Choosing the Best Offshore Software Development Company
On average, 63% of a company’s software budget is allocated to creating new custom software. However, once that software is developed, maintenance costs can be even higher. Maintaining the average mobile app costs over $5,000 per month!
As a result, one in four companies outsource their software development tasks to save on costs. The problem is, outsourcing can be difficult. It involves finding the right partner, verifying their qualifications, onboarding them, and ensuring they remain on track.
The good news? As experts in IT staffing, we’ve helped hundreds of companies find talent. In this article, we’ll provide you with our top tips for selecting an offshore outsourcing partner, managing them, and getting the most out of your outsourced talent.
Who Should Consider Offshore Development Services?
Offshore outsourcing software development is a strategic choice if you’re looking to streamline your business operations and maximize its efficiency. This approach involves partnering with external development teams (often in different countries) to help create software solutions based on your business’s needs.
Startups with restrictive budgets
37% of small businesses outsource at least one business process. For startups, especially those operating on tight budgets, offshore outsourcing offers more than cost savings. Imagine having a brilliant app idea but not enough skilled developers to help create it. This is where offshore outsourcing steps in to save the day.
By hiring skilled software developers from countries with lower labor costs, startups can significantly reduce expenses and tap expertise.
A good example is when you team up with MultiplyMii, you can save 73% or more on labor costs, depending on what particular role you’re looking for. With this much savings, more of your precious budget can be allocated to other critical aspects of your business, such as marketing, customer acquisition, and scaling your operations.
Another example is WhatsApp. The messaging app outsourced its iOS development to a company in Russia, enabling them to save money, focus on other operational and customer support functions, and rapidly launch their app.
Businesses that lack tech expertise
According to a report jointly published by The Open University and Be The Business, 21% of 1,500 UK business leaders don’t think adopting technology could positively impact their business. This shows that not all companies have a deep understanding of technology, and how to leverage it to achieve business goals.
Imagine you run a traditional brick-and-mortar retail store and want to establish a robust online shopping platform. By outsourcing a software development team, you can collaborate with experts who specialize in eCommerce development. They can guide you through the process, ensuring your project is technically sound and aligned with your business objectives.
Businesses that want to speed up time to market
Just this June, about 90,000 mobile apps were released through the Google Play Store. That’s how competitive the industry of software and web development can be.
In today's fast-paced business world, being the first to market can make all the difference. If you're eager to launch your product or service quickly, offshore outsourcing is an excellent strategy.
Picture yourself as a software company aiming to release a groundbreaking app. Outsourcing allows you to assemble a highly skilled development team quickly, significantly reducing the time it takes to bring your product to market. This agility can give you a competitive edge and help you seize opportunities more swiftly.
By using the expertise of external teams, you can achieve your business objectives efficiently and effectively.
What Are the Best Offshore Software Development Services?
Offshore software development companies offer a wide range of services to meet various client needs. Whether you need a small website or a complex enterprise software solution, offshore development companies can cater to your requirements.
Web development
Web development is all about creating websites. Imagine you want to launch a brand-new online store. Offshore web developers can help you build a beautiful and functional website that your customers will love. They handle everything from designing web pages to ensuring your site functions smoothly.
For example, a company in the United States might hire a team of web developers in India to create an eCommerce website because it can be more cost-effective.
Mobile app development
Mobile app developers create apps for your smartphones and tablets. With smartphone users forecasted to reach over 7.7 billion by 2028, businesses see it as a huge market to tap. Aside from reaching a wider audience, user engagement on mobile apps is statistically better. In fact, about 88% of mobile time is spent on apps.
Think about your favorite games or the apps you use for social media. Companies often turn to offshore services to create these apps because they have the expertise and can do it at a lower cost.
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
Did you know you can lose up to 90% of your potential customers because of poor mobile-friendly experience?
UI/UX design is all about making sure apps and websites are visually pleasing and easy to use. These designers work to create a user-friendly experience.
Quality assurance
Users form an opinion about a website in about 0.05 seconds. So, making sure your website works is important. That’s where quality assurance comes in. Experts specializing in quality assurance test every item to make sure everything is ready to go. They look for bugs and glitches like a detective searches for clues.
