Why Should you Outsource your Software Development?

Outsourcing software development is a fast-growing global industry worth an estimated $66.52 billion (Statistica,2019). This rapid emergence has been fuelled by a swift rise of new technology and tech solutions. 

Why should you consider outsourcing your software development, even if you have an existing in-house development team?

In this blog, we will take you through the pros of outsourcing your software development to us at Appt as well as the cons of in-house software development.

The Pros of Outsourcing vs the Cons of In-House Software Development.

Costs

Pros

Although you must pay the company you outsource to, it can often be a cheaper alternative to in house development. 

Firstly, there are the costs associated with hiring and training in-house staff who need to have the required knowledge to develop the software.

The software developers at Appt however develop systems which suit your specific needs exactly. This saves on paying for multiple off the shelf software systems to cover all your business needs. 

Cons

On the other hand, as previously mentioned, in-house software development can be extremely costly. To ensure you acquire the best software developers, you will need to hire experienced and savvy developers. 

These developers also need a deep knowledge of cutting-edge software to produce the best bespoke solutions.

For a large project where multiple developers are needed, you are looking at multiple yearly salaries for your team. Additionally, recruitment fees also add more cost. 

Don't forget about hidden costs either, such as equipment. Developers need to have access to the best gear in order to produce the highest quality of work.

Talent

Pros

Perhaps the greatest benefit of outsourcing to Appt , is the talent gained from our developers.

Our developers can help bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to help companies in-house teams grow and develop their software solutions.

As an innovative software company, we are up to date with emerging software opportunities and can provide insight into cutting-edge developments in the sector.

Cons

With such a rapidly developing technology sector, it can be difficult for companies to find the in-house talent they need with the required skills.  

IT is a sector which is experiencing significant skills shortage especially when it comes to the very latest software developments.

Moreover, software developers have a high turnover rate. Retaining technology professionals is a major headache when developing with an internal team. Recruitment is also difficult in an extremely competitive landscape.

Flexibility

Pros

Another useful benefit of outsourcing your software development is the flexibility it can provide. 

Outsourced developers can work at whatever pace you desire. 

You can be flexible with the outsourced team to suit your business needs. If you are low on budget for a month, you can reduce the amount of work you outsource.

You are the client and therefore can set deadlines for the outsourced team. This can work to deliver a project on a better time frame than in-house teams as the outsourced developers need to hit your deadlines to ensure their business is worth your investment.

There is simply more incentive for an outsourced team to deliver a project on time. By delivering a solution that works in the allocated timeframe the outsourced dev team can ensure further jobs with the client down the line and attract other potential clients.  

If you already have an established in-house team, there are still benefits to hire additional outsourced help. For example, outsourced teams can work in tandem to assist your in-house team.

This again provides flexibility to you and your company. 

The outsourced development team can free up time for your in-house team to focus on other projects or both can work alongside each other to accomplish a goal much faster due to the additional help and expertise. 

Here at Appt, our developers hit the ground running on projects as they have vast experience in developing software for clients on strict timeframes.

Cons

An in-house development team has less incentive to produce the work on time as they are working for you and do not have a reputation as a separate company and service provider to uphold. 

There is also less flexibility here with budget. An in-house team receives a salary from you and therefore it is in your best interest to keep them busy. In a slow business month however , the team may be working less productively due to the lack of work. Consequently you still have to pay them their agreed upon salary.

These issues don’t exist with an outsourced software team. If there is less work, you can simply pay them less.

Cybersecurity

Pros

We take cybersecurity very seriously. We handle sensitive client data and understand the necessity in keeping data safe.

We can also provide your in-house team with high level skills and protocols to ensure that all your data is secure. 

Cons

An in-house team may need training to understand the severity cybersecurity poses to your business. 

Additional security systems and packages may also have to be purchased which further increases the cost of in-house development.

Charities and Outsourcing

Pros

In-house development is nigh-impossible for charities who simply don’t have the funds available to develop the bespoke systems they need.

Outsourced software development is the only option for most charitable organisations and here at Appt, we have vast experience in assisting charities with our bespoke software solutions.