Why Software Sucks in Alaska (and how we can make it better)

Key Takeaways

• Terrible software is ubiquitous
• Before the cloud, cheap memory, and unlimited 5G bandwidth, programmers had to optimize for limited resources
• Programmers have forgotten the fundamentals of memory management and web design
• Most importantly, they've taken for granted network reliability and performance
• ASAS understands that Alaskans face unique network challenges and builds performance-first applications
• Software in Alaska should be performance-first, offline-capable, and resilient to network issues
• ASAS provides world-class software solutions tailored to Alaska's unique needs

Terrible software is ubiquitous

Bloated, sluggish applications have become the industry standard, frustrating users everywhere regardless of their location. We have grown accustomed to waiting for loading spinners and dealing with glitches as part of our daily digital lives. Unfortunately, this acceptance of mediocrity means developers rarely feel the pressure to improve core performance.

Before the cloud, cheap memory, and unlimited 5G bandwidth, programmers had to optimize for limited resources

In the early days of computing, every byte of RAM and every cycle of the CPU had to be carefully accounted for to prevent a crash. Developers wrote lean, efficient code because the hardware simply couldn't handle anything else. This constraint bred a discipline of optimization that is sadly missing from many modern development workflows.

Most programmers have forgotten the fundamentals of memory management and web architecture

With the abundance of powerful devices, many coders rely on heavy frameworks that consume excessive resources without a second thought. They prioritize flashy features and ease of development over the structural efficiency of the application itself. This results in websites that might look modern but are actually digital behemoths that struggle to run on anything less than fiber optics.

Most importantly, they've taken for granted network reliability and performance

Modern software architecture often assumes a constant, high-speed connection to the internet is available at all times. When that connection falters or drops entirely, these fragile applications break down completely rather than degrading gracefully. This "always-online" mentality alienates users who live outside major metropolitan hubs where connectivity is a luxury, not a guarantee.

ASAS understands that Alaskans face unique network challenges and builds performance-first applications

We know that a reliable connection in Anchorage doesn't guarantee a signal in hub and spoke communities, so we design with these constraints in mind from day one. ASAS prioritizes lightweight code and efficient data transfer to ensure our software remains usable even on slow satellite or spotty cellular connections. We treat bandwidth as a precious resource rather than an infinite utility.

Software in Alaska should be performance-first, offline-capable, and resilient to network issues

Applications built for Alaska must be able to function seamlessly when the internet cuts out, storing data locally until a connection returns. Resilience isn't just a feature; it is a necessity for critical business operations and safety in remote areas. By focusing on offline-first architecture, we ensure that work doesn't stop just because the signal does.

ASAS provides world-class software solutions tailored to Alaska's unique needs

We combine top-tier engineering standards with a deep understanding of the local infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. Our solutions offer the sophistication of Silicon Valley technology with the rugged reliability required for the Alaskan environment. With ASAS, you get software that works as hard and as resiliently as the people who use it.