The Ups and Downs of Software Outsourcing for your Startup

Do you know what takes up a lot, if not most, of the time and resources of a startup company? Getting the business off the ground and then managing to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, most startup companies are scarce in resources, making this an extenuating task. Proof? Well, approximately only 1% of new businesses are successful in raising money from investors.  

So, you have a great product idea that requires perfect execution. How can you make the most of your few resources and still reach your short-term and long-term goals? Software development outsourcing is a tangible way to get more business opportunities and value for your money. This is especially good for new businesses since budgets are tighter, and making every dollar count is essential. 

With most startups looking for ways to stay nimble and lower costs, outsourcing software development services have become the answer. Luckily, it’s easier to access quality custom software development services nowadays. No wonder many believe the software developer role will be the first genuinely global role—and we agree.  

These are the ups and downs of software development outsourcing, so buckle up! 

The Ups

1. Cost efficiencies. Every business wants to save money. If you outsource development, you ensure a dedicated team looks after your project, helping you release products on time and focus on the whole business instead of putting all your time, effort, and resources into developing software.
2. Aligned vision. Startup businesses depend a lot on how well their first few months go. By hiring the right software outsourcing company, you will work with a strong development team that will commit to and aligns with your vision, taking it upon themselves to improve the brand and product/service offering. 
3. Rapid development. If a dedicated provider takes care of all your software development needs, you can focus on your business’s main tasks instead of getting bogged down in technical details. A trustworthy partner will offer software development services that cover the whole process, from designing and programming to launching and providing support. 
4. Scalability and flexibility. Most software outsourcing companies offer startups ways to work with them that are very flexible and scalable. This helps you get a good idea of costs before the process starts, and you can change the different factors that affect costs to control them. Need more developers? No problem. Need to scale down on developers and add testers? All good! You choose what’s right for you. 

The Downs

1. Gaps in Communication and Collaboration. As a startup owner, the software product development company you outsource to is likely in a different country or time zone. Ineffective communication and teamwork make it harder to cross physical distances. Work schedule differences can slow development, and the risk only increases if you don’t choose an open-and-understanding companion. Don’t forget to put a lot of effort into selecting the right provider and setting up the right ways to communicate and work together.
2. Spiraling out of Control. Owners are attached to their products, so delegating and handing up control can be tricky. This is a genuine concern when strategy alignment is missing between the client and the software outsourcing provider. We recommend doing your homework while choosing the right vendor you’ll trust.

Weighing the ups and downs, the decision lies in your hands. There are plenty of good things that come from outsourcing software development services, but you must choose your partner carefully to minimize the risks. Who you choose to help you accomplish your goals will be fundamental to the success of your endeavor, so don’t be afraid to shop around and find the vendor that offers you the right outsourcing and engagement model for you.

For instance, if you are searching for a partner with impressive history of successful projects, Svitla Systems has nearly two decades of expertise offering top-tier developers and other IT pros for your software projects, and flexible and comprehensive engagement models for software outsourcing, allowing us to meet the varying needs of businesses in a wide variety of industries. 

The foundation of these engagement models is a detailed account of the work performed to fulfill the requirements of the customer and bring their vision to fruition.