Ever since the pandemic and the accelerated adoption of new emerging technology, the demand for custom software has skyrocketed. Today, customized software is no longer a choice but a necessity for nearly every business, from startups to large enterprises. In fact, the market size of global custom software development, valued at $24.46 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.3% between 2022-2030. Owing to that, there is a growing demand for enterprise software development services. However, choosing the right company for your enterprise software development can be challenging. Therefore, this blog intends to discuss in detail the steps to follow when choosing the right company for enterprise software development.

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Why is the urge for custom software development growing among enterprises? 

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In the current business landscape, software applications have become an integral part of most business operations. Off-the-shelf software solutions suit small to mid-sized businesses, but enterprises need more customized software tailored to their specific needs. In fact, enterprise spending on software is expected to increase by 9.3% in just 2023. Moreover, below are the main reasons that justify the growing urge for custom software development among enterprises:

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Adoption of emerging technologies:

New technologies are emerging at a rapid pace, such as AI, machine learning, IoT, etc. These technological advancements demand custom software development to leverage its full potential.

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Real-time data analysis:

According to the IDG MarketPulse survey, the respondents confessed that data volumes are growing by 63% per month in their organizations. Therefore, enterprises need customized software that can process and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to help them make informed business decisions.

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Flexible workspace:

With the growing shift to flexible workspaces, enterprises need custom software solutions to support remote workers and set secure channels for streamlined business operations.

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Productivity enhancement:

Enterprises are always looking to enhance the productivity and efficiency of their workforce. Customized software solutions help them automate, improve, and optimize the efficiency of existing processes and workflows, thereby enhancing productivity.

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Competitive edge:

Every enterprise intends to be the first in the trends and provide the best user experience. Customized software solutions not just help to improve workflows but also help them differentiate themselves from other competitors.

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All the above factors and many more are making enterprises look for more customized software solutions.

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Enterprise software development services & their beneficial aspects

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Enterprise software development services are those services that create customized software solutions and systems for large organizations to meet their specific needs. These service providers come up with a wide range of enterprise software solutions and services, such as customized application development, supply chain management, data warehousing, human resources, core IT modernization, customer relationship management, and similar others.

Enterprise software development services are run by experienced and skilled IT professionals with vast experience designing and deploying simple to complex software applications for enterprises. Some of the key beneficial aspects of using the enterprise software development service include:

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1. It streamlines the process of creating specific software applications without much hassle.

2. It provides a cost-effective way of developing customized software applications.

3. It provides access to a large pool of highly-skilled software developers, thereby resulting in quality deliveries.

4. It provides faster time to market. 

5. It is flexible and adapts to changes quickly. 

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In short, using an enterprise software development service helps enterprises fulfill their customized software needs without stressing much of their resources and workforce.

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7 Steps to consider when choosing the right company for enterprise software development

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Now that we have cleared our concepts around enterprise software development services and their beneficial aspects for an enterprise, let's shift our focus to how to choose the right service.

There are dozens of enterprise software development services available today, and everyone claims to offer the best services. However, you can pick the right service by evaluating them from different angles. Therefore, below are 7 steps that can help choose the right company for enterprise software development: 

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1. Clarify project objectives and requirements 

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The first step when choosing any third-party service for a project is to clarify and set clear project objectives and requirements. Since different services have expertise in different areas, you should not just blindly search "best enterprise software development services". 

You should finalize what are the requirements, end goals, and other aspects related to your projects. In fact, some enterprise software development companies offer dedicated IT consultancy teams to set clear project vision, better resource allocation, and improved risk assessment. 

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2. Research & shortlist

Once the project objectives and requirements are finalized, the next step is to search for relevant companies. While searching, use specific keywords to find relevant services, such as "supply chain management software development", etc. By doing so, you will be able to get many best services in that niche.

Afterward, explore their websites, especially the "Services" section, and look for what relevant services they are offering. If a company holds expertise in its niche, the descriptions of its services will be detailed and reflect its stronghold. For example, if you explore a mobile app development service, you will get a clear overview of the service, including the case studies that reflect credibility. So, explore the services of your shortlisted companies and refine your list.

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3. Check the portfolios

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Once you trust that the shortlisted enterprise software development companies offer the required services, the next step is to check their portfolios. A portfolio gives an overview of the company's past projects, including details like project timeline, development approach, challenges, key project outcomes, etc. 

A company's portfolio also gives an idea of the types of solutions it has developed, from simple to complex ones. This way, you can deeply assess the company's experience and expertise in developing software solutions and refine the list to only those that seem to be the best enterprise software development services.

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4. Look at the company structure and team dynamics

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A great, powerful service description is not enough in today's tech landscape. The company's structure and team dynamics are also important indicators of the company's credibility. This will give you an idea of the company's functionalities, diversity, culture, expertise, communication and collaboration, etc. 

