Outsourcing App Development

App Development
Outsourcing App Development
Article by Maria Martin
Last Updated: December 26, 2023

Creating an app for your business can add one more layer for your audience to access your products or services. 

While you take the first step in creating your app, choosing the correct outsourcing app development is crucial. It can be tricky since it entails trusting someone with the most critical aspect of your business.

Check out this article to know the best way for you to have your app designed and how to navigate your app development outsourcing strategies.

Outsourcing App Development or Develop App In-house?

Before kickstarting the debate, it's obvious to know that there will be pros and cons to both of these options. Which model suits your requirements will depend on multiple factors of your business.

Outsourcing

Compared to an in-house team, an app development agency may take a long time to study your customers, tonality, vision, and goal. Since there are no one-size-fits-all app development guides for everyone, getting started after one call could be difficult for an agency. Hence, they will require more time to get the intricate details right.

If the app is supposed to launch promptly, taking more time could be a hindrance. However, the same could also allow the agency to absorb the details of your business in a way that could lead to the results you envisioned.

On the positive side, an outsourced team can bring expertise in multiple industries, making them a one-stop solution.

In-House

One of the biggest perks of having an in-house team is that you don't need to spend more time explaining their offering. An in-house team will already be familiar with the brand voice, vision, goals, target audience, competitors, and the company's background. These ingrained insights can go a long way in creating an ideal app for your business.

Since the process requires close collaboration, you can not only maintain consistent communication with an in-house team but can also keep a tab on the progress. This further allows you to pivot the process as and when required, allowing it to grow faster with quicker approvals.

Conversely, an in-house team can still leave some gaps unaddressed. You will have to recruit, train, and onboard if you do not have experts within the team. An in-house team will also require dedicated space, equipment, and software!

If there is a need for more personnel, it could only lead to mounting costs. An in-house app development team will also require the company to shell out hefty salaries, insurance, paid leaves, and other expenses. Despite that, since the in-house team is only exposed to the nuances of only your industry, they could be pretty limited in their knowledge.

If you still feel unconvinced about both models, you can opt for a hybrid model, where specific tasks are outsourced while some are handled internally, giving you the best of both worlds.

Agency description goes here
Agency description goes here
Agency description goes here

How to Outsource App Development?

  1. Maintain A Clear Outline
  2. Finalize a Budget
  3. Engage in More Research

Once you've decided to outsource app development, how to find the right fit makes all the difference.

It can lead to a smooth delivery and a great user experience with the app. Take a look at some steps to help you find the right agency to outsource app development.

1. Maintain a Clear Outline

A clear outline and a vision will help you translate your app into execution more easily. Further, since the agency will have more than one person to handle the process, it is best to have the briefs documented for future references.

Below are some questions that can create a clear outline:

  • What aims do you wish to achieve with the app
  • What type of app do you wish to build: iOS, Android, Web, Windows, or Hybrid?
  • What customized features does your app need?
  • What problem should your app solve?
  • How do you plan to make your app better than your competitors?

Considering these parameters from the beginning can drastically help clear out the confusion. Once you know what you want, you can discuss the budget in detail. More to follow about it in the next point.

2. Finalize a Budget

Laying an outline for the budget can help you ensure a good financial picture for your company and compare the budget to other agencies'.

It is essential to discuss the number of iterations allowed. If the additional iterations aren't included in the budget, your finances could increase with the mounting iterations and the requirements during its development.

As much as you want to keep the budget in check, you might also want to keep an eye out for suspiciously cheap deals. Such deals may lead to poor-quality apps.

3. Engage in More Research

Engaging in more research is a wise idea when making vital decisions about your business. As for an app development agency, too, you might have to go down the rabbit hole to find the best ones along these lines:

  • Experience
  • Qualifications (team members)
  • Industry expertise
  • Tech stack

If you consider geography before handing over your project to a professional, you might also want to check if they are off-shore, on-shore, or near-shore. Conducting a brief interview to research the agency market can help. Your questions to the agency manager could include asking about the agency's process, previous work, tools they are proficient with, and the current practices in the industry.

Apart from the questions, you can also look at their live products, opt for a demo version, and establish sprints and expectations (for example, agile and waterfall).

Yet another way is to check their website's positive and negative reviews, testimonials, case studies, and references. Case studies will be a detail-driven asset that can show how tactfully the agency solved a complex problem previously.

These verticals can shed light on the agency's positives and negatives. You might also want to check their portfolio for certification to know about their prowess.

These aspects will also allow you to ensure how passionate the agency is about delivering holistic customer experiences.

