When thinking about custom software development for your business, it’s important to have a partner in your success. Figuring out what that looks like can be tricky.
Do you hire an external firm to help you? Do you need someone internally to complete the project? These are really common questions everyone has when they’re getting ready to build a custom application for their business or organization.
While there are pros and cons to both options, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t hire a software developer internally versus hiring a custom software firm. Here’s why.
Talent Availability
Internal Software Developer
With the advent of technology and software, there is a plethora of software developers out there for hire. One who understands multiple aspects of a custom software development project, though, is like finding a unicorn. It’s rare and almost impossible.
Custom Software Firm
Custom software firms offer developers, business analysts, UI/UX experts, and more the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and stay engaged with clients instead of working on just one project. Custom software firms are really appealing for people who want to be challenged, engaged, and work well in a team setting.
Good custom software firms are built to scale. They know their market is continuing to grow and expand, and they’re equipped to take on more talent because they need it.
Required Skillset
Internal Software Developer
A custom software development project requires an understanding of business analysis, development, UI/UX, and more. It also requires project management to keep things on track. Do they have an understanding of web, mobile, and desktop software development? What about front-end and backend architecture?
Plus, we find it typically takes about three people to create and execute a successful custom software project. Are you ready to hire all of the necessary resources and be optimistic that you’ll find all of the skillsets you need with a small team?
Custom Software Firm
The beauty of a custom software firm is that it’s made up of a team of different specialties. From UI to development to business analysis and more, a custom software firm will have a comprehensive pool of skill sets to help you make your project a success.
Find out why business analysts are critical to the success of custom web development.
Design Capabilities
Internal Software Developer
While we’ve known some people to be good at both design and development, we find that it’s really rare and not sustainable. It’s a “jack of all trades, but master of none” situation.
It’s best to have dedicated resources for both design and development so you can keep your project on track.
Custom Software Firm
We’ve identified all of the necessary components of the custom software team, and we have team members who focus on their role and what they’re good at. That way, everyone is a subject matter expert
Every good custom software firm has a UX/UI designer. Their job is to ensure the design and experience is up to par and meets the expectations of the users.
Development Process
Internal Software Developer
If you only have one person working on the project, they might take shortcuts to get the project done. We don’t know a lot of developers who can project manage, design, build, and document and do all of those things well.
Custom Software Firm
We have a solidified custom software process that we use with every client. No ifs, ands, or buts. Plus, we have multiple resources to manage every step of the project to ensure it stays on track and within the budget.
Here’s our custom software development process in six steps.
Quality & Collaboration
Internal Software Developer
Sure, it’s great to have your resources on-site to collaborate and communicate one-on-one.
However, we believe that it’s important to have multiple people test our work before it goes out into the world. Only hiring one developer doesn’t provide the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm on the best way to do something. Your custom development project might suffer because your team doesn’t have the collaboration and resources it needs to be successful.
Custom Software Firm
Collaboration is a critical part of what custom software firms do. They truly act as a partner in your success, and they have a deep understanding of the custom web development process to walk you through it.
They also have quality control and assurance every step of the way to ensure the success of the project. These firms continually reevaluate the best way to ensure quality and efficiency so you don’t have to.
You need collaboration and quality assurance, and an external custom software firm can create a sense of team camaraderie and keep everyone accountable.
Additional Management
Internal Software Developer
People management takes time. You will need to manage the developer(s) you hire, which requires keeping track of the work they’re doing, responding to questions, prioritization, and more. Do you want to take on that responsibility?
Custom Software Firm
When you engage a custom software firm, they take on the responsibility of the project management. It’s your job to communicate your needs and answers questions, and then they take care of managing all of the other aspects.
At AxiaTP, we’re super transparent so you know where your project stands at any given time.
Cost
Internal Software Developer
By hiring someone internally, you will take on payroll, benefits, and a salary. A starting developer will cost at least $80,000 (salary) plus benefits. A senior developer will cost even more.
Plus, you need to take your time into account. How much time will you give up to manage this individual?
Custom Software Firm
A custom software firm works with a budget and is typically less expensive that hiring someone internally. We bill at an average of $120 per hour, and you get access to a bench of specialists rather than a single developer for that rate.
This industry is very specialized, and it’ll take about three key skill sets just to assemble a business-ready app these days. You’re getting multiple skill sets for the price of one at that rate!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s going to cost you more time, money, and resources to hire a software developer internally. Hiring a custom development firm will make your life much easier and your project more successful.
Looking to develop custom software? Request a free consultation with us to learn more about how we work, create, and serve.