A company that emphasizes a healthy work environment usually manages to hire and retain top talent. In fact, 46% of job seekers consider company culture as a deciding factor when applying to a company. So, a company that has a well-structured hierarchy with top-notch work life should definitely have top talent. 

In addition, another important aspect to consider is whether the company is following the "agile methodology". Agile methodology is becoming a popular software development methodology that emphasizes iterative-based releases, like two-week or four-week cycles. This way, you can get some presentable progress of the project while the development team gets to hear your feedback early on in the development phase. This greatly improves the quality and also helps to address bottlenecks effectively. Therefore, closely evaluate the company culture and team dynamics of shortlisted services and refine your list further.

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5. Check reviews

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The last check before interacting with the services is looking at their reviews. Reviews are another effective way to evaluate the credibility of any service. There are plenty of online sites that let users write their reviews about companies, such as Clutch, Techreviewer, Trustpilot, etc. So, once you have shortlisted a few enterprise software development services, the next step you should do is check their user reviews. 

In addition, also look at if they have specific award-winning information on their websites. For example, being one of the most reviewed web developers in a particular location. Such information is a quick way to authenticate the credibility of the services.

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6. Interact with the shortlisted companies

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At this stage, you will likely have finalized a few best enterprise software development services that seem to offer your niche's best services. Now you should interact with them to present your requirements, clarify your doubts about their services, and discuss the development approach.

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Below are the recommended steps to follow while interacting with the shortlisted enterprise software development companies:

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1. Start the discussion by talking about your requirements. 

2. Ask them to provide their development approach, which will give you an idea of their methodology and technologies in use. 

3. Ask them about their expertise and experience developing similar software solutions.

4. Discuss the project timeline and pricing. 

5. Ask about the post-development maintenance and support.

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Keep asking similar questions from all the shortlisted companies. You can even create a comparison table if you want, which will help later when picking one of them as the final choice.

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7. Finalize your choice

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The last step is to decide which service you want to trust for your project. Till now, you have undergone different checks, from reviewing their websites and team dynamics to its project-specific services. So, you should now have a couple of companies that seem best for your project. Now the important question is which one to trust for the project.

The best pick should be one that has completed a similar project in the past, as its past experience will be very handy for your project. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Basically, you can pick any of the shortlisted services because each one of them has passed the above six stringent qualification rounds. Alternatively, you can make it a collaborative decision with other decision-makers. 

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Enterprise software development services vs. in-house software development team

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Before we conclude the discussion on how to choose the right company for enterprise software development, it is important to clarify one common doubt. Since the global developers' population is set to reach around 28.7 million by 2024, the question is, why opt for out-sourced software development services when enterprises can have an in-house, dedicated software development team? So, let's evaluate this point from the below angles:

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Cost:

Enterprise software development service only requires the cost associated with developing the software solution. In contrast, in-house software development is more expensive, as it involves additional costs linked with the development team, such as monthly payments, training, benefits, salary increments, etc.

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Quality:

Enterprise software development service provides access to highly-skilled and experienced developers that ensure quality and timely deliveries. On the other hand, in-house software development offers direct communication and can also lead to quality software solutions with a skilled development team.

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Time:

Enterprise software development service offers faster time to market. In contrast, in-house software development can take more time, especially if the administration has to undergo recruitment to fulfill the skill gap.

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Control:

Enterprise software development service provides less development process control. In contrast, in-house software development offers more control and continuous visibility of the progress.

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Talent access:

Enterprise software development service provides access to a diverse and large talent pool to fulfill almost any complex software application. On the other hand, in-house software development teams are less diverse, with limited skill sets and industry backgrounds.

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Security:

Enterprise software development service involves a level of security risk, especially if the enterprise is testing the service for the first time. Alternatively, in-house software development is more secure and trustworthy due to the in-house development team.

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Short-term commitment:

Enterprise software development service comes with a short-term commitment. The service is no longer required as soon as the software is delivered. In contrast, in-house software development is linked with a long-term commitment because the workforce remains associated with the enterprise.

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Wrapping up 

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According to the latest forecast by Gartner, IT spending worldwide will reach $4.5 trillion in 2023, an increase of 2.4% from 2022. This reflects that technological advancements and changing customer demands urge enterprises and other small to mid-sized businesses to deploy as many software applications as possible. For large organizations or enterprises, opting for enterprise software development services is the best way to develop customized and quality software solutions in minimal time. Therefore, consider the above-mentioned steps and choose the right enterprise software development service that fits your specific needs.

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Outsourcing in the IT industry in 2023 has already become a common practice. Plenty of software houses worldwide offer to outsource, and their scope of services has become very wide. Across many locations, Poland tops the list of countries offering IT outsourcing services as "one of the top 5 countries for IT outsourcing", according to Daxx.com. 

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Why are clients so enthusiastic about using these solutions? Because it brings many advantages to their business. If you, too, are considering choosing IT Outsourcing, it is worth getting acquainted with all its types and benefits - that is what you will learn in this article.

