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Unlock software success with the ideal IT partner at your side. Ultimately, a strong partnership is paramount to building a high-quality product.
In our previous chapter, you learned how to prepare your organization for outsourcing. Now, let’s leap into finding the best-fit IT partner according to your requirements.
To find your perfect match, get 360-degree vision into evaluating potential partners. Below you’ll find winning strategies to choose a suitable IT partner. We’ll go over key criteria, practical steps and more so you hire the #1 partner for your business.
Choosing a software development company can be more complex than you think. It’s important to take your time assessing potential partners in these crucial areas.
First, get a deep understanding of your project. Work closely with your stakeholders to determine product goals. Do detailed research on the market through surveys and user interviews.
Set specific objectives and define resource requirements. Whenever possible, you should also have a sense of the tech stack and general IT parameters. Doing so will generate more productive conversations with potential partners.
Next, know your options for outsourcing. Overall, models are highly flexible to your needs, so consider your best case scenario. A good starting point is to ask whether you want to control the project internally or not.
Depending on your needs, a hybrid approach may also work. For example, outsource your mobile app but keep an internal maintenance team. Or spur innovation by setting up an R&D center via outsourcing.
Discovering a reputable IT outsourcing company is no easy feat. You’ll want to use rigorous sourcing to find the most promising candidates.
Typically, it’s useful to target IT-specific platforms and connections. Ideally, you should try a diverse assortment of methods, including:
Don’t leave any stone unturned. Once you have a competitive list of potential partners, you can kick off the screening stage.
Do your due diligence to conduct in-depth research into each potential partner. Your exact requirements will depend on your goals, but be sure to focus on key criteria such as:
Of course, this is just the start of the process. During this stage, you should also get a good sense of their working style and partner chemistry.
Once you’ve assessed your partner’s qualities, it’s time to verify their background. Even though it can be time-consuming, don’t skip this step. It’s essential to hear from past clients and references about their work and performance. Often you’ll glean new insights into your partner, including strengths and weaknesses.
Communication is also vital, as 57% of projects fail due to misunderstandings. Check your partner’s communication strategies, especially if you’re working remotely. Take a close look at collaboration protocols, tools, feedback, reporting and so on. A good way to understand your partner’s style is to undergo a few interviews and trial meetings.
Outsourcing opens doors to exciting talent, but it can also make your IP, data and tech vulnerable. Make certain that your partner has an end-to-end security plan, including:
Ultimately, don’t leave your security to chance. Cover your bases by ensuring that your partner has ironclad protocols in place.
Stay realistic when it comes to pricing. Understand key factors including project scope, team size, expertise and more. Don’t forget that cheaper isn’t necessarily better for long-term product results.
In addition, define all your payment parameters in advance so there’s no confusion. A “Time and Materials” method usually gives your business the best flexibility. In your contract, set forth all payment terms (milestones, methods, currency, etc.). You should also have clauses about potential additional costs.
A detailed contract protects your project from open interpretation. Create a contract that includes:
The more detailed your project scope, the clearer your expectations will be. Don’t rush the contract process or you may face vague requirements or even loopholes.
Establishing a fruitful partnership depends on staying transparent and realistic. Have everything well-defined in your contract and stay as tangible as possible. It’s also worth having flexible change management protocols, so you can pivot as needed.
You may have lots of questions as you get started with your partner – that’s great! Ask away so that you feel confident about expectations. There's a reason why transparency is the #1 quality that businesses seek in providers. Work to create a strong rapport with your partner through deep communication.
Choosing the right software development outsourcing partner is a multi-layered process. Follow our 10-step guide to cover all your bases as you search for the best fit. Specifically, look at the full logistics so you can hire a well-rounded partner.
As you kick off your rigorous search process, reach out to Netcorp. We’re proud to build long-term relationships based on trust and technical expertise. Find out how our elite teams work in tandem with your business to get exceptional outcomes.
Paavo Pauklin is a renowned consultant and thought leader in software development outsourcing with a decade of experience. Authoring dozens of insightful blog posts and the guidebook "How to Succeed with Software Development Outsourcing," he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Paavo hosts two influential video podcasts: “Everybody needs developers” and “Tech explained to managers in 3 minutes.” Through his extensive training sessions with organizations such as the Finnish Association of Software Companies and Estonian IT Companies Association, he's helped numerous businesses strategize, train internal teams, and find dependable outsourcing partners. His expertise offers a reliable compass for anyone navigating the world of software outsourcing.
Download the free copy of our "Software Development Outsourcing" e-book now to learn the best strategies for succeeding in outsourcing!
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