In today’s competitive world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to improve their operations and stay ahead of the curve. One area where companies can gain a significant advantage is software development. However, not all companies have the resources to maintain an in-house team of developers. This is where outsourcing comes in.
In this article, we will discuss what an outsourced developer is, what software development outsourcing services are, how to manage outsourced developers, and the best ways to outsource development.
What is Software Development Outsourcing?
First, let us define what software development outsourcing is. Software development outsourcing is the practice of hiring a third-party company or individual to develop software solutions for your business. Outsourcing can involve hiring a single developer or an entire team of developers, and can also be onshore or offshore. Offshore software outsourcing is a popular option for businesses without the expertise or resources to develop software in-house. It allows companies to focus on their core competencies while still benefiting from international high-quality software solutions.
What is an Outsourced Developer?
An outsourced developer is a professional who is hired by a company to develop software solutions. They are not an in-house employee and may work remotely from their location. They can be freelance developers or part of a company that offers software development outsourcing services. Outsourced developers can be hired for specific projects or on a long-term basis. They offer businesses the ability to tap into a talent pool that businesses may not have access to locally.
Why Outsource Software Development?
There are many benefits to outsourcing software development, including the following:
1. Cost Savings
Outsourcing can be significantly cheaper than hiring an in-house team of developers. It eliminates the need to pay for employee benefits, office space, and other overhead costs.
2. Access to Talent
Outsourcing allows businesses to tap into a global talent pool. This can be especially beneficial for businesses in areas where talent is scarce.
3. Flexibility
Outsourcing gives businesses the flexibility to scale their development team up or down as needed. This can be particularly useful for businesses with fluctuating workloads.
4. Focus on Core Competencies
By outsourcing software development, businesses can focus on their core competencies and leave software development to the experts.
When Not to Outsource Development
While outsourcing can be an excellent way to save time and money, there are certain situations where it may not be the best choice. Here are some scenarios when outsourcing software development may not be the best option:
- When you require a high level of collaboration and communication: If you have a project that requires constant communication and collaboration between team members, outsourcing may not be the best choice. Language barriers and different time zones can make communication difficult. At CoDev however, we have established procedures and tools to mitigate these issues. For example, we have project managers and supervisors who can serve as a liaison between you and the development team, ensuring that communication remains clear and efficient.
- When your project requires specialized knowledge: If your project requires specialized knowledge or skills that your outsourcing partner may not have, it may be best to keep the project in-house. Thankfully CoDev has teams of experts in various fields, providing a diverse range of knowledge and expertise.
- When your project is time-sensitive: If your project is time-sensitive and requires quick turnaround times, outsourcing may not be the best choice. There may be communication or quality control issues that could cause delays. At CoDev however, we prioritize quick turnaround times and output quality and offer flexible working hours to ensure that project deadlines are met.
- When you need complete control over the project: If you need complete control over the project and want to be involved in every step of the process, outsourcing may not be the best choice. At CoDev however, we understand especially if it’s your first outsourced project, how important it is to maintain a significant level of control. That’s why we offer transparent processes and project management tools that allow you to monitor progress and maintain control over the project.
How to Manage Outsourced Developers
Managing outsourced developers can be challenging, especially if you are not used to working with remote teams. However, with the right approach, you can ensure that your outsourced team is productive and delivers high-quality work. Here are some tips for managing outsourced developers:
1. Set Clear Expectations
It’s essential to set clear expectations with your outsourced developers from the beginning. This includes the project scope, timelines, and deliverables. Make sure that everyone is on the same page before work begins.
2. Use Project Management Tools
Project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira can help you stay organized and track the progress of your outsourced team. These tools allow you to assign tasks, set deadlines and communicate with your team.
3. Communicate Regularly
Communication is key when working with outsourced developers. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, address any issues, and answer any questions your team may have.
4. Provide Feedback
Providing feedback is crucial for ensuring that your outsourced team is delivering work that meets your expectations. Make sure to give specific, actionable feedback that helps your team improve.
Where is the Best Place to Find Outsourced Developers?
There are many online platforms where you can find outsourced developers, but none are like CoDev in experience, track record, affordability, and quality of its provided talent. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, CoDev has become a reputable outsourcing firm that delivers results that exceed expectations. We understand that every business is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Our team consists of top-notch developers who are highly skilled and experienced in different programming languages and technologies. What’s more, our pricing is affordable and transparent, so you can be sure that you won’t break the bank while working with us. Start by getting in touch with CoDev today. You could also sign up to receive a curated list of software developer candidates every month, which is free for a limited time only.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between onshore and offshore outsourcing?
A. Onshore outsourcing refers to hiring developers within the same country, while offshore outsourcing involves hiring developers from another country.
Q. How much does outsourcing software development cost?
A. The cost of outsourcing software development varies depending on factors like the location of the developer, the complexity of the project, and the experience of the developer. Generally, offshore software outsourcing can cost a lot less than in-house development.
Q. How do I ensure the quality of work when outsourcing software development?
A. To ensure the quality of work when outsourcing software development, set clear expectations, communicate regularly, use project management tools, and provide feedback.
Q. What are the risks of outsourcing software development?
A. The risks of outsourcing software development include language and cultural barriers, differences in time zones, and the possibility of miscommunication. To prevent these risks from occuring, CoDev schedules employees to overlap with their employers; tests them for language abilities with a third-party testing tool; and also provides a US-based customer success team to help ensure a productive relationship between the employer and the outsourced employee.
Q. How do I choose the right outsourced developer for my project?
A. When choosing an outsourced developer, consider factors like their experience, skills, portfolio, and client reviews. It’s also important to communicate clearly and make sure they understand the project’s requirements.
