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If you’re considering software development outsourcing, you might feel overwhelmed by the countless companies and services in the market. Not all outsourcing companies are created equal; that’s why making your decision based on stringent criteria is essential. This ensures you work with a provider equipped to deliver optimal results for your project.
The best way to assess potential outsourcing firms is to ask the right questions. This article lists 14 questions to ask a software development company before you hire them.
Why Ask Questions at All?
Engaging in software outsourcing services without due diligence has several consequences, including miscommunication, unmet expectations, and, ultimately, a failed project. Asking the right questions upfront helps you:
- Gauge Technical Expertise: Software development requires specific skills and knowledge. Determine if the company possesses the necessary competencies for your project requirements.
- Gain Insight Into Compatibility: Understand their methodologies and how they handle workflows, timelines, and potential issues. This lets you know how easily they can acclimate to your existing processes.
- Ensure Security and Data Privacy: Check if they have robust security measures to protect your sensitive data.
- Clarify Intellectual Property Rights: Define ownership rights and licensing agreements.
- Set Expectations: Establish clear metrics for success and mutual understanding of the project’s goals and outcomes.
Questions for Software Development Company
1. How do you hire and train your developers?
Before evaluating the software development company itself, you must look closely at its developers. How do they find and train their developers? Ideally, you should work with a firm that can fill your team’s knowledge or skill gaps. For example, if none of your employees are experienced in UI/UX design, your outsourcing partner should be able to offer that as a service.
2. What are your core competencies and specializations?
A full-service firm must be able to handle every element of the software development cycle, from user research to project management. They should also stay up-to-date with the latest software development outsourcing trends. This shows a commitment to ongoing training and innovation.
3. What is your approach to project management?
It’s crucial to ask the provider’s methodology. Methodology refers to how they develop software, including workflows and project management techniques. By understanding their methods, you can determine whether your processes align with theirs.
4. Can you provide references or case studies of similar projects?
If possible, request case studies or references from past clients so you can have a clearer picture of the projects they’ve worked on. You can also ask for live product demos or testimonials from previous clients to assess their ability to deliver results.
5. What services do you offer?
Outsourcing involves delegating tasks to a third-party provider. One of the most important questions to ask before hiring a software development company is what services they provide. Can they offer support throughout the software development lifecycle, or only specialize in a specific area? Here are the types of services these companies typically cover:
- Custom Software
- Web Development
- Mobile Application
- Cloud Software
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- System Integration
- Maintenance and Support
- DevOps
- Cybersecurity Software
- E-Commerce Software
- Database Development
- Embedded Systems
- Enterprise Software
6. How much control and visibility do I have in the project?
When outsourcing, business owners often worry about how much oversight they’ll have on the project. You should always be able to set goals and expectations and voice out your concerns. If a firm is reluctant or unable to maintain transparency, consider this a red flag. The success of your project depends on how much visibility and influence you have as it progresses.
7. How do you communicate with your clients?
Outsourcing requires seamless collaboration across time zones. Ask about their preferred communication tools, reporting structure, and how they manage expectations throughout the project. What is their team’s schedule, and how often can you meet with them for updates?
8. How do you ensure quality?
One of the most notable benefits of outsourcing software development is quality assurance. When you work with external professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing they have rigorous quality control measures, including automated and manual testing.
9. What tools do you use?
A good outsourcing team will have access to the latest tools and technologies. Do they use industry-standard software for project management, coding, testing, and communication? Their answer indicates their commitment to efficiency, collaboration, and, ultimately, the quality of your software.
10. What is your pricing model and payment structure?
While outsourcing is a more cost-effective solution to software development, hidden fees or vague pricing structures can lead to budget overruns. Clarify if they use a fixed pricing model, time-and-materials, or another structure. Make sure it’s all clearly stated in the contract.
11. What security measures do you have in place?
Data security is a non-negotiable, especially when you outsource software development offshore. Ensure the company follows industry best practices like encryption, compliance with GDPR or HIPAA (if applicable), and secure coding practices.
12. Do you offer support after launch?
Software is not a one-off project. It requires continuous updates and maintenance to ensure it continues to work smoothly. Your software is an ongoing project because you’ll always receive user feedback, bug issues, and other technical concerns that require fixing or updating.
13. Who will own the intellectual property (IP) rights?
IP rights are a point of contention between companies and third-party providers. It’s best to settle these terms early on to save you from legal headaches. In outsourcing, the client typically owns the final product—not the developer.
14. How do you handle unforeseen challenges and changes?
Delays can be costly. While no project is perfect from start to finish, what matters is how the software development company responds. Understand how the company handles missed deadlines, scope changes, and dispute resolution before signing a contract.
Ready to Outsource Software Development? Ask the Right Questions!
Choosing the right partner in software development can make or break the success of your project. By asking these key questions, you can ensure that you find the best fit for your needs and goals.
As you explore your options, consider Eastvantage a reliable outsourcing partner dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions. Let’s build something great together—get in touch with us today!
