October 24, 2014
Selecting the right outsourced software development team isn’t always easy. It can take you anywhere from 4 weeks to even 6 months. How can you be sure you’ve made the right decision when you finally pick your outsourcing partner?
With the proper research and strategy, you can simplify the process, and your chances of success will improve significantly.
Here are 5 tips to consider when hiring a software development team.
Talk to Members of “Your” Development Team
Once you pick an outsourced team of developers for your company, they aren’t just a bunch of programmers removed from your business. They become “your” programmers and your involvement with them is vital to the success of your projects. Essentially, you don’t want to go through the CEO or executive member, or you won’t get the complete picture of the people you’re working with. Talk with individual engineers and programmers about your project and ask them how they can improve it and contribute to it. After all, it’s your money, and you have a right to learn about their strengths, skill-set, and communication skills.
Look at Their Portfolio
When evaluating a team, ask them to see their portfolio to understand what they’ve contributed to past projects, what programming languages they know, and how well their skill set applies to your future project. Also, make sure that the team you’re working with has plenty of experience with North American software markets, something you can learn from reviewing their portfolio(s).
Identify Their Level of Communication
There are several ways to determine how well a team communicates. One is just speaking with them directly to gauge their English skills. However, looking at how quickly an outsourced team responds to your phone calls and e-mails would be best. Does the team have communication tools such as Skype or video conferencing as an option? Are they available at the hours you need to speak with them? Do they give you the answers you want quickly and with ample information? These essential questions can help you get a team that communicates effectively.
Do They Have a Development Process?
For any outsourced team you work with, you’ll want to know if they have a development process and the details of the process. A development process shows that the team is concerned with planning and strategy, which helps demonstrate the organizational skills necessary to complete a project on time and within budget.
Consider a Pilot Project
Pilot projects usually last 3 to 6 weeks with a new development team, but they can go a long way to let you know if a development team can perform however you want. Usually, you can start on a smaller project and evaluate from there. This helps you minimize risks and learn from small mistakes instead of big ones as you move forward.
Following these tips can help you pick a team that works for you and save money through outsourcing. We can guide you through the process, saving you time and money when searching for the right fit.