The demand is better illustrated by numbers than by words. An average US smartphone user, for example, has around 80 apps. They use about ten of them per day or 30 in a month. The COVID-19 system and the quarantine regulations have increased mobile app use worldwide. Google Play's and App Store's downloads increased in 2022 and 2023.
They went from 153 to 158 billion. In 2023, the mobile economy grew by 10% in average app usage. Consumers spend around 6.9 hours scrolling through their apps every day. Many companies are creating mobile apps to reach a larger audience. How to create a mobile app is the only question left. Find out how to hire an app developer.
App Development In-House Or Outsourced?
A company has two options when it comes to mobile app development: either deploy its forces, set up a department in-house, or outsource app development. Both outcomes are the same, but the resources required vary significantly.
This approach requires more resources than launching an in-house branch. Please set up your workspace, buy equipment, hire IT managers and specialists, and organize work processes. These activities can be expensive and take a lot of time. They could also put your business at risk.
Outsourcing mobile app development is an excellent way to delegate responsibility to third parties. This approach ends your responsibility as soon as the technical specs are agreed upon. This approach allows you to focus on your core business. At the same time, another developer or team takes care of the technical specifications, deadlines, and smooth operation.
Outsourcing mobile app development allows companies to focus on their core business without worrying about the details. They can also benefit by outsourcing mobile app development because it reduces development time and costs.
Mobile Application Development: Risks
Outsourcing your application is not without risk. When a business deals with third-party vendors, there are risks. Outsourcing mobile app development comes with several risks.
The most challenging task for companies that outsource mobile application development company is finding a reliable and trusted outsourcing vendor. You can reduce the difficulty by using our tips and tricks. They will allow you to make an educated decision and help set your partnership up for success.
Validate Your Company's Experience
Browse the official website of a business to verify its experience. The vendor you choose should be able to provide a track record that includes similar projects. Ask for references and look at the case studies of vendors. You can also download apps developed by the vendor. Contact the vendor directly if you need help finding any similar projects. Some projects are under confidentiality agreements.
Incorporate A Clause Of Money-Back Guarantee In Your Contract
You can only be sure that the company is reputable if you hire them to develop your mobile application. You should delegate to the vendor a minor task, like an MVP, a prototype or even a guarantee of money back. This will allow you to establish trust and reduce risk with the new vendor.
Sign An NDA Contract And An Outsourcing Contract
An NDA protects sensitive information and prevents it from being revealed by third parties. NDAs are used by companies to protect their ideas for apps. A contract for outsourcing, on the other hand, contains:
- A project description.
- The transfer of assets and data protection.
- All of your core conditions.
Decide On The Communication Channel
It is incredibly frustrating to track project updates in a million messengers, tools for team management, and email accounts. You and your vendor should use a unified communication system to avoid communication gaps. Discussing reporting mechanisms, the frequency of updates and other issues is also helpful.
Information That Could Be Leaked
Any business that values data must protect it. You must give mobile app developers access to data and disclose confidential information regarding you or your clients. Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which protects you, should occur during the first stages.
Virtual Communication
Virtual communication is still a problem, even though it may not seem as big a deal anymore because of the COVID-19 locking down. Face-to-face meetings are more effective than video conferences in building rapport. If your vendor doesn't live in the same town, you must be prepared for digital collaboration.
Time Zones Differences
Many clients choose to use offshore providers who provide services at an affordable rate. You will need to adapt to the different time zones. You may, for example, wake up as a programmer finishes his work day. To overcome this risk, you need to devise a solution that works for everyone.
Cultural Barriers
Our cultural background influences the way that we work, speak and eat. You'll have to consider cultural differences when you are dealing with vendors who come from different cultures. Communication styles and mindsets in business may be different. Try to choose mobile developers with a global outlook and find common ground.
Which Is Better: App Development Companies Or Freelancers?
IT outsourcing is a vibrant market with lots of vendors and developers. Market growth is constant, leading to increased diversification. What does the growth of this business mean to a company looking to outsource its app development? This means that they can choose from a variety of app developers, deciding to hire someone difficult. The focus is usually on professional app development firms and freelancers. We'll take a closer look at them.
Work as a Freelancer
Freelancers are independent contractors who roam around the market of outsourcing. They are usually specialists who have a narrow area of expertise and charge by the hour. Freelancers tend to be cheaper than agencies that develop mobile apps.
The expertise of independent contractors is controversial. There are many skilled specialists. If you can find an expert in the required area, you've struck gold. A single developer of an app is likely to possess different knowledge and skills than a team.