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However, let's start with the basics.

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What is IT outsourcing? 

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IT outsourcing is simply the practice to use providers outside of your business to complete a given project. So, for example, you can outsource complex application building, software development, or any tasks related to IT overall. It’s often the best choice to take advantage of experts in their field who can handle the process of creating and bringing a product to market. In addition to that, outsourcing can be easier than hiring in-house specialists. The key is to find the right partner to work with. 

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Different types of IT outsourcing

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There are different types of IT outsourcing, which can be divided by the place of assignment, the location where tasks are performed, and the scope of responsibilities. 

The main three types of outsourcing covering issues such as team extension, team augmentation, and IT-managed services are:

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1. Offshoring

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Offshoring, also known as offshore outsourcing, is the outsourcing of IT services to a country far away from our location. It allows us to get favorable pricing terms, due to better economic conditions, lower labor costs in the country, and greater availability of industry experts. This is why offshoring is often considered the most cost-effective type of outsourcing. Long distance is also associated with time differences - however, other time zones are not necessarily an obstacle and many companies do not regard this as an insurmountable barrier.

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2. Nearshoring

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Nearshoring is the outsourcing of IT tasks to closer locations, in the same or closer time zone to us. Thanks to this, communication with our business partner runs smoothly, and cultural differences are not as strongly felt. An example of nearshoring could be a company from Germany that outsources a project to a Polish software development team. 

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3. Onshoring 

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Onshoring, or homeshoring, is the hiring of a software development team within one's own country, often from a close location - a city or neighborhood. For example, a company in Poland in the city of Krakow uses the onshoring services of a software company in Katowice.  Such a solution makes it easier to find specialists who do quality work when they are hard to find at short notice in our location. This allows for better control of outsourced tasks, and the services provided are performed at a good level at a reasonable price.

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For more on the differences between offshoring and nearshoring, see our previous article "Offshoring and nearshoring - what to choose?" - Read it here!

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IT Outsourcing - benefits! 

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Regardless of the type of IT outsourcing, this service offers many benefits to your business. First of all, it translates into speeding up the processes of bringing products to market and often reduces the cost of software implementation. But that's not all! Learn more about the benefits of IT outsourcing:

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1. Scalability

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When the goals and needs in a project change, the development team can change along with them thanks to IT outsourcing. Instead of recruiting new people during the course of a given project, which is often a tedious and difficult process, you can hire external programmers and adjust their numbers as needed. 

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2. Time-saving

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With IT outsourcing, save the time you would have spent on a lengthy in-house recruitment process. By hiring outside experts, you can focus on other important aspects of your business while developers take care of the next tasks in the project. No weeks of training, lengthy paperwork, and implementation.

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3. Cost-saving

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Outsourcing IT is often a more cost-effective solution than hiring an in-house team, especially when offshoring. This is often due to lower labor costs in the country to which you outsource the project. When recruiting costs are gone, you only pay for the time spent on tasks.

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4. Access to IT experts

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It may be that there are not so many experienced specialists in your location that can be entrusted with the development of the digital product. IT outsourcing is a good solution because it means you don't have to limit yourself when it comes to the extent of your search for real specialists. They may be hundreds of kilometers away from you, but they will take care of your problem like a pro!

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5. Quality development

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When you outsource a project to a company with an extensive portfolio and expertise, you can get a quality solution. When you choose your outsourced team wisely, a digital product can be created with the latest technology tools to suit all needs. When outsourcing IT projects, you can specify your exact requirements - the needs of the project, keeping track of the progress as you go along, and who exactly will be on your team.

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So is it worth it? 

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In summary, there are many types of IT outsourcing. Be sure to use the option that best suits your business and project requirements. Choose your software development partner prudently, and you'll get plenty of benefits in addition to support. Take advantage of IT outsourcing and increase your chances over your competitors in the market! 

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Introduction

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Companies must have high-class websites, applications, and software to remain competitive in a digital commercial space. The programming language you will use for your project will determine if the end product will function as required. According to statistics, 97.7% of websites use JavaScript to design applications and software. Thus, JavaScript is among the most used programming languages because of the quality of its applications and software.

The quality of the results you get from a project depends on the JavaScript developer you hire for the job. An experienced JavaScript developer can customize the web application or mobile application to suit your business’s needs. However, picking a suitable JavaScript developer can be challenging because of the numerous software houses offering the service.

In this article, we define who a JavaScript developer is and highlight their roles. More so, we provide the benefits of working with a software house for a JavaScript project. Lastly, we offer insights into how to hire a JavaScript developer whose work will exceed expectations.

Let’s dive in.

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Who is a JavaScript Developer?

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A JavaScript developer is an expert who develops applications and software using JavaScript. Most businesses hire a JavaScript developer for web applications, software, or mobile app development. The roles of a JavaScript developer include:

• Optimizing applications for scalability and speed.
• Creating quality UX/UI designs.
• Working with web developers for front-end and back-end projects.
• Scrutinizing the code, system risks, software dependability, and requirements.
• Modifying the designs and specs of complicated apps.

