As the world becomes more and more connected, Companies can scale efficiently and draw on global talent, while keeping projects moving around the clock through Distributed Development. But not every model delivers the same results. At Gislen Software, we have spent decades refining our approach to deliver dependable quality, reliability, and value to our clients.
Come and listen when I share more thoughts on the “Shorter Time to Value with Distributed Development” at Epical Day 2025!
The Gislen Software Approach to Distributed Development
For over 30 years, we have built a reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions to clients across Europe. Our way of working is built on transparency, trust, personal touch, and technical competence. While others may focus mainly on cutting costs, our priority is always to deliver real value without ever compromising on quality.
Qualified and Well-Trained Professionals
One of the strengths of our distributed development model is our culture and the quality of our people. We never cut corners when it comes to hiring. We carefully select our new employees, and every team member undergoes a thorough training process (six months for college students) to make sure they have the skills needed to meet our clients’ expectations. Learning is a continuous part of our work, and we encourage everyone to stay current with new technologies. We also hold regular knowledge-sharing sessions, which we call “Kintsugi,” where colleagues present fresh ideas and recent advances.
Empowered Teams for Faster and Smarter Decision-Making
A common challenge in distributed development is the feeling that teams need constant supervision. At Gislen Software, we take a different approach. We trust our people to make well-informed decisions without requiring approval at every stage. Our engineers and developers have the freedom to act in the best interests of the project while keeping closely aligned with client goals. This way of working leads to quicker results, fewer delays, and a more responsive development process.
ISO 9000 Quality Management System
At Gislen Software, quality and environmental sustainability are critical parts of our way of conducting our business. We follow the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards to ensure our company and software meet high standards at every stage, from requirements collection to final delivery. We conduct mini quality audits of our projects and use ongoing improvements. Our ISO certification enables us to deliver reliable, high-quality results that consistently meet our clients’ expectations.
Environmental Responsibility and CSR
We take responsibility for reducing our environmental impact. Gislen Software is certified under ISO 14000, which reflects our commitment to sound environmental management and sustainable practices. We are also proud to be carbon-negative, which we have achieved by reducing our energy consumption, investing in renewable energy sources (such as solar panels & lithium batteries), and offsetting our remaining emissions through various projects in India. Beyond our focus on the environment, we also care about society. Through our Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, such as supporting education for underprivileged children via the Little Lambs School, we show our commitment to being an ethical and responsible company.
Exceptionally Low Attrition Rate
Retaining our employees is key to continuing to provide a first-class service and building even stronger expertise. Unlike many IT service providers that struggle with high staff turnover, we have always maintained a very low attrition rate. This stability enables us to maintain long-term client relationships, preserve valuable knowledge, and deliver consistent, reliable service.
Our Longstanding Partnership with Epical
We have enjoyed an outstanding partnership with our long-term partner, Epical Group in Sweden, for many years. Jointly, we ensure that we provide a first-class distributed development service. Since 2011, we have worked together to deliver integration solutions for leading Swedish companies, providing them with strong support in managing complex system integrations.
By running distributed teams that work seamlessly across locations, we have ensured solutions that are robust, scalable, and ready for the future. This collaboration with Epical highlights the strength of our methods, our technical skill, and our dedication to quality.**
Why Our Model Work
While many companies struggle to make distributed development work due to miscommunication, a lack of quality control, difficulties handling cultural challenges, or high attrition rates, we believe we have developed a model that consistently delivers good results. Here are some reasons why:
- Never compromise on quality – Every project adheres to rigorous quality assurance standards.
- Highly skilled staff – We ensure our teams are well-qualified and continuously upskilled.
- Empowered staff to make decisions – Our developers and engineers take ownership, resulting in reduced delays.
- Very low attrition rate – Ensuring stability, deep domain knowledge, and seamless project execution.
- Collaborate with local partners – Our collaboration with Epical demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach.
The Future of Distributed Development
Success in distributed development depends on choosing the right partners. At Gislen Software, we have created a model that not only works but delivers lasting results. Our long-term client and partner relationships are proof of the value we provide.
If you are seeking a reliable partner for high-quality distributed development, we would be glad to discuss how we can support your business. Contact us today!
What is distributed development?
Distributed development is a way of building software with teams working across different locations and time zones. Done well, it lets companies access global talent, scale faster, and keep delivery moving more continuously. The key is building strong coordination and quality practices, not just splitting work geographically.
What is the strategic advantage of distributed development?
The advantage is speed and flexibility: you can scale capacity, hire specialised skills globally, and reduce bottlenecks by working across locations. It can also shorten time to value when teams are aligned and empowered to make decisions. The model only pays off when quality and collaboration are designed in from the start.
Why do some distributed development setups fail?
Many fail due to miscommunication, weak quality control, unmanaged cultural differences, and high attrition. These issues create delays, rework, and unreliable delivery. The article argues that results depend more on operating model and discipline than on location.
How does Gislen Software describe its approach to distributed development?v
The approach is built on transparency, trust, personal touch, and technical competence. The focus is on delivering dependable quality and long-term value rather than just lowering costs. The model is presented as something refined over decades of delivery for European clients.
How does hiring and training support quality in a distributed team?
The article highlights careful hiring and structured onboarding, including extensive training for junior hires. Continuous learning is treated as part of the job, supported by regular internal knowledge-sharing sessions. This reduces skill gaps and improves consistency across teams.
What are “empowered teams” in distributed development?
Empowered teams are trusted to make well-informed decisions without needing approval at every step. This reduces delays and improves responsiveness, especially when teams are not co-located. Alignment to client goals is maintained, but decision-making stays close to the work.
How do ISO standards relate to distributed development quality?
The article links ISO 9000 (quality management) and ISO 14000 (environmental management) to consistent delivery practices. It describes using audits and continuous improvement to keep quality reliable across projects. Standards help make quality repeatable rather than dependent on individuals.
Why is low attrition important in distributed development?
Low attrition preserves knowledge, improves continuity, and reduces the cost of constant ramp-up. Stable teams also strengthen client relationships and delivery predictability. The article positions retention as a competitive advantage versus providers with high turnover.
What role do local partners play in this model?
Local partners help bridge client proximity with distributed execution, improving communication and alignment. The article highlights a long-standing partnership with Epical Group as part of delivering a “first-class” distributed service. This is framed as a way to increase reliability and reduce friction.
Is distributed development mainly about reducing costs?
Cost can be a benefit, but the article argues it should not be the primary driver. Prioritising cost over quality often leads to weak outcomes and trust issues. The strategic goal is dependable value and consistent delivery without compromising standards.
What practices are presented as key reasons this model works?
The article lists five: never compromising on quality, maintaining highly skilled and continuously upskilled staff, empowering teams to decide, keeping attrition low, and collaborating with strong local partners. Together these reduce delays and increase delivery reliability. It’s presented as a system, not a single tactic.
What should a company look for when choosing a distributed development partner?
Look for evidence of quality discipline, stable teams, clear ways of working, and proven collaboration across locations. Ask how decisions are made, how knowledge is shared, and how quality is audited. The article’s core message is that the partner’s operating model matters more than the geography.