App Development Outsourcing Company
App development agencies are professional organizations that specialize in the development of apps. It is generally considered the best option for mobile app outsourcing since agencies have already aligned teams of app developers with expertise in different fields. The teams consist of iOS or Android developers, QA Engineers, UI/UX Designers, a Project Manager, and a Business Analyst.
You don't have to be involved in the daily operations or progress of the project. The project manager does this. The ultimate benefit is that you will save time selecting team members as professionals are already familiar with working together.
This service is more expensive than that of freelancers. With this cost, the client gets more protection, and all responsibility for quality is transferred to the vendor.
Six Step Guide for Outsourcing
Most people new to outsourcing IT tasks to third parties wonder what it takes to do so. Cyber Infrastructure Inc. has created a guide to help you navigate the many details involved.
1. Identify the Project Requirements and Budget
All things begin with a purpose, including application development outsourcing. It is essential first to determine the reason why you need an application. Answer what the app will do for you and how it can help. You will need to look at your business's history and all project details to avoid future discrepancies. Budgeting should also be a priority right from the start. Budget constraints can limit your app's functionality and development options.
2. Choose the Right Development Option
Depending on its scope, some choices might not be suitable for your project. You can, for example:
- If you want to outsource iOS app development, look for experts with years of experience in Swift and Java.
- You may be limited in your budget and, therefore, unable to hire a software agency. In this case, it is best to consider other options.
- More than off-the-shelf software may be needed if your app is complicated and needs extensive customization.
Selecting the app that will deliver a quality product within your budget is essential.
3. Search for Developers
You can't rely solely on Google to find vetted experts and partners for the long term. It is essential to ensure that the people you deal with are professionals. You can use talent marketplaces for convenience. If you are looking for a freelancer, Upwork or TopTal may be the best platforms. These platforms allow you to learn more about the developers and their expertise and read reviews left by previous clients.
Clutch offers a wide range of options for searching agencies. Clutch offers over 26,000 mobile app developers. You can also filter your search to find vendors who are experts in the platforms you're interested in.
You should also consider the developer's location. You will have to work closely together, so you must consider the time zone. Vendors can be categorized into three categories based on this parameter:
- Inshore: You are in the same country.
- Nearshore: You can delegate your app development to an offshore vendor on the same continent.
- Outsource: Your company outsources app development to an outside vendor. The time difference can be as much as eight or ten hours.
Onshore, offshore, and nearshore software development examples. Onshore vendors offer a better communication experience, but they tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, offshore vendors offer lower prices but require more effort to set up virtual meetings.
4. Evaluate the Developer's Expertise and Experience
When assessing a development team's initial performance, there are several factors to consider:
- Portfolio: Look at similar past projects. Portfolios will demonstrate their expertise. We emphasize practical experience at Cyber Infrastructure Inc. over certifications since knowledge of theoretical concepts does not guarantee success in implementation.
- Technology stack: Ensure that a specialist or team of specialists has the necessary tech skills to develop your idea.
- You can also search: The internet for feedback from previous customers. If you can find out more information, it may be unbiased. For example, if the vendor has a high skill level but is always late with deadlines.
Are you choosing an app development company? The clutch is an excellent resource for reviews of companies!
Get a Free Estimation or Talk to Our Business Manager!
5. Select an Appropriate Service Model
You can choose from three different service models to outsource the development of mobile apps, depending on your level of responsibility and involvement:
- This model involves a shared responsibility between a client and an outsourcing app company. The vendor provides full-cycle teams with project managers and business analysts. This dedicated development team model ensures that each team member is assigned tasks, is accountable for quality, and the client makes the decisions.
- Outsourcing based on projects. The most rigid outsourcing model. It is built around a set budget and requirements, which cannot be changed during the project. This model requires the client to provide technical specs at the start and then wait for the results by a specific date.
- The extended team model is a way to hire more app developers than your existing team. The client will hire specialists to perform specific tasks. They are responsible for the entire app development process. This includes work hours, holidays, salaries, etc.
6. Choose A Payment Model
Two payment methods are widely used:
- The model is named Fixed Price, and the payment amount depends on the project's scope and technical specifications. This model is usually reserved for small, simple app development, like an MVP.
- The time and materials model is often used when the client needs to make changes to the app while it is being developed without changing the contract. Based on agreed-upon hourly rates, the client will pay as work is completed.
App Development Outsourcing: Benefits
We'll discuss what you can expect if you opt for an external mobile app developer over an internal team. We briefly discussed the advantages of mobile app development. Still, let's go deeper to learn why it is the most effective option for businesses:
1. No Interruptions to Workflow
The focus of core business operations is improved when app development is outsourced. Deloitte reports that 65% of vendors and buyers who outsource claim to be able to devote more time to their core functions.