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Benefits of working with a software house for JavaScript projects

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Retaining a software, applications, or web development team in your business may sound like an attractive idea. Nonetheless, the cost of keeping an in-house team and the quality of your JavaScript projects may be enough to consider outsourcing to a software house. A software development company has the resources, expertise, and team needed to deliver quality results.

Read this section to see the advantages of hiring a software house for JavaScript projects.

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1. Timely project completion

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A company may have a time limit for when it intends to use JavaScript applications or software. For instance, event planners may want their software to be ready at a particular time to serve their customers better. An in-house development team may not complete the task on time because of a lack of expertise, insufficient resources, or understaffing.

Working with a software house guarantees the timely completion of the task. An outsourced software developer has enough resources and staff needed to handle the project. Furthermore, the professionals can complete the project fast because they can avoid errors.

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2. Cost-effectiveness

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Working with an in-house tech team for your JavaScript project can be expensive. Internal employees need a monthly salary plus benefits. Since the JavaScript project might be a one-time thing, working with in-house staff might be money-consuming.

A software house saves you money. Outsourcing JavaScript development to a software company removes the burden of paying salaries, employee benefits, and sick offs. Furthermore, a software house allows you to hire a JavaScript developer who can meet your company’s needs.

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3. Remain focused on core business

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A JavaScript project can take your team's concentration away from the firm’s core functions. For instance, a restaurant wishing to use JavaScript to develop a website may forget to enhance the quality of its dishes. Customers can walk away from the business if they fail to get services worth their money.

Entrusting the JavaScript project to a development company frees your internal workers. The software house’s employees will handle everything on your behalf. Thus, you will have more time to focus on quality products and service delivery.

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4. Access to an experienced team

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The primary benefit of hiring a software development firm is that you will have access to the best talent. Most software development firms hire software developers to train their employees to ensure they have the necessary skills for the job. For this reason, the workers can deliver the desired results for your JavaScript project.

More so, outsourced software developers have handled similar projects in the past. The specialists will understand how to deal with the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and enhancing user experience. Thus, you can be sure your JavaScript project will complete on time and serve your business needs.

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5. Reliable backstage partner

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The changing security and compatibility issues require software, applications, and websites to stay up-to-date. However, an in-house IT team might lack the capacity, resources, or time to perform regular updates and security checks.

If you hire a software development company, you will have people on standby to perform backups and upgrades. Outsourcing JavaScript projects will protect your business from cyberattacks and ensure compliance. Besides, it means you hire JavaScript developers available 24/7 to support you with anything you require.

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6. Increase your firm’s competitiveness

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A company should have and utilize its strategic resources to thrive in a competitive commercial industry. Software or applications could be strategic resources if it solves customer issues and it is hard to imitate for competitors.

If you outsource JavaScript development, you will access a team that delivers a quality end product. The project you will get will give you an advantage over rivals who may not have a similar application or software. Therefore, you can become an industry leader by working with a software house.

Moreover, professionals will not leak the secret of creating an application or software. Experts understand copyright and follow the confidentiality principle when performing the task. Hence, your competitors may never know the codes of your efficient application or software.

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How to hire a JavaScript developer who is right for your business?

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The success of a JavaScript project depends on the developer you choose for the task. Picking a suitable JavaScript developer or software house may be challenging because of the available options. Follow the tips below to understand the considerations for selecting an excellent JavaScript developer.

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1. Type of project

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The first thing you must consider is the kind of JavaScript project you need. If you wish to improve your application's user interface (UI), you should hire a front-end JavaScript developer. Front-end developers are familiar with Angular, Vue.js, and React required for creating quality interfaces.

A back-end JavaScript developer is perfect if you want to create and maintain the mechanisms that handle data on the software or web application. The professionals focus on security, data storage, and updates.

A full-stack JavaScript developer can be suitable for front and back development projects. The perfect thing about full-stack developers is that they handle all project tasks under one package. A software development company gives you a full-stack developer since they have the human resources to complete a project from end to end.

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2. Communication skills

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A JavaScript project might be challenging to understand for someone not proficient in programming. When hiring a JavaScript developer, you must ensure they have excellent communication skills. The JavaScript developer should explain technical terms in a language your project team can understand.

An excellent communicator can listen, address and communicate project complications effectively. The trait enables your team to avoid mistakes and minimize hazards.

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3. Portfolio

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Remember to check the portfolio of a JavaScript developer when hiring them. A portfolio assists you to understand the technology stack the candidate has used in the past.

When hiring a JavaScript developer, find someone who has handled a similar project previously. For example, a back-end specialist will be suitable for data processing and integration in a web application project. The objective is to hire an expert who will deliver quality results.

