There’s no shortage of software development companies, and all you need to do is a simple Google search to get lots of options. However, selecting the right one is important as this plays a huge role in the success of your project. It should be a partner that understands your needs, is compatible in terms of business operations, and has the expertise you require.
So how do you analyze the options and select the right fit? We’ll walk you through several considerations.
Define Your Project Requirements
Before you even start looking for a software development partner, the first thing you need to do is have a clear understanding of the project you want to undertake. Here, it’s not just about a platform that can make your work easy or do a few tasks. You need to have details such as the scope, objectives, and features.
While drafting these, go into detail as much as possible. Think about what you would like the interface to look like, the system capabilities you’d like, and the integration with other systems in place (now and in the future). Some of these may need a re-look with the IT partner you select, but having them is important as it will help you communicate your needs and expectations.
Besides the actual software, you can also establish the timeline and budget. Ideally, these should be broken down into phases – from planning to deployment. Finally, ensure you have criteria you can use to measure the success of your project.
Assess Their Technical Expertise
You are trusting the development partner with a project that can even take years, as the system may need continuous changes. This means that you need to ensure that you don’t start off with a developer or company that isn’t up to the task in terms of technical skills.
A good way to start is by looking at the specific skills you’ll need as this will narrow down your choices. Look at the programming languages, frameworks, and technologies they are familiar with. Beyond that, consider the general expertise in other areas, even if you may not need them. Ensure you also look at the third-party platforms (e.g., CRMs) they integrate with, as you don’t want to be stuck with one you don’t like or an old one.
After the research, you can then look at projects they’ve already worked on. Give priority to projects that are similar to yours in complexity and scope, as they will show you the true capabilities of the potential development partner.
Assess Business, Cultural & Communication Compatibility
Development requires collaboration to ensure success. As such, select a company that aligns with how you like to do business. You can start by looking at its business practices and values – project management, client relationships, and problem-solving.
The company’s culture should also tell you whether they are a good fit. Look at their values, ethics, goals, and expectations. If these align with yours, collaboration will be easier and the relationship more productive. The communication expectations should also align to ensure all parties have what they need.
For compatibility assessment, you can use the first calls or even visit physically if possible. Ensure you don’t only talk to the sales representatives but also the management and technical people who will be dealing with the project.
Evaluate Their Project Management Methodologies
Beyond the technical expertise and cultural fit, you also want to ensure that the project development methodologies used by the partner align with yours. This is important as project delivery can take a while, but you want to ensure that you know and can see how everything is coming along.
First, familiarize yourself with the different development methodologies. These include Agile, Rapid, Waterfall, and DevOps. Each of these has its strengths, but it’s the nature of your project that should determine your choice. For example, Agile will work best if you have changing needs. Waterfall is the direct opposite as it needs clearly defined requirements and dev stages.
Besides that, look at how you want to approach the deliverables. Discuss with the IT partner as they also have their preferences. You can then see if this aligns with your expectations and come up with a common ground.
Apart from that, enquire about the tech tools they use for project management and progress reports. This will help keep you in the know.
Check Client Reviews & Testimonials
Besides your own analysis, you should also look at what other clients have said about the company. There are many platforms where clients often share their experiences with various development companies. Some examples are Clutch, Quora, and LinkedIn.
The reviews here can help you form an unbiased opinion about various aspects of the company, from communication to technical expertise.
Author
Andy Lipnitski, IT Director
Andy started his career in IT in 2005. He has taken part in more than 30 projects as a solution architect, team lead, and project manager. Since 2017, Andrei supervises the effective delivery of managed IT infrastructure, cloud enablement and DevOps services at ScienceSoft.
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