Are you planning to hire a software development company to build an app or some other type of custom software? If you are then you should be extra careful when choosing which software development company to hire, as it is a decision that will have a huge impact on your project.
Nowadays there are lots and lots of companies out there that specialize in software development. However not all of them are equal, and not all will be able to match your expectations.
To choose the right custom software development company, there are many factors that you need to take into account. But at the same time there are also several common mistakes that you should try to avoid:
Not giving clear instructions and requirements
When choosing a software development company you’ll want to communicate your requirements as clearly as possible – along with any instructions you may have. If your instructions and requirements aren’t crystal clear, both you and the developer may not end up on the same page which could lead to serious problems.
Be sure to hammer out your goals and expectations in advance, and outline it clearly to the developer. Try asking them to explain it in their own words too – to check that they understand the project and its scope.
Looking for the cheapest option
Cost-efficiency is important, but not if it compromises the quality. Looking for bargain-basement rates when choosing a developer is a recipe for disaster, and more often than not you’ll end up with developers who lack experience or don’t use ideal solutions.
Simply put if you want to avoid delays, disappointments, and a subpar final product – don’t prioritize low-cost options. Instead, focus on finding a developer that is experienced, professional, qualified, and reputable.
Not doing enough research
No matter what you do not want to skimp on research when you choose a software development company. Don’t just look at the cost and testimonials, but instead scrutinize their portfolio, positive and negative feedback, credibility on Clutch, and various other factors.
At the end of the day you want to get as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not the developer can meet your expectations. Without thorough research, there’s no way that you’ll be able to do that.
Not paying attention to the skills and technologies that will be used
The last thing that you want is to have software developed only to find out later on that it uses obsolete (or close to obsolete) technology. Instead, you should actively make sure the company you choose has a team with the latest skills that utilize the most modern technology.
One way to ensure that is the case is to do your own research and identify the best technology and approach to use for your project. The other option is to consult a development company – but if you go down that route you need to make sure they are very knowledgeable, experienced, and have a good reputation.
Absence of a tech-savvy manager on your end
Although you may be outsourcing the software development, you can’t just place an order and sit back and wait for the software to be delivered. To ensure the project stays on track and meets your requirements you need to appoint a manager to oversee it and keep tabs on its progress.
The manager that you appoint should be someone tech-savvy who has experience managing projects and understands software development. That way they’ll be able to monitor, check and guide the project more effectively.
Overlooking ownership of the codebase
Seeing as you’re hiring a software development company to build an app or custom software – its code should belong to you, right? While that certainly does make sense, it is something that you should always remember to check and make sure that your ownership of the code is clearly stated in the agreement.
If you aren’t careful and overlook this, the app development company could very well end up claim rights to the code. As you can imagine things can turn very messy if they do – which is why you want to avoid it at all costs and check your ownership beforehand.
See how each and every one of these mistakes could have a huge impact on your project? Unfortunately, these mistakes are all too common, and many software development projects end up delayed, derailed, or in dire straits because of them.
Final Words
The good news is that now that you’re aware of these mistakes, it shouldn’t be that difficult to avoid them. Generally speaking all you need to do is be extra careful and thorough when you’re choosing a software development company – while keeping an eye out for the right things.
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