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4. Data privacy awareness

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Web applications and software are a hot target for hackers who want to gather data for selfish interests. A 2021 data breach report by the Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) shows there were around 1,862 data breaches in 2020. Such statistics show the value of protecting company data stored on software against hacks and malicious attacks.

Hire a JavaScript developer who understands and complies with data privacy regulations. The move will help you avoid huge fines imposed by the government if data breaches happen. Besides, more data privacy guarantees users of their safety when using the application or software.

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5. Client reviews

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The organizations and business owners who have worked with a developer understand the quality of their services better than everyone else. Go through the client reviews on the JavaScript developer website. The move will give you an idea of the quality of work you expect from the developer or software company and their availability for future support.

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Final remarks

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A JavaScript development project could be the difference between a successful business and a struggling company. Your project does not have to be complicated since you can work with a software house. Outsourcing JavaScript development ensures timely project completion, reduces costs, increases your business’s competitiveness, and lets you focus on your core business.

Hiring a perfect JavaScript developer should help you get results worth your money. You must consider the type of project, experience level, portfolio, communication skills, and client reviews to determine a suitable developer. Ensure you find a developer with qualities that suit your business.

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Software development can be expensive. This is especially true when developing innovative digital products that provide a unique experience for your users. 

Building digital products involves a trade-off between complexity and cost. If you don’t dedicate enough resources, you risk building a half-baked app. However, if you make a product too complex, you can quickly go over budget and hurt your overall ROI. 

The question is: What influences software development costs? What should you consider when looking to optimize your software development cost?

Did you know the most cost-effective way to build software products is to work with a dedicated developer like Qarbon IT? 

In this article, we’ll discuss the most important factors that drive up software development costs and cover what steps you can take to reduce them. 

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Top Factors Influencing Software Development Cost

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1. Project Size & Complexity 

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This factor is fairly simple to understand on a surface level. A larger and more complex project will typically require more time and resources to complete, which will translate into higher costs.

What causes projects to increase in complexity and scope? 

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• Features: The number of planned features is predominately the main source of complexity and size. 

• Many companies suffer from feature creep when building digital products - a phenomenon where too many features cause a project to become bloated and over budget. Consider: which features are most important to your target user? 

• Planned integrations: While integrations with popular services and platforms are a good selling point, they can take a lot of development time to get right. 

• Building integrations requires developers that know how to use the integrating services’ APIs and often retrofitting your application to work with these API calls can be tricky. But, remember, dedicated developers often have the experience and pre-made components to simplify this process!

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2. Development Model: In-house vs Outsourcing

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Who will build your software product? This can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your project. 

Let’s discuss two popular development models and judge how they stack up on cost: 

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• In-house development team: This is, by far, the most costly model. This involves hiring an entire team to develop your product. It can take a lot of resources to find, interview, hire and train new developers. For smaller projects, it can be hard to justify these sunk costs. 
• Freelancers: Instead, you could work with freelance developers that have experience in the field or product you’re looking to build. This is a cost-effective choice for one-off projects, but it can take a while to find the right developers and scaling up your resources is difficult as freelancers can’t work for you full-time. 
• Dedicated developers: A dedicated developer is a professional software developer who works exclusively for a specific client or company on a full-time basis. These developers are organized and hired by a software company like Qarbon IT. This offers you instant access to your team and helps you build your product more quickly.

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For larger, ongoing projects, dedicated developers are usually the most cost-effective option. 

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3. Technologies and Platforms Used

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What will your developers use to build the product? What platforms will power your features and functionality? This can also influence how much your project will cost. 

Different technologies have different costs associated with them, including licensing fees, hardware requirements, and development time. 

Additionally, some technologies may require specialized expertise or training, which can also add to the overall cost of development.

If you’re working on a tight budget, you should consider using free or open-source tools to power your product & development workflow. For instance, working with an affordable authentication platform like 0Auth can help bring your project back under budget. 

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Drive down development costs with dedicated developers

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The most cost-effective way to build software products is to hire a dedicated development team with experience in building apps for your market sector. 

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At Qarbon IT, we offer businesses of any size a dedicated team to build their dream digital product. Our teams can create: 

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• Web apps
• Mobile apps
• Enterprise software 
• and more.

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We focus on providing businesses with a long-term tech relationship - allowing them to see their projects through and ensuring great results. 

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What is Agile? - In a nutshell

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Agile - methodology in project work. Agile is based on the fact that the created project allows the achievement of the expected results, with less effort from the team at the same time. It emphasizes self-organization in the project, adaptive planning, continuous change, rapid delivery of results, and flexible development. 

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Agile in practice

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Let's imagine the following situation: We have a great idea for a mobile application, everything seems to have been thought out, and a software house has been selected to do the project, nothing but to start. However, the application is your "baby" and you would like to be able to watch the progress of the work and make sure that for sure everything is done as it should be.

That's why, before starting work, it's worth considering which approach to project management will be most suitable.

