Blog/Outsourcing
How to Hire Offshore Software Developers
Share:
Copy Link
Praise Iwuh
November 01, 2023
Creating a digital business is complex, made more so by growing expenses, rapidly changing software, and increasingly intense competition. So, it should come as no surprise that a large number of businesses and startups rely on offshore software development to help them achieve their objectives.
The market for software outsourcing has been expanding consistently over the past seven years. It was estimated to be worth $88.9 billion in 2015 and projected that by 2024, it will have grown to $98 billion. The number of software developers globally has increased as a result of this growth, reaching 24.5 million at the moment, with an anticipated 4 million increase by 2024. This suggests that in the near future, there will be an increasing need for offshore software development.
However, what about the current economic downturn? Founders attempt to minimize expenses and prioritize profit because it takes longer for businesses to seek new funding rounds. This is where offshore software development comes into play.
For entrepreneurs who are determined to keep going with their business development in 2023 despite the current economic challenges, offshore software developers present a great opportunity.
We'll provide some advice on offshore software development in this article, along with why you should hire offshore developers, how to hire them, and the qualities of top offshore software developers.
Overview
- What is Offshore Software Development?
- Why should you hire Offshore Developers?
- How to Hire Offshore Developers
- Qualities of a Top Offshore Development Team
- Where to Find Offshore Developers
- How to Manage an Offshore Development Team
- Offshore Software Developers vs Dedicated Development Team
What is Offshore Software Development?
"Offshoring" or offshore software development is the process of hiring an outside vendor in another nation to handle the development of software or apps. The word "offshore" refers to the situation where a significant amount of space separates the client and the offshore developers' location and, consequently, time zones.
Software offshore outsourcing offers startups several advantages, such as lower costs and faster time to market. The range of offshore development services goes beyond creating an app from scratch. Particular services that developers might offer include back-end development, UI/UX design, or app development.
Why Should You Hire Offshore Developers?
Boost output and adaptability
You can increase your productivity by outsourcing some of your software development since the talent you select will assist you in overcoming obstacles that prevent application development and will provide you with a new viewpoint. Additionally, outsourcing jobs to a business that makes use of technologies that you might not have access to yourself might help you finish tasks more quickly, increasing your flexibility and adaptability.
Minimize conflicts with the other founders
Conflict impedes startups' growth; conflicts between co-founders account for up to 65% of high-potential startup failures. Hiring offshore developers is one approach to avoid minor differences growing into significant gaps later on. By contracting with an offshore development team rather than employing internally, you may steer clear of disputes during the MVP (minimum viable product) development process and make sure there are no issues with funding or hiring overhead.
Quickly scale your projects
Outsourcing can be the best option for you if your company isn't equipped to handle larger-scale projects due to a lack of resources and technology but has no trouble acquiring new clients and closing negotiations. You can always team up with an offshore development company that has the tools necessary to handle the demands of a challenging project that is beyond your scope.
Getting the help of tech professionals will help you quickly meet project deadlines
The ability to outsource software development can help you make sure that you regularly finish projects on time and meet deadlines, in addition to enhancing your capacity to address client demands. You'll gain additional support from highly skilled developers when working with an offshore team, which will enable you to progress more quickly. However, you will still be able to ensure quality and consistency because outsourcing gives you access to some of the world's most remarkable talent.
Reduce development expenses
Outsourcing development can be an affordable option if you need high-quality development services but don't have the requisite funds. In addition to saving you the hefty fees associated with hiring internal teams, outsourcing eliminates the need for further expenditures on technology acquisitions, infrastructure growth, or training to meet project objectives.
How to Hire Offshore Developers
Finding an offshore development team is not easy, but if you have the proper groundwork in place, it is manageable. This is what must be accomplished.
1. Identify Your Objectives
Determine the services you need before contacting a possible offshore software development business. Are you trying to find an outside development company that can create an application from the ground up? Or are you looking for help to enhance the user experience (UX) of already available apps?
2. Examine your expenditures and look for methods to save costs.
Your company's success depends on staying within your budget, so be sure to do the essential calculations on the wage range you can afford to offer candidates. You must also factor in the expenditures associated with hiring new employees. Establish your budget beforehand to avoid paying for hiring fees. Plan the distribution of it to specific areas, including sourcing and onboarding. Examine the costs associated with candidate sites (to determine the minimum and maximum compensation ranges) and take this into account when setting your outsourcing objectives.
3. Select the Appropriate Partner
The following stage entails looking for possible partners who have the expertise, aptitude, and ability to manage such responsibilities. Equally crucial is that the seller shows that they have a sufficient grasp of your industry. This will make it more likely that the vendor will create the software while remaining mindful of your company's objectives.
Compare it with other contenders before hiring the top offshore software development partner. The following will assist you:
evaluate the company's profile and ratings on Clutch;
- Examine the client's portfolio and testimonials.
