We know it is important to choose the right software development partner when deciding to start a cooperation for custom software development, and the process is quite complex. We also think it is essential that the new partner should have a positive impact on your business, therefore you need to ask the right questions from the beginning. Based on our 22 years of working experience in software development projects, we list the most critical aspects that a software development buyer department could check.
Investigate previous experience: Did you develop software applications for our industry before?
There are big chances, that a software development company that has already worked for the sector in which your company is active, has gained an important expertise and it will be easier to fulfill the needs of your project. The faster and leaner a software development team can start working for your goals, the sooner you will be able to implement it.
Investigate the team’s skillfulness: What is the seniority level distribution in your team?
There are some fine lines which you have to look for in a software development team: an optimal number of senior level engineers provide you the certainty that the team has mastery in delivering the full software development life cycle and there is a solid knowledge base in the team; on the other hand, an optimal number of junior and specialist level developers provide the basis for new perspectives across the software development process.
Ask about the technology stack in use.
Search for their strengths and find out what technologies they are most used to. Next, independently of what they are used to work with – Java, JavaScript, C, C++, .Net, Objective C, Python or other – make sure that the team also has the capacity to provide you with consulting on which technology to start your project with. Third, ask about their learning skills and be sure you are provided some examples on how the team acquires knowledge in different programming languages and technologies.
Analyze the way of handling communication during a software development project.
It is important to discuss the frequency of the calls between your team and the development team. What communication channels are suitable for both teams; make sure all sides are used to give and be given feedback, so that your project gets the best input from all parties. In the end, the main goal is to monitor the progress of the software development process and have all the tools to intervene if and when it is needed.
Assess the way of distributing responsibilities during the software development process.
Ask the software development provider about the responsibilities they can assume and discuss the responsibility part which your company would like to keep and which to outsource. Talk about the role management in both teams and ask what procedures are in place when role shifts are necessary.
Investigate the business and corporate culture.
It is all right to ask for referrals, ask about previous and current customers and their feedback on the software development company services. Ask about the employee attrition rate and how would work be started for your project. Request information about the cooperation duration with existing customers and about the core team of the software development company. Make sure that there will be a good long-term match between your team and the development team.
Ask about the codes ownership and the software maintenance procedures.
It is very important to set from the beginning who owns the code and how the maintenance of the software will be handled after release. You have to think ahead and foresee future updates, fixings, feature extensions or new functions and additions. It is relieving to have a software development provider who has the capacity and maturity to help you schedule these future tasks on the long run, in a mutually rewarding manner.
We hope that these few tips will help you in the process of choosing the right software development partner. For more questions and potential cooperation you are welcome to address your questions to our software development team at contact@softech.ro
