How to Outsource to Offshore Software Developing Company

Identify What You Need in Your Software

1. Step1 - Ask yourself what kind of software you need and what it should be able to do. Do not start with what you think is possible or affordable--start with a "best case scenario."
2. Speak to department heads and other management about what functionalities they recommend. Specific needs should be addressed now so they don't need to be coded in later.
3. Solicit suggestions from lower-level employees as well. These "practical users" may represent the best sampling of daily experience you can find. Continue to speak with these employees throughout the development process.

Conduct the Search for Your Software Company

1. Look for companies that have experience in your sector. When in doubt, speak with fellow CEOs /CIOs who have outsourced software to learn about their development experiences.
2. Interview the top prospects and get quotes for every step of the process. Seek assurances that these quotes will be met and get it in writing, or you may easily see a budget overrun in excess of 100 percent.
3. Get software samples and put these through rigorous testing to ensure they are fully functioning applications, not mock-ups.
4. Follow up on referrals and check testimonials for a broader overview of what to expect.
5. Sign the contract and get the software architecture finalized as quickly as possible.

Follow Through

1. Contact the company you outsource with at least twice a week for detailed updates. If you outsource overseas, be sure a project manager is available to speak during your local.business hours.
2. Seek guarantees that the software you get will be scalable and secure. It is essential that your solutions last through many years of growth.
3. Speak to your development partner about beta testing and post-launch support. The last thing you want is for a fully paid software package to fail mere days after it begins operating. The best companies in this sector distinguish themselves with ongoing support policies and product evolution.

Tips & Warnings

• Set specific goals and perform careful oversight throughout the process.
• Remain open to new ideas and functionalities that come from your developing company. Sometimes these may greatly enhance the product.
• Beware of overseas software development companies that do not make themselves available to you by phone. Major bottlenecks can occur if you don't have good communication.