How to Successfully Outsource Software Development: A 5-Step Proven Process

How to Successfully Outsource Software Development: A 5-Step Proven Process

Outsourcing is certainly the most popular approach these days adopted by businesses to fulfill their software requirements. In fact, they prefer it for most of their IT functions and services. Software development is a tricky process. Especially in modern times when the functional requirements are increasingly complex. Businesses that do not specialize in IT and software development find it difficult to manage the risks associated with the process.

Working with a software outsourcing company takes this load off your shoulders. You can outsource parts of your software development or even the whole process to a service provider. They are responsible for delivering a quality product according to your business requirements within the given time frame.

However, outsourcing involves a specific protocol. You need to stick to the basics of the process to ensure the required outcomes. A successful outsourcing process can drastically improve the performance of a growing business. Although the benefits of software outsourcing services are amazing. But as a business, you must tackle the associated challenges to avail yourself of these benefits.

Let us have a look at the stepwise process for successful outsourcing development…

5 Steps to a Successful Partnership with a Software Outsourcing Company

Outsourcing your software development process can solve a lot of problems for your organization. It not only makes room for your core business operations. But also helps you get quality software solutions at cheaper rates.

However, to get these benefits, you need to do proper planning and execution of your outsourcing process. The following are the five steps to follow to successfully Outsource Software Development:

1. Clearly Define Your Requirements

Identifying your requirements and setting up the scope of the project is the first and the most vital step of the outsourcing process. This is where you set the tone for the whole project. There are several stakeholders in a project including company leadership, end-users, and customers. Not all of them will equally participate in every step of the outsourcing process. But this is a stage where everyone has to give their input. The final product has a direct effect on all these individuals. So, it is better to be clear about the requirements from the beginning. This step also involved creating an outlined map for the project. The mapping includes the scope of the project, the technology stack required, the project timeline, and the budget. The better your plan, the better the chances of success of the project. Clearly defined project requirements help you find the right outsourcing partner.

2. Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner

After defining your project requirements, you need to find a software development outsourcing company that fits right according to those requirements. Do your research and shortlist some service providers who have proven experience in your industry. Look for their track record and if they have a history of providing quality services on time or not. Properly vet an outsourcing company before signing a partnership deal with them. Ask them for case studies and client testimonials. It will tell you about the type of clients a services provider has worked with and the quality of services it has offered.

3. Establish a Seamless Communication Channel

Having clear communication between your in-house team and the software outsourcing company is vital for the success of your project. The efficiency of the collaboration is dependent on the quality of communication between you and your outsourcing partner. It starts right from the documentation part. Be clear about your budget, requirements, service level agreements, and other expectations in the formal documentation of the partnership deal. Furthermore, ensure that your service provider understands your requirements. During the project, try to stay connected and keep track of the progress using collaboration tools available in the market to serve this purpose.

4. Manage the Process

Although you outsource the project to take the load off. Still, the management of the project stays in your hands. Managing a software outsourcing project is a task studded with complex challenges. So, make sure you hire the right person for this job. To ensure the success of the project, the management needs to look after the minute details with lose attention. Try to track the progress at regular intervals and compare them with your initial requirements and project goals. Be vocal about any issues you are having with the team. Try to sort out the issues at early stages to avoid deviation of the project from its scope and objective.

5. Test and Release

Once everything is done and you get the final product of the development process in your hands. It is time to test the product to see if it is all according to the initial requirements of the stakeholders. Plus, you must also check it for any functionality and security flaws. After being assured of all these things, you can give out a sigh of relief as your outsourcing project is successful. You can now release the final product for the users.

So, these are the five steps to make sure your development outsourcing project is successful. Although it is tricky to work with a software outsourcing company. But following the above steps can make it a lot easier for you.