What is a Software Development Company?
The task of a software development company is designing, developing, and maintaining mobile and web-based applications, frameworks, or other software-related components for consumers or businesses.
What Does A Software Development Company Do?
Let’s break down the services into 4 steps:
Step 1. Need Identification
The first step a software development company takes is understanding the significance of the software they are going to build. What makes it important? What features need to be integrated? How this software is going to create an impact among the users?
Step 2. Software Development
Next is the designing and developing of the software to meet the criteria they identified based on the users’ needs. The products they develop may include mobile applications, desktop solutions, Software as a Services (SaaS) Products, and many more.
Step 3. Testing and Quality Assurance
Using agile technology in the development process is an indication of including testing and iterations by the development company. Some companies adopt different methodologies and they perform their testing at the end.
In both cases, testing the software is a must to ensure that it functions the way it should and that the users get the desired results. Also, this time can be used for identifying any feedback and resolve any bugs that you may discover later on in the process.
Also Read: Tips and Techniques to Build Applications the Right Way
Step 4. Release and Maintenance
Finally, the stage of releasing the product comes where the final product is ready and organizations can use their custom software. The company can also include maintenance and support services to ensure that the product is always working the way it should.
Most software development firms follow this approach, whereas some implement what they learn after working on various projects to refine their process and make it desirable for the ultimate user.
What services do software development companies provide?
Software Development Companies offer the following services:
#1. Custom Software Development
Under custom software development, it involves designing, creating, deploying, and maintaining software for a specific category of users, organizations, or functions.
#2. Mobile Application Development
Mobile Application Development services include custom mobile development on iOS or Android platforms, designing user experience, building cross-platform applications, and integrating mobile interfaces.
Read More: 12 Reasons to Select Android App Development Over Other Platforms
#3. Web Application Development
These services include the creation of application programs that reside on remote servers and are delivered to the device of the user over the internet. You need not download a web application as it can be accessed through a network.
#4. DevOps Automation
In DevOps automation, you add technology that performs tasks with reduced human assistance to processes that are designed to facilitate feedback loops between development teams & operations.
#5. Software Prototyping
Software prototyping services help in allowing to explore and discover at an early stage in the design product and that too at a minimum cost.
#6. Cloud Consulting
The goal of cloud consulting services is to help in solving the tasks by selecting the appropriate cloud solutions that integrate smoothly and deliver optimal return on technology investment.
#7. Systems Integration
Under system integration, you integrate all sorts of virtual and physical components of an organization’s system. The physical components include machine systems, inventory, computer hardware, while virtual components include software, applications, and databases.
#8. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance is a systematic process that provides services that are client-oriented. It implies professional quality assurance services that are effective and safe and satisfy the needs of the clients and wants.
Know More: Exploratory Testing: What It Is? How It Helps In Improving App Quality?
What are the stages of software development?
There are mainly 7 stages of software development life cycle and they are:
Stage 1. Planning
Planning comes first. This is the first phase and the purpose is to find out the scope of the problem and identify solutions. Items namely resources, costs, time, benefits should be considered here.
Stage 2. Requirements
This is the second phase in which the teams analyze the functional requirements of the project. Under this stage system analysis also takes place where the need of the end-user is analyzed to ensure the news system can meet the expectations.
Stage 3. Designing and Prototyping
Under the third phase, the developers describe in detail the important specifications, features, and operations that will fulfill the function-related requirements of the proposed system which will be in place.
Stage 4. Software Development
Here the actual job begins. The development phase is a mark of ending the process’s initial section. Further, this phase signifies the kick-start of the production. The stage is also characterized by installation and updates.
Stage 5. Testing and Quality Assurance
This phase takes into account system integration and system testing of procedures and programs. This is usually carried out by a quality assurance professional who determines whether the proposed design meets the initial set of organizational goals or not.
Stage 6. Software Deployment
Under this phase, most of the code is written along with putting the project into production by moving the data and components from the old system and placing them in the new system.
Stage 7. Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance is the last phase in which the end-user can fine-tune the system in case they wish, for boosting performance, adding new capabilities, and meeting additional user requirements.
Also Know: 7 Things to Consider Before You Start Building Your App
What are different types of software development models?
A basic notion in the developmental process is SDLC which stands for Software Development Life Cycle Models. There are multiple models concerning the development life cycle that have been developed for achieving the various required objectives. The models highlight the multiple stages involved during the process. Given below are the most used, important, and popular SDLC models:
1. Waterfall Model
The waterfall model involves the breakdown of the project activities into linear sequential phases, where each phase depends upon the previous.
2. Incremental Model
Under the incremental development model, it includes designing, implementing, and testing in an incremental manner until the final product is ready.
3. V Model
It represents a developmental process that can also be considered as an extension of the waterfall model. This is a good example of the more general v-model.
