As you may know, there are outsourcing software development trends today – more and more businesses use outsourcing services, especially for software development. Indeed, reliable IT outsourcing partners can have a big impact on your business – reduced operational costs, enhanced technical efficiency, and a greater focus on other core business functions.
There are many IT outsourcing companies offering a wide range of dev outsourcing services. You can find them in the USA, South America, Western or Eastern Europe. But if you make a wrong choice of an outsourcing partner, it may cost you time, money and nerves. So, let’s consider 3 best practices that guarantee the final great results.
Practice #1. Search for Companies – Check Reviews – Test Competencies
This practice lies in the necessity to find a list of top companies you could cooperate with. But you should take into consideration specific points such as verified reviews on various platforms (Clutch, GoodFirms, etc.) to find the best possible partner. In fact, your effort does not end there – don’t forget to thoroughly check each company even if they have only positive feedback from clients.
Let’s see when and in what way this practice is applied. For example, you need to outsource development company, what should you do then? You can google for a company adding the word “review”. In this way, you’ll find objective reviews submitted by active or inactive customers about outsourcing service providers on third-party websites. But again, if you decide on which company to outsource particular functions to, don’t limit yourself to only reviews. Test expertise during face to face meetings, calls via Skype, etc.
Practice #2. Follow Recommendations – Discuss Details of Cooperation
The given practice consists of recommendations from your existing partners, colleagues, friends and other people who have already dealt with a certain company. The only thing left for you is the discussion of all the essentials of the future project(s). You should find out as many details as possible concerning an outsourcing software development process, model, timeframe, budget, and other conditions.
It really works in some cases, but it may happen that recommendations don’t suit your needs, goals, and expectations. For example, rates that are too high aren’t included in your previous budget or anything else. But you can try out this option in any way if you have no time to search for companies, read reviews and test their areas of expertise on your own.
Practice #3. Rely on Leaders in the Industry
There is no less dead-end road you can follow while finding an outsourcing company for your project – just start working with leaders. As a rule, these companies are on everyone’s lips. But keep in mind their possible rates for completing a job – they won’t be low or even moderate. You can expect a discouraging forecast if you launch a startup or small-/middle-sized company. Don’t despair! You have previous two practical ways to work with outsourcing companies.
5 Parameters to Choose a Right Outsourcing Partner
Reputation
This is not the last thing you should pay attention to. If a partner doesn’t complete the work on time, provide it of not the desired quality or get tough with customers, you should keep your ears open. Therefore, it is quite crucial to check the market reputation of your outsourcing partner before signing the agreement.
Business Solvency
Certainly, you cannot dig into the financial statements of the company you intend to work with. But in any case, it is supposed to be financially sound if you are planning long-term cooperation. Besides, it means that other customers find these services valuable and ready to pay money.
Communication
Without any doubt, a good partner should have clear communication that affects the further development process. Write emails, messages make calls so that you make sure that you will be able to reach the right specialists in the company with ease. Nothing matters more than continuous communication. You must understand when and how often you will know details about the project progress from the team. Remember that outsourcing can be of several types – offshore or nearshore? So, it would be better if you could be able to communicate with them without any language translations.
Scalability
It is crucial for outsourcing companies to adapt to large workloads to hold up well. If you have an extended scope of work, it is better to clear up a question related to further needs and requirements that may occur during or after a development process.
Intellectual Property Protection
The way how a company protects intellectual property is no less important than all the above-mentioned parameters. As a rule, NDA agreements guarantee confidentiality – access to confidential materials is restricted for third parties.
A Final Word of Advice!
Take your time! Approach IT outsourcing in the same way you would make other business decisions. An outsourcing partner is an extension of your company. Choose someone it is convenient for you to share the business ideas with, otherwise the project will not be implemented.