Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

by | Jan 18, 2023 | Nearshore, Scio

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

For the leader of any organization, understanding that you are only as good as your collaborators is the difference between success and failure when reaching the perfect outcome. Everyone, no matter how seemingly “small”, has a part to play in a well-balanced team, and without a committed and hardworking lot of individuals behind them, even the most popular companies could become unraveled in no time. After all, dedicated collaborators act as firm foundations that enable companies and businesses to rise above any turbulence they may face throughout their journey.

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

For these reasons, it’s essential to foster a relationship between people based on trust and respect. When the staff feels valued and supported by their employer, it leads to higher workplace morale and productivity, so taking steps to ensure that everyone feels heard and respected is a critical part of the relationship between employers and employees, a fundamental element of any successful software company. That’s why a good corporate culture is essential. 

A good corporate culture provides the foundation for a successful organization by helping attract and retain the best talent, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and increasing job satisfaction. All of these aspects come together to create an environment that can help any software development company reach its full potential, ensuring it stays competitive in the current technological landscape. Of course, this remains true for any kind of company around (Tech or not), but in the specific case of software development companies that specialize in team augmentation and remote collaboration, like a Nearshore development organization, culture is the crucial element to ensure they are offering the best is in terms of talent, expertise, and experience to a client. 

However, in practice, how do you make sure a culture is effective at reaching the best possible outcomes? What is the factor that differentiates the merely good companies from the best ones in terms of collaborative environment and relationship dynamics? And why investing in personal development opportunities can go a long way towards boosting the ties?

Good culture is good business

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

There are many reasons why investing in a good corporate culture is the best choice a Nearshore development company can make. After all, success is dependent on more than just having a talented team; it requires a cohesive system of values that make everyone on the same page effort-wise and establishes clear goals at both the macro and micro levels. Collaborators are happier when their working environment allows them to collaborate freely and inspires a positive outlook, and a good culture gives staff a sense of security, motivates them to give their best efforts, and encourages innovation that enhances a business’s overall value. 

On the other hand, clients often put a lot of trust into the software development companies they work with, and companies with good cultural practices reflect the kind of quality that clients look for in the products they receive. A strong culture creates an environment that encourages everyone to work together and make sure that deadlines are met while still delivering high-quality results. Good cultural practices keep projects running smoothly as everyone has clear goals, follows standards, and strives for better service delivery, so clients can easily trust the business when excellent cultural practices are present, translating all of their efforts into tangible business results. As such, Nearshore development companies need to focus on building a strong company culture as it will serve as the foundation of its success in the long term, ensuring that the organization is not only staffed with skilled professionals but also driven by a spirit of innovation.

Consequently, a good corporate culture should be a priority if they want to achieve satisfaction internally and externally. A strong corporate culture emphasizes communication, collaboration, and accountability leading to increased trust and employee engagement, boosting morale for the teams working on projects which also creates loyalty among customers. By creating an environment where everyone values quality, innovation is encouraged and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, the productivity of the teams will increase exponentially resulting in better products and services. In the long run, having a well-established corporate culture with open channels of communication is key to building successful relationships with clients that last beyond one project or collaboration.

Nearshore invests in people

The core argument here is that Nearshore development companies are continually working to bridge the gap between offshore and onshore development services, with the main goal being to provide a cost-effective and quality-focused development solution for their clients, which often involves developers located in nearby countries. Essentially, Nearshore developers bring together the best of both worlds by providing more affordable services than those located in a client’s home country while still having closer proximity and cultural understanding, something that can be difficult to find in offshore providers. By offering both strategic execution of custom software development projects as well as ongoing software maintenance services, Nearshore development companies are boosting digital transformation and facilitating the process for companies that are looking for reliable partners overseas.

For these reasons, investing in the growth of employees is one of the cornerstones of success and has become a mainstay for the best Nearshore software development companies. Employees who understand the objectives, who learn and apply new technologies and concepts, and who are encouraged to grow are essential players in ensuring the best outcomes. These top companies recognize that employee growth rests upon three major components: knowledge of industry trends and advancements, developing leadership skills and concentrating on personal, and professional goals, so offering employees access to continuing education courses and seminars, annual training stipends, flexible working environments, international trips for conferences, and other forms of investment into their personnel creates a workforce equipped to deliver quality products. When the best Nearshore software development companies motivate their people by investing in a culture of growth and development, everybody wins.

A partnership between culture and outcomes

Nearshore development runs on culture: Ensuring collaboration is at the heart of every project.

At the end of it, the ideal Nearshore development partnership is one in which both parties act as true partners. Both the client and the development company should be on equal footing, actively communicating to ensure success and delivering results that meet or exceed expectations. The relationship should be built on trust, a deep understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities, as well as support for one another regardless of whether goals are met or if roadblocks arise. With an understanding that progress is only possible through constructive collaboration, both sides themselves are responsible for pursuing success in addition to their partners. It’s more than just a working relationship — when done right, there should be a sense that you’re all working together with a common goal in mind for mutual gain.

