Hiring the Right Software Development Partner - A Checklist

Avoid some common pitfalls when hiring a custom software development partner by inquiring about the following areas within their organizations. When you make the right choice, you can greatly affect your business profitability. With such an important and sometimes large investment at stake, make sure you like the answers you hear.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Does the software solution provider advocate a strategic partnership that considers the profitability of your business with every decision or recommendation?

PROCESS

Do they use a process or approach involving at least five comprehensive stages? Look for a Discovery Stage, a Design Stage, a Construction Stage, a Launch Stage and a Review Stage.

METHODOLOGY

Do they use a methodology or a hybrid model that has proven successful for them? Ask for specific examples of why their methodology is better than their competitors.

EXPERT SKILL SET

What kind of talent do they attract? Are they located in a desirable area, perhaps near a city? This is a good sign that it may be easy for them to attract great minds.

TRAINING

Do they have an extensive training program before they let a new developer write code? The best custom software development companies will often train for 8 to 12 weeks before allowing their new hire to work on any customer's project.

TURNOVER

Do they have much attrition or turnover? Do the employees seem happy and challenged? The worst thing that can happen to you in the middle of an important project is to have a key member of the development team leave.

LEADERSHIP

Do they have good leadership? This is required in more than one area. Great technological leadership is of highest importance but don't forget about examining leadership at the highest level. Good work ethic begins at the top.

ON-TIME, ON-BUDGET

Ask for examples of budgeting time when you receive the Scope of Work document.

DOCUMENTATION

Make sure they create comprehensive documentation for each stage of work.

COST STRUCTURE AND PAYMENT

Do not feel that you have to pay NYC or LA prices to receive top-notch work. Look just outside these metro areas to shop for top-notch companies. Also, try to avoid paying more than 30% upon signing of contracts to begin work. The normal payment schedule is broken down into pay-as-you-go fractions just like many other businesses.

Peter Ladka is the President of custom software development company, Parse3, located in Warwick, NY. Parse3's primary focus is building profitability and cutting costs for its customers. Visit http://parse3.com/ for more information on how Parse3 can help you grow your business with world-class custom software development, made in America.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Ladka