5 Questions To Ask Before Getting Custom Software Development Services

Angelika Tirona January 18, 2021

If you’ve ever been your company’s decision-maker, you know how difficult it can be to make the right call – especially when you’re on the lookout for a software development service company.

Finding the perfect outsourcing company is no easy feat, but these five questions are sure to help you see if it’s the right business-to-business partnership.

1. What’s your typical timeline or lead time?

One thing that you should be very clear about from the start is the project timeline. How early do you need the software? How much time can you set aside in case of mishaps or issues? If you’re following a strict campaign schedule, you’ll need to be very confident in a company’s ability to stick to deadlines. 

Another factor you might want to clarify is if a company’s timeline is fixed or not. Can they accommodate quick requests? How about minor revisions? The cost in relation to their lead time is an essential factor in determining the success of your project.

2. Are the developers hired in-house, or do you work with contractors?

Any software development service requires long-term maintenance. If you run into any future issues, it’s crucial to know who to turn to. A company who works with direct employees could provide you with a more reliable and stable maintenance service instead of one that hires freelancers.

In addition, working with contractors could also introduce knowledge transfer issues. Although it’s not always the case, it may affect the long-term maintenance of your software. 

3. How can I communicate with your company?

Without good communication, it will be challenging to create reliable software. Ask your potential company about contact persons and the primary mode of communication. Will you be introduced to the team? Or will you be dealing with a single representative?

You might also want to ask them how frequent you can expect updates, whether it’s weekly, daily, or monthly. Being kept in the loop will help you manage the project so you can keep your team updated too.

4. What is the setup for intellectual rights?

Who will own the rights to the software once it’s ready to deploy? You may want to set aside a separate discussion for intellectual property rights before starting the project. Commonly, software development service companies will maintain a license to use elements from previous systems for future customers.

5. How successful were your previous projects?

One way to evaluate their skill is by checking their portfolio and success stories. What results have they provided their other clients before? Are their projects still running smoothly after months or years? You could also ask for reference contacts or testimonials. 

When you sign with a company, you give them your full trust to accomplish the project according to your requirements. It only fits that you do your due diligence and see if they can provide you with the results you need. It’s always best to be on the safer side!

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