Software Development Outsourcing Budget: What To Consider?

When it comes to software development outsourcing, most people associate high-quality work with high prices. However, those who have outsourced IT services before are familiar with their time and budget-friendly benefits. So, whether you need a custom software development service or wish to work with freelance developers for web/mobile application development, you will find several options to fit your needs. If you’re on the lookout for an outsourcing company or vendor to provide you the best services and value, this list will be extremely useful.

Before you hire someone for IT-related services, you should consider several factors that will play an essential role in planning the budget for such operations. Once you’ve carefully defined the budget, the benefits of outsourcing are endless. 

Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider:

6 Main Software Development Outsourcing Risks and How to Manage Them

01 Average Cost of Software Development Outsourcing

02 Evaluating Needs and Company Resources

03 Setting Expectations before Research

04 Defining Communication and Cooperation Model

05 Examining Several Payment Models for Outsourcing

06 Short-Term vs Long-Term Contracts

1. Average Cost of Software Development Outsourcing

Software development outsourcing companies typically charge by the hour, and their rates can be anywhere between USD $20 and $190 per hour, depending on the region and the seniority level of the specialists. The type of outsourcing company you choose and their experience will determine the total cost you’ll pay for your work.

It’s best to check the vendor’s operational maturity level, list of services they offer, the quality of their work, and their work ethics before moving forward with the contract. More money often means higher quality, but that’s not always true. You can ask the vendor to provide work references and check online reviews, if available, before deciding. Additionally, there are four specific pricing strategies to consider before outsourcing software development services:

Time and Material Plan: Following this strategy is best if you have not yet defined goals, product features, specifications, and strategies. The total price of the project will be determined after completion and consideration of the time and effort dedicated to development services.

Fixed Price Plan: If you have clear goals and have agreed on all the deliverable details and deadlines, the vendors or freelancers will provide you with a fixed price. This pricing model is not flexible and any changes in the project will lead to cost adjustments.

CAP Plan: the CAP plan has features of both the pricing models mentioned above. While it is flexible and the project requirements are discussed in advance, there is an upper budget limit set by the client that the parties cannot exceed.

Monthly Flat Rate Plan: As the name of the plan suggests, if your vendor offers this pricing plan, you will pay a fixed monthly rate no matter how complicated or straightforward the software development process. Typically, companies use this pricing plan for short-term services and when the scope of work is clear for both sides.

2. Evaluating Needs and Company Resources

Which IT services and operations will you need to outsource? If you need a complete software development project, including development, UI/UX design, quality assurance, project management, etc., you will need to outline such needs from the outset.

If you decide to invest in IT outsourcing services without a clear goal, the project processes will not be optimized, and you will not get the best results from the services provided to you. It will be best to talk with the vendors and tell them which services you require in particular. An experienced service provider will conduct thorough research to identify product specifications and requirements before quoting a price.

3. Setting Expectations before Research

If your priority is finding vendors with the lowest rates, and you initiate your research based only on costs, there’s a higher chance that you’ll end up with an unqualified vendor. It’s always best to set criteria and a list of expectations (not just price) before conducting research.

First you must analyze factors such as communication, management, and other processes and define expectations of your ideal partner. Then you can conduct research to find a suitable software development outsourcing company.

4. Defining the Communication and Cooperation Model

Several companies report poor experience when outsourcing because communication issues overshadow the benefits of outsourcing. The communication gap is usually found when you hire off-shore outsourcing vendors. So, analyze how well the vendors understand your company goals and needs from the outset.

Additionally, following a specific cooperation model, such as dedicated team, time and material, or fixed price, will make the services better for both you and your vendor. Before you set a budget, you need to analyze companies that offer clear communication platforms and control over the project. Ask vendors for their quotes so you have a clear idea of what they charge for scheduled reporting throughout the project. Poor communication can lead to delays and errors, which can cost your company more in the long run.

5. Examining Several Payment Models for Outsourcing

Choosing a payment model will help you consider all factors and apply them to a specific payment plan to calculate your budgeting needs. 

Additionally, you can select either a fixed-fee pricing model or a per-hour pricing model. The model you choose will depend on the type of services you require and the contracted period. For example, a short-term plan can be based on a monthly flat-rate plan. In contrast, a long-term plan could follow the time and material pricing strategy. It’s best to discuss this with your vendor and find the most suitable payment model for a specific project.

6. Short-Term vs Long-Term Contracts

Depending on the extent of the work and the services you require, you will need to determine whether the company requires a long-term or short-term plan. This will help you greatly in managing expenses and setting a budget according to your needs.

A short-term plan typically covers portions of a service or a smaller project, while the long-term plan will cover all aspects of a service or department and typically include relatively bigger projects. It would also be worth evaluating whether carrying out these operations in-house can be completed within the specified budget, thereby offering better value for money.

Determining whether your goals are short or long-term will help you communicate with the vendors clearly and precisely. You will also be able to set a budget according to pricing models and the length of the project before work begins.

Concluding Thoughts

Software development outsourcing reduces the costs associated with in-house development projects and increases your available pool of technology. However, you should always budget your expenses and find a vendor based on your project needs. From picking a pricing model to evaluating needs and communication channels, everything will contribute to the overall price you pay for outsourcing – and the value you realize. If you’re thinking about outsourcing software development services, give Eversoft a call now!