Build a Software Development Team Without Renting an Office

 

It’s not an easy feat to build dedicated development team especially if you are not sure how many and what kind of specialists you want. This is a challenge that many companies face especially when they want to hire a developer or are working with an offshore software development company.

IT outsourcing is slowly becoming a popular approach amongst IT companies whose software are built by a team of remote dedicated developers.

 

We have been receiving multiple questions on how to start a software company and how to create software. However, for purposes of laying the foundation, this article shall cover the different models for building software development teams and the challenges while at it.

Different Methodologies for Building a Software Development Company

In-house Software Development Team

This involves recruiting and nurturing a permanently employed team to work for you. One of the best things about an in-house team is the fact that they have a clear vision of the company as they are engaged in the daily running of the company. However, it may prove to be costly especially for startups that normally face limited funds with many competing priorities.

Freelancer Software Developers

As opposed to working for a single company, freelance software developers work on contract basis for multiple clients and companies. A company can utilize freelance software developers if they have projects that don’t necessarily run throughout.

Outsourcing

Outsourced software developers typically operate on a project-based model meaning the client may entrust them with particular projects from A to Z. however, the client would rarely access the development team personally and they usually handle multiple projects at a go.

Out-staffing

As earlier indicated, creating a successful dynamic software development cutting across all the departments in a company can be hard. This can even prove harder when the company happens to be in the infancy stages and looking for custom software development services.

However, out-staffing can help overcome these thin ices. It’s when a company decides to hire dedicated developers and assigning them tasks but retaining control of the end product quality.

Such a dedicated team is particularly important as the out-staffing suppliers are very particular about the experience and skill level of the individuals they hire on a company’s behalf.

For purposes of this article, save for the in-house team, all the other models can be utilized in building a team without an office.

Challenges when Building a Software Development Team

Communication

Large software projects can be extremely complicated. This is because most projects usually get intertwined as the project progresses which may bring about constipation. It’s for this reason that the team should fully comprehend all the nuts and bolts of the project to fulfill the intended requirements.

Constant communication between the client and developer prevents developers from drifting towards their individual interpretations. It also allows for more information producing what is required of them.

Inadequate Time

A software development engineer is constantly under pressure to strike a delicate balance of managing technical debts and the development features of a project before the deadline. This exerts pressure on them which may see them forego some features to meet these timeframes.

This may lead to the company losing the credibility and trust from the client’s side. Any good project manager shouldn’t accommodate such sidestepping. Additionally, apportioning adequate time and providing good support system helps the team cope with these issues respectively.

Unfamiliar Technological Tools and Techniques

Large projects with sophisticated workloads require the use of atypical software development methodologies, tools, and unfamiliar technologies. Such projects may call for specific talents and skills in working with such tools and technologies or risk smooth working progress.

Instead of only investing in staff augmentation, IT staffing companies should also invest in exposing their teams to new technologies to keep up with the client’s demands. Needless to say, individual developers should also try and develop their skills on a personal level. Here is a typical list of tools any in-house team or offshore software development company regularly use.

Inadequate Funding

Limited resources and funds are some of the factors that can play a big role in crippling any project. This is because developers may be forced to overlook important aspects to limit spending.

To successfully build dedicated development team, companies should support their teams with the essential infrastructure and resources.

A lot has been written and said about how to hire a developer and the best model. However, amongst the models that allow you to build a team without an office, we are convinced that outstaffing is one the best models.

Employers can assemble world-class professionals without having to go through the vast legal entity, taxation, and insurance.

Outstaffing also gives the employers the flexibility to trim the number of developers basing on the scope and magnitude of their projects.

Allows for safe and efficient identification of professionals in line with the project’s demands.

The expenses can be reduced given the employer is able to control the number of employees they need.

As the employ, you have full control of the bearing your project should take which means you can always influence the flow of your project.

Conclusion

There is no eureka model on how to run a software company or what’s the best model to use to hire software developers. However, there are a few models which present more advantages over others. As a startup company facing the dilemma of how to run a software company or hire professionals, there are many factors that may influence your decision such as the budget, timeline and the company culture.

Some companies that believe in having an in-house team allows for closer monitoring while others don’t necessarily mind the location as long as their deadlines are met.