If you partner with on-shore or near-shore agencies, you can connect seamlessly with them by meeting in person to discuss collaboration.

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Application Development Outsourcing Benefits

  1. Choose from Multiple Price Ranges
  2. This Allows You to Tap into The Ideal Skills
  3. Helps You Save Time
  4. Offers More Flexibility
  5. Offers More Accountability

Despite the communication gaps, the benefits of outsourcing app development can highly outweigh the gaps. Check out how application development outsourcing can help your business:

1. Choose From Multiple Price Ranges

Price differences can be a game changer, especially for start-ups or firms going through financially challenging times.

You might want to tap into the vast talent pool of professionals from certain parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, whose charges can be significantly lower than those in western countries.

2. This Allows You to Tap Into the Ideal Skills

The right skills are primary in turning a great idea into a compelling product. Outsourcing can allow you to find specialists in your niche who have worked with a similar business to yours.

Outsourcing mobile application development can offer you cybersecurity skills, User Interface (UI) design, IoT, Backend computing, and much more for your app to compete with those of the other competitors. For instance, outsourcing can also provide you with specialized .NET development services from esteemed providers for robust and scalable applications.

3. Helps You Save Time

Outsourcing could be the best option if you don't have an in-house team, as it can save you from the hassle of creating a team from scratch, as mentioned above. As these professionals and groups come with years of experience, you will also save more time since they'll know the basics of the task.

The best way to save time is to find an agency that suits your requirements and proficiently delivers your project on time.

4. Offers More Flexibility

Outsourcing can remove the hassles of contracting or expanding the team if required. This can be done more conveniently with an external team rather than managing an in-house team.

Flexibility can also be ensured despite working across time zones. Outsourcing allows you to work with people across the globe, and thanks to comprehensive project management tools, both sides can work comfortably according to their time zones.

5. Offers More Accountability

Outsourced mobile app development companies have accountability as a critical factor in their operations when creating structured processes, meeting deadlines, and expecting an update.

With a reputable agency, you can be assured that they will take accountability for the product they create if there are any errors in the process and will be willing to rectify them at the given time. This also shows that the agency is holistically driven to improve the customer experience.

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What Are the Options When Outsourcing Mobile Application Development

Mobile application development outsourcing, as well as having an in-house team, are two completely different options. However, there are multiple other options available apart from the most popularly known ones. Check out the options below:

Hiring Freelance App Developers

Freelance app developers could be cheaper and more talented than the usual agencies as they are also experienced in working with clients from multiple industries. Some of the freelancers might even work on an hourly basis, making it a more feasible deal for you.

However, they could have narrow specializations in platforms and technologies, may lack guarantee, have gaps in communication, along with timelines being a problem too.

To make the process work for you, it is advisable to keep up with regular communication and be consistent with updates while ensuring that the shared data isn't breached.

Off-the-Shelf Software Solutions

The off-the-shelf software solutions are a cheap option similar to the freelance model. This model is comparatively quicker to launch, with many features included right away.

Although, this model could result in the UI/UX being standard in quality with no quick updates.

App Development Outsourcing Company

An app development agency is likelier to have solved complex problems and must have worked with more detailed apps. Their experience makes them more likely to know how to navigate the route in getting things done successfully.

The process can be seamless with skilled professionals such as developers, team leaders, product managers, quality and testing engineers, analysts, and designers.

Outsource App Development: How to Reduce the Risks?

Avoid handing over large lump sum amounts right at the beginning of the project. You can avoid this by deciding on installments during the app's development.

Protecting your sensitive data can be yet another aspect that will require you to go through multiple checkpoints while partnering with an agency.

You need to be assured of your data as the agency may work with other similar firms at the same time as your product development. You can have an NDA or an agreement to ensure that the data shared with the agency isn't leaked and confidentiality is maintained.

Expert Insights on Outsourcing App Development

We have asked agency experts: "How do you go about outsourcing your app development capacities to interested businesses?"

