This updated article explores how nearshore software development services, now spanning Latin America, continue to offer unparalleled value and remain a sound business decision for scaling your company’s technical infrastructure.

The Business Case for Nearshore Development in Latin America

Outsourcing software development is a critical decision for businesses aiming to balance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Paramount to each business benefit, trust and transparency are key components that drive consistent software delivery. Latin America has emerged as a leading destination for companies seeking top-notch software development talent in recent years. Its proximity to the US, cultural alignment, and skilled workforce make it a strategic choice for businesses looking to implement a solid business-level strategy. Here are 10 reasons to trust Latin American talent for your software development needs.

1. Proximity and Time Zone Alignment

One of the significant advantages of outsourcing to Latin America is its geographical proximity to the United States. This closeness means that many countries in Latin America share similar time zones with various regions in the U.S., which allows for real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently without the challenges that often come with substantial time differences.

Quick communication is another vital factor facilitated by this time zone similarity. Teams can hold meetings, address urgent issues, and exchange feedback promptly, preventing the delays that can occur when teams operate under drastically different schedules. Additionally, effective project management is greatly enhanced. With overlapping working hours, project managers can keep teams aligned, adjust timelines as needed, and ensure that milestones are met in a timely manner, all of which are critical elements for the success of any development project. This combination of geographical and operational synergy makes Latin America an attractive outsourcing destination for U.S. businesses looking to optimize their processes and outcomes.

2. Highly Skilled Workforce

Latin America boasts a pool of talented developers proficient in modern programming languages and frameworks. Many regional developers have degrees from top universities and certifications in cutting-edge technologies, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

3. Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromising Quality

While the cost of development in Latin America is lower than in the US or Europe, it does not come at the expense of quality. Companies can leverage competitive pricing while benefiting from the technical expertise of the region’s professionals.

4. Cultural Alignment

Developers in Latin America share a cultural affinity with their North American counterparts. This alignment extends to work ethic, communication style, and business values, fostering smooth collaboration.

5. Strong English Proficiency

Many Latin American countries emphasize English throughout education curriculums, so developers in the region often have a high level of English proficiency. Working with bi-lingual talent minimizes communication barriers and ensures seamless interaction with teams and stakeholders.

6. Expertise in Enterprise Technical Languages

Developers in Latin America possess a robust skill set in enterprise-level programming languages, including Java, .NET, Python, and C#. These languages are fundamental for creating scalable and secure software solutions that can effectively meet the demands of large enterprises. Their proficiency encompasses a wide range of technical aspects, such as event-driven programming, object-oriented design, and web frameworks, which play a critical role in developing comprehensive software systems.

Moreover, these developers are increasingly well-versed in emerging technologies that are reshaping the tech landscape. Their knowledge extends to machine learning and artificial intelligence, enabling them to build intelligent applications that can analyze data and provide insights or automate processes. Additionally, their familiarity with DevOps practices allows for improved collaboration between development and operations teams, streamlining the software development lifecycle and enhancing deployment efficiency.

Overall, the expertise of Latin America’s developers makes them an invaluable resource for businesses facing complex technical challenges, as they can deliver innovative solutions that drive growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving market.

7. Industries Served

Latin America stands out as a vibrant hub of innovation, showcasing a wealth of specialized knowledge across a multitude of industries, including life sciences, FinTech, healthcare, retail, and logistics. The region’s developers possess extensive hands-on experience in crafting sophisticated software solutions that not only comply with stringent regulatory requirements—such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare and Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards for financial services—but also address the unique challenges of each sector. Their adeptness at delivering tailored applications designed for high-demand markets positions them as an invaluable resource for businesses seeking effective, domain-specific solutions that drive success and efficiency.

8. Business Consultants and Strategic Support

Latin America is more than just a destination for coding talent—it’s a partner in strategic growth. Many regional outsourcing firms employ business consultants who can align technical solutions with your company’s business-level strategy. This dual focus ensures that your software solutions work seamlessly and drive meaningful business outcomes.

9. Strong Infrastructure and Growing Tech Ecosystem

Governments in Latin America have invested heavily in technology infrastructure and education, fostering a growing ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. This environment attracts top talent and ensures reliable connectivity, making it ideal for businesses relying on remote collaboration.

10. Long-Term Scalability

When you need to enhance your team or fully outsource projects, Latin America delivers unmatched flexibility to scale your development efforts in line with your business demands. The region’s abundant talent pool guarantees you will discover developers with the precise skills essential for your project’s success.

Opting for Latin America for your software development needs means securing a strategic partner who comprehends your industry, technical requirements, and business objectives. With top-tier programming expertise and tailored solutions for sectors like life sciences and FinTech, Latin America equips your business to thrive in a fiercely competitive market.

Unosquare is Your Trusted Nearshore Partner

Ready to take your business to the next level with expert software development? At Unosquare, we’ve built our reputation on delivering exceptional results for companies across industries like life sciences, FinTech, and beyond. With our experience, proven skills, and deep understanding of enterprise-level technologies, we’re here to help you achieve your goals—efficiently and effectively.

Visit us at www.unosquare.com/contact-us to connect with our team. Build what’s next, with us!

How to find dedicated software developers

Hiring dedicated software developers involves more than just assessing technical skills. It’s about bringing in professionals who are committed, reliable, and able to understand your business’s unique requirements. Follow these steps during your search.

1. Define your needs: Before beginning your search, clearly define your project requirements and the technical skills required. You can’t find the right developers until you have these details ironed out

2. Search in the right places: Look for developers on professional networking sites and job boards. You can also consider outsourcing companies that provide dedicated software development services.

3. Evaluate their skills: Once you have a list of developers or outsourcing companies, assess the technical skills of your potential candidates through interviews, specialized tests, or by reviewing their portfolios and past projects.

4. Check references: Read testimonials or reach out to previous clients or employers to understand the developer’s work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines.

When to hire dedicated software developers

Dedicated software developers can be an essential addition to your team, especially when working on complex, long-term projects. However, determining the right time to bring these professionals onboard can be challenging. Here are a few situations where hiring dedicated software developers can be highly beneficial.

When you have a long-term project

In some cases, a software development project might span several months or even years. Hiring dedicated software developers is highly recommended for these long-term projects. Why is this the case?

Dedicated developers, as the name suggests, dedicate their skills and time to your project alone. They dive deep into the specifics of your project, gaining an intimate understanding of your requirements, goals, and expectations. This understanding goes a long way in maintaining consistency, enhancing project efficiency, and delivering quality results throughout the project’s duration.

