It is hard to find any company that operates without relying on the web and IT services. Regardless of the niche, a majority of businesses resort to using software solutions and online services of varying types nowadays. There are plenty of readymade software solutions for office productivity, accounting, database management, and other needs, for sure. However, at times, using such readymade software solutions is not viable. Some entities need to develop customised software applications to address their needs better. 

Reasons to opt for offshore software development

Thousands of businesses located in European countries, the US, and many other western nations resort to the services of offshore software development companies. Hiring an offshore software company can be quite beneficial for such entities, regardless of their domain. 

Listed here are the main advantages of seeking the services of offshore software development agencies:

  • Cost reduction- Post covid, all businesses are trying to cut down operational expenses. Reduction in custom application development costs is something they can’t overlook. Compared to a regional software development firm, an offshore web development company in India is likely to offer cheaper rates. This can be great for businesses with a modest budget, but the MNCs or tech giants also resort to offshore application development quite often.
  • Professional, reliable services- The offshore application development agencies that outsource services to foreign clients are known for their professionalism. They are quite reliable, and you can count on these entities for timely product delivery. They also ensure the applications are checked thoroughly for bugs and security issues. So, the clients can be assured of getting applications that perform as expected. 
  • Unmatched flexibility- Another big reason for seeking the services of offshore software development companies is superb flexibility. These entities are willing to resolve the needs of client companies most of the time. For example, if it is a collaborative development project, these agencies adhere to the time zone of the client entity. They also have developers fluent in non-English European languages. These prove to be beneficial for foreign-origin clients. 
  • No delay- For some businesses, delay in custom application development can be problematic. They want timely development of applications and delivery. In this regard, one cannot go wrong by picking a top offshore development company. These entities have expert programmers and developers, and they are capable of developing complex applications within tight deadlines. They do not compromise on product quality and security either. 
  • The usual workflow is not hampered- By evading in-house software development, businesses can evade a lot of hassles and cost escalation. When a custom software application is developed by an agency located offshore, the client company can focus on its core activities and workflow better. Productivity is not adversely affected. 

How to find the apt offshore software development company

It is not hard to find companies that offer software development services through an outsourcing model. You can search for such an offshore software development company online. By using filters like country, price range, and expertise area, getting accurate results is possible. Checking out the professional networking platforms can also be useful here. Lastly, using professional references can prove to be handy in locating such contenders.

Ensure that you hire the best offshore software development entity

Given the fact there are so many offshore application development agencies, picking the apt one for your venture may seem tedious. However, the selection and assessment become easier when you get the basics right. 

Listed below are the factors that should be assessed before hiring an offshore software development agency:

  • Tenure and reputation- At first, you have to find out information on the tenure and reputation of an offshore application development company. Ideally, you should sign up for the services of a company that has spent several years in this industry. While some new contenders are also good, a veteran agency is likely to fulfil your requirements better. 
  • Area of expertise- Not all offshore application development entities focus on the same area of technology. Some of them may focus more on Open Source application development, while there are others that are known for making quality web applications. It is better if you can find companies that have made applications for your company niche. For example, you may look for offshore developers making applications for accounting work or banking operations and the financial services sector.
  • Flexibility and customization scope- Before hiring any offshore application development agency, check its level of flexibility. Is the agency open for customization? Your company may have specific requirements for custom software applications, and the agency should be capable of fulfilling such needs. For example, you may need an application with enhanced security and encryption measures embedded. You may also want a multilingual application to be developed. 
  • Portfolio- Any offshore software development agency can say lofty things about its services and reliability etc. However, you should keep some time for checking out its portfolio. Check out the various applications developed by such agencies. Assess the applications in terms of speed, user-friendliness, security, resource consumption, etc. 
  • Client base and feedback- It is necessary to check out the reviews and feedback of clients of an offshore development agency before signing up for its services. Going through the agency website and its social media profiles is what you should do. 
  • Response type- You can figure out a lot of things about an offshore application development entity from the way it reverts to your questions or initial query. The top agencies in this sector ensure all client queries are fulfilled. They typically offer the clients' consultation sessions. They explain the nuances and terms of their services. Evade those agencies that are too keen on making you sign up for their services without explaining things well. 
  • Service terms and cost- Overlooking these aspects can prove to be troublesome later. Always keep some time for checking out the service terms of an offshore application development company. If there are any exclusion areas, you have to check these. Professional agencies also explain cost-related aspects to the clients. 

Hiring a freelance developer or an offshore agency with a team of developers

This is a point where many foreign-origin companies stumble over! It is hard to say whether hiring a freelance offshore software developer or an agency with a team of developers is a good or bad idea. There are freelance application developers who work for high-profile clients successfully and consistently. The same can be said about several offshore development agencies too. However, timing plays a crucial role here. If you want custom application development in a short time span, an agency with a team of software developers is what you need. 

Conclusion

Hiring an offshore application development agency is beneficial for a business, for sure. However, performing proper assessments of such agencies is what matters.