Choosing the right software development partner is a critical decision that can impact the success of your project, for better or worse.
With an abundance of options available, navigating through choices can be a challenging task.
However, armed with a strategic approach, you can simplify this process and find your “the one” in no time.
This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to choose a software development company you need.
Let’s jump in!
5 Steps on How to Choose a Software Development Company
Here are 5 steps in picking the right partner for your next software development project.
1. Assess Your Project Needs
Define the specific requirements of how your finished product will look.
These act as the project’s compass, providing you and the software development partner with a clear direction and a foundation for decision-making.
Having clear expectations also offers a benchmark to measure progress and evaluate the project’s effectiveness.
Let’s say you want to build a fitness app.
Consider features you want to have, such as personalized workout plans and a fitness tracker. Do you want to have a premium subscription – so what about its payment gateway systems?
Basically, some essential aspects to consider related to your project needs are:
- Project scope: Are you looking for a partner to handle the end-to-end software development strategy or do you want their expertise as your consultant?
- Time frame: List the project’s short-term and long-term requirements, then calculate how long the project will finish. You may also need to consider unexpected issues, such as errors and bugs.
- Budget: Decide how much of your budget will be allocated to the software development partnership. Note that the cost can be higher as the project is more complex and the timeline is limited.
2. Understand Different Kinds of Outsourcing
Plan how you’ll outsource the development partner. There are three types of outsourcing you can consider, so decide which one is the best fit for your project.
- Freelancer – Hiring freelancers is a practical solution when you’re on a tight budget and hoping to get some aspects of the project done quickly.
- Staff augmentation – It means adding one or more team members on a contractual basis, perfect for people who want to have control over the project and the staff involved.
- Project outsourcing – This means you hand over control of the entire project to a software development partner, saving time to focus on other matters.
A key takeaway is recognizing your own situation.
We recommend hiring freelancers when you have the resources to control the whole project but need someone to tackle small technical undertakings.
Or, do you find software development too complex to handle or simply there’s too much on your plate? Then project outsourcing is the best solution.
After choosing the right outsourcing type for your project, it’s time to determine a partner based on their proximity and location.
Here are three types to help filter your options:
- Offshore: hiring a vendor in a different country than your own.
- Nearshore: outsourcing a partner near your own, or there isn’t a significant time zone difference.
- Onshore: the provider is within your own company’s area.
3. Hunt the Potential Partners
Once you get to know your own needs and outsourcing types, let’s see which company is the best fit.
You can start by googling “software development company + your area” if you prefer onshore or nearshore options.
Alternatively, check listing platforms like Clutch, G2, and Upcity.
These sites can provide you with a list of software development partners around the globe.
Filter them by location, budget, services, or industry.
Alternatively, sort the options based on the number of reviews or the company’s rank on the platform.
Some sites even let you compare several companies to help directly contrast specific aspects, including services, hourly rates, and review ratings.
Do you have a specific software development company in mind?
Just type its name on the site, and you’ll see important information, like the services provided, common project size, and clientele.
If your needs involve freelancers, go to freelancing sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Toptal. Note that these platforms may require you to pay to use the features and hire someone on the site.
Whatever platform you use, check reviews and testimonials to know real users’ feedback and avoid any kind of issues in the future.
Consider connecting to the review author to find out more about how their software development partnership went and get hands-on feedback.
Our recommendation is to choose a partner with a high rating and a list of client testimonials.
Intelitivita, for example, has gained a 4.8 rating on Clutch, gathered over 30 reviews, and multiple Clutch awards to show you that we’re worth your resources.
4. Visit the Software Company’s Website
After listing some prospective ones, visit their websites and check the case studies to get a sense of their expertise.
Case studies showcase how a software development partner has solved a company’s challenges or helped reach their goals.
These will display:
- Kinds of solutions and features they implemented.
- Tests they used to make sure the project ran smoothly.
- How they managed to build good user experiences.
Looking for a company that has worked on similar projects is recommended since it objectively has the skills to complete yours well.
Also, network with the companies mentioned in the case study to learn more about how the software development partner helped them and maintains ongoing relationships.
Other aspects you should check on the website are:
- Their technology stack.
- Outsourcing models they provide.
- Additional relevant services, such as support and maintenance.
- Communication methods.
5. Contact the Prospective Partners and Evaluate
Contact the shortlisted development teams and interview them to narrow down your options.
During the interview, pay attention to their communication style and coding understanding.
You can also ask these several questions to know which is the top fit among them:
- How’s your software development process?
- Which of the completed projects has been the most profitable?
- What are your most-used or favorite programming languages to work with?
- How long will it take you to complete a software development project?
- What are the quality aspects your team tries to maintain?
- What is your preferred communication channel during the software development process?
- Why should we choose you as a partner?
6. Consider Creating a Proposal (Optional)
Found your best software development partner from the previous step? If you’re still confused, consider creating a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP).
RFP refers to a document outlining your project details to elicit the vendors’ responses.
Yes, making an RFP may take time, but it helps create transparency as you’ve set the project scope, schedule, and budget, providing a higher chance of finding the right software development partner fast.
Details in an RFP can include:
- Statement of purpose, a summary of what needs to be done.
- Company description, explains your core values and clients.
- Project overview and goals, illustrate your idea, software development process specific to your project, and potential roadblocks.
- Project scope and deliverables, include infrastructure, product, project management, team structure, and quality assurance requirements.
- Response timeline, displays the deadline for candidate selection.
- Contact, lets potential suppliers know how they can contact you.
What Makes a Good Software Development Partner?
There are certain criteria that make a good partner.
We’ll list down below to help you find yours:
- Take the time to understand your business – They’ll learn your target audience, industry trends, and challenges you may face to develop a solution tailored to your needs.
- Have the expertise – A good software partner owns specific technologies and understands the programming languages required.
- Deliver comprehensive support – Check if the partner can ensure you follow security standards and come up with a project management approach relevant to your project.
- Hold a good reputation in the industry – They can show testimonials, case studies, and reviews, and, preferably, gain some industry recognitions or awards.
- Provide effective communication – Ensure your potential partner is responsive and maintains clear communication channels.
- The team is open for post-development support – A good partner should be willing to assist with updates, bug fixes, and any issues that may arise after the project is done.
Why Intelivita is The Best Software Development Partner for Your Business
Intelivita stands out as an excellent option for your software development needs.
Our services range from augmented reality to eCommerce solutions, with a wide range of clients including industry giants like Microsoft and ITV.
At Intelivita, our team comprises highly skilled UI/UX designers and developers who are not just technically proficient but also passionate about crafting exceptional digital products.
Our approach begins with meticulously examining your concept, and guiding it through every development stage until the final product launch.
Need more or less? We can cover everything you need.
Conclusion
The journey to find the right software development partner involves a strategic and meticulous approach.
Finding an ideal partner is not just about technical skills but also about shared values, effective communication, and long-term commitment.
Follow the five essential steps above and streamline the selection process to secure a software development partnership that aligns with your project’s unique requirements.
If you have inquiries about our services or want to discuss your project, feel free to reach out.
Let Intelivita be your first choice for turning your innovative ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions!