The developer’s long-term commitment also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. These are key to ensuring the project stays on track and meets the predefined objectives and milestones.

When Your Project Requires Specialized Skills

Does your project require skills or knowledge that your current team doesn’t have? The tech industry is brimming with a wide array of programming languages, platforms, frameworks, and technologies. Consequently, software development projects often demand a varied mix of specialized skills and knowledge. If your in-house team lacks the required expertise or skills, it might be time to consider hiring a dedicated software developer.

Bringing a dedicated developer on board not only fills the skills gap but also fosters knowledge transfer. The developer’s unique skills and expertise can help elevate your entire team’s capabilities. This can lead to increased productivity and the faster execution of your project, enhancing your project’s overall success chances.

When you need to scale your team 

If you need to increase your team size because of an increased workload or to meet tight deadlines, hiring dedicated software developers can help.Sometimes, a surge in workload or looming deadlines might necessitate the quick scaling of your team. This is another scenario where hiring dedicated software developers can be a game-changer.

Ramping up your team with dedicated developers can be faster and more efficient compared to hiring full-time employees. The hiring process for a full-time employee often involves several stages, including interviews, onboarding, and training, which can take several weeks or even months. On the other hand, dedicated developers, usually hired through a software development company, can be onboarded much faster.

These developers can hit the ground running, helping your team cope with the increased workload or meet critical deadlines. They bring with them fresh perspectives and ideas that can help tackle challenges effectively and drive innovation in your projects.

Why hire dedicated software developers instead of freelancers?

While hiring freelancers might seem like a cost-effective option, dedicated software developers can provide more value, especially for long-term projects.

Here’s why:

Knowledge retention: Freelancers may have limited insight into how your organization works. A dedicated software developer becomes familiar with your processes and systems. That empowers them to retain knowledge and make more substantial contributions.

Availability: Freelancers might work on several projects at the same time. Dedicated software developers are available during your working hours. You have their undivided attention, which can lead to higher productivity.

Seamless communication: In contrast to freelancers, dedicated software developers work as an extension of your in-house team. They can attend meetings, provide regular updates, and participate in discussions to help the project go more smoothly.

How much does it cost to hire a team of dedicated software developers?

The cost to hire a team of developers depends on several factors. When you’re trying to work out your budget, this is what you should think through. 

Skills and experience

Developers with unique skills or extensive industry experience command higher remuneration compared to their less-experienced counterparts. Those who are starting their careers will usually have lower rates. Hiring less experienced developers may initially seem cost-effective, but there’s also the potential for longer development time or more necessary oversight.

Industry expertise

Industry specialization for dedicated software developers goes beyond skills and years of experience. It’s about understanding industry-specific challenges and standards. A developer who is familiar with your business can anticipate hurdles, suggest effective solutions when issues arise, and help to ensure your software meets market-specific objectives. If your project requires someone who knows the ins and outs of your industry, you can expect higher costs.

Geographical location

The geographical location of your development team also plays a critical role in total cost. Labor rates differ drastically across the world due to the cost of living, currency exchange rates, and local market conditions. 
With nearshoring, you gain access to skilled developers at competitive rates. You can secure top-notch talent at a fraction of the price without sacrificing experience. Find out more by reading Unlock the Secret to Cost Savings with Nearshore Software Development.

Size and composition of your team

A larger team comprising senior developers and specialists with high-level skills will cost considerably more than a small one made up primarily of junior developers. Under or over-hiring can be a costly mistake, so it’s important to plan accurately. 

Project complexity

Complex projects that require advanced technical skills, significant risks, or high volumes of data will be more expensive to execute. For example, completing a mobile app with basic functionality will cost less than creating a sophisticated AI-based application.

Remember: It’s not just about comparing hourly rates or project costs. You also need to factor in time savings, productivity levels, and quality of work. Short-term costs can be deceiving, so consider the overall investment and potential return when choosing between freelancers and dedicated software developers.

Ready to find dedicated software developers for your next project?

Hiring dedicated software developers can be a considerable investment, but it’s often worth it for the value they bring to your project. Now you know what to look for, where to look, how to assess skills, and when to hire dedicated software developers. The next step is to define your project requirements and begin your search for the ideal developer or team.

Are you looking for more insights? Stay connected to the Unosquare blog for more helpful guides to modern software development, and get in touch today if you need added support for your next project from our experienced and talented development professionals.

To compensate, businesses are always searching for a way to cut costs without sacrificing quality. When it comes to software development, nearshore is the answer you’ve been looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into how nearshoring can help you reduce software development costs, identify common high-cost factors in the process, and provide you with actionable tips to optimize your nearshoring experience.

Common high-cost software development factors

When budget costs for a software project can range from $10,000 to $100,000, it’s important to understand the factors that can cause scope creep or lengthened development times. 

Inefficient project management

The one thing standing between success to disaster is a proper project manager to help avoid mismanaged projects lead to delays, scope creep, and ballooning budgets. By outsourcing to a Nearshore team with strong project management skills, you’ll keep your project on track and on budget. Make sure to establish clear goals, milestones, and communication channels with your nearshore partner to ensure a successful project outcome.

Lack of expertise

Trying to cut costs by hiring less senior developers can quickly increase costs as this can lead to mistakes and subpar work. Nearshore teams are made up of experienced professionals, ensuring that your project is completed efficiently and effectively. When selecting a Nearshore partner, take the time to evaluate their portfolio, expertise, and track record to ensure they have the skills and experience necessary to meet your needs.

Communication barriers

Poor communication can stall projects and result in misunderstandings. By working with a nearshore team in a similar time zone and with good English skills, you’ll eliminate communication barriers and keep your project running smoothly. Regular status updates, meetings, and open lines of communication are essential to fostering a strong working relationship with your nearshore partner.

The benefits of nearshoring

When people think nearshoring, they immediately only consider the bottom line. Nearshoring offers far more advantages beyond cost savings, including:

Enhanced collaboration: Bringing in a nearshore team doesn’t mean that you’re stuck only ever working asynchronously. Working with a nearshore team in a similar time zone allows for real-time communication and collaboration, leading to faster decision-making and better project outcomes.

Cultural compatibility: Reduce misunderstandings between team members due to cultural differences. By choosing a nearshore partner with similar cultural values, you’ll reduce the risk of misunderstandings and foster a productive working relationship.