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There are two most popular approaches to software development:

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• Classic, also known as Waterfall
• Agile

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Execution of projects in the classical approach has been known for years, and three phases can be separated here:

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• Planning
• Implementation
• Delivering

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In a nutshell, at the beginning we spend a great deal of time analyzing and planning the project - we think about all the functionalities of the project, the possible cases, what can go wrong, and what needs to happen at what point to complete the project on time. All possible scenarios will be thought through and planned. 

Depending on the complexity and length of the project, planning can take days, weeks, or months. Then we move to the execution phase, which takes a correspondingly long time, and at the end, we see the results of the work.

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Some time ago, in the case of the IT industry, it was noticed that this approach to software development was not working due to changing requirements, market needs or at least technology, and what was valid during planning, when the project was delivered was often no longer so. That's when the agile approach to product development based on transparency, inspection, and adaptation (today's pillars of Scrum) began to take hold, i.e., we deliver frequently, in small packages, at intervals and check that what we've done is actually what the market/customer needs.

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When to use Agile in IT projects?

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It is not that one approach is better and the other is worse. It all depends on many factors as to which way of software development will work better in our situation.

But how do we know which type of approach to a project will be appropriate? Stacey's Model comes with the answer.

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Ralph D. Stacey was a British professor of management at the University of Hertfordshire, best known for his theory of managing organizations. By putting together requirements and knowledge of technology, he created a model for classifying issues.

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When starting a project, it is important to know what needs to be done and how to do it. Depending on the level of uncertainty of both factors - requirements (what) and technology (how), Stacey grouped the issues into 4 different segments:

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• Simple - The scope is well described and we know how to make them(what technology to use). With an experienced team and a good plan, we can start right away. This is how all traditional waterfall approaches work (which is not to say that an agile approach won't work here)

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• Complicated - scope not so clear, it needs to be detailed, thought, and planned, but after these steps, you can act. Large and accurate planning is needed if we want to work with the classic approach. When we do not have months to plan the work - an agile approach to product development will be as suitable as possible

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• Complex - With a lot of unknowns: scope and technology(what to do and how to do it). In addition, changing requirements come into play and with that, the level of knowledge of how to perform particular tasks also changes. We learn what the requirements are and how to respond to them as they are performed. The agile approach is the best solution here.

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• Chaotic - The so-called YOLO development. We don't have information about the requirements and how to deal with them Additionally. We don't know what to expect completely, we wander (both us and the customer). Again, an agile approach will be the best solution here as an adaptive and innovative approach seems to be the only way to bite this problem(inspect + adapt)

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This provides a fairly obvious answer as to why the agile approach to software development has been so popular in software houses in recent years. 

Stacey's model directly suggests to be most effective one must be responsive to change.

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And in our Qarbon experience, even projects that can be described as "easy" according to the above breakdown, in a rapidly changing world, require changes and improvements, to which the agile approach is ideally suited.

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I hope this article has helped clear up a few doubts or helped you understand why an agile approach can be valuable for your product.

However, if you are still unsure what segment to assign your project to, get back to us - we can help.

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Why should you work with a dedicated developer? 

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There has never been a greater demand for software development in business. Increasingly, companies are turning to software solutions to empower workflows, meet business needs, and provide new customer experiences. 

Innovative mobile and web apps can transform the way your business works, while consumers are increasingly demanding a seamless, omnichannel user experience. 

To keep up with this demand for new software products, the largest enterprises have invested heavily in their in-house development teams. However, small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) don’t have the same level of resources to match the tech industry’s major players. 

That’s why hiring a dedicated developer is such a lucrative investment. A dedicated developer can help you create exceptional digital products without the upfront cost of an expanded in-house team or the risk of hiring freelancers. 

What are dedicated development teams? Why should you hire a dedicated developer? How can you ensure you get the best out of your dedicated development team? 

In this article, we’ll give you a complete rundown of dedicated development teams and why you need them in 2023. Let’s go! 

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What is a Dedicated Developer?

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A dedicated developer is a professional software developer who works exclusively for a specific client or company on a full-time basis. They are essentially the middle-ground between hiring freelancers and building a permanent in-house development team. 

A dedicated development team is put together and provided by a software development company - where the resources and expertise of many experienced developers are pooled together within one organization. 

These teams are usually hired for large projects that need more attention, planning and oversight. The dedicated developer model offers businesses a more efficient, reliable development team for a fraction of the cost of going in-house. We’ll discuss the key benefits of dedicated developers later on in this article. 

Hiring a dedicated team is essentially a form of outsourcing. This is an increasingly popular solution for businesses who don’t have the in-house expertise to build the digital products needed to keep up our the modern business landscape. 

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What is the difference between dedicated developers and freelancers?

In contrast, freelance developers are part-time software developers that tend to work with multiple clients at a time. Like dedicated developers, they are usually hired on a project-by-project basis, but they are able to dedicate fewer resources to an individual client. 

