When it comes to custom software development, there are countless methods that can be used to accomplish your project’s goals. If you’re thinking about outsourcing your next custom software development project, there are several pros and cons you should weigh before choosing this method over the alternatives. Here are some of the top things to know about outsourcing custom software development.
1) Hire specialists
Though software developers are valuable assets in-house, it’s important to remember that not every project is a good fit for an internal team. If you find yourself with a custom software development project that doesn’t quite align with your team’s goals or resources, consider outsourcing instead. It can save money, increase efficiency and accelerate timelines; just make sure you know what you want before jumping into a contract.
2) Define expectations clearly
When outsourcing software development, it’s important that you define your expectations clearly and specifically. As an example, let’s say you want a certain feature included in your product. It’s important that you are as clear as possible about exactly what that feature entails—the product or service should do precisely what you describe, not merely be similar in function. If no such existing solution exists, provide enough detail to make sure that what is developed fits your needs perfectly!
3) Monitor progress regularly
Once you have a development team in place, be sure to keep them and yourself accountable for meeting deadlines. Once milestones are agreed upon, follow up frequently with your development team—and remember that it’s always better to overcommunicate than undercommunicate. If progress seems off track, don’t wait until it’s too late; address any issues immediately and problem-solve collaboratively.
4) Choose tools carefully
While there are several free and low-cost tools for businesses, do your research before making a selection. For example, Google Docs is a great option when you need multiple collaborators but don’t want to pay high fees for software. Free and open source tools such as these offer a lot of functionality, but remember that they may not be equipped with all of your needed features.
5) Understand different developer skill sets
If you’re working with a custom software development company, you should know what kind of programmers and designers are on your team. The fact is, every programmer has different skills. Some do backend coding; others build sites from scratch; still others create highly specialized apps or programs. Before you decide who will work on your project, make sure their strengths match up with its needs. For example, if you need someone who can develop an entire website for e-commerce use – not just one page – make sure whoever takes it over knows how to handle all aspects of design and coding.
6) Take advantage of modern technologies
Since outsourcing custom software development allows you to take advantage of lower costs, you should know that using modern technologies will help you maximize your investment. With a great solution provider, a minimum viable product can usually be developed in two months for less than $25,000. However, if you want your outsourced custom software development project to reach its full potential and also save time and money on maintenance, then it’s important that you hire a company with experience building mobile applications.
7) Keep it simple
There’s a reason you don’t see many people trying to sell custom software development. The software industry is wildly complex, and it requires specialized knowledge just to understand what needs doing. If you haven’t got that knowledge in-house, outsourcing custom software development projects is a great way to go. But there are some things worth knowing before you jump in…
8) Include full support from the start
Before you begin looking for a potential software development company, you should have a clear vision of what your product will be. This doesn’t mean it needs to be complete and perfect; a loose outline with some key details is enough. Once you know what your product will be, make sure that any development partners can support you from day one. Don’t waste time and money on outsourced custom software if they can’t go from brainstorming to development.
9) Build trust with your developer
It’s important that you create a relationship of trust with your developer. Establish a clear expectation of what it is that you are hoping to achieve, and make sure your developer is making progress towards those goals. There will inevitably be setbacks along the way—developers are human, too—but these should never become major roadblocks in communication between you and your software developer. Communication is key!
10) Enjoy working with a remote team
If you’re outsourcing custom software development, your clients will be freelancers. And working with a remote team comes with its own set of pros and cons: A good outsourcing agency will ensure that your project is assigned to experienced specialists, making it easier for you to work remotely than if you had employees in-house. But working with remote developers means you won’t get that on-the-job feedback and collaborative brainstorming session that may come from having someone in an office next door.
Conclusion
A custom software development company plays a vital role in meeting your business goals and needs. With almost half of US companies outsourcing their software development needs, it has become an increasingly popular option for businesses looking to grow. However, with so many countries offering outsource services, choosing where and who to work with can be quite daunting. The following are some tips that will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to pick an offshore software developer for your project:1.