In that sense, the development of a solid corporate culture must be at the heart of this goal. Creating a culture that encourages open communication with clients, provides honest feedback, uses effective problem-solving techniques and seeks innovative solutions will lay the foundation for beneficial, long-lasting client relationships. When both sides invest in each other’s success from the outset, mutual respect and trust are fostered which can lead to increased satisfaction on both sides and create the basis for a profitable and sustainable partnership.

As a result, Nearshore companies and clients can form a symbiotic alliance where both parties will benefit enormously. Having an open dialogue regarding software requirements is essential to set expectations and tasks to be done on time. The client should be willing to share project details with the Nearshore development company so that they can better understand the scope of work and utilize their technical expertise for successful execution. Furthermore, the Nearshore development company must strive to provide quality customer service to ensure their clients’ satisfaction, guaranteed by a culture that respects collaborators, encourages communication, and invests in growth. If both parties can fulfill these criteria, then there won’t be any problems working together and producing excellent results.

The Key Takeaways

  • Culture matters for any organization, because its output it’s only as good as the people who are part of it.
  • This is important for any kind of company, but in software development, and especially Nearshore collaboration, it can mean the difference between success and failure.
  • After all, what a Nearshore company sells is its culture; having a good team with a shared goal and passion is what guarantees a positive outcome in any project.
  • This good culture is, above all, understanding employees as people, helping them grow, and ensuring communication and collaboration are always present between everyone in the organization.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here”, or how Scio creates a culture where everyone matters.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here”, or how Scio creates a culture where everyone matters.

by | Jan 4, 2023 | Nearshore, Outsourced Engineering Team, Scio

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

The world has changed dramatically in the past few years and it’s no surprise that our idea of what employees want and need have gone through a revolution of sorts. In comparison to 10 years ago, today’s professionals seem to value collaboration over competition, so organizations need to foster an environment that encourages idea-sharing rather than individual recognition, and employees have made tremendous strides in terms of skill development and career advancement.

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Furthermore, today’s workforce is composed of a much more diverse demographic than a couple of decades ago, enabling companies to benefit from a variety of new perspectives and experiences. Communication skills have also grown exponentially, with employees adopting more open lines of communication with one another, making it easier to collaborate on projects. We’ve also seen a shift toward flexible working arrangements as employees become aware of the many benefits such arrangements offer for both productivity and personal satisfaction. In other words, the evolution of today’s workplace has been pretty dramatic over the last two decades.

As a result, the workplace is changing quickly, and it’s been evident over the last two decades, with a shift towards self-motivation, where employees increasingly take personal responsibility for their personal development and career growth, resulting in employees more open to the idea of moving around between different companies to find the best roles for them. 

And that’s without mentioning how many jobs that existed 10 years ago look very different today due to the development of new technology including automated systems or tools that can facilitate work processes. Additionally, there is an ever-increasing focus on employee well-being, so companies are more deliberate in creating an environment with ample opportunity to disconnect from work when needed. Corporate culture has shifted as well; these days it is much more focused on creativity and innovation rather than working 9-5 to get things done. All of these changes demonstrate that employees have certainly evolved over the past two decades – a trend that will most likely continue into the future.

And this evolution of the employee and the corporate culture around it, play a big part in how Scio works today. We sat down with Helen Matamoros, our Head of Human Capital, to discuss how a developer today has evolved dramatically in the last decade, how this shapes corporate culture (and vice versa), and where this evolution might lead us in the future. Let’s dig right into it!

An evolution of perspective

The evolution of employee 3

One of the most interesting aspects of this evolution can be found in the contrasts between a Senior and a Junior Developer. Outside the office, Senior Developers generally looked for a better work-life balance, often prioritizing it both in terms of career and home life over the years. A Junior Developer, on the other hand, commonly used to take on extra hours, struggles with making time for socializing, and worries about precarious employment due to lack of experience. But today, the reality looks very different.

“Back when I started at Scio, in 2007 or so, we usually looked for more Senior staff due to the nature of the projects we did for our clients. We used .NET almost exclusively, so this kind of wide experience was needed, so many of our collaborators back then were 30+ people who already were starting families and generally expecting more stability and better remuneration from their jobs, which guided a lot of what we did back then, culturally speaking”, explains Helen about how expectations have shifted in the last decade and a half. “But as the variety of tools and frameworks have increased, we can have more variety in the amount of experience a Scioneer can have, and what we can offer to them.”

