The development of Edlevo in Pune, India

Over the years, the Tietoevry Industry's education software team in Pune has grown steadily, establishing itself as a central factor in the development of Edlevo – a complete management system for schools.  

Sourabh Deshpande, a Senior Software Architect who has been part of the journey in Pune for the last 14 years, recalls: "We started with just a handful of people, focusing primarily on small tasks like routine bug fixing and maintenance”, tells Sourabh, further explaining how the team set high standards for themselves from the very beginning: “Within the constraints of a newly formed team, we contributed in the best possible way, which became the foundation for our future growth.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Pune team has evolved from a background player into a driving force behind problem-solving and progress. Their development is a prime example of how technical expertise combined with teamwork and personal commitment can propel an organization forward.

Developing expertise 

Between 2012 and 2013, the team began to develop more complex features, growing significantly in number of members. This era also saw the introduction of the Senior Technical Lead role, enhancing the Edlevo team's ability to handle increasingly intricate tasks.  

“Developing senior roles here in Pune was an important milestone, leading us to take greater responsibilities in product development”, explains Chaitanya Saravate, Manager of Product Development.  

The expanding skill set facilitated the growth of more sophisticated and nuanced solutions, firmly establishing the team's reputation for technical expertise. 

Driving engineering and leadership roles 

The trust and confidence within the Pune office have grown steadily, resulting in a team who provide technical leadership in roles such as Test Manager, Architect, and Security Coach. Besides the technical expertise the team is recognized for its ability to rapidly adapt to new competencies. By actively recruiting young engineering talent from universities, the office benefits from diverse perspectives that challenge and enrich existing ways of working and thinking. 

Pallavi Bhat, Head of Education in India, highlights that shifting from a broad leadership structure to a focused one under the Edlevo development has improved communication and strategic involvement: "These structural changes have aligned the Pune team more closely with the organization's objectives, giving us a clearer understanding of the business and a strategic approach to product and customer relationships”, Pallavi explains. She emphasizes that this closer collaboration with the Nordics has not only strengthened the team’s cohesion but also unified their goals and determination.  

Chaitanya affirms, "Today, we significantly contribute to all aspects of product development, highlighting our pivotal role in the organization's progress." 

"We believe in software craftsmanship."   

Sucheta Gadewar, a Scrum Master, plays a crucial role in facilitating and coaching teams to deliver value-driven solutions while considering targeted market opportunities: “In an agile environment, product development involves balancing innovation and experimentation with maintaining predictability and stability. I help teams and stakeholders focus on delivering value while keeping product deliveries on track. This involves continuous facilitation, coaching, and process optimization”, Sucheta explains. 

To continuously elevate developers' competence, constant learning and knowledge exchange are essential. Sourabh, together with the other technical engineers, serves as a catalyst in fostering knowledge and team development in Pune. "We conduct study circles to discuss new technologies and assign homework, ensuring our developers are constantly learning”, says Sourabh, who leads architecture and technology initiatives with Team Pathfinder, the global team of architects. 

Siddharth Gulawani holds significant responsibility for ensuring software quality. Initially joining the team as a test automation specialist, he transitioned to the role of Test Manager, where he optimizes testing processes. "There are numerous quality checks to consider when developing software products. My primary task is to ensure quality before delivery by devising new testing strategies and defining new standards”, he explains. 

Apart from implementing common test automation frameworks, Siddharth is instrumental in the broader adoption of testing practices. He elaborates, “Building skills and establishing practices across all development teams is equally important.” 

Sourabh highlights how the work with Edlevo distinguishes itself from many other software providers: "We understand that the products we build have a very long life span. Therefore, we believe not only in building the working software but also in software craftsmanship so that our products can be maintained and enhanced over the years or even decades”, he concludes. 

Sucheta underscores the importance of seeing the bigger picture, enabling teams to align their goals with the mission: "Our mission is to simplify everyday life in schools. Keeping this in mind makes our work more meaningful and purpose-driven”, she states. 

A rewarding collaboration across continents…   

As the Industry education development team in Pune has grown and taken on more responsibilities in key deliveries, internal investments, and strategy, building shared insights among stakeholders and seamless collaboration across sites and cultures has become increasingly vital for maintaining and enhancing operational efficiency. To achieve this, leadership has made concerted efforts to cultivate a culture of trust, transparency, and teamwork. 

