Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

After all, IT departments that traditionally don’t do software can face a multitude of challenges when attempting to get an ambitious software project off the ground, and a major one is limited resources and personnel. Having not enough people on the team, for example, could result in a long project with a hit in quality due to the limited oversight that this development process can have, and the department size may limit their knowledge base and expertise, presenting a lot of difficulties when finding solutions to the issues that will arise along the way. And let’s not forget that finding adequate funding can be challenging if budgets are strict. Ultimately, a small IT department needs to be smart when dealing with these sorts of circumstances if they wish to be successful with their goals, and having an exact idea of how much talent will be needed to bring it to fruition is key.

Now, we understand that, for a small IT department, estimating the number of outside developers needed to start a project can be a tricky task, so the best first step is for the existing team to evaluate their own skills and capabilities before bringing in any external resources. Finding the right balance between what they can do themselves, and what they need experts to help with. The trick is to anticipate the technical challenges of a project early on, rather than waiting until there’s an issue that can’t be easily solved in-house. Also, it’s a good idea to have someone in the department with experience overseeing development from external parties, which will streamline both communication and collaboration when managing an external development team. The best way to approach Management to get the necessary support is by evaluating the size and complexity of the project, ensuring you understand its scope to come up with a good plan. That way you will have enough resources on board once you bring an external team on board. In the end, having an effective plan in place will give your small IT department greater peace of mind when it comes to resource and talent estimation.

Consider Nearshore

If a small IT department finds itself in a situation where completing a software project is beyond its capability, hiring an external team is a wise decision. Not only will you benefit from having experienced developers specialized in the technology you need, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your project is being handled by experienced professionals in completing tasks quickly, efficiently, and on budget. What’s more, getting outside help gives smaller teams access to world-class development approaches without having to staff up and purchase expensive software licenses themselves. That’s why outsourcing a project is almost always the course of action for many of these departments.

Small IT teams usually don’t have the manpower or financial capacity to tackle a large-scale project on top of their regular duties, and outsourcing can help them focus on what they do best and provides access to expertise that they might not have in-house. In theory, it also saves time; with an outside team just focusing on the job at hand, it usually takes far less time than an internal team managing everything from start to finish. However, there are some things to have in mind when it comes to outsourcing, so smart budgeting and research are always necessary.

Choosing the wrong partner, for example, can put an organization’s reputation and bottom line at risk, as shoddy programming jeopardizes timescales, data security, and overall cost-effectiveness. Additionally, there’s always a risk of communication breakdowns when dealing with an external team far away, due to various cultural or language barriers you usually find when outsourcing. It’s also important to remember that small departments often lack resources to independently evaluate and verify the quality of code being provided by external vendors to safeguard against substandard work or a cybercrime threat of any kind, and without a dedicated team to support any issues, it can be difficult for small-scale businesses to get necessary updates and troubleshoot problems as they come up. With all these in mind, it would be smart for any IT department considering outsourced software development to extensively research their potential partners before signing on the dotted line.

This is why collaborating with a Nearshore team is often the most sensible choice for a small IT department tasked with getting a big project off the ground. After all, if you have to find the right team and resources to handle the project, and ensure that those same resources make sense and adhere to time constraints, this is where nearshore collaboration shines. By bringing together teams from remote geographical locations within reasonable distances who have a mutual agreement in terms of language, political/legal systems, and time zones. Nearshore allows small IT departments to get global access to experienced talent that will fit any strategy you have in mind, which can be a huge boon for small IT departments looking for a quick and cost-efficient way of taking big projects forward.

“Nearshore development is quickly becoming the most popular choice for businesses seeking assistance with software development without an internal team”, says Rod Aburto, Service Delivery Manager, and Partner, at Scio. “Working with a nearshore partner not only allows businesses to tap into a whole new talent pool of high caliber, who can provide resources not otherwise available, but companies also benefit from working closely with people who bring cultural competency as well as insight into best practices and processes that could potentially streamline and improve their workflow. From faster problem resolution to minimizing communication issues, Nearshore development offers everything you need while saving on costs and providing peace of mind in knowing that tasks are getting done efficiently and effectively.”

Getting the numbers right

So now that you have a Nearshore partner that you trust, how many developers do you need to ask for to get the project started? There are a few baselines that are a good idea to follow, but every development cycle is unique, so you’ll need to discuss with your Nearshore partner flexibility options and their insight to be sure how many people will need to participate. According to this blog, it’s a good idea to start with a team of 3 to 4 developers and 3 to 4 IT specialists, divided into the following roles:

• One full-time Project Manager
• Two full-time developers 
• One full-time backend developer 
• One part-time UX/UI designer 
• One part-time DevOps specialist 
• One part-time QA engineer

In the context of Nearshore, “part-time” developers may simply mean people rotating between projects because their input happens at specific moments of the development cycle, so make sure to talk to your team to discuss all the details necessary to ensure you have the talent you need. Also, remember that this estimation is very basic; considering what kind of environments you will be developing for (desktop vs. mobile, Android vs. iOS), as well as your user base (purely internally used vs. a front-facing customer application) can change these numbers dramatically. Nevertheless, with enough staff flexibility, these issues don’t matter: what matters is starting a development journey that can be a turning point for any business harnessing the power of software and technology to make a change for themselves.

In the case of Scio, home to some of the best developers in Mexico and Latin America, the close cultural ties, its Agile philosophy, and the expertise it offers after two decades of collaboration with US-based companies that needed expertise, they could only find here, the Nearshore choice is always the best one. If you want the most seamless experience as the Head of a small IT department, then this is the opportunity for you. It’s time to make a change and begin a partnership that can only lead to success.

The Key Takeaways

• Implementing new software solutions in business is always a good decision, but for a small IT department, it can present some serious challenges getting it off the ground.
• If the department has constraints in terms of staff and budgeting, developing their own software can be a non-starter; the expertise and skills necessary might not be there.
• Having a good plan is key to ensure any project can take off, and one of the main questions is the number of developers necessary to make an idea into reality.
• Nearshore, for these reasons, might be the best option for an IT department, offering the flexibility necessary to work with all kinds of resources and objectives necessary to reach a positive outcome for everyone involved.

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!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

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

“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!