So when it came to finding the perfect fit for a career, Senior developers preferred stability and long-term growth over more immediate gratification, which could mean taking on a job that offers consistent work rather than something short-term with potentially higher pay but little security or potential for advancement, so it’s understandable why finding such an opportunity would be very important.

However, as this shift in technology happened, so did Scio’s approach to what kind of culture we fostered also changed. Developers with less experience but great technical skills became more of the norm for many projects, with Scio offering lots of training, courses, and workshops to help these developers to grow and thrive. After all, supporting the growth and development of junior and mid-level developers is a win-win situation for software companies. 

Not only does it provide a wealth of knowledge gained from experienced staff to employees at various career stages but offering developer training can help foster individual development plans, creating an attractive working environment, which is what the best software companies strive for, and in turn, makes them attractive for any prospective developer.

“Another interesting shift I noticed in the last 15 years or so at Scio, is how developers have also changed in attitude, leaving behind the “nerdy” stereotype we still see everywhere, giving more importance to the soft skill side of things”, says Helen, which is something we have commented before at our blog. “Obviously, we have a wide variety of personalities and personal stories at Scio, but we have noticed a certain openness to socialize and mingle together that wasn’t here a decade ago. And that’s something we try to encourage among our developers because collaboration is at the heart of everything we do here. We like to work with people who understand the value of teamwork, and that’s always the first filter we apply when looking for new developers.”

Building our culture across borders

The evolution of the employee 2

Unlike traditional corporate cultures, this new approach is putting each employee’s creativity and expertise on display to achieve the best possible results for the organization. A collaborative environment encourages communication, team building, and the integration of diverse perspectives, which leads to more innovative ideas, better problem-solving capabilities, and more efficient processes. 

Even with limited resources and tight timelines, a collaborative corporate culture can help shape an ambitious yet achievable vision as well as efficiently realize that vision. Furthermore, when every team member knows that their knowledge could be valuable to others in the organization, they tend to take more ownership of their work and be more engaged in their role within the company. Having a collaborative corporate culture is an essential element for achieving success in any software development organization.

“Of course, as a Nearshore development company, Scio has a hybrid remote/in-person approach where collaboration is fundamental to reaching our goals. We have employees who can often come to our offices in Morelia, but plenty more elsewhere in Mexico and the rest of Latin America who can’t do face-to-face interaction”, explains Helen about the challenges of a good corporate culture in the age of remote work. “After all we, as people, like to feel part of a whole, knowing that our work matters and how it fits into the bigger picture. So we make the effort to create the kinds of connections that make you feel part of Scio, even if you are working at home. As I mentioned, developers today seem to be more open to the idea of socializing and treating this as more than a job, even with healthy boundaries between their personal and professional lives, so we, as an organization, have a responsibility to encourage this. It always leads to better results for everyone.” 

That’s why, when it comes to software development, having a closer bond between employees at a mid-sized company like Scio can make a world of difference. Employees with close ties also have an increased sense of responsibility, since they know that their actions will affect the entire team and not just themselves. This level of trust is essential for any successful software project, as developers need to understand each other’s processes and expectations to collaborate efficiently. Additionally, organizations benefit from closer relationships between staff because certain types of feedback can be handled more sensitively within a team setting than on a larger scale. 

Altogether, it’s clear that having a collaborative corporate culture is an essential element for achieving success in any software development organization. By fostering collaboration among its employees and giving them the freedom to explore creative solutions together, a software development company like Scio can use a collaborative corporate culture as a key tool for success, in both our projects and among our developers in their personal growth.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!. Get in contact today!

Why will platform engineering and self-service be two of the biggest trends in 2023?

Why will platform engineering and self-service be two of the biggest trends in 2023?

by | Nov 9, 2022 | Nearshore, Software Development

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

When it comes to the development of software applications, many companies, understandably, focus exclusively on creating products for their customers. The process has always been very simple, but as technology advances, and more and more options become available to develop and deploy products, a certain approach has started to shift. The SysAdmin days of yore are far behind, and since the start of the Cloud Age with the launch of AWS in 2006, technology has enabled developers all over the world to create better applications, but at the cost of making development a more complex endeavor.

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For example, let’s take the “Software-as-a-Service” (SaaS) model. An increasingly common way to offer software products with continuous support, it’s made possible by the widespread adoption of Cloud technology, allowing businesses to access software applications remotely through the Internet, on a pay-as-you-go basis. There are many advantages to this approach, including increased flexibility and scalability, but it also brought its own challenges. As this article puts it:

“Suddenly, engineers had to master 10 different tools, Helm charts, Terraform modules, etc. just to deploy and test a simple code change to one of multiple environments in your multi-cluster microservice setup. The problem is that throughout this toolchain evolution, the industry seemingly decided that division of labor (Ops and Devs), which proved successful in virtually every other sector of the global economy, was not a good idea. Instead, the DevOps paradigm was championed as the way to achieve a high-performing setup.”  