"In recent years, we have invited Nordic leadership teams to Pune. This initiative has significantly deepened our common understanding of each other's challenges, cultures, and thought processes, bringing us closer and enhancing decision-making and efficiency. Meeting in person, engaging in discussions, and participating in joint activities strengthens our connections both personally and professionally”, says Chaitanya. 

Further enriching the intercontinental collaboration, Pallavi Bhat highlights an initiative where five engineers from the Pune office travelled to the Skellefteå office in Sweden to support a major customer. She emphasizes the profound insights gained from this experience, which significantly boosted their understanding of the client's operations. "Upon their return, these engineers shared their newfound knowledge, enhancing the entire team's engagement”, Pallavi explains, describing it as a pivotal step: "This firsthand exposure was crucial for advancing collaboration within the Pune team, improving our operational and cultural competence, and elevating our role within the organization”. 

Sucheta also finds the exchange with her Nordic colleagues inspiring and rewarding. She appreciates the Nordic approach, which emphasizes understanding the purpose and thoroughly exploring problems, fostering a lateral perspective rather than linear thinking. "A valuable insight I've gained is that a scientific problem-solving approach, such as rapid experimentation, ensures a fulfilling learning experience and instills the courage to navigate change", she reflects. 

…with differences that enrich 

As collaboration deepens, navigating diverse perspectives becomes an enriching experience. Siddharth maintains a close dialogue with stakeholders and product owners in the Nordics to ensure comprehensive testing is conducted before launching new products. "I need to understand the potential testing needed for the functionalities being developed”, he notes. However, navigating the multicultural environment presents challenges. "Our ways of expressing ourselves and explaining things sometimes differ, so I've learned to convey and receive information in a way that ensures mutual understanding", he adds.  

Reflecting on past challenges, Kristina Boström, who works closely with the Pune team from the Nordics, notes that cultural differences were more pronounced initially. "In the beginning, it was clear that we had different expectations and ways of working", she recalls. Over time, she has seen positive changes as both sides have learned to navigate these differences. “I've learned to communicate in ways that align more effectively with my Indian team members, acknowledging our different frames of reference.” 
 
Jakob Normark, an Area Product Owner of Edlevo, highlights the importance of presenting the underlying needs for development. "A crucial factor for success, especially for our Indian teams, is to clearly communicate the requirements of customers and end-users. This enables our Indian colleagues to investigate and suggest solutions, rather than assuming they are unable to create solutions due to their geographical distance from the Finish and Swedish educational context”, he explains. This approach not only harnesses the creativity of the Pune team but also reduces the workload on product management. 

Peter Holmström, who shares a similar role with Jakob and Kristina B, underscores the significance of giving context. "When we create a new feature, it's crucial to understand how the data will be used within the product and how it may affect other components. They are not just carving a stone; they are building part of a house, so all parts must fit together”, he adds. 

Cultural exchange that brings teams closer 

Kristina B, Jakob, Peter and Kristina Stenberg, in their roles as Area Product Owners, have all traveled to Pune and experienced exceptional hospitality. These visits have not only strengthened professional ties but also facilitated a deeper cultural exchange, enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration between the teams. Kristina Stenberg reflects on her trip, stating, "It's rare to feel so welcomed anywhere. Their hospitality is everything; they truly take good care of you."  

Sourabh, who has visited the Skelleftea office four times, describes the collaboration with his Nordic colleagues as open and inclusive. "The organization cultivates a culture of openness. You feel safe presenting new ideas and suggestions, and decisions are made through joint discussions. Despite the geographical distance, there is a strong sense of belonging and community," Sourabh concludes. 

Bridging continents for future education 

Continuing into the present day, the Pune team has entered a phase of accelerated growth. They are seamlessly working with Nordic teams and leadership to deliver value to business stakeholders and customers by contributing to every aspect of product development. 

The collaborative efforts across continents have positioned the Pune team as a cornerstone of the development of Edlevo. Looking ahead, the team is poised to further its contributions, driven by a shared vision of enhancing and simplifying everyday life for schools in the Nordics.