4. Agile Model
An umbrella term used for a set of methods and practices is called agile and the same is formulated on the values and principles expressed in the Agile manifesto.
5. RAD Model
Rapid Application Development is an incremental prototyping approach to software development that helps the end-users in operations.
6. Spiral Model
The model is a risk-driven model which was developed to deal with the shortcomings in the traditional waterfall model.
7. Prototype Model
This model focuses on the creation of a prototype based on the available information.
8. Iterative Model
The iterative model attempts on gaining complexity in a progressive manner and a broader set of features until a targeted system is completed.
Read More: Flutter Vs React Native: Choose the Right One for Your Project
Why you should outsource your software app development?
Here are the top five reasons why it is a good idea to outsource your software app development:
Reason 1. Generate Cost Savings
The development costs can be cut down extensively through outsourcing. This means when you hire outsourced teams, expenditures in terms of multiple areas can be reduced, for example, employees’ hiring, onboarding, retention programs, insurance, and medical, etc. Further in terms of salary also there is a huge difference. For example, the average developer’s salary in the US and Europe is much higher than the salary compared to in Asian Regions like India.
Reason 2. Focusing on the Core Business
For continuous innovation and growth, businesses need to concentrate on their core business activities and strategies. This means they must delegate all the associated operations that are out of their competence. When you outsource software development functions you get an assurance that a proper team of experts is developing your software while on the other hand, your employees do the tasks that really matter adding value to your business.
Reason 3. Speedy App Development
The faster you present the end product to the user, the more customers you can get as you get an ample amount of time to market your product. Outsourced development teams are well-versed in working in tough conditions and meeting deadlines. Further with the support and assistance of well-experienced and knowledgeable project team members, well-structured tools, and strategies, you get value for your money.
Reason 4. Access to a Wide Range of Talent
IT industry demands continuous education and training. Therefore, you need to provide time to time training to your in-house development unlike in the case of an outsourced team where you get a fully trained team having complete expertise. Project managers will make sure that everything is going up to date and your work is being executed at the right pace.
Reason 5. Work Management Gets Easy
The time when demand reaches its peak the company has to put all its resources and workforce into tackling that problem and that’s the time when everything must work smoothly especially the technical infrastructure. Hence, in order to avoid any risk in terms of software failures, getting software development outsourcing services is a very good idea to minimize the risk. In that case, the professionals will handle the technical part and you can focus on your business’s core activities.
Know More: Reasons Why Mobile Application is Important for Your Business
Where can you find the best software app development company?
There are various platforms where you can find your suitable app development company such as:
Platform 1. Freelance Websites
There are some famous websites like Toptal and Hired where you can hire freelance developers. These platforms are credible and you get value for your money. Toptal, in fact, accepts only 3% of applicants. Also, you get a clear idea regarding the rates of freelancers.
Platform 2. Tech Blog
Famous blogs like TechCrunch, Wired, and The Verge are great sources in case you are searching for an app developer. The articles and blogs published on these platforms are a great source to learn and understand the whole process.
Platform 3. B2B Directories
B2B Directories can be very fruitful in case you are searching to hire mobile app development agencies in Toronto. In B2B directories, you get classified information of companies in terms of reviews, ratings, and many more. Some of the good options include clutch.co, B2B Marketing, and Relevance.
Platform 4. Creative Communities
You can find multiple online communities where developers and web and app designers upload their portfolios and work samples. Dribble and Behance are two good examples of such online communities. If you like someone’s profile, you can contact them to know more.
Also Know: 10 Most Useful Free iPhone Apps
Platform 5. Networks
Another place that is quite underrated is your own network. Ask the people around you whether you get any leads regarding any app developer.
Platform 6. College Campuses
Undoubtedly, colleges have a lot of supreme talent. Reach out to college professors and lecturers in the computer science department and ask if there are any good developers out there.
Platform 7. Google
Last, but not least, the holy grain – Google. But while searching on Google you need to be careful and thoroughly vet people or companies you find on here. All the best for your search.
What are the factors on which you should shortlist a Software Development Company?
While shortlisting, you need to consider 5 factors:
- Has the firm worked on similar software projects in the past?
- Choose among – Freelancer, small web agency, or a large development firm.
- References, reviews, and testimonials.
- Fixed price project or not?
- Popular programing language and framework that is scalable.
Read More: The Questions You Should Be Asking Before Hiring an App Developer
What is the cost and time taken by a software development service provider?
On average, the custom software development cost ranges from $40,000 to $50,000. However, one cannot predict the exact range as it is much diversified. This is because there are abundant factors that are responsible for the costs of custom software development.
Now as far as the time aspect is concerned, on average, it takes 4 to 9 months to design and develop custom software. It largely depends upon the size and complexity to complete the project. A project with basic features and functionality will take less time and cost and vice-versa.
