In many ways, mobile app development can transform business operations by delivering an engaging and effective way to interact with consumers. Over time, millions of smart, well-designed apps have allowed businesses to accomplish what was previously unimaginable; however, challenges arise when you have an exceptional idea, but lack the skill set to make it a reality. For this reason, many enterprises choose to outsource app development rather than designating development to their internal teams.
So what should businesses know about mobile app outsourcing to have a successful development? Get the insight in the below article
Why outsourcing mobile app development?
1. Outsourcing enables a considerable reduction in the cost of app development
The prominent aspect of outsourcing any service is the ability to lower the overall cost to avail of the service. Offshore app development companies provide a significant advantage of reduced fees for business entities located in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK. There is an availability of a large pool of workforce for lesser overheads in countries located in South Asia. Thus, Outsourcing App Development Services from such outsourcers are available at lower service fees compared to an on-premise team of developers.
2. It leads to an efficient saving of time
In this busy world, time is crucial for all. Offshore App Developers deliver round the clock services, and you also have the advantage of different time zones. The professional app development teams work to complete the projects before time without compromising the service quality. Time-bound services are the priority for all notable offshore app development companies. Outsourcing App Development Services helps in effectively saving time, along with money. Your business can benefit immensely from the reduced development time.
3. Outsourcing App Development Companies offer wide-ranging service options
When you outsource your app development needs to any offshore app development company, you get different service options. Most outsourcing app development companies have multiple service models and payment choices. They offer high tailoring capabilities to the clients. One can hire a full-time developer team or engage developers for a fixed number of hours. Offshore companies also provide services for developing apps for almost all popular mobile platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows. Owners can make use of a wide variety to create a highly competent app for their business.
4. Business Entities get access to expert App Developers
The reigning offshore app development entities possess App Developers and Designers who have the skills to build gilt-edged apps. They have the required qualifications and experience, which are very desirable in the App Development industry. The developers are acquainted with various advanced technologies and tools which are essential for app development. When you outsource your app development requirements, you get access to such skilled developers at a reasonable outlay.
5. Availability of diversified and modernized technological tools
Established outsourcing app development firms know the importance of updated technology to deliver their services efficiently. The offshore companies have a stack of myriad software and tools which enable app development for different platforms using sought-after technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and IoT. The availability of such incredible technologies at an economical cost makes outsourcing an expedient decision for business enterprises everywhere.
6. Offshore App Development Companies provide end-to-end service
The Offshore App Development Companies aim to offer the best value for the investment you make to create a remarkable app. The process of app development comprises different phases. The eminent app developers cater to the needs of each phase with appropriate commitment. They conduct stringent testing of the app to make it fool-proof. The iterations in any app are carried out as and when needed by the client. Thus, the app development companies deploy end-to-end service that helps in creating near-perfect apps.
How to outsource mobile app development
1. Identify the scope of your mobile app
Picture your application and list down own your expectation. Be clear of what you require from the mobile app development service provider to make it more likely for development success.
Do research thoroughly to ensure your prerequisites. Identifying clearly the scope of your development may navigate you to be on track with the development process.
When doing so, focus on areas that cover the basic questions of why, who, what, how.
- Why are you building the app? The rationale and function it provides, what is the end goal that it will serve?
- Who is your potential customer base?
- What is the USP of your app and how that helps distinguish it from others?
- How do you want to market your app? Do you want to make the app free or paid?
- Which demography you’ll be initially focusing on (If any)?
- How do you plan to make money from it?
For further concerns about having a mobile app developed, read this article.
2. Research for trusted outsourcing providers:
The quality of software development greatly depends on the quality of the software outsourcing service provider. A high-quality technology vendor can boost productivity and drive positive growth to businesses. Thorough research and a good selection in advance streamline the entire development process.
How to choose a trusted software outsourcing vendor? The below checklist can give some clues:
- Software provider’s credentials and certificates: Technology partners’ background is crucial for the evaluation. Research for their businesses’ experience and expansion. Certificates and awards can indicate prestigious vendors, especially the ISMS certificate should be a must to ensure your business data privacy.
- References in your industry: Partnering up with a vendor who has experience in your industry may ensure the development process will be streamlined
- Level of customization and scalability a software solution offers: As companies expand their software should be able to scale accordingly. The ability to scale up the system is a sustainable selection.
3. Keep the thorough discussion
Discuss thoroughly your ideas and thoughts, also, expected KPIs and goals so that your provider can understand your flow of thought and how you want your work done. It streamlines the work to a huge extent.
Also, communication is the key to understanding the problems to tackle and coming up with the right solution. So, establishing a proper communication schedule is imperative to ensure your business and technical team are on the same page. Regular meetings, reports, instant messengers, phone calls, video conferences will erase communication difficulties and straighten the cooperation process, which enables the entire development process to be streamlined and successful at last.
