As the world becomes more mobile-centric, businesses of all sizes are recognizing the importance of having a mobile app to engage their customers and drive revenue growth. However, developing a mobile app in-house can be costly and time-consuming, making outsourcing an attractive option.
In fact, according to a recent report by Statista, the global outsourcing market size for the IT industry is projected to reach US$430.50bn in 2023 and its revenue market volume is expected to be US$1,570.00bn by 2027.
Outsourcing mobile app development can offer numerous benefits to businesses, including reduced development costs, access to specialized skills and expertise, and faster time to market. But, it can also be a daunting task if not approached strategically.
That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to outsource mobile app development in 2023.
So, let’s dive into the world of mobile app development outsourcing and explore how your business can benefit from this trend.
What is mobile app development outsourcing?
Mobile app development outsourcing refers to hiring an external team or agency to handle the development of your mobile application. By doing so, businesses can benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals, access to the latest technology, and a cost-effective solution to developing high-quality mobile applications.
Outsourcing your mobile app development also means you can focus on your core business operations while leaving the technical aspects to the experts. The outsourcing team can handle everything from ideation to design, development, testing, and deployment, ensuring that the final product meets your expectations and the needs of your target audience.
It also allows businesses to take advantage of the global talent pool, breaking free from geographical limitations and hiring from a more extensive range of skilled developers. It can also help to cut down on operational expenses and provide more flexibility to scale up or down as required.
In-house development or Outsourced mobile development team: Which is better?
One of the most crucial decisions a business needs to make regarding mobile app development is whether to develop in-house or outsource the project. Each approach has its pros and cons, and ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for your business.
- In-house development offers more control over the project, allowing for greater customization and more direct communication between team members. It can also help build a company culture of innovation, creativity, and teamwork, and can be an excellent long-term investment for businesses with ongoing app development needs. However, in-house development can also be more expensive, time-consuming, and resource-intensive.
- Outsourcing mobile app development, on the other hand, offers businesses the opportunity to leverage external expertise and resources, reducing the burden on in-house staff and freeing up time for other important business operations. It can also lead to faster development times, lower costs, and access to specialized skills and technology.
- One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing mobile app development is that it allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while leaving the technical aspects of app development to experts. This can help improve productivity and efficiency while reducing costs and improving the quality of the final product.
- Ultimately, the decision to develop in-house or outsource mobile app development will depend on a variety of factors, including budget, timeline, and the skills and expertise of your existing team. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and consider the unique needs of your business before making a final decision.
Reasons to outsource mobile app development in 2023
As we move into 2023, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of mobile apps as a critical component of their digital strategy. Here are some compelling reasons to outsource mobile app development in 2023.
1. Access to a Global Talent Pool
By outsourcing mobile app development, you can take advantage of a global talent pool, giving you access to a more extensive range of skilled developers than you may have in-house. With teams located around the world, outsourcing allows you to work with the best talent, regardless of their location, providing you with a competitive edge in the market.
2. Lower Costs
One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing mobile app development is that it can be cheaper than in-house development. By outsourcing, you can save on the costs of hiring, training, and maintaining a dedicated in-house team, as well as the costs of purchasing expensive software and hardware.
3. Faster Time to Market
Mobile app development outsourcing can also help you get your product to market faster. With dedicated teams focused solely on app development, outsourcing can lead to more efficient project management, faster development times, and quicker time to sell.
4. Access to Specialized Skills and Expertise
Outsourcing mobile app development can also provide you with access to specialized skills and expertise that may not be available in-house. This includes expertise in areas such as UI/UX design, software development, and quality assurance testing, ensuring that your mobile app is of the highest quality.
5. Reduced Risks
Outsourcing your mobile app development can also help to mitigate risks associated with the development process. This includes the risks of project delays, budget overruns, and technical issues. With outsourcing, you can rely on a dedicated team of experts to manage your project from start to finish, reducing the risk of any unexpected issues arising.