Freelancers are typically hired on a short-term basis, whereas contracts with dedicated developers tend to be larger in scale. With dedicated developers, clients have direct access to the developer for communication and collaboration, while freelance developers may not be as available or responsive.

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What are the different models of a dedicated development team?

Dedicated developers can provide services to a business in a wide variety of ways and methods. Here are the main team models to choose from: 

• Full-time Dedicated Team: A team of developers is exclusively dedicated to working on your single project and will work on it until completion. This is the most common dedicated model for business software development. 
• Part-time Dedicated Team: This is a similar model to full-time, but this team will also take on other projects and won’t dedicate their entire working time on your project. 

• This still differs from freelancing as you’ll have access to the team and its project manager throughout your project period. 

• Outstaffing: If your in-house or freelance team is experiencing some capacity issues, a dedicated developer could join it to help complete work on a project-by-project basis. This model is designed to plug gaps in your existing teams - and you won’t experience the same productivity benefits of a full-time dedicated team. 

What are the two main pricing models of dedicated teams? 

• Time and Material: A team of developers works on a project on an hourly basis, with the client paying for the actual hours worked.
• Fixed-price: A team of developers works on a project for a fixed price, with the scope of work and deliverables clearly defined upfront.

Software companies may employ a hybrid combination of any of the above models - and you can often tailor your contracts to the specific needs of the project and client.

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What are the benefits of hiring a dedicated developer? 

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Why should you hire a dedicated development team? Here are the top benefits to consider when choosing the type of team you create your digital products with:

Faster product completion

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A dedicated development team will help you ship your digital product faster. A dedicated developer is hired on a full-time basis to work solely on your project. This means they can focus all their time, energy and attention on building your product.  

By opting for a dedicated team, you can ensure your developers fully understand your project and its requirements - and don’t have to waste time onboarding new developers and waiting for them to get to grips with your project. 

How is this model faster than building your own team? It can take months - or even years - to scout, hire and train an in-house team to match the effectiveness of an experienced dedicated team. 

Dedicated developers from a software company like Qarbon IT means you unlock the tools and expertise of that organization. These companies will have the right technologies to speed up development, and will also know neat solutions and best practices needed to develop products in your industry.

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Improved cost-effectiveness

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The dedicated development model suits businesses that want to bring down the cost of developing their digital product. Hiring the right dedicated developer can help improve the cost-effectiveness of your products in the long term. 

This is the primary reason why businesses choose to outsource projects to dedicated teams. In fact, Deloitte found that 70% of businesses cited saving money as their main reason for outsourcing software development. 

It is safer and cheaper to hire a team of dedicated experts from a single software company than build a team yourself or hire many freelancers.

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• Hiring freelancers leads to low initial costs, but can often lead to delays and revisions: It takes longer to complete projects with freelancers, and you’ll likely have to cycle through multiple developers throughout your project. 

• Freelancers are billed hourly, and this time adds up. In the long run, you’ll probably spend more working with freelancers. 

• Building your own development team is expensive: Recruiting and interviewing developers take time and money, while training costs also mount up quickly. There are also the logistical costs of housing a team to consider. You’ll need to pay for office space if you work on location. You’ll also have to set up the usual infrastructure for hiring employees - including payroll, IT services, etc. 

• Dedicated developers are contractors who are ready to start building your product immediately. You can skip the sunk costs of in-house teams! 

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Improved flexibility of resources and manpower

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Working with a dedicated development team from a software company can help you scale up and down your resources to meet the needs of your project. 

Software development projects are complex - and how many development resources you’ll need will likely change over time. 

With an in-house team, it’s unfeasible to hire and fire developers during points in the project when less help is needed. This often leads to wasted capacity and can quickly cause you to go over budget. 

The ability to scale down your development resources as well as up is a key benefit of working with a development team. If you know what stages of your product development cycle will need more or fewer developers, you can build this into your initial contract. 

If your project requirements dramatically change during the development cycle, you won’t have to pause development to hire more developers. A software development company can pull resources from other dedicated teams and manage any changing needs. 

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Delegate management to experienced project managers

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A dedicated team will be led by a project manager or development lead. This model provides you with a single point of contact to get in touch with your dedicated development team. 

This allows you to take a hands-off approach to building your digital product, where you can trust in the expertise of proven project managers. This team leader will manage the developers on their team and will ensure updates and communication in an effective manner. 

Poor management is a common pitfall of in-house teams, while the responsibility of managing a freelance team often falls onto a non-developer (or you!). Dedicated teams allow decision-makers to focus on running their business, and not waste time wrestling a freelance team of developers. 

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Improved access and communication 

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As dedicated developers are committed to your project on a full-time basis, you’ll have direct access to your team to solve any issues and provide updates.

Poor communication is one of the most significant drawbacks of working with freelance developers. A freelancer has to handle communication with multiple clients, and will often have irregular work hours. With a freelance developer, it’s difficult to establish a working relationship tailored to your business and how you work. 