4. Have an efficient project plan
Once all these discussions have been done and you feel that your ideas were well-received request a project plan. Doing so will ensure that no issues arise at a later stage besides having a timeline to adhere to. A project plan will help cut down a lot of back and forth that happens regarding the status of the project in question in regard to timelines.
It helps eliminate whatever communication gaps and confusions that infiltrate the in-person and telephonic meetings. Once there is a project plan in place that is approved by you there are minimal chances for error and sets the tone for a streamlined approach.
5. Be open
The mobile outsourcing provider you selected should have strong expertise and experience in the industry, try to be open and listen to your consultation or any insights that may work for your project.
They could present options that could make your app a lot more than what you thought it should be. Since this is their area of expertise they could be aware of the on-going and dying trends of the trade and help you escape grave mistakes.
The aim is to build a user-friendly app that is used and liked by the masses. Handing over the reins to your development partner will ensure a level of trust and ownership. This in turn will result in a response that is a lot more invested and immersed.
6. Feedback and constant communication
Interacting and simply the exchange of ideas is by far the most under-rated aspect of this whole process. Find yourself a development partner who understands the importance of being responsive and engages in active discussions with you.
A lot of hazardous and messy work relationships emerge from erring to communicate in a timely fashion. It is imperative to be on the same page when working together, failure to do so, results in chaos and time being wasted. Find someone who is sure-footed, with a hands-on approach to communication. This will eliminate a lot of waiting around and guess-work.
Q&A about outsourcing mobile app development
Where can I find potential outsourcing providers?
After figuring out your expectation and budget, select a location first, each has its own strength and weaknesses, as well as cost rate. Decide the one that fit your need.
Get the insight in this article.
Next, choose a company base on research on the location you selected. There are many platforms and websites online where you can pick a development company or a freelancer according to your needs. Platforms like Clutch, Goodfirms, Upwork, Dribble, or Freelancer can help you get individuals and companies that are specialized in catering to your specific requirements.
Does outsourcing my work impact quality ?
Yes and No. With due diligence, you can ensure that you hire the right company for the job. Most outsourcing platforms have reviews and ratings that help you choose wisely. You may sometimes compromise on the cost and pick a cheaper company to work with at the outset or choose to give your project to a freelancer, but that can have its downsides. That is why you should make a wise selection of a trusted partner for your mobile application development.
Is outsourcing safe ?
There are always some risks involved in outsourcing your project. These include the leakage of sensitive data or a difference in expectation and actual delivery. Choosing the trusted mobile app development company over the cheapest one will ensure that your product is safe, secure, and trouble-free. Make sure you ask your partner for their Information Security Management System certificate like ISO 27001:2013 to ensure your crucial information is safe
How much does it cost to outsource mobile app development ?
If you want a one-liner as an answer, much less than hiring an entire software development team yourself. The cost of developing an app can vary greatly depending on the location of the company you outsource to, the complexity of the requirements, the features needed, the platforms that you wish to launch your app on, the tools needed to develop your app, and so on.
As an example, agencies in the USA might charge twice as much as those in Eastern Europe or Asia due to the difference in wages in these countries. Developers in countries like Vietnam charge around $20 an hour compared to their counterparts in the USA or Europe, where the general charge is about $60 per hour. Similarly, prices for project managers also differ greatly depending on location.
The article Software Development Outsourcing Cost Guideline may give you more insights about the cost rate.
To put this into perspective, here is how much it costs to develop clones of some popular apps:
- Etsy: $100,000-$200,000
- AirBnB: $150,000 – $200,000
- WhatsApp: $60,000 – $80,000
- Instagram: $80,000 – $100,000
- Uber: $100,000 – $200,000
General business apps may cost around $20,000 – $40,000 to develop. Maintenance costs for these apps also vary between $5,000 to $15,000 per annum.
Outsourcing is a cost-effective solution to ensure that you can bring your idea to life. Outsourcing your project also gets you a large team to work with without the costs and hassles of hiring and nurturing one yourself. Outsourcing also helps you get the best minds to work for you and they can help you turn your idea into an app that is loved by millions around the world.
For more concerns about software outsourcing in general or mobile application outsourcing, get insight from this article.
We hope our sharing on mobile app development outsourcing above may help you gain an overview and assist you to start planning for a successful outsourcing process
May you have any questions or concerns about mobile app development, we may provide you with a more detailed consultation. Don’t hesitate to contact us and accelerate your development process.
TPS Software is led by a top management team with 20 years of experience in this industry and owns an in-house R&D team. This allows the company to be able to offer the most appropriate solutions with the good concern of the latest technology in the market to our partners
Trust is always our first priority, have your digital project outsourced with TPS to gain the commitment for your successful software project.