This approach, however, while making sense for companies the size of Amazon or Google, can also create something of a rift when it comes to more medium-sized organizations, where the resources and manpower can’t quite match the scale of modern SaaS and Cloud-based development, and “developers (usually the more senior ones) end up taking responsibility for managing environments, infrastructure, etc.”, putting a strain on the team that can doom the outcome of a project. The expectations regarding the number of tools and frameworks that a team must master to create effective products today are sky-high, and as such, a new approach for comparatively smaller organizations must be found elsewhere. With that in mind, let’s talk about the rise of platform engineering.

The glue binding development together

Why will platform engineering and self-service be two of the biggest trends in 2023 3

Platform engineering is a term that is used to describe the process of designing, building, and maintaining platforms that are used by other applications, and it’s all about creating systems that can be reused and repurposed, emphasizing flexibility and modularity. In other words, the industry is leaving behind the idea of designing systems with specific functions in mind as a result of the world becoming more connected, demanding a shift toward system design that can be adapted to changing needs. And platform engineering is at the forefront of this new paradigm. 

This is because platform engineering responds to the popularity of “self-service” as a development approach. To put it simply, self-service tools and platforms enable teams to have “the ability to create and configure resources” by themselves, away from more traditional models like a ticket system, which are a source of friction in the face of modern development methods. The trick, however, is that a good self-service platform is often developed and deployed internally, meaning that a lot of resources must be directed away from client-facing development, and toward the organization itself, and that can be a tough challenge to overcome.

There are real benefits to investing in internal tools and platforms, of course. For one thing, it can create a more efficient workflow that allows for greater collaboration between developers, helping to build a deeper understanding of the software development process because these platforms are tailor-made to the needs of a specific company. Perhaps most importantly, though, developing internal tools can give medium-sized companies a competitive edge, allowing for better efficiency in the software development process through the use of more effective and all-encompassing tools. 

“If you’re a software development company, chances are you’ve considered developing your own internal tools and platforms. And there’s a good reason for that; doing so can be game-changing”, says Luis Aburto, CEO, and Founder of Scio. “For starters, developing for self-service allows you to optimize specifically for your company’s needs, meaning they’ll be more efficient and effective than any off-the-shelf solution. And by controlling the development process from start to finish, you can ensure that your tools have the flexibility necessary for more and more complex operations. Having proprietary tools and platforms gives any company a competitive edge.” 

Coming back around, this is why platform engineering will be one of the most important trends of 2023. The process of creating an internal foundation upon which other applications can be built, is conceptualized as a sort of “glue” that binds every element of the development cycle. This can help many organizations to streamline their tools and frameworks, automatizing plenty of tasks that can increase the workload necessary to bring a SaaS application to life. This relatively new field is only now beginning to gain recognition, but it’s expected to become one of the most essential engineering disciplines in the years to come. 

And as the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for platform-based applications will only continue to grow, with internal tools and platforms enabling software development companies to boost their efficiency, saving time and money, and improving the quality of their products. However, to meet this demand, engineers will need to be familiar with platform engineering principles, and those who can master this discipline will be very valued members of a team in the years to come.

Building a platform with the best talent

With all of this in mind, why don’t more software development companies focus on internal tooling? There are a few reasons. First, it’s often seen as a low priority compared to client work, especially for medium or smaller-sized organizations with a more limited pool of resources. And second, it can be expensive and time-consuming to develop these tools, further straining a development team. But in 2023, overcoming these obstacles can be the difference between success and failure for a company.

The biggest challenge, then, is building a great platform engineering team that can bring these tools to reality. This year will not only see platform engineering as a critical approach for most software development companies, but the talent necessary to bring these kinds of applications will be in huge demand, with a strong engineering team becoming essential to develop high-quality products. However, it’s not always easy to find talented engineers who are also a good fit for your culture and values, which is why Nearshore augmentation holds an answer for a company wanting to remain competitive in the face of this new reality.

“More than ever, having developers at your disposal with a DevOps background will be critical to building a proper platform engineering team that could change the way your company approaches development”, continues Luis. “And Nearshore partnerships are a great way to access the kind of talent pool you need to bring this vision to life. Latin America has an amazing array of experienced and talented developers that companies of all sizes, or even a start-up, can harness to success.”

So, if you’re looking to build a platform engineering team, partnering with a Nearshore company is the best way to do it. With a Nearshore partner, you’ll get access to top talent, be able to scale quickly, and maintain the kind of communication necessary to bring these kinds of projects to fruition. Choosing a self-service approach is a choice that has virtually no downsides for a company looking to keep ahead of the curve in the current technology landscape and bringing developers with talent and communication skills to your team is always the smart path to follow. As a result, you’ll be able to build a world-class platform engineering team that can help take your business to the next level.