- Examine their knowledge;
- Visit their Dribbble and Behance pages;
4. Select The Best Work Model
The majority of offshore software developers provide a few options for collaboration:
Time and materials; set cost; committed group.
Each approach has benefits and drawbacks of its own. The committed team strategy is best suited for long-term projects since it delivers stability and control.
In the meantime, time and material provide flexibility in projects with ambiguous criteria, while fixed pricing works well for short-term projects with well-specified specifications.
5. Make a list of preferences.
You should now be able to identify which offshore IT firms might be a good fit for your startup. Include a list of them and their contacts.
6. Hold the Initial Interview
Make contact with the offshore IT developers and set up a meeting. You have a great chance to discover more about their experience, culture, best practices for app development, and previous projects.
7. Verify Requirements Comply
Your project runs the risk of going off course if the developers are not in line with your business needs, regardless of how skilled they are technically. Make sure the app's creators are aware of your needs and are directing them toward
8. Sign the Terms of the Agreement
Once you've decided that the candidate you've chosen is satisfactory, you begin the collaboration with a contractual contract. Request the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by your offshore crew. Ask your offshore team to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) if you're nervous about giving your data and unique ideas to an overseas developer and you don't want to take the chance of having your data revealed to third parties.
You can also inquire about the outsourcing development company's workflow. Reject the lowest bids; verify whether the remote team accepts all you have to say or would somewhat disagree. Find a reliable project management application; take the initiative.
Qualities of a Top Offshore Development Team
You should search for the following five attributes in your offshore development team:
1. A noteworthy startup experience
Even while offshore developers are frequently highly productive, they nevertheless need to have a thorough understanding of the workings of the startup industry, as these businesses are frequently fast-paced, highly dynamic, and founded out of competition. Your offshore crew may become overworked or burned out if they aren't accustomed to working in such a fast-paced atmosphere. Therefore, applicants must be able to adapt to a fast-paced setting and demonstrate experience working on related projects.
2. Interest in the specifications of the project
During the interview phase, when you are explaining the project briefs to your candidates, make a note of which candidates inquire about the specifics of your project and the questions they ask. This will assist you in identifying the applicants who are interested in learning more about the project. It illustrates how motivated and involved they are.
3. Experience relevant to the project at hand
Can your offshore developers provide examples of projects similar to yours? For example, it may not be cost-effective to engage an offshore developer with primarily iOS app development experience if you are working on an Android mobile app. Always seek out a skill set appropriate for the task at hand.
4. Openness to providing samples of their work
Always ask for code samples and a complete portfolio from your potential offshore developers to verify the information you find out. A candidate may not have the necessary experience for your project if you discover that they are unwilling to provide examples of their coding work. This is something to look out for.
5. Familiarity with project management software
Your offshore developer candidates need to be familiar with the project management tools that you use, as these will aid both your in-house and offshore teams in tracking their advancement. Ask the correct questions during the structured interview to find out if your offshore developers are familiar with these project management technologies, or utilize pre-screening test questions to weed out unfit applicants.
Where to Find Offshore Developers
Exploring the best spots to find offshore developers? Here, we've compiled a list of six top websites where you can connect with offshore development teams:
1. Toptal
Toptal, renowned for its focus on tech talent, offers a comprehensive solution for finding top-notch developers, engineers, architects, and, more specifically, offshore developers. With a rigorous vetting process, only 3% of applicants pass their technical tests, ensuring high-quality talent. Toptal also provides a shortlist within 24 hours and offers a risk-free trial period to assess developer fit. Additionally, teams can be scaled up or down as needed, accommodating project fluctuations seamlessly.
2. LinkedIn
Yes, you probably guessed it! No job search list is complete without LinkedIn. With millions of registered members and over 250 million active users in over 200 countries, LinkedIn stands as one of the largest professional networking platforms. Employers can post jobs, candidates can share their CVs, and recruiters can scout for top talent, including developers. LinkedIn offers both free job posts and paid options for wider exposure, and qualified members may receive notifications about relevant positions. However, it's important to note that LinkedIn does not conduct screening or vetting of developers.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is a dynamic marketplace boasting millions of registered users and a vast array of completed projects. It stands as a bustling marketplace for various job categories, with website development ranking among the most sought-after. Freelancer provides the autonomy to browse through profiles, conduct interviews, and manage payments autonomously, offering a cost-effective and streamlined hiring alternative. Its rapid talent-matching feature, coupled with swift responses to job postings, ensures a diverse selection of developers with a range of skills and experience levels, making Freelancer an adaptable choice for hiring requirements.
Wazobia Technologies is your best bet if you don't want to go through the long process of sifting through several pages in search of the right offshore development team. This is because Wazobia Technologies is a top-notch software development company that offers comprehensive services tailored to meet your needs. The software development firm offers a complete range of services covering software and mobile application development, encompassing development and testing, cloud solutions, consulting, and user experience design. Their success stories also span across various industries such as Fintech, Media and Entertainment, Healthcare, Hi-Tech, Energy, and more, showcasing their expertise and versatility in delivering innovative solutions.