Access to a large talent pool: It’s time to widen your search radius for developers far beyond what you thought possible. Nearshoring opens up a world of skilled professionals who possess the specialized expertise your projects require.

How does nearshoring keep software development costs in check?

Want to know how nearshoring will contribute to cost savings for your organization? Here’s a look at what you can expect. 

Lower labor costs

With nearshoring, you gain access to skilled developers at competitive rates because of differences in the cost of living between countries. You can secure top-notch talent at a fraction of the price you’d pay for local developers without sacrificing experience.

Reduced overhead

The larger a team gets, the more layers of management are required to keep communication flowing between teams. It’s time to say goodbye to the expenses associated with maintaining an in-house team. Nearshoring eliminates the need for office space, equipment, and other infrastructure costs. By outsourcing your software development, you can redirect these savings toward other strategic initiatives.

Improved efficiency

When you partner with a nearshore team, you’re not just outsourcing tasks – you’re gaining a partner. Working in sync with your nearshore team can streamline your development process, reducing overall project costs. Nearshore teams are experienced in agile methodologies, ensuring rapid delivery and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

5 smart nearshoring tips

The right knowledge and strategies make all the difference in nearshoring success. These are top tips you should know. 

Choose the right nearshoring partner

Finding the right nearshore partner is critical to the success of your project. When evaluating potential partners, consider factors such as their technical expertise, industry experience, communication skills, and cultural compatibility. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, case studies, and client testimonials to gain a better understanding of their capabilities and track record.

Establish clear expectations and goals

Before beginning your project, ensure that both you and your nearshore partner have a clear understanding of the project goals, scope, timeline, and deliverables. This should be documented and shared widely across all members involved in the project. Establishing a shared vision and setting realistic expectations will help prevent scope creep and ensure that your project stays on track.

Maintain open lines of communication

Regular communication is vital to the success of your nearshore partnership. Don’t silo your team members to different communication system. Establish a communication plan that includes frequent status updates, meetings, and check-ins. Use tools like video conferencing, messaging apps, and project management software to keep everyone in the loop and facilitate collaboration.

Foster a strong working relationship

Every team member wants to feel a part of something larger. Building a strong working relationship with your nearshore team is crucial for long-term success. Your nearshore partners are an extension of your own team. Invest time in getting to know them on a personal level. This will foster a sense of camaraderie and trust, leading to better project outcomes.

Monitor progress and provide feedback

Stay actively involved in the project by monitoring progress, reviewing deliverables, and providing feedback. Regularly assess the performance of your nearshore partner and address any concerns or areas for improvement as they arise. This will help ensure that your project stays on track and meets your quality standards.

Nearshoring provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for businesses seeking to resolve their software development challenges and realize a return on their investments. Not only are the lower costs a boon to companies of all sizes, they can allow for a larger talent pool, improved collaboration, and better team synergy.

Stay connected to the Unosquare blog for more helpful guides to modern software development, and get in touch today if you need added support for your next project from our experienced and talented development professionals.

Many companies rely on software development outsourcing to get work done more quickly, and demand continues to increase. In 2019, the global outsourcing market was worth $92.5 billion. Some reports even note that outsourcing will be critical to stay competitive in the worldwide economy. This is, in large part, because of what is now possible with nearshore and offshore outsourcing services. 

However, this doesn’t mean that outsourcing doesn’t come with challenges. This post will talk about why companies choose offshore software development and how you can make it work for your next project. 

Why Companies do Software Development Outsourcing?

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to innovate, scale, and stay ahead of the competition. One strategy that has gained significant traction is outsourcing software development. But what drives businesses to take this route? Here are some compelling reasons:

• Cost Savings: One of the primary motivations for outsourcing is the potential for significant cost savings. By outsourcing, companies can avoid the expenses associated with hiring full-time employees, such as salaries, benefits, and training costs. Instead, they can tap into a pool of skilled developers at a fraction of the cost, often in regions where the cost of living—and consequently, development rates—are lower.
• Access to a High-Quality Development Team: Outsourcing allows companies to access top-tier talent without the constraints of geographical boundaries. These development teams bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and specialized skills to the table, ensuring that projects are executed to the highest standards.
• Time Savings in Hiring: The hiring process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when searching for specialized skills. Outsourcing bypasses this lengthy process, granting businesses immediate access to experts who are ready to jump into projects without the typical onboarding delays.
• Access to Global Talent: The world is brimming with talented software developers. Outsourcing breaks down geographical barriers, allowing companies to scout and collaborate with the best minds globally. This global perspective can also introduce diverse viewpoints and innovative solutions that might not have been considered otherwise.

Outsourcing software development is not just a trend—it’s a strategic move that offers tangible benefits. From cost savings to accessing global expertise, it empowers companies to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. Whether it’s launching a groundbreaking app or optimizing internal processes, outsourcing is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities.

Why offshore software development outsourcing? 

Before we talk about how you can make offshore outsourcing work, it’s important to discuss why this type of outsourcing is effective. Outsourcing serves as a great way to adapt to changing needs or bring in additional expertise. That isn’t a new concept, but offshore outsourcing is relatively new.  

This outsourcing method is only possible in the way we know it today because of advancements in technology. It expands the talent pool that your company can access while reducing the total costs to complete a software development project. Many companies also choose “nearshore” outsourcing, which can offer similar benefits while reducing the risk of some common issues. 

What is nearshore software development outsourcing?   

Nearshore is similar to offshore development in that it requires outsourcing to another country. However, the difference here is that the location you outsource to is near your own. It serves as a great balance between onshore and offshore options and often allows you to maximize outsourcing benefits.   

If you’d like to know more about the different types of outsourcing, check out our guide to build a solid foundation for software development. It covers outsourcing methods and the pros and cons you can expect.  

Both of these options require you to approach your software development project with specific considerations in mind. Here’s how you can make offshore software development work for your next project.  

How to choose between offshore and nearshore software outsourcing services

If you go entirely offshore, be sure to make accommodations for the time zone and cultural differences. This will reduce or eliminate any overlap in remote and home team work schedules. These differences are manageable but can take time to adapt. Some of your team members will likely have to shift their hours to minimize communication delays. Leaders need to both understand and support these schedule modifications. 

Nearshore remote teams in the Americas and Europe, on the other hand, can generally offer a nearly complete workday overlap. That simplifies real-time synchronization and collaborative problem-solving.