The Key Takeaways

  • The software industry is increasingly moving towards more complex development environments, thanks to the rise of technologies such as cloud platforms.
  • The number of resources needed to effectively work in this environment may not be too much for a big company, but for a smaller organization, it can be a challenge to overcome.
  • Among other things, this is why platform engineering and a self-service approach will keep growing in popularity in the coming year, popularizing the development of internal tools.
  • However, this will also increase the number of experienced developers needed to bring these platforms to fruition, and a Nearshore partnership can be the answer to reach these goals.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Passive Candidates: The biggest recruiting trend of 2023

Passive Candidates: The biggest recruiting trend of 2023

by | Nov 3, 2022 | Software Development, Workspace

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

It’s no secret that the software industry is already very competitive in getting the best talent out there, which means employers have to work hard to attract the best and brightest. There’s no shortage of strategies to catch the attention of those developers and engineers looking for a new opportunity (from recruiting HR firms that specialize in the tech industry, to software events and meetups), but in 2023, the challenge of bringing the people you need for your company will probably be bigger than ever.

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But why is that? Well, for starters, the current tech job market is kind of a mess. The industry is plagued by some unprecedented instability thanks to several factors, ranging from the disruptions caused by the still ongoing pandemic to the geopolitical situation of many important regions of the world to bets in big technological projects, like cryptocurrencies and the Metaverse, not panning out as planned. The result is that the tech industry, as a whole, is currently going through a downturn that is causing layoffs, hiring freezes, and diminished budgets that create a climate of uncertainty among tech developers, and these challenges don’t seem to be going away soon. 

So, thanks to uncharacteristically tough times in the tech industry, and the current state of its job market, finding qualified talent can become harder than ever before. These conditions have marked the rise of a unique trend in talent recruitment that will pose a challenge for any tech organization down the line:  the passive candidate, or the people not looking for a new job but who would be willing to move elsewhere if it looks like the right opportunity.

The importance of this segment for the tech industry cannot be overstated. While many recruiters focus their efforts on active candidates, meaning those who are actively searching for new employment through the usual channels, passive candidates can often be a hidden talent pool encompassing over 79% of working professionals. And reaching them is no easy task, especially for medium-sized organizations that might have a harder time competing recruiting-wise. Sure, online tools such as LinkedIn and Google to search for qualified individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities can be a good start. Personal connections and networking can also be used to reach out to potential passive candidates, but it’s important to understand that the current job landscape means that it’s very unlikely for a candidate to consider leaving a position.

Today, the search for stability trumps any other consideration for a software developer. 2023 is not going to be about career growth, the opportunity to work in new and exciting tech, or whatever benefits and perks a company can offer, but rather keeping a job at all. From the passive candidate’s perspective, is easy to sum it up as “the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t”, and situations like Meta rescinding job offers, Twitter laying off 75% of its workforce after Musk’s buyout, the continued collapse of many cryptocurrency ventures, Oracle cutting jobs in their cloud division, and more, make it easy to see why changing jobs is not an attractive option right now. But what alternatives are there to successfully reach a pool of talent that could make a difference for any project?

The run for passive candidates

Passive Candidates The biggest recruiting trend of 2023 2

To reach these potential candidates, you need to think outside the box and use creative recruiting methods. The key is getting your message in front of as many qualified individuals as possible, including attending industry events, searching online for candidate profiles, or even reaching out to personal contacts. The challenge, however, is that you are not the only one running this race, so ensuring that your company is at the top of mind for the best and brightest in the software industry sometimes needs creativity to reach the people you want:

“Census data shows, for example, that the majority of people who took a new job last year weren’t searching for one: Somebody came and got them”, said the analysis by the Harvard Business Review. “Companies seek to fill their recruiting funnel with as many candidates as possible, especially ‘passive candidates’ who aren’t looking to move. Often employers advertise jobs that don’t exist, hoping to find people who might be useful later on or in a different context.”

After all, there’s a reason why the saying “the best software developers are already employed” is so popular. Those whose talents are critical to an organization are likely to already be comfortable in their positions, especially when the industry is not as stable as it used to be. Usually, these people tend to be open to opportunities, but that might not seem like the case anymore, especially if you are a start-up or a medium-sized company. So how can you find these hidden gems? The answer is simple: you need to go where they are.

And we don’t mean spending time on popular coding forums and websites, participating in online chatrooms, or attending industry events. It takes effort to find passive candidates, but this is true only if you look at your local prospects, which are often the hardest to convince, and the unstable tech market of 2023 will mean that the resources you can commit to this task might be too much. However, building a dream team of top-notch software developers is not out of reach for those medium-sized organizations that might not be interested in passive candidate competence, with a solution virtually next door.