Lounge Lizard Worldwide, Inc. specializes in crafting online business models, brand-friendly websites, direct response strategies, mobile applications, and marketing strategies. With a track record of delivering thousands of award-winning web design and development projects on budget and on time, they've served over 1,000 start-ups to Fortune 100 companies across various industries. Their expertise spans brand strategy, SEO, and other critical areas, ensuring comprehensive solutions for clients. Additionally, Lounge Lizard offers a free website audit within 72 hours and provides the opportunity to request proposals for website maintenance plans.
You are likely familiar with Upwork, but do you know there is a simple way to find the best offshore software development team there? Let's tell you how. You can find Upwork offshore developers by leveraging the platform's extensive pool of talent, which includes skilled professionals specializing in various programming languages and technologies. Simply use Upwork's search filters to narrow down your options based on specific criteria such as expertise, experience level, and past client feedback. Additionally, consider posting a detailed job description outlining your project requirements and expectations to attract suitable candidates. While Upwork provides access to a diverse range of developers, it's essential to thoroughly vet potential candidates through interviews, portfolio reviews, and skill assessments to ensure they align with your project needs and standards.
How to Manage an Offshore Development Team
Of course, there are several challenges faced when managing an offshore development team. However, there are still a number of things that managers can do to successfully manage your team. Here are some tips:
1. Set Clear Technical Requirements: Clearly outline project specifications and technical requirements to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, even across different time zones and cultures.
2. Provide Opportunities for Technical Training and Upskilling: Prioritize professional growth by offering remote team members opportunities for technical training, certifications, and skill development to enhance their expertise and value to the team.
3. Virtual Pair Programming: Encourage collaborative programming sessions using screen-sharing tools to facilitate knowledge sharing, code quality improvement, and expertise exchange among offshore team members.
4. Use Effective Tools: Select communication and collaboration tools that accommodate offshore team dynamics, considering factors like time zone differences and language barriers. Platforms such as Slack and Jira can facilitate seamless interaction and project management.
5. Adopt Agile Methodologies: Implement Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban to enhance project management efficiency, promote regular communication, and ensure timely delivery of project milestones despite geographical dispersion.
6. Make Use of Version Control: Utilize version control systems like Git to streamline code management, facilitate collaboration, and ensure consistency across distributed team members' contributions.
7. Regular Code Reviews: Schedule regular code review sessions to maintain code quality, identify errors promptly, and foster knowledge sharing among offshore team members for continuous improvement.
8. Regular Codebase Updates: Establish a routine for updating the codebase to ensure offshore developers are working with the latest software version, reducing compatibility issues and enhancing project stability.
9. Reinforce Security Best Practices: Emphasize adherence to security standards and protocols to safeguard sensitive data and applications, ensuring offshore team members are well-informed and compliant with security measures.
10. Provide Growth Paths: Develop clear career progression paths for offshore developers within the team, offering opportunities for advancement and recognition based on their contributions and skills development.
11. Remote Pair Debugging: Facilitate collaborative debugging sessions using video conferencing tools to address technical issues efficiently, despite physical distance, promoting teamwork and problem-solving.
12. Use Remote Code Collaboration Tools: Leverage tools like Visual Studio Code's Live Share Extension for real-time collaboration on code, enabling offshore developers to work together seamlessly regardless of their location.
13. Provide Development Environments: Set up virtual development environments to ensure consistency across offshore team members' setups, enabling smooth collaboration and minimizing configuration discrepancies.
14. Put Emphasis on Documentation: Encourage thorough and clear documentation of APIs, libraries, and procedures to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure continuity in development efforts, particularly in a distributed team environment.
15. Continuous Integration and Deployment: Implement CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes, reducing manual errors, maintaining consistent builds, and streamlining development efforts across offshore team members.
Offshore Software Developers vs Dedicated Development Team
Offshore software developers typically refer to individual professionals or small teams hired from different countries or locations to work on specific projects remotely. They are usually contracted on a project basis and may work for multiple clients simultaneously. On the other hand, a dedicated development team is a cohesive unit comprising developers, designers, project managers, and other specialists, often employed by a specialized outsourcing company. This team is exclusively allocated to a single client, providing ongoing support and collaboration tailored to their specific needs. While offshore developers offer flexibility and scalability, dedicated teams provide deeper integration, long-term commitment, and often higher levels of expertise, communication, and project management, resulting in better alignment with the client's goals and priorities.
An excellent way to differentiate between the two is that Offshore software developers typically work on a project basis and may serve multiple clients simultaneously, while a dedicated development team is exclusively allocated to a single client, providing ongoing support and collaboration tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
Hiring offshore teams to handle project work can be an excellent way to finish projects more quickly. When done correctly, you can also reduce the costs associated with hiring an internal workforce.
At W
Related post
Recent Posts
Need help with a project?
© Wazobia Technologies 2024
Powered by:
