How to Choose a Software Development Company Fundamental Do’s and Don’ts
Software development, also referred to as the SLDC (Software Development Life Cycle), is the procedure of developing computer programs. It has multiple stages for creating products that meet technical specifications and user requirements. The statistics by Radix reveal that the global population of software developers will expectedly grow by 28.7 million by the end of 2024, marking a substantial increase of 3.2 million over four years. More than 4.3 million software developers are working in the US alone, astonishing Isn’t it?
The growing trend of outsourcing software development services is increasing the difficulty of choosing the right SaaS partner amidst multiple options available in the IT sector. Finding the ideal fit that effectively aligns with your business objectives needs careful consideration through concrete evaluation.
Let us walk you through the tips on how to choose a software development company and the do’s and don’ts to consider.
What is Software Development?
The software development process includes multiple stages to create products for different industries. The entire process helps develop products that meet technical requirements and client needs.
Software companies use an SDLC certification to demonstrate adherence to international standards when developing their computer programs. Software development teams also abide by this constitution for designing, constituting, and nourishing software quality standards.
Let’s Take A Look At The Software Development Process
The Software Development Process entails a systematic approach to creating software for a system or project, often referred to as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). While there are multiple approaches to building software, here is the breakdown of this process for those who follow the Agile method:
Phase #1 Brainstorming
Robust software development starts with a brainstorming session among team members. It involves the discussion of ideas based on the diverse experiences of each team member. The brainstorming phase helps focus on the pressing customer needs and find solutions to resolve them effectively.
Phase #2 Strategic Insights
The next step after ideation is to conceptualize the discussed ideas to proceed with the research phase. This step progresses with gathering insights from competitor analysis, market trends, and the scope of creating a unique value proposition for your product. Customer feedback also helps significantly in determining whether your idea aligns with the customer’s expectations or not.
Phase #3 Planning & Risk Evaluation
Have you cleared the first 2 steps effectively? If yes, let’s move to the third step. The planning and risk evaluation phase involves formulating strategies to develop your product and evaluate the potential risks. This process includes outlining the product specifications, identifying the resources, and developing documentation and timelines.
Phase #4 Prototyping & Designing
Prototyping has multiple benefits for businesses because it helps to build everlasting impressions. You must focus on creating user-centric UI/UX designs to make your software engaging and unique. This phase is crucial to be followed by all software development companies to ensure delivering a remarkable product with aesthetic and interactive elements.
Phase #5 Software Development
This stage requires you to get familiar with the methodologies that your software development partner adopts for the final development. Similarly, every company must determine that it’s crucial to establish a process that allows for regular progress reviews and assessments. This ensures ongoing alignment with your objectives through transparent communication.
Phase #6 Testing & Quality Assurance
When selecting a professional software development company, it’s crucial to grasp their testing and quality assurance approach. Emphasizing the creation of high-quality products from the start is essential to mitigate future challenges.
Phase #7 Market Launch & Upgradations
This phase entails ongoing analysis of customer feedback and market trends to implement necessary adjustments and ensure your product remains current and competitive. The market launch of a product marks the conclusion of the software development journey. However, even at this stage, your software development partner must remain committed to continuous updates and refinements.
What Are The Different Types of Software?
System Software
A system software, or an operating system, acts like a translator and converts instructions into a computer-friendly language. It also controls all hardware parts inside your machine to keep everything working efficiently. Popular operating systems include Windows, used on Microsoft computers, and macOS, found on Apple MacBooks.
Application Software
Application software allows the execution of multiple tasks on different devices. Internet browsers, word-processing apps, media players, etc., are popular examples of such software. Some other everyday use examples include photo editing tools, antivirus, and SaaS (software-as-service) products.
Why Should You Choose A Software Development Company?
Custom software development has a significant role in streamlining internal operations and user-friendly app development for businesses of all sizes. Considering the following, we have discussed below some reasons behind choosing the right software development company for your project’s success:
Expertise and Efficiency
Software companies have potent technical expertise and efficiency. Their team of developers is well-versed in navigating challenges with hands-on experience in using advanced technologies. SDCs have seasoned resources to work with libraries and frameworks following different methodologies to ace complex tasks.
