How To Successfully Outsource Software Development (What You Need to Know)
Custom-written software is practically a necessity for many businesses in today’s fast and digital economy. As a result, your company may look to outsource development for new software that handles your business needs.
This post will discuss what custom software is, how to successfully outsource software development, and other details about outsourcing.
What is Custom Software?
Custom-written software is built from the ground up to fit needs specific to your business. It can solve specific problems that help run your business efficiently or solve problems for your customers. You define what the software needs to do; then, a development team makes it for you from scratch.
If you’re looking for a custom software solution for your business, chances are you’ll want to outsource it to an external developer.
What is the Best Way to Outsource Software Development?
One of the most effective ways to outsource your software development is by implementing the agile methodology. Rather than holding out for a big launch date, agile lets the software developer deliver their work in smaller, consumable chunks called “sprints.” Progress is continually evaluated and opens the door for more effective communication between the business owner and the developer.
The Benefits of Agile Methodologies
Agile is a highly collaborative approach with a few key benefits:
- It helps both parties stay accountable. As a business owner, you want to ensure that the developers stay on track and do not squander your investment. Likewise, developers want to work with someone who’s transparent, trustworthy, and able to hold their end of the bargain.
- Both the business owner and the development team stay on the same page. The owner and developers can fully understand the project’s scope by meeting at regular intervals (such as every week). This way, they can effectively communicate the details, provide updates, and make changes as necessary.
- The project can be divided into manageable tasks, goals, and milestones. Agile methodologies let you divide the work into more digestible tasks rather than pressuring the developer to push out a large amount of work by a set deadline. This way, goals can be met, and the project’s direction can have the flexibility to change.
Agile methodologies offer more open communication, increased trust, and a heightened ability to adapt to changes. These changes can arise from customer feedback, changes in the marketplace, or other development challenges. This way, developers can quickly respond to changes without derailing the entire project.
READ MORE: How to Choose an Outsourced Software Development Company
Why Outsourcing is Better Than Developing Software With a New, Internal Team
In some ways, outsourcing may seem like more trouble than it’s worth. But in reality, outsourcing software development is the most efficient way to get your tech solution off the ground. Here’s why:
1. Reduced Expenses
Hiring and training an internal team of developers can be very costly. On top of that, the costs of recruiting and maintaining full-time employees can add up. An external software developer will already have the team and resources in place to get the project going.
2. Faster Development
If you outsource your software development, you won’t have to spend time recruiting, training, and managing staff. Since an external developer will already have the team and resources, they’ll hit the ground running with a faster turnaround time. This way, you can focus on other tasks while the development team gets your product to market sooner.
3. More Scalability
Your outsourced team can allocate as many resources as necessary to your project and quickly adapt to changing situations. An internal team is much more rigid – hiring new employees takes time, and constantly changing the project’s scope or letting employees go can kill your team’s morale.
Get the Custom Software You Need
Tech9 understands the vital role custom software plays in your organization. Your business stands to gain so much from a bespoke software solution. But it requires a full-service software development team. Reach out to us for questions, and we will help you build happy software.
