Custom Software Development, Preparing for It

There are hundreds and thousands of software that can be bought and used by businesses, but most are too elaborate and expensive. They may be designed to meet every need of the users making it difficult to train your staff. That is the reason why it becomes so important to have custom software instead of a regular off-the-shelf one. Custom software can be either done within an organization or outsourced. The two options have their own pros and cons. 

 

However, when it comes to balancing between the two options mentioned earlier, outsourcing comes first and is preferred if there are budget constraints. The other factor is security. 

 

Outsourcing Advantages

Here is why you should prefer software outsourcing companies.

1. High quality of product and timely deliver
2. Access to latest technologies and tools
3. Superior quality of talent and development infrastructure
4. Updates and support available on a day to day basis
5. Access to a large pool of programmers with multiple skill sets
6. Improve productivity in a pliable environment
7. Quicker delivery schedule compared to in house development

What to Include in Contract

Though the process of outsourcing software can be left to a company, there are some things that only the principal can do. That means you will have to write down your requirements and the specifications. This alone will make the software meet all your requirements. Here is what you should do before approaching software outsourcing companies.

1. Document your present system of working. If you use word processors or other database programs, let the outsourcing company know about it. This helps to implement the software seamlessly and in an orderly fashion.
2. Get in touch with a consultant and ask to prepare a working document that will show where exactly your organization lacks in software support. The consultant will help you identify the problem areas and then write down the specifications to follow.
3. Have a plan ready to discuss payment terms. When the outsourcing companies demand an upfront fee to start with the work, you are putting your money at risk until everything has been delivered to your satisfaction. So you should make an evaluation of the vendors’ technical and financial competence. You can alternately provide a bank guarantee instead of an outright payment. Discuss this with the vendor very early during your contact with them.
4. Tell the companies that you will ultimately own the full copyright ownership of the software. You should also ask the vendor to transfer all the code to you. This will help you modify the software in future if your vendor is not able to meet your quality control standards. You should remember that starting from scratch is not always a good option.
5. Many times the software that companies develop for you may depend on software without which you may not be able to implement computerization in your office. This means that the vendor must also be willing to transfer the rights of the background software to you, though it may not be to your exclusive use.
6. Discuss the warranty issue beforehand with the vendor. This is important if you anticipate that the software is too complex and requires correction from time to time. The best warranty is one for a lifetime. Of course, your vendor may demand that you pay for an extended warranty. You can minimize expenses on this by including it as part of a package.

As a user you may want the best outsourcing company to work for you. Fly-by-night operators are many in this profession and therefore you should choose a company that has been in this field for a substantial period of time. This will guarantee you that the warranty will be honored.

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