Software Development Outsourcing Models

In the realm of software development outsourcing, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Different projects and organizational needs call for different engagement models. Understanding these models is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions and select the one that aligns best with their objectives. Here’s a deep dive into the three primary software development outsourcing models:

Each of these models offers unique advantages and can cater to varying project needs and organizational structures. By understanding the nuances of each, businesses can make strategic decisions that drive successful software development outcomes.

4 Key concepts to focus on when working with outsourcing software development companies

Want your outsourced software development project to be a success? Here’s what you should focus on when choosing an outsourcing partner.

Understanding the talent  

To make offshore or nearshore software development work, you need to understand two things regarding talent. The first is what qualities you’re looking for in the people you outsource to. You need to communicate with your vendor or outsourcing partner to understand if what they offer is the right fit for you.  

Companies often outsource because they need to supplement the talent they have inside their organization. When you understand the talent available to you and their specific knowledge, you increase your chances of having a successful project.  

For example, here at Unosquare we train our developers, Scrum Masters, QA Experts, and business analysts on the agile philosophy. We know that adaptability and collaboration are essential in an outsourced software development project. 

Prioritize communication 

If you’ve seen any of our other blogs on outsourcing, you may know that we believe communication is a critical component. The same applies to offshore software development outsourcing. Before you choose offshore, think about how your team will communicate with the people you’re outsourcing to.  

If possible, create a plan for getting or giving feedback and checking in. You should be confident that you’ll always be “in the loop” on your project. In addition, ask your outsourcing vendor or partner about their communication style with clients. 

Begin with the end in mind 

If you want offshore software development to work for you, you need to begin with the end in mind. That may seem counter-intuitive, but this approach can help you simplify project management. Think about what you want the end goal to be and what kind of support you need to get there.  

This will allow you to build a clear project plan and ensure that everyone is on the same page. It will also help you set expectations and milestones that lead to the results you want in the project. 

The lifecycle of an offshore software development project 

Every software development project is going to look a little bit different. However, with offshore or nearshore software development, it’s key to ensure that everyone follows the same framework or methodology. Agile is usually the best fit for these projects because it focuses on continuous feedback and iterations. That can help your internal team, and your outsourcing partner works together more effectively. Statistics also show that agile projects are the most successful. A report from PWC shows that agile projects are, in fact, 28% more successful than traditional projects. 

That said, being on the same page about methodology isn’t the only thing you should concern yourself with throughout the life cycle of a project. You should also set your own benchmarks and milestones throughout the development life cycle. That will help you gain visibility into where the project stands. 

Ready to outsource software development?  

We’re here to help. At Unosquare, we focus on finding the best talent in the world. That way, you can outsource with confidence and bring in the expertise you need to get your software development project done. Let us provide expertise for your teams in a way that is fast, transparent, and efficient. To find out more about what Unosquare can do for your organization, check out our blog. 

All successful software products have two things in common. First, they are developed in response to a real need that is being underserved in the marketplace, and second, they fill that niche in a manner that is profitable for the developer while meeting or exceeding end user expectations for functionality and quality. Achieving that outcome is a complex undertaking that requires diverse skills.

Many organizations, especially boutique and small or medium-sized software development businesses, simply don’t have the human-power, resources, or expertise they need to manage their product development as effectively as they’d like to. Fortunately, that kind of talent can be accessed on a case-by-case basis by leveraging outside software product development consultants.

What Does a Product Development Consultant Do?

Product development consultants in the software industry are tasked with providing guidance and management oversight and interventions throughout the software product development lifecycle, from ideation through to final testing and release (and potentially even longer for products with extensive post-sale services, support, and add-ons).

Their role is to examine the project from a high level to determine the critical business objectives tied to it and then codify and govern a systematic framework specifically designed to enhance the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of the development process as well as the overall quality and marketability of the final product. They direct the software developers but also collaborate with them on a granular level, responding to insights that emerge in the course of development to ensure that projects stay within their budgets, schedules, and approved scope.

What Are the Main Roles and Responsibilities of a Product Developer?

There are numerous phases in the development of a product. They will vary based on the sophistication of the organization implementing them and the size and complexity of the project, but generally, the following phases will be included and require specialized talent to implement:

1. Market Research: Identify an underserved need in the market or an unsolved problem

2. Concept Development: Envision a novel solution that fits the need or problem discovered

3. Feasibility Testing: Study whether the target market will buy in and if the development cost can be justified by the expected return on investment

4. Product Design: Codify your roadmap for development

5. Development Process: Generate an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) through parallel collaboration

6. Production: Publish and release the product

7. Follow-up: Collect user feedback for iterative development

Some organizations opt for or require a linear product development framework. Every step in the process builds upon a previous step. That is an effective means of ensuring high quality output, but at the cost of speed and flexibility. Modern product developers deploy a much more holistic approach, where multiple team members work on discrete aspects of the project in parallel and routinely update each other.

One of the drawbacks of modern, holistic product development is a sharp increase in the complexity of managing projects. Keeping track of progress as it moves fairly predictably from phase to phase is simpler than communicating with diverse teams that are all working on different priorities at the same time. Product development consultants help organizations manage that flood of information, maintain contact internally (with team members) and externally (with vendors and suppliers), and institute fallback planning to respond to unexpected hiccups in the process.

This approach has the added benefit of imbuing the organization with new institutional knowledge, as the experience of working with a consultant (and often many of the processes they implement) can be exploited in future product development projects.

What Skills Do Product Developers Need?

To convert an idea into a product takes a lot of different skills, including research and analysis, engineering, project management, and teamwork and collaboration. You need experts in market research that can unearth unsolved problems and track changing user and industry trends that can inform the creation of a new product (and determine if the market is large enough to justify further investigation).

You also need product developers that can efficiently build proof-of-concept prototypes to test those theories, as well as a testing framework to independently verify your results. You need a manager that can design an ambitious but attainable roadmap that will lead to a MVP. Lastly, you need a marketing pro that will ensure a good product fit to the market and convert user feedback into actionable insights that inform engaging outreach and maximize the potential audience for the product.

At a higher level, however, great product development requires people that can adjust rapidly when new data comes in, think critically about difficult problems, communicate clearly and readily, hit deadlines, and collaborate freely.

Winning in the Digital Economy Takes a Team

Competition in the modern, digital economy is far more challenging than it was even just a few years ago. Customer loyalty is waning, mass markets have fragmented, product life cycles have shrunk, and new technologies are constantly emerging and disrupting the status quo. Once an avenue for new development is discovered, the window of time before competitors will step in can be alarmingly small. Adaptive companies have to get their teams organized and activated quickly and arm them with the resources and leadership they need to get a first mover advantage in the marketplace.

In the post-pandemic era — where hybrid and remote work are the new normal and teams are sometimes divided not just by departments but continents and timezones — breaking down silos and keeping lines of communication open has raised the stakes. Leveraging proven development frameworks, productivity and community platforms, product development consulting, and project management solutions are no longer mere value-adds to the product development process; they are essential tools for creating novel solutions that move markets.

Does your product development process need added support?

Find out how Unosquare can help with fast, efficient, and high impact software development consulting.

Market forces are demanding faster software development. DevOps is how companies of all sizes are able to keep up without sacrificing quality — but finding the right talent is still a challenge that needs to be resolved first by understanding what DevOps is and how it works.

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a practice and organizational scheme that combines two formerly separate aspects of software product development: the actual development or writing of the code (Dev) and the associated IT operations (Ops) which includes testing, deployment, and updates. The benefit of a DevOps framework, over other software development practices is that it’s optimized for the extremely fast life cycle associated with many modern digital products and services.

A fully realized DevOps program can appreciably shorten the time it takes to develop software while still maintaining high quality output. On a granular level, that means the actual time between when a change to a codebase is submitted to when it is accepted for production is decreased fast enough to enable continual improvement.

Agile, another popular software development approach, was the foundation on which DevOps originated and the two methodologies share a great deal of overlap. They both involve breaking down large problems into smaller batches and are bottom-up practices where flexibility and regular input from the engineers on the front lines is critical. Projects with a strictly defined scope that don’t require accelerated development or continual updates are better suited to more linear frameworks, such as a waterfall model where each phase of development is dependent on deliverables from a preceding phase.

DevOps Principles

• Short Feedback Loops: Input from engineers and end users is integrated back into the development process on a regular basis.
• Parallel Development: Development and operations engineers work in unison, collaborating throughout the product’s lifecycle.
• Breaking Silos: Barriers to information sharing between discrete departments working on the product are systematically removed.
• Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: Automation, user feedback, and accelerated development are leveraged to create products that are dynamic and add new functionality and UX (User Experience) enhancements over time.
• Sprints: The use of multiple, short cycles of development, typically on platforms optimized for speed, experimentation, and modularity (such as containers).

Should I Outsource DevOps?

Naturally, every organization wants to produce high quality products that are aligned with customer and market needs and expectations for quality and functionality. DevOps can help make that happen but the skills associated with it are in extremely high demand right now. Those skills have to cover the entire software lifecycle from initial designs to development through to release and support. Even globe-spanning enterprises are struggling to hire enough experienced engineers right now, and the costs of building a new team from scratch can be out of reach for small and medium sized businesses (SMB).

Given these challenges, building a DevOps team from scratch, even for well resourced companies, is a complex undertaking — and that’s also why outsourcing DevOps, either for a single project or on an ongoing DaaS (DevOps as a Service) basis, is a smart decision for many organizations. Properly implemented, DevOps can lead to a deployment frequency that is a hundred times faster than traditional development frameworks with quicker recovery times and fewer change failures.

With support from an outsourced DevOps team, even SMBs can transform what was once a months-long process to create a new software product into a daily release cycle, which gets them to market faster than competitors and ensures they are always developing features that are a good fit for their target audience.

Projects Suited to DevOps

• – Fast-paced with an open scope at the outset
• – Requiring continual updates
• – Likely to see a major change in the future
• – Delivered as a service

Going without DevOps can mean losing ground to more nimble competitors. Choosing to build a DevOps team entirely in house means losing time to make that transition and taking ownership of all the costs and responsibilities associated with it, such as rolling out new workplaces and devices, onboarding new employees, dealing with turnover of skilled team members, and implementing cultural changes within the organization that foster parallel, collaborative development.

Outsourced teams allow companies to access all the benefits of DevOps far faster than they can on their own because of the wealth of experience and expertise they bring and their familiarity with integrating quickly with a diverse array of partners. They also enable scalability that in-house teams can’t match. When the scope of a single project grows or shrinks, most companies can’t simply hire and fire their own people in response, but they can easily scale up and down their outsourcing commitment.

Summing Up

DevOps helps software makers produce higher quality products with the shortest time-to-market possible by breaking down traditional barriers between development and operations with new lines of communication and collaboration. It’s also creating opportunities for organizations to solicit feedback from end users which informs iterative and continual improvement of the product.

Outsourced DevOps, in particular, is a smart approach to scalably and efficiently responding to a fast changing, dynamic marketplace that expects top quality software products that change and grow in real time.

Getting DevOps Right with Unosquare

Unosquare has Subject Matter Expertise in DevOps and a Center of Excellence that can help you build or improve your practice. If you need help with creating a mature DevOps practice, we can help. Here at Unosquare, we have over 2,000 completed projects and over 600 engineers. We also have more than 120 distributed teams.

Our company knows what it takes to meet and exceed project needs. Want to learn more about what Unosquare can do for your company? Check out our blog to get more information on what we do and our expertise

The stats on failure shouldn’t overshadow the potential for success. How projects are planned and managed is a vital competency for success, but that is not the only preparation that needs attention. Besides the “How” there is the equally, if not more, important “Who?”

Who is going to make up your project team? And, if you are looking to outsource your work, the selection criteria for internal and external team members is of crucial importance to maintaining quality, meeting budget, and staying on schedule. Working within an Agile framework offers flexibility and scalability when effectively applied into a software development life cycle, but it’s not without risks. You need the right people and partners to be successful.

Here are some questions to consider asking of your team and potential outsourcing partners to avoid common pitfalls and meet your expectations for delivery.

Questions to ask yourself:

What is your definition of Agile?

Agile can be an umbrella term for how any type of software development work is managed or mismanaged for that matter. When you are looking to integrate with outsourced teams, your approach needs to be buttoned up so that it can scale across project stakeholders and be consistently followed.

It doesn’t much matter if you are overlapping Scrum with Kanban, or derivatives of each mixed together, provided that your team is on the same page and you can effectively on-board new team members to follow the flow. If it’s reproducible, it can be learned and scaled.

How engaged will you be in the SDLC?

