The average business today uses well over 100 different software applications to get work done. That means that the quality of your software can make or break your business. If you’re hiring a custom application development company, it’s important to choose the right one.
This article will help you understand the most important traits of a good custom software development firm.
Why do you need custom application development?
Modern software solutions have to be perfectly tailored to your business needs. Out-of-the-box software are often too generic to help you reach your goals.
A custom application development company can help to create brand new solutions, modernize legacy applications, integrate your existing tech stack, and more. It’s easier and more affordable than hiring a team of in-house developers, and you can access top talent. Plus, your custom application development partner will be able to scale the team up and down as needed.
7 traits to look for in a custom application development partner
1. Good reviews
Let’s start with basic research — before you choose a custom business application development firm, check out the company’s reputation. In addition to reviews on sites like Google or Clutch, any talented custom software developer should be able to offer a variety of case studies and testimonials from happy customers.
2. A way to measure success
You’re going into this custom application development project with clear goals. Make sure your custom development partner will be working toward the same objectives.
Some development companies will try to sell you on a flashy piece of software with bells and whistles that you may not need, but the right partner will be focused on bringing value to your business from the start.
That involves setting measurable goals and tracking them. Ask potential custom development companies how they’ll define success for your project.
3. Up-to-date expertise
The right custom business application development partner will have many years of experience and a wide range of skillsets on the team. They may have certifications in relevant technologies. Working with a partner that’s up-to-date on current technology is essential. Using tech that will be around for the long-haul will greatly extend the life of your software.
4. Agile execution
Agile development is an iterative software development methodology meant to deliver high-quality software quickly and adapt to changing requirements throughout the development process.
Why does that matter? Agile allows your partner to deliver value quickly. You have a long-term vision for your application, but your custom software development firm can find ways for it to provide value to your business now, not just after years of work.
5. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance (QA) is the process of ensuring that an application works well and aligns with the needs of the customer. It should be a given that a custom application development company has a strong QA process, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case.
For example, some firms get QA involved too late in the process. Other companies don’t even have a dedicated QA team, leaving the testing to developers instead. QA should be its own specialty —make sure your partner agrees.
6. A communication plan
Find out what communication will look like with your potential development partner. How frequently will you meet? How can you get in touch with them to ask questions or raise concerns?
The best custom application development companies prioritize regular communication and will make their experts available to you. This is especially important because your priorities will inevitably change over time and you need to make sure you stay on the same page.
7. A long-term relationship
Even after your custom business application development partner hands over the finished project, the work isn’t done. Custom applications require regular attention such as system updates and adjustments to fit your evolving business.
Many software development companies move on to their next client immediately after the initial release unless you invest in a new large project. That leaves you on your own to figure out how you’re going to maintain your new application.
The best partners will be with you throughout the life of your software, making routine updates and bug fixes, resolving potential security issues, developing new functionality, and responding to emergencies. The right custom application development firm can become a long-term partner who’s there to help you meet all your business goals.