management tool that allows teams to create projects, tasks, subtasks, assignees, due dates, and dependencies. Asana also allows teams to communicate via comments, mentions, and status updates.