Are you outsourcing your entire scope of work or are you augmenting your existing team? These are very different models, though oftentimes overlooked when searching for an outsourcing partner if your focus is on other, pressing project constraints. Be explicit about what support you are going to need. Agencies can have broad, end-to-end capabilities or be very specialized and you need to assess where their strengths are and if they match your current needs.

How do you want to select talent?

How engaged should you be in the talent selection process? That does depend on the model you’ve selected, but in the case of staff augmentation, the short answer is: VERY!

Avoid the real and intangible costs of turning over talent by being engaged in the selection process from the start. If your outsourcing partner has not asked you to get involved, make sure that you do. Set expectations early and tell the team what content you want to see in the profile of a prospective team member and let them know how you intend to validate their skill.

Interview? More than one interview? Code tests? All viable options, but be sure to do them efficiently. There is a lot of competition out there for good talent and extending the timeline for assessing if someone is the right fit for your team increases the likelihood that you could lose them to another company or project.

How do you define project success?

Having a shared understanding of success criteria will help you collaborate across teams. Internally, set expectations for delivery within your SDLC and your definition of done. It’s important to recognize milestones and reward your teams for hitting those milestones.

Share expectations for delivery and reinforce accomplishments throughout the project. Shared success sets the foundation for continued engagement from your team, strong communication, and talent retention.

What is your risk tolerance for using outsourced talent?

Have you done this before? Have your internal, technical leaders worked with outsourced teams in the past? If so, then you’ll be aware of some of the challenges of not having talent in-house or even in the same country. There are important lessons to be learned from that experience and that can help for a smooth onboarding of new, outsourced talent.

If this is a new step, then you should consider a firm that has the infrastructure to support consistent performance. There are significant financial benefits to working with outsourcing firms, however they can be wiped away by selecting a less experienced or even a more “hands off” approach.

Ask about how the firm mitigates risk. Do they have a proactive approach to communicating to their partners about perceived risks? And, how do they uncover those risks? It’s a shared responsibility, but if it’s your first go-round with outsourcing, it’s reasonable to ask for some guidance from the partner you select.

Questions to evaluate potential vendors:

Can they meet your timeline?

Make no assumptions when explaining the intent and constraints of your project work and set expectations early in your assessment process for an outsourcing vendor. If you are on a tight time table, be explicit.

Because of your timeline, consider that you should be meeting with at least a handful of service providers. Some may have talent on hand and some may need runway for recruitment depending on where they are in their business lifecycle. But don’t rush! Consider our earlier point about taking the time to find the right talent. Efficiency and transparency are key.

Where is the talent located?

This is a broad question that leads to more specifics that you need to uncover. Large vendors have bigger, sometimes global footprints. Smaller companies can be more concentrated in location, but can still recruit from wide geographic locations. It’s important to know where your talent is coming from to maintain sound communication and efficient ways of working.

Nearshore is very attractive for time zone overlap with your team. It’s easier to maintain Agile methodologies when you are working during the same time compared to some offshore options. Though, there is something to be said for distributing your work across time zones and creating a cycle of development, around the clock. That all depends on where you are in your SDLC or even the maturity of your company.

Location can also determine the language proficiency and seniority of the talent available. Established companies with a robust recruitment team can cast a wide net to meet the requirements you have laid out. Knowing where everyone is, is helpful, but shouldn’t be a primary determining factor to your choices. Good talent can be found anywhere.

Let your potential partners know when you expect the team to be working. There is typically flexibility built into most outsourcing models. And try to co-locate the team when you can. It’s good for morale.

How do they communicate with their clients?

Will you have direct contact with your team members? Are there any intermediaries that will be doing translational work each day?

There is some overlap here with the location of the talent and communication skills as well as our earlier question about risk tolerance. They are all parts of maintaining consistent and transparent communication and can’t be stressed enough. However many questions you need to ask, or how you need to ask them, make sure that you’ll have a clear understanding of how you will be able to work with your team, and when.

What technologies will you be using?

Pick a partner that is familiar with your tech stack. If you take a risk and select someone without that speciality, the first hurdle you’ll have is a longer recruitment time up front.

Coupled with that is professional development. Your choice of an outsourced partner should have complimentary subject matter expertise in-house for the technologies with which you are working. In the spirit of collaboration, and to ensure success, in-house expertise supports recruitment and on-going learning with your outsourcing partner.

In some situations, it’s helpful to interview some of that talent, even if they are not available to your team. A conversation with a proven performer offers insight into the success criteria we discussed earlier on.

Who have they worked with in the past?

References are great and websites are littered with them. But logos are just logos, you need to find the substance underneath.

Understanding that there is only so much proprietary information someone can share about the work they are doing with a specific organization, it’s reasonable to ask what types of work they have done in the past and currently. That doesn’t have to be client specific. Some of the most rewarding and successful projects may be living with lesser known clients, handled by world class talent. Uncovering where a partner’s strengths lie can be more important than name dropping a Fortune 500 client’s name.

Bringing top talent into your organization with Unosquare

Trying to figure out what you need to execute your next software project? Choosing the right methods and the right partner for your project can make a big difference. If you need help with your upcoming project, we can help. Here at Unosquare, we have over 2,000 completed projects and over 600 engineers. We also have more than 120 distributed teams.

Our company knows what it takes to meet and exceed project needs. Want to learn more about what Unosquare can do for your company? Check out our blog to get more information on what we do and our expertise.

Full-stack software developers are widely considered some of the best and most technical developers in the IT industry. They add a lot of value to the team and can provide valuable insight throughout the development process because of their technical skill sets and high-powered delivery. However, because they have such a wide range of skills, they can be hard to find. When hiring a software delivery professionals, in whatever phase your project is in, full-stack developers are a coveted role.

Here at Unosquare, we understand the importance of having the right talent to work on your project. We are routinely asked for full-stack developers and have an expansive recruitment team that helps source them for our clients. Here’s why your team needs a full-stack software developer and what you should know about the role.

What is a full-stack software developer?

A full-stack software developer is someone capable of working in each layer of software development. This is what makes them some of the most sought-after talent in the industry. Here’s a quick refresher on what those three layers are: 

• Front-end
• Back-end
• Database

Seems simple enough, but mastering all three components is no easy feet. It takes natural skill, the right mindset, and the desire to continuously learn and even more importantly, to teach. Full-stack developers can the be the anchors for a development team and often times take on Tech Lead roles. Do be successful, they need both hard and soft skills, coupled with the ingenuity needed to consistently deliver.