Top talent in Nearshore

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If passive candidates are proving elusive and hard to reach, what could be an alternative to it? Well, if you’re looking for top-notch development talent with a very specific set of skills and experiences, you might want to consider partnering with a Nearshore organization like Scio, that not only aims for the best software development in Mexico, but can help you close the gaps between the people you need, and the limited pool of talent you want. Here are a few reasons why:

  • You’ll have access to a larger pool of potential candidates. When you partner with a Nearshore software company, you’re not just limited to the talent in your immediate vicinity; you can tap into a much larger pool of qualified candidates, making it more likely that you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.
  • You’ll save time and money on recruiting. If you try to recruit development talent on your own, you’ll likely have to invest a lot of time and money into the process and doubly so for passive candidates. When you partner with a Nearshore software company, they can handle the recruiting for you, making the process much more efficient and cost-effective.
  • You can take advantage of flexible staffing options. Nearshore software companies typically offer more flexible staffing options than their offshore counterparts, meaning that you can scale up or down as needed, without being locked into a long-term contract.

Overall, partnering with a Nearshore software company is an ideal way to find top-notch development talent. With access to a larger pool of candidates, lower recruiting costs, and flexible staffing options, it’s easy to see why more and more businesses are making the switch, so it may not make sense to spend valuable time and resources pursuing passive candidates who probably wouldn’t want to leave a job they’re content with. The top-notch talent that the rest of the industry is fighting to get is just there, your company might only need the right partner to enhance your team in just the right way.

The Key Takeaways

  • 2023 is going to be a tough year for the tech industry, and recruitment will become more and more competitive.
  • One of the biggest trends for 2023 is the rise of the “passive candidate”, who is not actively seeking a new job, but seems to be open to opportunities.
  • However, the unique situation of 2023 means that these candidates will be harder to reach and convince, as stability is a #1 concern, and changing jobs goes against that.
  • So, for a medium-sized company or a start-up, finding the right talent locally might be a big challenge to overcome.
  • This is why Nearshore talent recruitment can be such a good solution, offering a pool of talent that can go toe to toe with your local candidates, but with the cost-effectiveness and flexibility you want.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Hiring a software development team?: Red flags to watch out for when working Nearshore

Hiring a software development team?: Red flags to watch out for when working Nearshore

by | Oct 6, 2022 | Nearshore, Outsourced Engineering Team

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Opting to collaborate with a Nearshore development team is always a great idea, allowing your organization to reach a talented pool of developers within the same time zone, and whose expertise is ready to help you reach your best possible outcome without sacrificing communication or compromising quality in any way. Latin America, for example, boasts some of the more skilled and knowledgeable developers in the world, so for any US-based company that wants to augment their dev teams, a Nearshore is the best solution.

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However, how to make sure you are choosing the best company to work with? Are there any red flags that your organization should watch out for before making a decision that will make or break your project? As it happens, when you’re looking to hire a software development company, there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of, in order to guarantee that you are choosing the correct Nearshore company or team to collaborate with. So, when approaching a potential partner, ask yourself…

1. What does their online presence look like?

It’s no secret that first impressions are important; when you meet someone for the first time, you form an impression of them based on their appearance, their demeanor, and the way they carry themselves. The same is true for businesses. 

 When you’re considering working with any development company, one of the first things you’ll do is research them online. Their website, their social media presence, and the way they communicate with potential clients all play a role in shaping your opinion of them. And in today’s competitive market, it’s more important than ever for software development companies to make a good impression online. A well-designed website and active social media accounts show that a company is modern, relevant, and engaged with its potential clients, as well as showing that the company is serious about its business and that it has the resources to invest in its online presence. By contrast, a company with a poorly designed website or no social media presence sends the message that, at best, it’s out of touch with the realities of modern businesses. First impressions still matter, so always be wary of any company that doesn’t seem to care about their online look.

2. Other people’s opinions are always useful

If you’re thinking about hiring an external development team, it’s always a good idea to get some input from other people. After all, you want to make sure that you’re making the best possible decision, and there are a few different ways to go about this. You can ask people you know who have used Nearshore software development companies in the past for their recommendations or read online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of what other people’s experiences have been like. You can even reach out to the companies themselves and ask for references. By taking the time to do your research, you’ll be much more likely to end up working with a company that’s a good fit for your needs.