Take the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, for example. Cyberpunk was an awaited game by many, but it had a lot of problems at launch. Users who played it on their consoles had a nearly unplayable experience because it was filled with bugs, AI issues, and game-breaking crashes. It was so bad that Sony pulled it out from their digital store.
Research and development
Research and development (R&D) teams are like the inventors of the software world. They come up with new ideas and technologies. For example, they might work on developing artificial intelligence or cutting-edge software solutions.
DevOps services
DevOps is a combination of development and operations. It's all about ensuring software runs smoothly and can be updated easily. These teams work on things like server maintenance and software deployment.
Business analysis
Business analysts are like the brains behind the operation. They figure out what software a company needs to succeed. They study market trends, user needs, and business goals to plan the software development process.
Imagine a startup in Africa consulting with a team of business analysts in North America to help them develop a winning software strategy.
Enterprise software development
Enterprise software development is a specialized service offshore software development companies provide. These companies have experience developing complex software solutions that cater to the specific needs of large organizations.
Maintenance and support
Did you know that the effort spent on maintenance is 60% of the total effort spent to develop an entire software? Many say that maintenance is the most important phase of a software’s life cycle.
Offshore software development companies offer support and maintenance services to ensure your software performs optimally even after deployment. They provide regular updates, bug fixes, and technical support to address any issues that may arise.
Offshore software development services help businesses bring their software ideas to life, often at a lower cost and with access to global talent. So, the next time you use a cool app or visit a great website, remember that offshore teams might have had a hand in making it awesome!
Best Tips in Choosing an Offshore Software Development Company
Searching for the right offshore outsourcing software development company is like picking the perfect tool for a job. You want it to fit just right and get the job done efficiently.
Here are some simple yet crucial tips to help you choose wisely.
Check their experience in similar projects
Think of it like hiring someone to build your dream house. You'd want a contractor who has successfully built houses like yours before, right?
So when choosing an outsourcing company, look for one with experience in projects similar to yours. If you need a mobile app, ask if they have a good track record in mobile app development.
Know their technology expertise
Make sure your development firm has the technical expertise needed for your project. For instance, if you're building a complex web application, check if they are skilled in the required programming languages and technologies.
Ask for quality reference
Just like when you ask for references before hiring someone, you should do the same when selecting an outsourcing partner.
for references from their previous clients and check their work quality. Did their previous clients have a good experience? Were they satisfied with the results? Any feedback can help determine whether they would be the best to work with for your development project.
Determine their project management capabilities
Project managers are key players in every project phase. So, your outsourcing partner should have someone who can navigate smoothly through the project. This means they can guarantee your project stays on track, on time, and within budget.
Can handle communication challenges
Language barriers or a lack of clear communication can lead to misunderstandings. Make sure the offshore outsourcing software development company can handle any communication challenges. This might mean they have team members proficient in your language or use collaboration tools effectively.
Understand your business needs
Your outsourcing company should fully grasp your business needs. They should understand your goals, values, and the unique aspects of your project. This ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with your vision.
Think of choosing the right offshore outsourcing software development company as assembling a team to create a masterpiece. By remembering these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your software development project.
How To Manage Your Offshore Software Developers?
Managing offshore developers can be a productive and rewarding experience when done right. How do you do it? Here are surefire ways to manage them wisely:
- Ensure that you are on the same page
Communication is crucial when working with offshore developers. To ensure everyone is on the same page:
- Define clear objectives
Determine your project goals, timelines, and expectations. Share any specific requirements or milestones with your offshore development team. If you're creating a mobile app, specify the platforms it should run on, the features it should have, and the desired user experience.
Having the same clear picture with all your team members (outsourced or not) is important when working on a project.
- Establish regular meetings
Schedule regular video conferences or calls to discuss progress, address concerns, and provide feedback. Doing so can help build rapport and foster a sense of teamwork.
- Use collaboration tools
Implement and encourage the use of collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana. These tools can help facilitate real-time communication and task tracking. It can also reduce the amount of unnecessary back and forth between members.