Delegating the development of mobile apps to an outside vendor will allow you to continue to focus on your core business and avoid having to miss meetings. The quality of the app is also guaranteed. Outsourcing app development allows your in-house team to focus on other tasks, such as future strategy, and can also help you save time.
2. Talent and Expertise
The talent shortage makes hiring a highly-skilled, narrow-field IT specialist difficult. The US talent shortage has tripled over the past ten years. 69% of companies need help to fill open positions. Most top candidates have already been hired by tech giants such as Facebook or mobile app outsourcing firms.
Some may be forced to pay more if they can locate talent on the market, mainly if you are talking about US experts, who have a much higher hourly rate than Europeans, Africans, and Asian standards.
Outsourcing mobile app development allows organizations to access a large pool of highly-skilled professionals cheaply. They can also choose an experienced team that is ready to go.
3. Cost-Efficiency
In terms of cost, outsourcing is more economical than developing apps in-house because:
- Buy equipment for new IT specialists
- Rent extra workspace
- Pay IT professionals and other HR costs, and hire and train new employees.
These costs can add up over time, and executives may initially not realize this. When a company delegates app development to a third party, it could find a solution that fits its budget. The cost to outsource app development on one platform, such as iOS or Android, can range anywhere from $40,000 up to $200,000.
4. Time-Saving
When you outsource a native application programming firm, a vendor will start working on your project immediately. However, in-house development requires a lot of planning. It may take several months to prepare the groundwork for in-house development. You will need to provide space, equipment and hire and train professionals.
All these steps can be eliminated with mobile app outsourcing. You set a goal, discuss your future idea, agree on the tech stack, and select the right vendors.
5. Cheap And Fast
Outsourcing your mobile application development will save you a great deal of time. It takes time to recruit an internal team. Sometimes, it can take months. Finding the perfect team member will take even longer.
Before hiring, you will need to consider the candidate's personality, work ethic, behavior and other factors. If you choose to outsource development, you only need to find a trustworthy partner. This agency takes care of all the details and simplifies everything. Find out why.
6. Agencies Are a One-Stop Solution
Sometimes, your company needs both an iOS and Android native app. Both types of app developers are hard to find. The agency can be a solution in this situation. The agency already has teams of native developers ready to work on your application as quickly as possible.
You can also find here the complete service:
- Analysis of business and specification creation.
- UX/UI design
- Backend and Frontend Development.
- Digital marketing is also important.
The list continues with the availability of services.
7. The Final Product's Quality
A product developed by an agency with experience will have a high level of quality. The agency will have completed a large number of projects similar to yours. These agencies have the experience and expertise to develop and design products that their audiences love. It is because technical solutions are directly linked to the development of business expertise.
8. It Allows You To Focus On The Core Business
Who will care for the rest if you focus all your time and energy on creating the app? Startups are not successful because of their product but rather due to the values and strategies they have. Marketing, finance, research of customers, and any other business-related issues should be your focus. They are factors that can make or break your company. The product may be of the utmost significance. Still, it must also target the correct market and have proper financial management.
What Is The Cost Of Outsourcing App Development?
The cost of outsourcing an app is influenced by a number of factors, including the size and scope of the development team, technology stacks, functionality, design, etc. Before a client receives a quote, the project must be thoroughly assessed.
There are still some market trends that have been established. These trends are primarily driven by differences in salary based on geography. A US-based Android Developer, for example, earns $88K annually, while an Android Developer in Poland makes around $15K. It's logical that app development can be outsourced to Eastern Europe and other areas with lower wages.
Why Is It Worth Outsourcing Mobile App Development?
Apps are no longer a luxury but a necessity. A business with an app will be more easily accessible to customers than a company without one. Why? You can inform consumers about your products, allow them to place an order, or reach out to a customer service team in just a few clicks. These features provide a higher level of customer service and help the brand stand out among many others.
Outsourcing app development makes sense for this reason and others. You can hire a group of highly-skilled tech experts at an affordable price who will devote their attention fully to your project. Your employees can focus on core tasks while outsourcing.
This article will show how easy it is to find the best vendor. If you are on a tight budget and your app is simple, consider using freelancers. Suppose you want to add value and impact your core product with your app. In that case, it is better to work with a company with a dedicated team of developers with the necessary skills.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. offers all of this and more. Book a consultation for a free estimate. Keep your competition from winning your clients. Outsource Android app development of your app and launch it to get them in front.
Conclusion
The process of developing a mobile app goes beyond the launch of a product. This process will continue as long as you have a business. Finding a partner who can help you on such a journey is essential. Outsourcing mobile app development is a good option in this situation. It's simple, affordable, and cost-effective.