Alex Kozhevnikov, CEO Smart Technologies LLC:

"In Smart Tech, we have 5 key steps in the outsourcing process from scratch with our clients:

  • Problem Statement Clarity: We initiate the process by defining the problem statement and development goals. This involves a thorough understanding of the client's objectives and the formulation of precise requirements. Usually it takes from a few days to a week (between 2 and 3 calls), depending on the scope of the project.
  • Tech Stack and Time Estimation: Our team conducts a detailed evaluation of the technological stack and estimates the time required for each development phase. This meticulous planning sets the foundation for a realistic and achievable timeline. Estimation takes 1 more call with the team after at least 2 team meetings regarding scope estimation.
  • Iterative Development Methodology: Embracing an iterative approach, we engage in continuous development and testing cycles. This agile methodology allows for flexibility, quick adjustments, and ensures that the evolving product aligns with the client's expectations. According to this, we make a showcase each sprint (1 or 2 weeks, depending on the project complexity & size)
  • Job Acceptance Assurance: To guarantee client satisfaction, we implement stringent measures to adhere to project goals. Our focus is on delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations, fostering long-term partnerships.
  • Ongoing Support and Escort Services: Beyond the project's completion, Smart Technologies provides ongoing support and escort services. We understand that technology evolves, and our commitment extends to assisting clients in adapting to changes, troubleshooting, and ensuring the sustained success of the developed app. Usually, we have a defined list of rates for different kinds of team members."

Sundareswarapandian, Digital Marketing Specialist at Appticz:

"At Appticz, we view outsourcing as a strategic move for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency and focus on core competencies. Our unique approach involves a meticulous selection process for partner businesses, ensuring seamless collaboration, and delivering tailored solutions. We prioritize transparency, communication, and a client-centric approach to drive successful outsourcing ventures."

Top Agencies to Outsource App Development to in 2024

1. Sotatek

  • Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25
  • Expertise: App Development, Software Development, Web Design, Blockchain Development

Part of the Sota Holdings Global Software Development and IT Consulting enterprise, SotaTek provides expertise in delivering sustainable Software Development, AI and machine learning, Blockchain and related industries.

Their cloud and web app-based solutions are suitable for numerous industries and markets: from finance and health to retail and real estate. The company's partners have leveraged their knowledge of blockchain apps, cryptocurrency exchange tools, and smart contracts to gain a competitive advantage and become industry leaders in their respective fields.

SotaTek’s team comprises over 600 experts, servicing clients in over 20 countries worldwide.

2. Scalan Labs

  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25
  • Expertise: Web Design, eCommerce Development, Mobile App Development, Software Development

Scalan Labs’ expertise lies in helping organizations “overcome their technical inadequacies and inefficiencies by offering full-cycle software development services like custom mobile and web app development.” The company also excels at software consulting, QA, and software maintenance.

Their solutions thrive on three pillars: security, scalability, and functionality. The long list of their clients hails from such diverse industries as healthcare, education, finance, and retail.

Working with Scalan Labs, clients get to customize the solution required to their needs fully: they can decide on the composition and size of Scalan Labs’ team and even the choice of technologies they should use.

3. Aubergine Solutions

  • Location: Ahmedabad, India
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30
  • Expertise: App Development, Product Design, iPhone App Development, Android App Development

Aubergine Solution’s extensive list of services encompasses UX design and audit, front-end and backend development, cross-platform development, and web applications. This end-to-end company, founded in 2013, has built over 150 products known for impactful design and development.

With strategically driven processes, the India-based team of user-centric designers and coders fuses innovation with quality to create top-class digital solutions for various clients. This has earned them titles of best and fastest growing company with eminent digital publications.

The company operates in B2B and B2C sectors, including FinTech, Education, Health, Blockchain, HR and others.

4. Approlabs

  • Location: Chennai, India
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35
  • Expertise: App Development, Website Development, eCommerce Consulting, Software Development

Specializing in app development, Approlabs has worked with over 100 startups and small businesses in creating new solutions or improving old ones. With a decade of experience, the company works with companies in India and abroad.

Their team is adept at developing web, mobile, and desktop platforms that provide flexibility and scalability to their clients. The cohesive working culture ensures a consistent and reliable output, matching clients’ requirements.

Approlabs practices frequent meetings with their customers from various verticals to ensure the maximum quality of their work and excellent work management.

5. Glorium Technologies

  • Location: Princeton, NJ
  • Average Hourly Rate: $49
  • Expertise: App Development, Website Development, Product Design, Software Development

With more than 11 years of experience working with healthcare and real estate clients, Glorium Technologies provides tech startups in these industries with the technical and strategic expertise they need to grow.

The company’s highly tailored solutions are made to surpass their clients’ competition. Their team, hailing from three different geographical locations, was named among the fastest-growing private companies in America in 2020 and 2021.

Glorium has been certified with HIPAA and HITRUST compliance, ISO-13485 for medical service development, and ISO-9001 for quality management.

6. Voypost

  • Location: Berlin, Germany
  • Average Hourly Rate: $40/hr
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, iPhone App Development, Android App Development, Website Development

What first operated as a startup that helped expats deliver packages to their friends and families in their home countries in 2018, Voypost evolved into a leading MVP Builder platform just shy of a year later.

