Nowadays, almost every business function is being outsourced. From HR to marketing and sales, there are very few areas of business that companies keep in-house. One area that is often outsourced is software development. By 2022, it is anticipated that firms will spend over $700 billion annually on outsourcing, according to Deloitte.
By industry, it is anticipated that spending on IT outsourcing will amount to $519 billion in 2023, a 22% rise from the figures for 2019. And outsourcing software development solutions will surely continue to grow in popularity as more and more businesses seek to cut costs while still benefiting from the expertise of highly-skilled professionals.
However, is outsourcing software development the silver bullet without flaws that it is often made for every business? Let’s come closer and take a look at both the pros and cons to find out whether it suits you or not.
An intro to outsourcing software development
Software development outsourcing is the act of contracting out the development of software to third-party vendors. The purposes for its growing popularity are manifold: businesses today are under immense pressure to cut costs, increase efficiencies, and do more with less. They simply do not have the time or resources to develop software in-house.
Pros of outsourcing software development for business
The question of what is better – inhouse development or outsourcing will probably always be on the agenda of any business. Let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon.
Outsourcing software development is a process by which a company contracts with an external organization to provide specific services or tasks. When it comes to software development, outsourcing has become a popular option for companies of all sizes thanks to the wide range of benefits it offers. Here are just a few of the top reasons why you should consider outsourcing your next software development project.
- Cost-effectiveness
One of the primary advantages of outsourcing software development is that it can help businesses to save money. When you outsource software development, you are able to avoid the high costs associated with hiring and training in-house staff. In addition, you will only pay for the services that you need when you need them. This can be a real advantage for startups or SMBs that have limited budgets.
2. Access to skilled professionals
Another advantage of outsourcing software development is that it gives businesses access to skilled professionals whom they could not afford to hire on a full-time basis. When you outsource software development, you can choose from a pool of talented developers with the specific skills and experience that you need. This means that you can get the high-quality results that you want without having to compromise on cost.
3. Increased flexibility
When you outsource software development, you will also enjoy increased flexibility. This is because you will not be tied into long-term contracts with full-time employees. Instead, you can use the services of an outsourcing company on a project-by-project basis. This can be a big advantage if your business needs are subject to change or fluctuation.
4. Improved focus
Another advantage of outsourcing software development is that it can help businesses to improve their focus. When you outsource software development, you will be able to free up your in-house staff to focus on other important tasks. This can lead to boosted efficiency and productivity within your business.
5. Quicker results
Outsourcing software development can also help businesses to achieve quicker results. This is because you will be working with a team of experienced professionals who will be able to hit the ground running and deliver results from day one. In addition, the outsourcing company will be able to allocate the necessary resources to your project in order to ensure that it is completed on time and to a high standard.
Cons of outsourcing software development for business
Outsourcing may be a great approach for businesses to save money and time, but there are also some drawbacks that should not be overlooked before making a decision. Below are the most important cons to consider when outsourcing software development.
1. Loss of control
One of the biggest disadvantages of outsourcing IT needs is that it can lead to a loss of control for businesses. When you outsource software development, you will be reliant on an external company to deliver the results that you need. This can make it difficult to monitor and manage the project, which can lead to delays or problems with the final product.
2. Communication difficulties
Another disadvantage of software development outsourcing is that it can create communication difficulties. This is because there may be a language barrier between you and the developers working on your project. In addition, there may be time differences which can make it difficult to coordinate and communicate effectively.
3. Lower quality results
Another potential downside of outsourcing software development is that businesses may end up with lower quality results. This is because the developers working on your project may not have the same high standards as your in-house staff. In addition, they may not be familiar with your company’s culture or values, which could lead to a poorer quality product.
4. Risk of security breaches
When you outsource software development, there is also a risk that your company’s confidential data could be compromised. This is because the developers working on your project will have access to your company’s systems and data. If they are not properly vetted or if they do not have the necessary security clearance, then this could lead to a serious security breach.
5. Dependence on the outsourcing company
Another disadvantage is that it can create dependence on the outsourcing company, or they often call it vendor-lockin. This is because your business will be reliant on the company to provide the resources and expertise that you need. If the company is unable to meet your needs, then this could have a negative impact on your business.
In conclusion, there are both benefits and pitfalls of outsourcing software development. However, if businesses are careful in their selection of an outsourcing company and manage the project effectively, then they can enjoy the many benefits that outsourcing can bring.
Conclusion
Moreover, by outsourcing software development, businesses can tap into a global pool of talent and benefit from the expertise of highly-skilled professionals. There are many types of outsourcing arrangements, from IT staff augmentation to turnkey projects. And there are also different models of outsourcing, such as onshore, nearshore, and offshore.
It was a pleasure to read this article post. Improving productivity at work today starts with analysing the outsource software development process. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!