Finding the ideal partner for software development is an important step for your business. A reliable partner can help you create a software solution that meets your specific needs, supports your business growth and professional goals, improves the performance of your current system, and introduces you to new technologies and ways of working.
Last updated
24. July 2023.
In this article, we highlight six key criteria to help you choose the right partner for developing your business software. Whether you’re a small startup or a larger company, we’ll guide you toward making the best decision for your business.
The first step in finding the ideal partner for software development is thorough research to identify companies with experience in the area you need.
It’s essential to explore different relevant companies, review their portfolios, and read testimonials from previous clients.
By examining their portfolio, you can get familiar with the types of projects they’ve delivered and assess whether they have the knowledge and skills needed for your specific project. Also, check reviews that highlight the company’s service quality, expertise, experience, and reputation. If you have the time, ask the potential partner to provide contacts of current or past clients so you can learn more about what it’s like to work with them.
When pressed for time, it’s common to rely on colleagues’ recommendations and their previous experiences. However, keep in mind that every business has unique needs and specifics. That’s why you shouldn’t skip the research phase—it can help you find a partner whose approach and expertise bring long-term value to your business.
A strong business relationship relies not only on expertise but also on a good cultural fit. To ensure successful collaboration, it’s important to assess the company culture of your potential software development partner.
Company culture reflects a company’s values, principles, and goals—it’s the “personality” of the organization.
To better understand how a company operates, ask for an introductory meeting with several team members—not just the sales representatives. Whether you meet in person or remotely, pay attention to the team’s dedication, attention to detail, and passion for their work. Ideally, you want a team whose professional and ethical values align with yours.
Once you’ve evaluated a company’s technical know-how, the next step is to understand how they manage projects. A technically strong company might still lack experienced project leadership—someone to ensure everything runs on time, within budget, and according to plan. Often, what separates a good development partner from a great one is their ability to deliver both quality and speed. Efficient project management requires the right tools and workflows that help avoid delays and keep everything on track.
Clear, consistent communication is the cornerstone of any successful business partnership.
When evaluating a company’s project management approach, be sure to consider how communication is handled. Ideally, there should be a dedicated professional, such as a project manager, who serves as your main point of contact throughout the project and is readily available to address any questions or concerns. If you’re partnering with a company from another country, make sure that there are no language barriers that could interfere with the workflow or cause misunderstandings.
In most cases, initial meetings are held with sales managers or account teams.
However, speaking directly with the developers can offer valuable insight into whether the company can truly deliver on what’s been promised.
While sales representatives may be familiar with the developers’ skills and experience, they might not fully understand the technical nuances of their work. Do they really grasp how different software systems function—or which solution would best support your business goals? Only the developers responsible for your final product can provide clear answers to those questions. If possible, arrange a direct conversation with them to get a feel for their working style and to evaluate whether the team is the right fit for your project.
Price is undoubtedly an important factor when choosing a software development partner—but it shouldn’t be the deciding one. If someone offers significantly lower rates, it may come at the expense of quality. In the end, a poorly built solution can cost you more—what you save upfront might later be spent fixing or even rebuilding the product entirely.
Of course, you should stay within your budget, but keep in mind that the key drivers of project success are the team’s expertise, dedication to your product, and consistent, timely communication.
In partnerships between large companies, security matters are usually left to legal teams to define and handle. However, if your business is still growing, we strongly recommend addressing security protocols during the negotiation process.
An ideal development partner will be transparent about their security practices and able to clearly explain:
Make sure to verify whether the company holds certifications and accreditations that demonstrate compliance with strict data security standards.
If you’re ready to take the next step in developing your custom software solution, Cubes is the right place for you. We offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of your business. Our dedicated team is committed to creating innovative solutions that will keep you competitive and help you reach your long-term business objectives.
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