This level of consistent communication can help to ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner. Clear and consistent communication is crucial in software development. It helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page. 

We’ve discussed how dedicated teams tend to have a central point of contact - a project manager or lead developer. A leader of a tight-knit team can provide effective, actionable communications to clients in a way that isn’t possible for freelancers. 

It’s also important not to understate the benefits of building a long-term relationship with your development team. This simplifies communications, helps avoid misunderstanding and ensures you’re all on the same page. 

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No need for software, hardware and development infrastructure

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A dedicated team will already have the necessary tools to complete your software projects. Kitting out an in-house development team with the systems and development tools they need can be expensive. 

The infrastructure costs of an in-house team include:

• Hardware: Development systems need plenty of power, and purchasing multiple workstations is a significant expense - especially for small businesses. 
• Software: You’ll need to pay for the licenses for software kits, development tools and key technologies. 
• Networking: Web development requires a fast, reliable networking solution - and enterprise-grade networks are very expensive. 

The cost of this infrastructure is factored into the price of a dedicated developer contract. Software companies are able to spread these expenses across their clients over time. You’ll only pay for what you use!

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Bring specialized expertise to a project

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Another key benefit of hiring a dedicated developer is that they can bring specialized expertise to a project. Dedicated developers often have experience and expertise in a specific area or technology, which can be extremely valuable for a business. 

This specialized expertise can help to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards and that the final product meets the client's specific requirements.

For example, Polish crypto startup Algory needed a custom scanner to monitor trade opportunities in the cryptocurrency market. In working with a dedicated development team, this client benefitted from our expertise and previous experience building finance and trading applications. 

Dedicated teams bring so much more experience to the table. They’ve worked with plenty of clients in a wide array of industries. They will understand how to create the best digital experiences for your business needs. 

We highly recommend examining the case studies and portfolios of any dedicated software developer you consider hiring. It’ll reveal what industries they’ve built apps for in the past and what technologies they are familiar with. 

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Provide cohesive end-to-end development services

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A dedicated team will be able to follow your project from its initial planning phase until its completion. By sticking with the same team of developers, you help guarantee a full, cohesive development experience. 

To ensure this, you should look for a software development company that offers end-to-end services, and  provides: 

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• Product discovery: Our dedicated teams will explore your product idea and get to grips with the key requirements of the project. This stage is important for identifying user pain points and demonstrating product-market fit. The desired user flow identified during this stage should stay consistent throughout the development process. 
• Workshops to identify technology and project requirements: Once you’ve discovered the business needs, it’s time to figure out how we’ll bring your project to life. It’s this step that really boosts the productivity and effectiveness of a dedicated team - as we can refer to the software strategy during development. 
• Development: Then, it’s time to make the project. We use the same developers throughout this process. This tends to result in cleaner code, reduces lead times and helps avoid feature and scope creep. 
• Launch: Your development team will plan and execute your product launch. We’ll also monitor the performance and health of your application and watch out for launch bugs and glitches. 

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Best Practices for Hiring The Right Dedicated Developers

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As with any hiring decision, it can be difficult to find the right dedicated development team for your project. 

Here are some of our top tips for discovering the ideal developer: 

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Look for developers with relevant experience and expertise

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A dedicated team offers you a breadth of experience to help guide your project and find success in your field. That’s why we highly recommend finding developers who have a proven track record in the product area/industry you’re looking to target. 

How can a development team demonstrate this? 

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• Past clients: Do the past clients match up with your expectations for that software company? Does it show they have experience solving similar problems to your planned product? 
• Testimonials: Here, you can find the specific set of skills that other clients appreciate. 
• Case studies and portfolios: Deeper dives into how a dedicated team approached a similar project to yours can reveal the specialist expertise that matters to you. 

That’s exactly why we post our case studies from past clients - demonstrating our wide portfolio of projects. Check the collection out here! 

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Clearly Define the Project Scope

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Before hiring a dedicated developer, it is important to clearly define the scope of the project, including the deliverables, deadlines, and required skills and expertise.

These requirements should be strongly linked to your business goals and needs. That’s why a product discovery process is so important. It's also important to establish a clear timeline for the project, including specific milestones and deadlines for completion. This helps align expectations and will avoid miscommunication and delays to your project. 

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Establish a strong relationship with a project manager

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As your primary point of contact, your project manager is an essential part of your development team. Having regular contact and comprehensively discussing your project with this team leader is crucial to keeping the entire dedicated team on the same page. 

When you work with Qarbon IT, we will assign you a project manager with experience in your industry from the very start of the discovery phase. They will guide you through the development process toward project completion. 

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Hire an outstanding dedicated development team

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A dedicated development team offers a flexible and efficient method for building digital products. The industry is growing fast, with the growth of software development outsourcing expected to reach 70% by the end of 2023. Working with a software development company that has plenty of experience and expertise is vital. 

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