A customized platform for your product or service could be just what you need to reach more customers. Maybe you depend on software right now that’s not efficient or reliable. If that’s the case, you might be thinking about hiring a software development partner.
Before you sign up with anyone, here’s what you need to know about finding custom software development services.
Why Are You Looking for a Software Developer?
This should be your guiding question while hiring a software developer. Each one will have different strengths and you want one that will be able to help you with what you need. You may have come up against these roadblocks when trying to develop your software:
- There aren’t enough resources at your company
- You might be able to do it in-house but you’re worried about quality
- Your staff doesn’t have the experience and you don’t want to waste resources
- Your company doesn’t want to spend time hiring an in-house developer
Some of these issues have to do with budget; others with the quality of development you’re looking for. If you’re worried about value compared to the cost, express this concern to the companies you’re considering so you’re on the same page.
7 Things to Look for in Your Software Developer
Treat this process like hiring a new employee—you’ll be working closely with your software development partner and you want to make sure they have the qualities and skills you’re looking for. Here are seven things to look for when making your choice:
Experience
We’re not saying that you have to find the person that’s been doing it the longest, but you probably don’t want to be someone’s first project either!
The level of custom software development services you get will often depend on your budget. Still, you should always make sure the team has a demonstrated history of success in your particular sector.
Client Reviews & Testimonials
These can give you valuable insight into how the developer’s customers feel about their work. It’s a great way to get an unbiased opinion and find out if they deliver on time and provide exceptional customer service.
Pricing Model
The pricing model you choose should be based on the budget you have available. Some software development partners offer fixed-price contracts, while others charge an hourly rate or a combination of the two. Choose one that makes sense for your needs and budget.
Technical Skills
If your software will need something special, confirm that the custom software development services you’re getting match that. Be sure to ask if they have experience working with the type of technologies you need for your project.
Communication
You’ll want everyone involved to feel like they’re able to express their thoughts and ideas. You want to be on the same page as your software developer, and if communication is unclear or difficult, it could spell disaster for your project.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance is vital—you want to make sure your software developer is willing to make changes and confirm you’re happy with the project. Ask about their testing process and who is responsible for making sure everything works as expected.
After Development Support
Finally, make sure you understand how the software development partner supports their product after it has been deployed. This is important because you want to know that any issues or changes can be addressed quickly and without too much hassle.
Choosing a software development partner is a major decision so take your time to do research and find the right fit. Custom software development services can make or break the success of your project, so don’t settle for anything less than what you’re looking for.
See If Realized Solutions Is Up for the Job
Our team might have exactly what you’re looking for in a software development partner so we’d love to hear about your project. We have a six-step process that includes:
- Consultation
- Concept
- Coding
- Testing
- Deployment
- Support & Maintenance
Over 65% of our clientele use custom software development so we’re confident we can help. Schedule a consultation today to get your project started!