Cost-Effectiveness
Even after the initial investment, the overall partnership with a software development company can be an intelligent long-term investment. It allows you to avoid the overhead of hiring and managing your in-house developer team. That includes expenses like recruiting, employee benefits, training, and providing dedicated workspace and equipment.
Custom Software Solutions
Multiple businesses opt for an off-the-shelf solution for their uniqueness because a one-size-fits-all approach cannot bring them potent outcomes. It is important to understand that each business is different and needs a unique solution. Custom software development services save businesses from turmoil by ensuring that every need is addressed systematically according to preferences.
Immediate Risk Mitigation
Experienced software development companies can help you effectively avoid costly delays and setbacks. They can promptly identify pitfalls and suggest solutions to mitigate risks often associated with complex development projects.
Faster Product Launches
SDCs can bring products and services to market comparatively faster to help you stay ahead of the competition. Working with these companies, you get a team of experts to focus on your project, streamline the development process, and complete deadlines effectively. That results in faster deployment, quick launches, and prompt value realization with an uncompromised quality.
Focus on Your Core Business
Hiring the right software development company allows you to seize maximum opportunities by positioning your organization as a market leader and translating to business agility. Your internal team gets more time to focus on their core competencies with an outsourced software development partner. They allow you to maintain business continuity while driving innovation through your software project.
Scalability and Flexibility
A good SDC can adapt to your project’s evolving needs. They can scale their resources up or down depending on the project phase, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
How to Search for The Best Software Development Company?
- Consider app type, starting point (scratch or extension), existing roles and tech stack, and budget.
- Utilize platforms like Clutch, Techreviewer, and Google for client reviews.
- Maintain a neutral perspective by analyzing both good and bad reviews.
- Ensure the company comprehends your business needs and project context.
- Explore the company’s portfolio and website to gauge capabilities.
- Assess expertise in relevant technologies.
- Examine project organization methods and tools used by the company.
- Authenticate the possessions of codes and transfer of the IP rights.
- Confirm security measures for protecting intellectual property and user data.
- Observe professionalism, commitment, and mutual understanding from the company.
Things to Avoid While Researching a Software Development Partner
- Partnering with companies significantly larger than yours.
- Opting for the cheapest options available.
- Hiring self-proclaimed experts claiming mastery of excessive and unnecessary technologies.
- Choosing companies with poorly designed or low-quality websites.
- Relying on generic or vague testimonials for decision-making.
- Considering companies with vague or unimpressive portfolios showcasing a lack of specific expertise or successful projects.
Onshoring, Offshoring, Nearshoring, Or Hybrid? Which Outsourcing Option Is Best For You?
As your business expands, you face an ever-growing to-do list and numerous business processes awaiting attention. Outsourcing becomes a viable consideration to meet the increasing demand for your products and services.
Outsourcing has multiple modes, but they work best for businesses that adopt them according to their core values. If you’re confused, these four outsourcing options will help you make an informed decision.
Onshoring
Domestic outsourcing, also known as onshoring removes all language barriers by allowing businesses to collaborate with native developers. Onshoring software development is mostly less expensive than offshoring but can pose challenges like exposing your business to regional disruptions.
Offshoring
Offshore outsourcing might sound similar to nearshoring but involves hiring remote teams from another continent that do not necessarily have to be near you. The key benefit of this is cost-effectiveness because the hourly costs of offshore developers are less than the nearshore and onshore ones.
Nearshoring
Nearshore software development is slightly similar to onshore and offshore options but involves working with countries with the same time zones. It empowers efficient communication, keeping track of developmental progress,
Hybrid
Hybrid software development outsourcing integrates onsite management within your region and offshore development. It merges the benefits of local oversight with the cost-effectiveness of offshore development.
12 Tips on How to Choose A Software Development Company
1. Define Project Objectives & Timeline
Having a clear road map of your project is essential to save time. While detailed planning is optional, creating a basic requirements list and assessing necessary technical skills helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures accurate budget and timeline estimates.