Now, let’s look at each layer in a bit more detail.

The Front-end layer

This is the part of an application or website that the end-user sees. It includes all software in which the user interacts.

The Back-end layer

This layer is the part of the application or website that is hidden from users. It’s what happens behind the scenes to make what the users see possible. 

The Database layer

When a user requests something, that information is retrieved from the database. This is what makes up the database layer.

What does a full-stack developer do?

Though there’s still some debate about what “full-stack” means for developers, there’s no doubt that they’re in high demand for good reason. Full-stack software developers often have unmatched skills, including a wide range of coding niches and UI/UX management. These things make it possible for them to jump in at several points throughout the development process. 

Some of the responsibilities for a full-stack software developer include:

• Helping with development and design
• Writing code for the front-end and back-end
• Considering maintenance, scalability, and security when developing
• Testing and debugging
• Creating databases and servers
• Ensuring compatibility for cross-platform use
• Designing new features
• Maintaining responsiveness of software applications
• Developing RESTful and APIs services
• Optimizing software to keep up with technological advances

When do you need a full-stack software developer?

Having the talent of a full-stack developer is an asset, but before you hire, you need to figure out how they’ll fit into your team. Here are some instances when it’s helpful to bring in a full-stack developer.

When you need a minimum viable product

Full-stack software developers are a great choice when your operation is lean, and you need to validate ideas by building a minimum viable product. Many of these developers will help you take an idea or feature and bring it into production quickly and efficiently.

When you need additional expertise

Full-stack developers can help you make better business decisions around your project. Since they have such a wide range of skills, they bring a lot of knowledge to the table, and their input can impact your success. Self-management and leadership are also critical skills to assess when looking for someone to fill this role. They need to stay motivated and motivate others by example.

When you have a small team

If you can’t hire a specialist for each layer of the software development process, full-stack developers are the right people to bring in. One good full-stack developer can work with you on many aspects of your project. While they may be more expensive than other software talent, they also have more experience. This additional experience makes it possible to fill in gaps in several different areas. 

What should companies look for in a full-stack developer?

Once you know you want to work with a full-stack developer, the next question is: What do you need to look for in this person? Knowing the answer is key to bringing in a developer who will accomplish what you want. Here’s what we recommend. 

The talent your project requires

You don’t need just any full-stack developer. You need one that has the right expertise and ​​relevant experience in your business domain. Go beyond the title and make sure that the developer will meet the needs for your specific project and goals.

Quality over price

Budget is important, but it’s not the only element to consider when hiring full-stack developers. A good quality full-stack developer is likely to come in at a high price, especially in such a competitive market. According to data from Indeed, the average salary for a full-stack developer is $106,622 in the United States. Keep that in mind as you compare different developers to fit the role. If your budget does not allow for on-shore talent, near-shore options like Unosquare can help find you this talent at a reduced cost, but without suffering quality. Developers with advanced skills typically have strong communication skills if your native language is not theirs, they can adapt.

Good communication skills

Full-stack software developers will likely need to meet with clients, report progress to company stakeholders, and talk with other developers. To do this effectively, they’ll need to be a strong communicator. Both speaking and listening skills are essential here. 

These soft skills can make or break the success of your project, so you mustn’t overlook them. To learn more about communication and software development, read this post: 5 Proven Ways to Promote Communication in Your Software Development Team

What technology stacks are commonly used by full-stack developers?

Another good thing to know before bringing in a full-stack software developer is what technologies they typically work with. These are the technology stacks that full-stack software developers commonly use: 

Front-end technologies:

• HTML/HTML5
• CSS
• JavaScript
• JQuery

Front-end frameworks:

• Angular.Js
• Backbone.Js
• Ember.Js
• Polymer.Js

Back-end technologies:

• Ruby On Rails
• Node.Js
• PHP
• .NET

Back-end frameworks:

• Rails 
• Express
• ASP.NET
• CodeIgniter

Database development technologies:

• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB
• Oracle
• Microsoft SQL Server 

Bringing top talent into your organization with Unosquare

Trying to figure out what you need to execute your next software project? Choosing the right methods and the right partner for your project can make a big difference. If you need help with your upcoming project, we can help. Here at Unosquare, we have over 2,000 completed projects and over 600 engineers. We also have more than 120 distributed teams. 

Our company knows what it takes to meet and exceed project needs. Want to learn more about what Unosquare can do for your company? Check out our blog to get more information on what we do and our expertise. 

What is the Follow-the-Sun service methodology?

The follow-the-sun methodology model addresses and satisfies market needs in any geographic location. This approach isn’t new, but it has increased in popularity as many customer service teams now use it. 

Follow-the-sun is a sub-field of globally distributed software engineering. This is a type of global knowledge workflow designed to reduce the time to market. Software development teams spread out in different territories use this model to work on a 24-hour software development cycle.

Why do companies use this model?

If you have a service or product that requires constant support for different time zones, you need an employee available constantly or an offshore outsourcing partner. For software development, this kind of schedule may also be necessary when working on a tight timeline. It is possible to manage in shifts, but it’s not easy.

You have to hire people to work night shifts which can be demotivating for them. Additionally, if people constantly have to work late or switch hours, it can take a toll on their health. You also may have to pay extra perks and overtime to compensate for the demanding schedule. 

That’s where the follow-the-sun service methodology can help. Since the method, as the name implies, “follows the sun,” you can work with a distributed workforce to have a 24-hour software development cycle.

What should I consider to implement this model?

The follow-the-sun model works, but only when companies implement it correctly. According to a study published in the Journal of Management Information Systems, handoff efficiency is paramount to successfully following sun practices. The duration of development time can reduce when both site coordinations improve. 

So how do you make this a reality for a team that is brand new to the model? Here are three different things you should consider before implementing it.

Collaborating as a global team

The follow-the-sun model involves strategy and coordination between global zones and teams. You need to put best practices and processes in place that empower your workforce to work within this model, especially if you’ll also be leveraging offshore outsourcing.

For example, you can require a person working on an issue during their shift to document all of their work effectively. That way, the knowledge can transfer to the next person on the job. It’s critical that your team works as a single unit and avoids overlap whenever it’s possible to do so. 

Impact on the work environment 

Clarity is key. Having a shared understanding across teams of the goals, turnaround times, and accountability is important. You also have to be aware of the social and cultural differences across regional and localized units. 