- Agree on tracking tools
Since we’ve already mentioned tracking tools, let’s elaborate on how to use them efficiently. Tracking tools are essential to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
- Time-tracking software
Time-tracking tools like Toggl or Clockify can help monitor the hours spent on specific tasks. This helps you evaluate the team's efficiency.
- Version control systems
Implement version control systems like Git to track code changes, collaborate seamlessly, and manage multiple developers working on the same project.
- Task management platforms
Employ project management tools like Jira or Monday.com to allocate tasks, set priorities, and track progress. This will keep instructions and concerns documented and make sure you have visibility on who’s doing what.
- Eliminate micromanagement
While staying involved is essential, avoid micromanaging your offshore developers.
- Trust your team
Trust your developers to do their jobs. Provide guidance and support but avoid constant supervision. Instead of checking in every hour, give your team a chance to work independently and report back at scheduled intervals.
- Empower decision-making
Encourage developers to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions within their expertise. For instance, let your UI/UX designer decide on the color scheme and layout for the app, following your brand guidelines.
- Provide resources
Ensure your developers have the necessary resources, information, and access to carry out their tasks effectively. Share design assets, documentation, and any third-party services required for development.
A collaborative working relationship with your offshore developers leads to successful project outcomes. At the same time, you also build a strong and enduring partnership with your outsourcing company.
Popular Alternatives to Offshore Software Outsourcing Worth Looking Into
While there are certainly benefits to outsourcing, there are also other strategies that you can look into.
- Partner with a remote staffing company
A better alternative to traditional outsourcing is partnering with a remote staffing company, like MultiplyMii. We can help you find and manage remote employees who become part of your team.
Pros of partnering with a remote staffing company
- Access to skilled talent: Access a pool of remote Filipino talent, allowing you to tap into diverse skills.
- Cost savings: You can benefit from cost savings compared to hiring local or on-site employees. You won’t even have to worry about additional overhead costs!
- Reduced administrative burden: Remote staffing companies handle administrative tasks like payroll and benefits, saving you time and effort.
Cons of partnering with a remote staffing company
- Management complexity: Handling remote staff can be challenging, but it’s not impossible! With proper knowledge and tools, you can manage them effectively.
- Quality control: Ensuring the quality of work from remote staff can be tricky, but like management, you need effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms. Schedule regular huddle meetings to discuss any concerns.
- Dependency on the third party: Other remote staffing companies may limit your control over the hiring process, but for MultiplyMii, your input is important. Our tried and tested recruitment process allows us to have numerous success stories for our partners.
- Hire a freelance web developer
When getting work done without hiring someone full-time, hiring a freelance web developer is a popular option. A freelancer is a self-employed individual who offers their services on a project basis.
Pros of hiring a freelancer
- Cost-efficiency: Freelancers often charge lower rates than full-time employees, making them a cost-effective choice for short-term projects.
- Flexibility: You can hire freelancers for specific tasks, which gives you the flexibility to scale your workforce up or down as needed.
- Specialized skills: Freelancers often have specialized skills in various fields, allowing you to find the right expertise for your project.
Cons of hiring a freelancer
- Limited availability: Freelancers may have multiple clients, affecting their availability and timelines.
- Communication challenges: Managing remote freelancers can sometimes lead to communication issues, so clear communication is crucial.
- Lack of loyalty: Freelancers may not have the same level of commitment or loyalty as full-time employees, as they work on a project-to-project basis.
Choosing the right offshore outsourcing software development company is a critical decision. It can significantly impact the success of your projects. So whether you opt for offshore outsourcing or explore alternative approaches, careful evaluation, and effective management will lead to a fruitful collaboration with your development team.
Choose Only the Best for Your Software Development Project
When embarking on your software development journey, the importance of choosing the best talent cannot be overstated.
At MultiplyMii, we pride ourselves on our proven track record of successfully connecting companies with the right talent for their initiatives.
With our network of skilled Filipino professionals and a commitment to excellence, we can guarantee your software development project meets and exceeds your expectations.
Don't settle for anything less than the best; choose MultiplyMii. Let us empower your success!
Book a discovery call with us today and make your software development dreams a reality.