2. Compile A List of Software Development Companies
After outlining the project goals and timeline, the second step is to enlist potential software development companies. You can use the following resources for identifying these companies;
- Utilize Google to search for the best companies. Paid and organic results offer valuable insights. Explore individual company websites to gather information on their services, industries served, past clients, and work methodologies.
- Explore review and ranking websites for software development services, such as Clutch, renowned for its comprehensive listings. Filter search results by location, project size, hourly rate, industry focus, and other criteria to find suitable options.
3. Assess Portfolios
Now, compare software development companies on your list using their portfolios and customer reviews. Assess if they have relevant experience, gauge their expertise, and determine their ability to handle your project. Assure they understand your niche and business processes. Be cautious of firms unable to share project details due to confidentiality agreements.
4. Ensure Compatibility with Your Goals
The best software development company is a true partner by deeply understanding your business needs and aligning with your end goals. They should involve business analysts in developing requirements to ensure success. Consider looking elsewhere if a potential partner takes excessive time to understand your needs during the sales process. Pay attention to how many questions they ask; the more, the better.
5. Determine Their Specialization In Your Requirements
Prioritize those companies that keep up with the latest technological advancements and innovations. Look for firms whose software developers demonstrate strong technical knowledge and competency, particularly in the areas relevant to your project. Moreover, starting with a small project can help you assess scalability and operations better than a large commitment.
6. Observe Communication Styles
Effective communication is essential throughout software development from defining requirements to gathering feedback. Clear communication of goals and expectations can build better connections and streamline operations between the stakeholders and the development team. Pay attention to communication styles during initial interactions, whether via email or calls.
7. Analyze Development Methodology
A well-documented and well-executed project development process enhances efficiency and enables the team to address challenges effectively. The methodology should prioritize adaptive planning, early delivery, frequent updates, and modern communication tools to keep you informed throughout the project.
8. Check Their Security Practices
Partnering with a software development company involves transferring sensitive information, so it’s crucial to understand their handling procedures and security measures to safeguard your ideas, products, and confidential materials. Assess the development team’s security practices and determine the necessary security level for your solution. Ask detailed questions to ensure alignment with your security requirements.
The following documents are required to be signed by you and your outsourced development partner to avoid repercussions:
- Sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to maintain confidentiality while protecting trade secrets.
- Get API access for connecting to the software’s ready-made features.
- Limit access to your data through server access.
- The outsourced company needs to have SSL certificates to authenticate its developers.
9. Understand The Team Structure
Understanding a company’s business structure and development team dynamics is crucial. Avoid companies without formal team structures to ensure efficient working dynamics and minimize unnecessary overhead.
10. Seek Clarity on Testing Policies
Before signing a contract with a software development company, ensure clarity on their testing policy and the inclusion of backup services, support, and maintenance. Confirm the duration of these services to avoid surprises or additional costs post-commitment.
11. Learn About The Communication Policy
Choose a software development company with stable communication tools like Jira, Slack, and a secure internet connection. Since language is a barrier, you must find a company that can efficiently communicate in English. In most cases, Visa-free status is also a significant factor for convenient visits.
12. See How Their Pricing Works?
Fixed Price Model
Most people prefer the fixed-price model because it offers clarity and cuts down expenses. Companies opting for this model have to agree upon business decisions, product specifications, scope of work, and other aspects of the project before the commencement of the project. A fixed-price model approach is typically associated with the Waterfall method for project management.
Example:
You agree to pay a fixed price of $50,000 to a software development company for building your e-commerce website. The agreement will contain clauses about the project scope, timeline, and cost and any changes requested by you will be charged. The deployment and launch of a project will be done according to the agreed cost and deadline.
Material Model
The material model, often used with the Agile method for project development, calculates the costs according to the time spent on the project, typically at an hourly or person-day rate. The scope of work’s adaptability makes it flexible in situations like testing and iterations to determine the best solutions for users’ needs.
