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Things to Consider Before Launching a New Software Product

Published

5 years ago

September 29, 2019

Launching a new product of any kind can be a pretty stressful ordeal. Software is no different, even if the market works in its own peculiar ways. Some consider it a more relaxed field than many others, but that’s not quite the case these days with the way the market has been moving. It can actually be very challenging to keep up with the demands of your customers, and failing to do so can completely bury your company in some cases. This is not even an overstatement – it’s happened plenty of times in this field.

Customer Support

Customer support is perhaps the most critical part of your product, and yet one that gets overlooked quite often. It’s not just about selling your program and calling it a day. People will have problems and questions about it, and they will get frustrated if they can’t find answers easily. Many people expect things like e-mail and IM support by default these days, and they want fast responses too. You might find that this is a bit too much for you to cope with on your own. That’s fine, it happens to many companies. Look into outsourcing your customer support as quickly as possible if that’s the case, because you don’t want to deal with the consequences of unhappy customers.

Localization

Many developers underestimate the importance of localization too. After all, everyone speaks English, right? Wrong. The adoption rate of the language is not as great as you might think, and spending some money on a professional translation service via ProTranslate or a similarly experienced company can go a long way towards increasing the scope of your market. You’d be surprised how many people would outright refuse to buy your program if it’s not available in their own language, and this is even valid for some of the largest markets in the world, like Russia and China. You definitely can’t afford to ignore that.

Payment Options

If you’re going to be selling your program on your own – e.g. not through a third-party platform – you should consider what kinds of payment options you’re going to support as well. There are lots of choices in this regard, and some will be expected as a default baseline. You should at least get support for credit cards and PayPal in there. Throw in some cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin too if you want to get fancy. And if you want to make a strong impact on some particular markets, look into specific local payment options.

All of these points should be considered well in advance before launching your product. Sitting down to think about them after the launch is done can quickly lead to disaster and disappointment. And considering how easy it is to address some of these issues in the first place, it doesn’t make much sense to ignore them until the need has arisen. Take care of them early on and have some peace of mind for the actual launch of your product later on in the future.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.