Choosing the Right Software Company
If you know your business requires some type of specialized software to function the way you envision it functioning, then you’ve probably thought about working with a custom software development company. But before you start making phone calls to find the right company, there are a few things to think about that will affect your choice.
▶ Is your project a big one or a small one?
It’s best to know the scope of your project before you talk to a software development specialist because not all companies handle the whole range of project sizes. Some companies are only interested in huge, multi-year, multi-enterprise projects while some specialize in small projects that address only one kind of software issue.
▶ When do you need to have your software up and running?
If you have a tight deadline for your software to be completed and functional, you must have that information ready – with specific dates – for the custom software development company you want to hire. You must also be aware that there are limits to how fast a piece of software can be developed, tested and delivered to you and that, if speed is of the essence, you may have to trade features for time.
▶ What’s your budget?
Along with a time deadline, your budget is another crucial piece of information you must have ready for the company you hire. Most companies will try to work within just about any size budget; but, again, you may have to limit the number of features you get if you have a smaller budget.
▶ Do you want to maintain and enhance the software once it’s developed?
Your business and the environment in which it operates will change over time; but your software won’t accommodate those changes automatically. You must decide if you want to be the one who modifies your software or if you want your custom software development company to handle support and maintenance after delivery and for how long.
Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend and you’ve got your list of software development companies in hand, be prepared to ask them questions that include:
▪ Have you worked on this type of project before and can you provide references?
▪ Do you guarantee your work and for how long?
▪ Will I be able to meet the people working on my project?
▪ How much will the project cost?
▪ How long will it take?
▪ What security measures do you take to ensure proprietary, personal or secret company data is protected?
▪ What will happen after delivery of the project? Will you train my staff, fix bugs and add minor enhancements?
Knowing what you want and asking questions is the only way to choose a custom software development company that you’ll be happy to work with. For help with your custom software development, call us at Axis Software Dynamics at (469) 535-7500 or visit us online at axissoftwaredynamics.com to learn more about how we can give you the custom software solution you need.
