From designing a functional interface and coding for multiple platforms to testing and debugging, developing software from scratch can be a very challenging, multi-layered task. So it’s no wonder that outsourcing software development is expected to grow 70% by 2023.
Finding a partner that will understand the scope of your project and have all the resources necessary to develop software from start to finish can get overwhelming as there are more than 21,000 companies worldwide that offer this kind of service to choose from.
Following these two crucial phases will make you feel more confident in making your final decision.
1. Conduct a thorough online research
2. Ask the right questions
Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a partner for your software development project, so let’s dig right into it!
Conduct a Thorough Online Research
Find out what you can about your potential partnering agency before you engage in any communication with them.
Start with their business website and look for the description of their services and examples of their previous projects. Then, be sure to check out their blog section to get a perception of their level of expertise.
Next, you should look into their social media presence. See how they manage their social accounts, what type of content they share, whether they are involved with trending topics, and how engaged they are with their followers. Of course, a good social media reputation can’t be bought, so you should learn a lot about your potential partner agency from their profiles on social media.
Last but not least, look for reviews and ratings. Search the sites like Clutch, Good firms, or UpCity to get detailed information about their ratings and reviews, years of experience, staff members’ expertise levels, billing models, etc.
The research phase should help you narrow your choices down and design a list of potential agencies you could envision partnering with. These are the agencies you should contact for more information and additional inquiry.
Ask the Right Questions
Knowing what to ask when interviewing agencies’ representatives is crucial for choosing the right partner for your software development project.
We’ve designed a list of five questions that will help you guide the interview in the right direction.
1. Which Programming Languages Do You Use? – When it comes to programming languages, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. So make sure they are proficient in programming languages that best support your product type.
2. Do You Have Experience Working on Projects Similar to Mine? – It is a big plus if the agency has dealt with the development of software in your niche. They will know all the challenges and solutions that might come their way when handling your project and understand your specific needs better.
3. What Does Your Quality Assurance (QA) Process Look Like? – QA is a vital part of the development lifecycle. Make sure that the company has qualified QA engineers that can test your software, design it to be bug-free, and ensure it runs smoothly.
4. How Will You Update Me on the Project’s Progress, and How Often? – Your potential partnering agency should be transparent with their work and allow you to keep track of your software development process. Ideally, they will assign a project manager who will be in charge of communication and timely updates.
5. Does Your Offer Include managed IT providers? – What happens after the project is completed? See if they will be in charge of software maintenance and support – technology updates, data security, data storage, backup recovery, etc.
Key Take-a-ways
When looking for a partner agency to outsource your software development, make sure you check their digital footprint. Examine their business website, look for reviews and ratings, and explore their social media accounts.
Ask the right questions to ensure your potential partner has the right tools and in-house professionals for your project’s type and scope.
We hope our article helped you understand the two most important phases in choosing a software development agency that will understand your specific needs and bring the most value to your project.