3. Look closely at their business processes

Going Nearshore is a big decision. You want to find a company that will be able to meet your needs and deliver on its promises, so pay attention to these warning signs and you’ll be more likely to hire a great software development company. With a clear understanding of what you’re getting offered, you can feel confident that you’re making the best choice for your business:

  • Fixed-bid pricing. With an external software development company, there are a few different pricing models to consider. One of the most popular options is fixed bid pricing. This model means that the company quotes a single price for the entire project, regardless of how long it actually takes to complete, which may seem like a good deal at first glance but has some potential drawbacks to be aware of. First of all, fixed bid pricing can incentivize companies to lowball their initial quote in order to win your business, and as a result, you may end up paying more in the long run as the company tries to make up for their mistake. Additionally, fixed bid pricing can lead to scope creep when a company tries to add extra features or requirements that were not originally included in the project, leading to higher costs and delays. In general, it’s best to avoid fixed bid pricing when choosing a software development partner, instead negotiating an hourly, monthly, or even yearly rate so that you can be sure you’re getting what you pay for.

  • Suspicious estimates. Accurate estimates are important. A good estimate will give you a realistic idea of what to expect in terms of cost, timeline, and scope. It will also help you identify any potential risks during development, so this information is essential in making an informed decision. Therefore, when you’re talking to a potential software development company, be sure to ask lots of questions about their process and their experience; if they can’t give you straight answers, that’s another red flag, and too good to be true estimates are cause for concern, as they often lead to cost overruns and schedule delays. When reviewing estimates, always ask for clarification if anything seems unrealistic.

  • Unclear (or absent) feedback loops. Software development is a complex and error-prone process. Even with the best planning and management, things can go wrong, which is why a feedback loop is an important part of any development process, and critical when working with an external team. Without a clear feedback loop in place, it can be difficult to manage expectations, track progress, and identify potential problems. In addition, a feedback loop helps to create a sense of accountability and ensures that issues are addressed promptly. As a result, taking the time to establish a clear feedback loop process with your external partner is always worth the investment, and if the company doesn’t have a clear and established process to receive and implement it into the project, a negative outcome is all but guaranteed at the end.

Nearshore the right way

Nearshore the right way

“In Nearshore development, working with the right company is essential to guarantee the best outcome. The collaboration and communication between the client and the development team are critical, as well as the skills and expertise to meet your specific needs”, explains Luis Aburto, CEO and Co-Founder of Scio. “In addition, the right Nearshore development company will have a deep understanding of the local market, which is essential for success. With the right partner, you can be confident that your development project will always reach your goals.”

So, when it comes to Nearshore software development, working with the right partner ensures a successful outcome if you look for the right “green flags” that a good Nearshore development company offers, guaranteeing the best result:

  • First, collaboration is key. A good partner should work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and then develop a customized plan to ensure that those needs are met. Collaboration ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the final product meets your expectations.
  • Second, communication is key. The right company will keep you up to date on the project’s progress and address any concerns you may have along the way, understanding that effective communication is essential to maintaining a good working relationship.
  • Finally, skill is key. A Nearshore company looking to improve your project will have a team of skilled professionals who are experts in their field. They’ll be able to handle every aspect of the project, from start to finish, ensuring a high-quality final product.

In short, while there is no definitive answer to choosing the right software development partner, due diligence and being wary of companies that make unrealistic promises, seem unprofessional or secretive, or do not have a good reputation in the industry is still the best strategy. By keeping an eye out for these warning signs, you can find the right partner to help you achieve your business goals, choosing a company that has the experience, communicates effectively, and has the best-skilled professionals. Doing so will always guarantee the best outcome for your project.

The Key Takeaways

  • Nearshore augmentation is the best solution if you want to ensure your project has all the talent, skill, and collaboration necessary to make it a success.
  • There are many options out there, so knowing how to look for red flags when choosing a partner is critical to ensure success.
  • Among those red flags, getting unrealistic promises, unclear business practices and a lacking online presence are always indicators of a dubious partner in development.
  • On the other hand, a transparent company with clear communication and collaboration processes like the ones Scio offers can guarantee a smooth development experience, and thus, the positive outcome your organization is seeking.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Employer of Record or Nearshore teams: Are all remote hire and collaboration models equal?

Employer of Record or Nearshore teams: Are all remote hire and collaboration models equal?

by | Oct 4, 2022 | Nearshore, Software Development

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Finding the best talent can be challenging for businesses in the software development industry. We live in a time of fierce competition for experienced developers everywhere, and many companies are opting to look outside their own country for the skills they need. And with so many alternatives to connect with talented developers to choose from (like a Nearshore partnership or an Employer of Record), how can you be sure you’re making the right decision? First, a few things to consider while looking for the best remote talent:

Employer-of-Record-or-Nearshore-teams-What-do-you-need-icono

Selecting the best for you

  • First, think of your company’s needs. What kind of software development do you need? Do you need someone with experience in a specific programming language or platform? If you have a good understanding of this, you can start to narrow down your search.
  • Although cost is an important consideration, the quality of the work will make a difference, so going for the cheaper option might not always be advisable, especially with the type of expertise required to develop complex software products that might need a trustworthy team behind it.
  • And finally, don’t forget to factor in language barriers. Unless you’re looking for talent in a country where English is widely spoken, you’ll want to make sure the developers you’re considering are fluent in the language your company uses and ease up communication between everyone.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best talent for your software development needs, with a few options out there that are important to understand. For example, you might see the term “Employer of Record” (EOR), alongside alternatives like offshore outsourcing, or Nearshore augmentation. So, if this is your first time giving it a go working with an outside team, then knowing what to expect and how to approach each of these options is the best course of action for you, so let’s break down what they offer you and what advantages you might get with either approach. 

