First and foremost, nothing beats good research. However, before you start browsing software development agencies, do your homework. Make sure you know what you expect from your next partner in a broader sense, not only technical expertise. Let’s go through some of the key aspects you should consider while creating your “ideal software house” profile.
Experience in a specific industry
I don’t think we need to convince anyone that software company’s portfolio should play a significant role, but having experience doesn’t always mean you can utilize it in your case.
Software development company might have an extensive portfolio of impressive projects, but none of them resemble anything you’re trying to do. On the other hand, software company that worked with projects similar to yours can not only execute faster and avoid industry-specific mistakes but even make your software better.
Of course, don’t just look at logos and case studies on the website. If it’s possible, find out how long are those partnerships. Good software houses are known for building durable and stable relationships.
Social proof
From generic testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations to rating platforms, there are multiple methods of socially verifying an agency’s credibilities. Perhaps the most popular and trustworthy way nowadays is Clutch. This platform allows users to browse agencies using specific filters and read extensive reviews of agencies that fit your profile. Another one that’s worth checking out is Capterra.
However, there’s another method that is often undervalued or forgotten. You can ask the software development agency to arrange a quick call with one of their clients. What’s better than a direct opinion from someone who works with them daily?
And if the software agency doesn’t agree, well, maybe they don’t have such a good relationship with their clients.
Technical expertise
If your project requires high expertise in a specific programming language or technology, it’s only natural to look for a team with experience in that area. For example, as a team with extensive experience in the Internet of Things (IoT), we’ll have a much better understanding of such projects from the get-go. It saves a lot of time and money and vastly improves the flow of information between all participants.
To sum up, setting technical requirements may drastically narrow down the number of potential software agencies you can choose.
On the other hand, if you’re not sure what technology would be correct for your project, it’s the software development company's responsibility to suggest one and explain why exactly it fits your requirements. In that case, make sure the answer makes technological sense on every level. The choice shouldn’t be based on the software agency’s preference but on what’s best for the project. And most usually, it’s the best practice to choose the most popular and verified solutions and technologies. That way, you’re assured you’ll be able to find a new team to continue the project in case anything goes sideways (or in case it’s going so well, you need additional devs).
Size and location of the company
The bigger your project is, the bigger the software house you need, but don’t overlook the structural aspect of the issue. Smaller companies usually are more flexible due to a lack of corporate regulations extended chain of command. If you’re a startup or have a trailblazing project to create, you may consider choosing a small to the mid-size agency.
The location aspect plays a role on a few levels. The most obvious is the time zone difference, but companies developed tools and procedures to limit its adverse effects over the last few years. There’s also a cultural side to that. Having a similar cultural background and sharing core values facilitates communication and workflow and ensures a much better overall understanding.
Transparency
The best relationships are built on trust and transparency, which applies to pricing, work progress, and communication in terms of software development. You should know what the current project burndown is, what developers are working on, and how much it will cost. The best way to achieve that is to work in Scrum and Time & Material pricing model.
You can read more about pricing models in the article “Benefits of Time&Materials (T&M) pricing model for software development”.
Smooth and efficient communication
The communication aspect is rarely prioritized because clients often forget how fundamental it is for everyday relations. It’s not just how well-matched you are on a cultural level. In large part, the level of communication will reflect many other aspects of the partnership. If you don’t feel like the agency provides you enough information initially, how can you expect it will change during the development process? Therefore, make sure you don’t overlook this aspect. Pay attention to how quick, efficient, and effortless is communication with an agency. The smoother it is, the better for the whole project.
Additionally, remember that in most cases, you’re trying to build a happy, long-lasting relationship. Software projects usually are not finished with the delivery. They require maintenance and ongoing updates. The agency you pick will almost certainly be a significant part of your professional life for months at least, and very often years. In this context, communication is the backbone of a healthy relationship.