Placing their focus on helping businesses reach their full app and software potential, Voypost managed to reduce unnecessary code by 60%, design scalable architecture, and increase the delivery process considerably.

Their primary expertise includes everything from Android and iPhone app development to outsourcing software and software development—making them one of our top choices in App Development Agencies.

7. Cubix

  • Location: West Palm Beach, FL
  • Average Hourly Rate: $49/hr
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, Game App Development, Android App Development, iPhone App Development

Cubix certainly stands out as a prominent mobile app, games, and enterprise software development agency!

First founded in 2008, Cubix has over ten years of experience in business intelligence analytics, development, customization, and integration of complex, enterprise-level solutions and advanced web and mobile solutions.

This cool-as-ice company is constantly evolving to keep up with the latest industry trends and prides itself in its talents for AI/AR, machine learning, e-learning, SaaS, and many more.

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out Cubix’s rich client list to see how their work speaks for itself. Their clients include the likes of Glimmer, Cartel Poker, and On Break.

8. eComStreet

  • Location: Chicago, IL 
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25/hr
  • Expertise: Enterprise Mobile App Development, eCommerce App Development, Mobile App Development, eCommerce Development

If you’re looking for an agency that truly covers all the bases to make your life a whole lot easier, look no further than eComStreet.

Having partnered with some of the world's most popular enterprises, SMEs, and tech-driven companies, eComStreet guides its clients from A to B. From helping boost their clients’ value through customized software, QA, product design and consultancy services, one cannot go wrong when opting for this top-tier agency.

Providing full stack tech support and delivering innovative solutions to current technologies, eComStreet’s talents are abundant and include proficiency in 20+ stacks such as Flutter and React Native, the development of enterprise-level mobile apps (all done by their internal team, might we add!), excellent know-how of B2B web design, as well as eCommerce development.

Some of eComStreet’s most notable clients include ETSY, BarChart Mobile App, RIO Importers Website, and 1000+ more satisfied clients worldwide!

9. VOLO

  • Location: Yerevan, Armenia
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35/hr
  • Expertise: iPhone App Development, Android App Development, VR/AR, Internet of Things

VOLO is a software and app development company established in 2006 with offices in Armenia and Ukraine. Their team of over 250+ professionals puts quality work and customer care at the heart of their values to ensure sustainable scaling and growth for their clients

They work with startups ready to take on the market and established businesses as well. The agency has worked with companies on 4 continents and has delivered over 160 completed and successful projects. Each stage of app development cycle is based on their clients' unique selling points and user needs.

VOLO clients include TradeCloud, Gap International, and MobiDram.

10. Sector 7 Apps

  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Average Hourly Rate: $165/hr
  • Expertise: iPhone App Development, Android App Development, Mobile App Development, .Net Development

Sector 7 Apps agency takes pride in using and improving on industry-standard processes to develop their own unique and efficient concept-to-launch process. These processes allow them to quickly build apps that fit in with their clients' overall business strategy.

Their philosophy is that their clients' apps shouldn’t just be functional, but also benefit your company and remain aligned with your brand’s culture and style. The company schedules a discovery meeting with their clients before tapping into the actual solution building, while maintaining that it is crucial to look for new software that can accelerate app design and app development.

11. TechnoScore

  • Location: 1968 S. Coast Hwy #499, Laguna Beach CA 92651
  • Average Hourly Rate: $14/hr
  • Expertise: iPhone App Development, Android App Development, Mobile App Development, .Net Development

TechnoScore is a website and mobile app development company that has been in business since 1999 and has served over 400 clients in more than 40 countries in the USA, UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. They have experience with a diverse range of clients in different industries.

TechnoScore clients include iRide, Bose, Dentsu, Ramo, and Jaquar.

12. Hattrick IT

  • Location: Jaime Zudanez 2763, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
  • Average Hourly Rate: $60
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, Website Development, Internet of Things

Hattrick brings a team of experts to tackle any company's digital needs from product design to development. They partner with teams that strive for excellence — as they do.

Their team is led by the best mix of designers and developers. They build agile product teams tailored to clients' needs, enabling their product to scale as their business does.

Hattrick IT's clients include Beditations, Relay Response, and Exploragen.

13. CitrusBits

  • Location: USA, San Francisco, California 94588, United States
  • Average Hourly Rate: $150
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, Healthcare Mobile App Development, UI/UX Design, Software Development

CitrusBits leads the field in design innovation and digital development. Whether you’re fresh-on-the-scene or Fortune 500, they’re the creative partner for you. 