What kind of team do you need to set up?

The Toyota Production System in software development Lean, Agile, and Effective. 3

Any company in the business of developing software knows that having talented developers on staff is crucial to success, which is why many companies choose to tap into a global pool of talent. Developers from different parts of the world can bring a unique perspective to the table, which can help create better products and can help to foster a sense of diversity and inclusion. This, in turn, can make the workplace more creative and innovative.

 Employers of Record (EOR) and Nearshore Development Companies are both business models that provide foreign companies with the ability to hire employees in another country, with a few key differences between the two. On one hand, an Employer of Record provides various employment-related services to client companies which can include payroll, benefits administration, workers’ compensation, and compliance with employment laws, typically working with companies that do not have their own human resources departments or that outsource their HR functions. An EOR is responsible for hiring, onboarding, and paying employees on behalf of a client, and this type of arrangement is often used when a company wants to hire employees in a country where they don’t have an established presence.

By working with an EOR, companies can save time and money on HR-related tasks, as well as help companies navigate the complex world of employment law, especially in different countries where these practices might look very different. For these reasons, EORs are an increasingly popular solution for companies looking to outsource their HR functions.

A Nearshore augmentation option, on the other hand, refers to a group of software developers who work close to their clients, typically in the same country or region, in an arrangement that offers several benefits, including improved communication, faster turnaround times, and a deeper understanding of the client’s needs. Nearshore development teams are often used for complex projects that require close collaboration between developers and clients, taking advantage of time zone differences and tapping into a talent pool that may be difficult to access otherwise.

“One of the best things about working with a Nearshore team is the chance to build strong relationships with other professionals”, explains Luis Aburto, CEO, and Co-Founder of Scio. “Unlike working with an offshore team, you’re much more likely to have regular face-to-face interactions with your colleagues, giving you the chance to get to know them as people, rather than just co-workers. As a result, you’re more likely to develop a strong sense of trust and camaraderie.”

Expertise matters

The Toyota Production System in software development Lean, Agile, and Effective.

In other words, EORs typically handle all payroll and compliance-related matters for their clients, whereas Nearshore teams focus primarily on developing software, and thus, have vastly different scopes and objectives when considered on their own. An EOR typically acts like the middleman between a company and the talent pool in another territory, locating employees to work for your organization, and taking care of everything on the more legal side. Beyond that, things like career paths, growth, and training are still the responsibility of the company hiring these services.

A Nearshore company, however, is more like a partner, whose expertise and roster of developers and engineers are ready to integrate with your project, understand it from top to bottom, ready to share knowledge to arrive at the best solution possible for any challenging product development. And this comes from the experience and growth that we share as part of our organization’s culture, offering the people with the perfect skill set from the get-go to join your team right away.

“Any software development project comes with a certain amount of risk. There’s always the chance that something will go wrong, or that the finished product won’t meet the client’s expectations. That’s why it’s so important to seek out experienced people who can help to minimize the risk and ensure a successful outcome”, says Adolfo Cruz, Partner and PMO at Scio. “Seasoned developers have seen it all before, and they know how to anticipate and avoid a problem and have a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise that can be vital in ensuring the success of any project. And more importantly, they also know how to communicate with other members of the development team and can provide valuable insights throughout the project.” 

In that sense, looking for a Nearshore partner that not only is close enough geographically to ensure synchronization and easy collaboration between teams, but also can offer tailor-made teams for every challenge of your product development is the best option to choose. This is more difficult to achieve when setting up a remote office through an Employer of Record, whose advantages lie in creating branches or new offices overseas, but still require bringing a team up to speed in matters of preparation and skill sets. Ultimately, the right partner for your business will depend on your specific needs and goals. But by understanding the difference between these two types of providers, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

The Key Takeaways

  • Working with remote talent is becoming the better option these days, and you should always have your organization’s needs as a priority.
  • Among all the options, Employers of Record and Nearshore development companies are some of the most popular, and they have key differences.
  • An EOR lets you set up a remote team and take care of the HR side of things, making it easy to navigate the compliance rules of another country.
  • While a Nearshore partnership offers developers and engineers ready to join and collaborate with a project, ready to offer experience from the get-go.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!