Setting expectations with team members is crucial, and when moving to this model, the expectations you have for employees are likely to change. This is particularly true if you are welcoming people from different locations into your workforce. Everyone must fully understand their roles and responsibilities. 

Communication

Making sure tasks are handled in order and by priority is essential. This can’t happen without constant communication between the different teams following this model. You need to have open channels for people to connect.

Since face-to-face communication will be absent, you might want to consider regular video conferencing meetings for your workforce. This will help you resolve any potential issues and help your team feel more comfortable as a unit.

To do this, you must pay special attention to any existing overlaps. While several team members may not have overlapping “office hours,” some may do. That means there could still be plenty of opportunities for people to work together without disrupting the model. You can read more about this topic in How to Manage a Software Development Team Across Multiple Time Zones.

What advantages doeshttp://how-to-manage-a-software-development-team-across-time-zones follow-the-sun have?

Once you implement this model in your organization, here are some benefits you can expect to see.

More reasonable work hours

It can be challenging to fill overnight shifts. Working regular daylight hours keeps employees healthy, happy, and motivated to work. It’s easier for your employees, which means you’ll have less turnover. You can also take advantage of offshore outsourcing to help you with this.

Faster problem solving

When you only have a team working during your regular business hours, problems remain if a resolution isn’t found by the end of the day. Using the follow-the-sun model ensures that the problem remains a priority and gets attention until there’s a fix for the issue.

In addition, when you pass the work onto a new group, the problem will be looked at from a fresh set of eyes, therefore giving a new perspective. This often leads to better solutions.

Consistent service and workload

Handing work off from site to site makes it easier for your company to offer consistent service levels at all times and balance the workload. This model that workers across every location get equal treatment.

Potential for new markets

With the follow the sun model established in your company, you’ll be better prepared to help customers around the world. This is an advantage that may allow you to expand for new opportunities.

Implementing a 24-hour software development cycle with offshore outsourcing

Here at Unosquare, we are set on finding the best talent in the world. Beyond that, we can put together a delivery management practice that is your eyes and ears within our organization. Unosquare provides agile software development services and complementing talent for your teams. Want to learn more about how Unosquare can help with your project? Check out our blog to find out more.

Deciding to outsource is an exciting venture for most businesses. It gives you the ability to bring in additional expertise and often complete the projects you want to work on more quickly. However, outsourcing can also come with many obstacles and risks. That’s why choosing the right partner or vendor is so important, as it is a significant factor in the success of your project.  

Are you considering outsourcing? This post will share what you should be aware of before you go down this path. Keep reading to learn what a software outsourcing company is and how to choose the right one for your project. 

1. Understand (and avoid) common pitfalls before you start outsourcing

Briefly, let’s discuss how your organization can prepare to outsource and choose a software outsourcing company. Outsourcing has many different benefits. 57% of companies feel that outsourcing lets them focus on their core business, and 47% use it to solve capacity problems. This practice is becoming more and more common. To truly take advantage of benefits like this, you must be able to understand and avoid pitfalls. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Communication 

According to the 2017 Global Software Services Report from SourceSeek, nearly one-quarter of software development projects fail because of a lack of communication or clear goals. Communication is absolutely critical to keep software projects going. Before deciding to outsource, take the time to get clarity on goals and initiatives for your organization. This will set you up with the right knowledge to communicate effectively with the company you outsource your project to. 

Setting Expectations 

According to the State of Software Development report, the number one cause for software teams’ delivery problems is unrealistic expectations. When choosing a software development company, you should have expectations in mind. It would then be best if you had a conversation about expectations with the vendors you’re considering to ensure that they can meet them. If everyone is on the same page, your project is much more likely to go smoothly.  

Budget 

Many organizations choose to outsource software development as a way to cut costs. Research from Deloitte shows that 59% of businesses use outsourcing to reduce expenses. Often, this is a benefit of outsourcing, but it shouldn’t necessarily be your priority. Be mindful of your budget and understand that it’s more important to choose a software outsourcing company to deliver the quality you need. Vendors that can offer both value and quality are the ones that should be on the top of your list. 

2. Understand the outsourcing software development options 

Now, let’s talk about methods for outsourcing your projects. There are four different ways that your organization can approach this:  

1. Onshore 

Onshore outsourcing (also called local outsourcing) is the process of either working with an internal team or working with local talent to complete your software project. This outsourcing method gives you maximum visibility into the project. However, it also typically comes with higher costs and a smaller talent pool.  

2. Offshore 

In offshore software development, organizations outsource all project tasks to a third party or team of developers in another country. While offshore outsourcing can work, communication and quality are more significant concerns than they would be with other methods.  

3. Nearshore 

Nearshoring is similar to offshore development in that it requires outsourcing to another country. However, the difference here is that the location you outsource to is near your own. Typically, this approach is cost-effective and gives your organization access to a larger talent pool. It serves as a great balance between onshore and offshore options and often allows you to maximize the benefits of outsourcing.  

4. Hybrid 

While this is less common, some organizations also offer a hybrid model. A hybrid model combines these different approaches to outsourcing. This is a fit for some projects, but blending multiple models can also add a complexity level that isn’t always ideal. 

Each approach requires different considerations. The right outsourcing partner for your organization will depend on your specific project and needs. Some software outsourcing companies will specialize in one or two of these different methods.  

3. Choose your software outsourcing company wisely

Once you decide what method is right for your business, you can look at software outsourcing companies. We’ve talked about how important it is to outsource to organizations with a proven track record and industry experience in previous posts. Those things do matter, but there are also other critical considerations. It’s important to look at the company’s software development culture and its core values.  

Ask questions about how their business operates. Ask about the qualities that they look for in their developers and the way they work with clients. Remember: the people at this company will become your partners throughout your software development project. The values they have might be an indicator of how successful the project will be. You will likely be working with this company long-term, so it’s important to understand how they work and ensure it aligns with what you’re looking for. 

Another thing you should be aware of is what methodology the software outsourcing company follows. Here at Unosquare, we believe that agile software development is ideal for software projects. Data shows that agile projects are 28% more successful than traditional projects. This is, in large part, because feedback happens continuously through the development process. To learn more about agile software development, read this blog post.  

Ready to choose a software outsourcing company? 

Unosquare is ready to help. We focus on finding the best talent globally and putting together a delivery management practice that is your eyes and ears within our organization. Our distributed agile software development staffing solutions provide the best expertise for your teams in a fast, transparent, and efficient way. To find out more about outsourcing software projects with Unosquare, check out our blog.