Example:
You have outsourced a software development company that develops projects on a time and materials basis. Being a client, you will be billed based on hours worked by the development team and any material used with the flexibility for changes during the project.
12 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Software Development Company
- How long have you been supporting development projects?
- What are your specializations in industries, territories, and software types?
- What are the skill sets and tech stacks within your organization?
- Which businesses have you partnered with in the past?
- What is your development methodology?
- What technologies are your software developers familiar with?
- What methodologies do you use for handling project management and communicating with clients?
- What is your quality assurance process?
- Please describe the measures you will take to secure my data.
- What is your pricing model?
- How do you tackle projects that exceed budget or timelines?
- Do you take up the responsibility to offer ongoing support and post-launch maintenance?
Fundamental Do’s And Don’ts Aiding in Decision Making!
While working with outsourced tech partners is a significant investment, it requires high consideration before jumping to conclusions! Below are some dos and don’ts you must ponder before hiring a software development company.
Don’ts
- Do not make hasty decisions without proper evaluation.
- Remember to review resources that can provide valuable insights into the company’s competencies and the quality of its work.
- Do not restrict your research to only one resource of information.
- Don’t hold back from asking questions when communicating with software development companies.
Do’s
- Have patience and take time to research suitable software service providers thoroughly.
- Get valuable insights about the company’s competencies & expertise by reviewing their tech portfolios and case studies.
- Broaden your research by exploring enlisted software development companies’ websites, reviews, and social media presence.
- Inquire about their approach to development, the technologies they would employ, and any other concerns you may have.
Red Flags That You Must Not Neglect…
Despite considering various factors when evaluating a potential software development partner, there may still be signs or “red flags” indicating that they are not a suitable fit for your needs. These red flags could signal potential issues or shortcomings in the partnership, prompting you to reconsider or explore other options.
- Absence of ballpark estimates
- Insufficient reliable references
- Poorly performing website and low content quality
- Reluctance to provide source code ownership
- Cliché recommendations
- Negative reviews
- Lack of clarity regarding portfolio
- Overpromising on project delivery
- Vague pricing models
- Rigidity in altering project requirements
- Unclear contractual agreements
Trusted Platforms for Finding Reliable Software Development Companies
We have enlisted some trusted platforms that can help you find reliable software development companies that have been acknowledged for their solutions.
Clutch
Clutch is an independent platform where businesses can find and connect with software development service providers and IT professionals. It helps businesses make informed decisions by providing detailed profiles and reviews of these service providers. Clutch has simplified the process of finding reliable software developers for numerous businesses.
GoodFirms
Only some software companies you connect with are trustworthy to close a deal with, but GoodFirms has made it easier. This platform is renowned for providing a list of widely trusted companies with their reviews, ratings, and detailed profiles that help in making better decisions.GoodFirms aims to simplify the process of finding reliable and reputable companies by offering a comprehensive directory and vetted information.
Upwork
Upwork connects businesses with skilled freelancers, including top-tier developers. The platform verifies talent, offers portfolio reviews, and allows project postings or Talent Scout assistance for faster hires. With collaboration-focused tools and optional Upwork Plus for enhanced access, it’s ideal for managing freelance developers and fostering team integration.
LinkedIn is a professional platform for businesses, professionals, and software development companies to build valuable connections. It helps business owners find potential service providers that align with their business goals.
Why Choose Brainx Technologies As Your Software Development Partner?
As a custom software development company with 7+ years of experience, we offer:
- Extensive multi-industry expertise that has delivered 250+ projects to 130+ satisfied clients.
- Professional custom software development services for your startup, SMB, or enterprise-level company in healthcare, education, social networking, real estate, e-commerce, and lifestyle industries.
- Bespoke flexible cycle development for your diverse project development needs.
- A pool of talent comprised of specialists to build MVP and update the product upon collected feedback from the first users.
- Time-tested software development technologies for web, and mobile solutions.
- Top-quality results that have been acknowledged and awarded with Clutch Global Awards and Payoneer Award.
- A hallmark of completed innovative projects like MOHE, iinputs, and CORE, etc as a testimonial of our expertise
