5 questions for a successful outsourcing of software development

When you are looking for an outsourcing company to develop software, you should ask them certain questions and get according answers. This way, you determine whether an outsourcing vendor will fit in your project. However, before that happens, start with asking questions yourself. Among these questions:

1. What kind of people do you want to work with?

Many companies offer outsourcing services out there. Usually, you look at their qualification, portfolio, and level of proficiency. However, outsourcing companies consist of real people who help you build your product, have their interests and opinions.

Your task is to get acquainted with them. Start with an owner of the company, then talk with managers and finally meet with your future development team. You should get to know them, discover their opinions on projects, mindsets, working routines, development possibilities, etc. In the end, you should have a clear picture of whether a vendor is compatible with your company or not.

2. Do you want to have a long-term or short-term relationship?

Ask this question at the very beginning of your search for an outsourcing partner. On one hand, you will need outsourcing services only for one finished software project and then work with it by yourself. On the other hand, you need support even after the product’s launch. You should choose the second option if you understand that software would be a foundation or link that will influence your whole business process. If it goes wrong, your business will face issues. To avoid such a scenario, it is better to continue your collaboration with an outsourcing team.

3. Does the vendor have a suitable development process?

This question applies when we talk about partial outsourcing. It means you already have a team of developers; you just need certain specialists from the outsourcing company. Before anything, you should remember that having a 100% similar development process is not possible. However, your processes can still be compatible. That is why before signing the contract, discuss all differences and options how you can smooth them.

Thus, you should not be satisfied with simple answers like “we use agile methodology”. Ask outsourcing company to give you detailed answers on every process stage. For example, these questions could be: When and how often you schedule project meetings? Who is checking development quality? What is your role in development? Who does prepare reports and documentation?

In Techexpert International, we work with full and partial outsourcing / outstaffing. As we understand, you have different needs and goals. Learn more about how our software development works. Or contact us and we will provide detailed information.

4. What actual services will you pay for?

As a rule, you receive a file with all costs. However, analysis of raw numbers will not help you get an overview of collaboration. There can be two possible situations:

You are creating new software. One outsourcing company offers you to do it for $90 000, the other one offers you to develop software for $80 000. Of course, the second option looks more alluring. However, even if vendors have a similar services list, it does not mean they are the same. There should be a reason behind the cheaper price.

You already have an in-house team; you just need extra specialists for the project. Usually, companies look for payments on an hourly basis. Of course, if you see a developer with a lower payment, you will choose him. However, before doing it, ask yourself “why his services cost like this?” Sometimes it means that the specialist has less experience than his colleagues do.

Most importantly, remember that a higher price does not always mean better quality of the development. If you opt for an outsourcing company with a high price list, ask them where this extra money goes. Maybe they invest in the education of their specialists, or they participate in professional events.

5. How do they work with issues?

Eventually, your project may face certain problems. However, how exactly the vendor will avoid or solve them will be the key to a successful launch and overall collaboration. Thus, you should ask for real examples of how the company has coped with issues from previous projects.

Besides that, it will be great if you discuss possible future scenarios. Among them might be communication, development, motivation issues that can happen at any stage. The main point is to be aware and ready to resolve them. Otherwise, there is no point in your collaboration.