How did the creators of WhatsApp, Slack, and Skype get their apps off the ground? Today, these platforms are worth billions of dollars, and they have offshore software outsourcing to thank for their successful launches. And these are just a few of the apps and products that were initially developed by offshore teams.
When it comes to the early stages of your business, efficiency, speed, and productivity are key. Startup founders often spread themselves too thin as they balance their many responsibilities, including raising capital, marketing the product, and growing the business. Turning to offshore development teams can alleviate some of the burden by, well, handling the entire development angle.
Why else should you outsource software development when you’re in the startup phase? Here are the top reasons.
1. You’ll save money
Financial limitations can derail a startup before it even launches. In fact, CB Insights found that 29 percent of startups fail because of how they spend their money. Offshore software outsourcing can help businesses cut costs. For one, startups don’t have to spend their limited funds on a lengthy hiring process, overhead costs, and onboarding. Moreover, offshore developers can be less expensive in general than many developers within the United States.
2. You’ll have access to a global pool of talent
If you choose to use offshore development companies or services, you’ll have access to a wide range of developers from around the world. Rather than limiting yourself to local talent, you’ll be able to choose the person or people who have the skill set, experience, and expertise that best align with your needs. It’s easier than ever to find talent and communicate digitally through apps like Skype and WhatsApp, so you’ll almost always be able to stay in contact with your developers and touch base on the project, even if they’re on the other side of the world.
3. You’ll minimize risks
Startups face a wide range of risks, from security threats and data breaches to failing to meet compliance regulations. Offshore development teams can help you address these concerns, using their own knowledge and experience in these areas to advise you on important details. Furthermore, because you’ll have people dedicated to development, they’ll be focused on your product and won’t be distracted by other aspects of the business, lessening the risk that they’ll miss deadlines or overlook critical details.
4. You’ll save time
Software development is not a speedy process, given the many steps involved in creating and testing the product. However, when you outsource to offshore developers, you’ll be putting it in the hands of experienced professionals who are well-versed in meeting deadlines and client expectations and know how to streamline the development stage. You won’t need to waste time on training new employees and getting them situated in the office, either. Plus, the workload will be divided between in-house and offshore teams, speeding up the entire process since each team is only responsible for a portion of the project. This means you’ll be able to get your product to market more quickly — the ultimate goal of any startup.
5. You’ll innovate your product more effectively
You have a vision for your product or service, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals. When you use offshore software outsourcing, it means you have access to knowledgeable developers who can advise you on design, determine whether your requirements are feasible and adapt accordingly if not, and assess whether your product is ready to launch. They can also offer guidance on how to best meet the needs of your target audience and anticipate challenges and future demands.
6. You’ll increase productivity.
When you have offshore development teams handling the nuts and bolts of getting your product off the ground, you and your in-house team and partners can focus on other important tasks, such as marketing, hiring employees, honing your business strategy, raising capital, and more. This will streamline the entire enterprise, enabling you to launch more quickly.
Considerations for offshore software outsourcing
There are numerous benefits to offshore software development outsourcing, but there are also some important considerations to keep in mind. When you’re choosing a partner to develop your product, it’s important to research the company, team, or individual thoroughly to make sure they have the required experience to meet your needs and get your product off the ground.
You should also discuss the product itself and the market demand you’re planning to fulfill. While the developers don’t need to be experts in the industry of your startup, they should understand the basics — this knowledge will be reflected in the final product.
Go over the scope of the project, expectations, deadlines, and how you will communicate up front. It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare prices, as well as ask for references from previous clients, look at online ratings, and negotiate a fair price. Ultimately, you want to find a reliable, experienced partner with a proven track record. After all, this is a team or person you’re entrusting to make your business and product a reality.