Maximize results with your offshore software development company! From clear communication, regular syncs to understanding cultural nuances, ensure a harmonious partnership that drives quality results and timely delivery.
Many companies need to outsource their software development tools, such as internal applications, mobile applications to help employees stay productive or to help customers make purchases, and web-based tools for their customers. Once they have made the decision to hire an external software development company, there is another decision to be made: where the company should be located.
Why Hire Offshore Software Developers?
For North American companies, the most profitable option is often to hire a company outside the country – in other words, look for an offshore service. In addition to the low cost, companies decide to use offshoring for several reasons:
- They want the job done right the first time: While many companies have competent in-house IT teams, these teams may not have the skills needed to perform software development. In other markets, such as Latin America, governments and educational systems are poised to produce exceptionally talented developers.
- They want flexibility: Offshore development agencies often hire experts in different areas of expertise. A company may need a developer with a specific skill set that cannot be found in its own country, or the skills are better developed in an external region.
- They want to speed time to market: If a company provides apps or other software as products, its revenue depends on publishing new apps as frequently as possible. Having people from other countries do this work means that development continues 24 hours a day, resulting in faster completion.
Benefits of Offshore Development
Offshore software developers bring many advantages to each client they serve. Knowing that their software development is being taken care of by competent professionals, hiring companies can focus on core business activities such as planning, R&D, manufacturing and marketing.
Companies that use offshore software development can compete with other companies that may have an in-house team with similar skills. And given that those who hire offshore promoters enjoy greater flexibility to increase or decrease work as needed, they are likely to be more agile and able to adapt to changing market conditions.
Customized software is developed specifically for the needs of each company. So businesses get exactly the functionality they need, without extraneous features to bog down the app or confuse users. Often, users are included in the development process so that developers can understand and develop based on how they want to use the software.
When companies use offshore software development services, they get all the above benefits and advantages without any additional investment in infrastructure. This is because software development companies provide the necessary equipment and tools, typically the latest and greatest, adding yet another benefit to the mix.
How to get the best results
Despite these benefits, outsourced software development also carries some risks. For example, if an outsourcing company switches developers mid-project and the previous team doesn't properly document their progress, the new team may have some trouble picking up where they left off.
This scenario could end up costing the customer more money. Even worse, in the unlikely event that the supplier is unable to complete a project, the company that hired them could be left with a semi-finished product that is completely unusable.
Lack of control over the outsourced team can become a problem if the team doesn't take the time to understand the project's needs upfront or communicate its progress in a timely manner. This issue becomes especially problematic with suppliers in distant countries, especially in different time zones.
For all these reasons, it is important that you know how to get the best results from your offshore software development company. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do to ensure your project is a success:
#1: Know What You Want
Before looking for an outsourced software developer, know exactly what you want the end result to look like, including features and even user interfaces. This exercise does not limit you to these parameters as the project progresses. This just gives you a good starting point so you can explain your needs to potential vendors.
#2 Know What You’re Getting
Different companies provide services in slightly different ways, so know what you want from a supplier and be prepared to ask for it. Examples include check-ins on a specific schedule (such as weekly), training on the final product, and support after it is deployed.
#3 Be aware of the differences
One of the great benefits of offshoring is working and meeting people from another place. However, if your personality, time zone, work style, culture, or language are too different, you may encounter productivity issues. Hold several meetings with each vendor you are seriously considering, in person if possible, to ensure a good fit.
#4 Reevaluate throughout the project
Of course you will have regular meetings with your supplier. But also talk to your internal team to discuss how you think the project is going. If you decide something isn't going as planned, don't be afraid to raise the issue with the supplier so they have the opportunity to make it right.
#5: Protect your ideas
A sad truth is that vendors can steal your ideas and data. Be sure to protect both by limiting permissions and including a non-disclosure agreement along with any contracts they may present.
Consider a Nearshore Option
Offshoring can be divided into farshoring, which is hiring an agency in a country far from yours, and nearshoring, which is hiring a supplier in a country close to yours. In addition to all the advantages of offshoring in general, nearshoring offers developers excellent language proficiency, similar culture, and the same working hours.