What are the risks of outsourcing mobile app development and how to reduce them?
While outsourcing mobile app development offers many benefits, it also comes with some risks.
- One of the main risks of outsourcing mobile app development is that the final product may not meet the desired quality standards. To reduce this risk, it’s essential to set clear quality standards and expectations at the outset and work closely with your outsourcing partner to ensure that they are met.
- Another risk of outsourcing is the potential for communication breakdowns and delays. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to establish clear lines of communication, including regular updates and progress reports, and to maintain a proactive and collaborative approach throughout the development process.
- Data security is another critical concern when outsourcing mobile app development. To protect sensitive business and customer data, it’s crucial to choose a reliable outsourcing partner with a strong track record in data security and to establish clear data security protocols from the outset.
- Finally, outsourcing mobile app development can lead to a loss of control over the development process. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to establish clear project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, and to maintain regular communication with your outsourcing partner throughout the development process.
While outsourcing mobile app development comes with some risks, these can be mitigated by choosing a reliable mobile app development partner, establishing clear communication and expectations, setting quality standards, ensuring data security, and maintaining control over the development process.
By taking these steps, businesses can successfully outsource their mobile app development and enjoy the many benefits it offers.
7 Steps to Outsource Mobile App Development
Outsourcing mobile app development is a cost-effective and efficient way to develop high-quality mobile apps for your business. Here are the steps to follow when outsourcing mobile app development.
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
The first step is to define your mobile app development requirements, including the project scope, timeline, budget, and desired outcomes. This will help you identify the right outsourcing partner who can deliver on your needs.
Step 2: Research Outsourcing Partners
Research and identify potential outsourcing partners that have experience in mobile app development and a strong track record in delivering quality projects. Look for reviews, references, and portfolios to assess their expertise and reliability.
Step 3: Screen and Shortlist Potential Partners
Screen and shortlist potential outsourcing partners based on your requirements and research. Reach out to them with a detailed project brief, and assess their responses, communication, and willingness to work with you.
Step 4: Evaluate Proposals and Select Partner
Evaluate proposals and select the outsourcing partner that best meets your needs based on their expertise, experience, communication, and budget.
Step 5: Establish Clear Communication and Expectations
Establish clear communication and expectations with your outsourcing partner, including project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and communication protocols.
Step 6: Monitor Progress and Quality
Monitor progress and quality throughout the development process, and establish a regular communication cadence to keep track of project updates and milestones.
Step 7: Review and Feedback
Review and provide feedback on the final product, and ensure that it meets your quality standards and requirements.
What does it cost to outsource a mobile app development company?
The cost of outsourcing mobile app development can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the app, the features and functionality required, the development platform, and the location and expertise of the outsourcing partner.
Generally, outsourcing mobile app development to offshore locations can be more cost-effective than outsourcing to onshore locations due to the difference in labor costs and currency exchange rates.
The outsourcing model, such as project-based, time and materials, or dedicated team, can also impact the cost of outsourcing. It’s important to establish a clear budget and requirements upfront and to work with a reliable outsourcing partner to ensure that costs are kept within your budget and expectations are met.
Why is Netweb perfect to be outsourced?
Our team of expert developers has extensive experience in developing mobile apps for different platforms and industries, from iOS apps to Android apps, from healthcare to finance. They use the latest tools and technologies to develop mobile apps that meet the highest quality and functionality standards.
Moreover, we offer flexible outsourcing models, including project-based, time and materials, and dedicated teams, to meet the specific needs of businesses. They work closely with their clients to ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget while meeting the client’s requirements and expectations.
We also offer cost-effective outsourcing solutions, leveraging its offshore location in India and its extensive network of talent. They have a transparent pricing model, with no hidden costs or surprises, providing businesses with peace of mind and financial stability.
With Netweb, businesses can develop a mobile app that meets their requirements and exceeds their expectations, while saving costs and improving speed to market.