At CitrusBits they can provide you with end-to-end technology solutions or handle just that one project that your in-house team doesn’t have the time or expertise to handle. The CitrusBits team is dedicated to providing every client with experienced professionals and the best technology services at an affordable price.

Clients include Burger King, Irisvision Global, and UCLA.

14. Appticz

  • Location: No.8, Sokkanadhar Street, Thirunagar, Madurai, 625006, India
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20
  • Expertise: Website Development, Android App Development, eCommerce Development, Software Development

Appticz is a leading Software development company that provides end-to-end custom software development services that add value to any business. With 150+ expert developers in-house, they have helped startups to large companies transform their ideas into great Web and mobile app products.

Their team of designers and developers can design, code, build, test, and deliver a quality product that satisfies any business needs and market demand.

Appticz's clients include Tree Bank, FastMoon, and KCC Memepad.

15. BeyondKey Systems

  • Location: Beyond Technologies LLC, Chicago, Illinois 60654, United States
  • Average Hourly Rate: $50
  • Expertise: Software Development, Internet of Things, Salesforce

BeyondKey Systems outsources solutions and caters to clients in the United States, Australia, the UK, Germany, MENA, and South Asian countries.

Their services include the development of business web applications, software products/solutions, Enterprise and Retail Mobile apps, and Products using Microsoft technologies like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, .Net, BI and open source technologies. 

Clients include BREG, Shelter Point, and QSC.

16. Maven Digital

  • Location: 904, DUSSELDORF BUSINESS POINT, DUBAI UAE, Dubai, 122002, United Arab Emirates
  • Average Hourly Rate: $50
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, eCommerce App Development, Android App Development, iPhone App Development

Maven Digital is a multi-disciplined, full-service creative digital agency in Dubai with a flair for designing, defining, and building super successful and innovative digital campaigns and products.

Their team consists of mobile app designers and developers, digital marketers, social media specialists, graphic designers, and quality assurance experts who have decades of experience. 

17. Deqode

  • Location: Atulya IT Park, 8th Floor, Indore, 452001, India
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, Website Development, Cloud Consulting...

This agency combines the passion for perfection with expert technology ideas to achieve maximum client satisfaction, technology innovation, and enhanced time-to-market capabilities.

They have a dedicated team of high-quality professionals who constantly work with diverse industrial players of varied domains like Employee Benefits, Healthcare, E-commerce, IoT, Big Data, IT Consulting services, Custom Software Development, and many more.

Clients include ROKK3R, Geoverse, Peculium, and Mintable.

18. Enkonix

  • Location: 250 Vesey Street, New York City, New York 10281, United States
  • Average Hourly Rate: $120
  • Expertise: Mobile App Development, eCommerce App Development, Website Development...

Enkonix LLC is a New York-based technology consulting organization that connects strategy, design, and engineering services into a seamless workflow devised to support clients every step of the way.

The team is passionate about creating valuable products and helping other businesses climb the ladder of technological development.

Over the past 6 years, they have designed and built a diverse range of high-quality products from scratch. Their specialists have expertise in a wide variety of spheres including e-learning, healthcare, e-commerce, advertising, augmented reality, finance, sharing economy, and many more.

Clients include World Skate, Aerolytix, Nutheorie, Janala...

19. Appok Infolabs

  • Location: Darpan Colony Bharoli, Bhind, 477001, India
  • Average Hourly Rate: Inquire
  • Expertise: Freelance Mobile App Developers

Appok Infolabs is an app development company with a focus on ready-made and custom on-demand solutions. They specialize in the deployment of custom applications and on-demand app development. 

They try to help our clients all the way, by being experts in analyzing and identifying the tastes and preferences of the consumers and delivering services that help our clients to stand powerfully with confidence in the current competitive market.

Clients include brands from the Education Industry, Automotive Industry, and IT industry.

How to Outsource App Development Takeaways

Finding the right app development fit can help you shorten the time to market, decrease costs, and improve the app's quality.

On the other hand, ending up with the wrong people can not only give you a bad experience but can also lead to lost opportunities, time, and resources.

You can check out the top B2B marketplace DesignRush, where you can find fully vetted fintech development companies, healthcare app developers, and more. Design communities and online freelance platforms are also a great place to search. However, with many pitches, it is also important to remember not to give in to the rush. Instead, take your time so that you don't end up running in circles at the 11th hour.

We hope this article helps you make the right choice!

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