Outsource app development with mobile developers who value your ideas, understand various technologies, and provide a range of mobile application outsourcing services to ensure success. Understand the differences between agencies, freelancers, and destination-based outsourcing.
Discover how to successfully outsource mobile app development while reducing potential risks, and learn how to find a reliable development partner that creates software solutions tailored to business needs and market research using our complete guide to mobile application outsourcing.
Mobile App Development Outsourcing vs. In-House
Understand the outsourcing vs. in-house software development debate to decide whether a business should outsource development to a company or freelancer versus using in-house resources to make the right decisions when handing over innovative ideas to any in-house or outsourced team.
Benefits of Mobile App Development Outsourcing
Outsource app development to trusted outsourcing agencies to reap the benefits, including gaining access to global talent, being able to use diverse skills, and saving money and time in the process.
- Access to a Global Talent Pool
A talent shortage survey shows that 74% of global businesses battle to recruit the right talent, with 76% of IT companies struggling to find the right developers. Outsource app development to gain access to a global talent pool, allowing businesses to source a skilled development team to fill those gaps.
- Specialised App Developers
Outsource mobile app development to gain access to specialised mobile app developers when requiring the services of machine learning app development or IoT development. Some specialised developers can provide access to technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
- Dynamic Skill and Expertise
The right app development outsourcing company can help clients create an app development team with diverse skills and expertise, understanding a broad range of technologies to deliver the ideal app. Outsourcing to a dynamic team streamlines native, hybrid, and cross-platform development projects.
- Rapid App Development Process
Mobile app development outsourcing saves time by having a diverse software development team working on projects, enabling a quicker development process. Outsource app development to reduce the development time using the right resources, and stop wasting time recruiting and training staff.
- Team Scalability and Flexibility
Outsource app development to scale an internal development team as projects require additional resources. Partner with a software development agency that offers flexible outsourcing models. For example, clients can use staff augmentation services to scale and adapt internal teams as necessary.
- Risk Mitigation and Management
A reliable and certified app development agency uses various software testing methodologies and a well-structured development process to reduce risks. An ISO-certified app development agency also implements cybersecurity best practices and streamlines data privacy to follow GDPR standards.
- Robust Security and Quality Assurance
Outsourcing mobile app development to a trusted company ensures robust security and high-quality application development. Mobile developers from a reliable app development company use various software testing methodologies to provide quality assurance and secure data storage and sharing.
- Uninterrupted Focus on Core Business Activities
Leverage an uninterrupted ability to focus on core business activities with app development outsourcing. Deloitte’s outsourcing and shared services survey reveals that 65% of businesses that outsource app development claim to have more time to focus on regular business operations.
Mobile App Development Outsourcing Challenges
Outsourcing IT services pros and cons exist, and many of the challenges result from choosing the wrong outsourcing model or working with an unreliable team. Onshore, nearshore, and certified mobile app development agencies automatically reduce these risks.
- Data Leaks and Breaches
A risk of outsourcing app development to a software development company without foundational contracts and agreements is that mobile developers from that agency could cause sensitive data leaks. Choose an outsourcing partner with ISO 27001 certifications to avoid sensitive data breaches.
- Communication Barriers
Mobile development outsourcing to an app development company in a different region can cause project delays or miscommunications because the software development team’s native language may not be the same. Communication barriers are more prevalent with offshore app development.
- Time Zone Differences
Offshore mobile app development outsourcing may present further challenges with communication and collaboration because of the app development team being on another continent. Choosing the wrong outsourcing model results in time zone differences with developers working outside of business hours.
- Cultural Differences
Another challenge for companies trying to outsource app development to an offshore or nearshore software development agency is the cultural differences, whether working with remote offshore mobile app developers or augmenting an in-house team. Typical cultural nuances could present an issue.
How to Reduce Mobile App Development Outsourcing Risks
Businesses can reduce the risk of application development outsourcing with a few additional tips:
- Request a money-back guarantee or quality assurance contract for mobile app development.
- Discuss trial phases with client-side management with the app development company.
- Key the code to a client-side repository to retain the code on the business end immediately.
- Avoid paying large sums of money upfront without signing contracts and agreeing to terms.
- Hire developers closer to match the culture, time zone, and business hours.
- Select an outsourcing partner with ISO certifications and certified app developers.
- Outsource to MVP development company services to test the app idea first.
Benefits of In-House Mobile App Development
Having an in-house mobile app development team has some advantages of mobile application development outsourcing because an in-house team understands your business, has boots on the ground, and respects the company policies and security on a more personal level.
- Maintain Full Control of the Development Team
Learning how to manage a software development team seems daunting. However, recruiting an in-house team allows business leaders to maintain full control over the mobile app development team throughout projects. In-house development ensures oversight to align the product with internal goals.
- Implement Close Collaboration
Using an in-house mobile app development team also streamlines management, communication, and collaboration throughout the software development process, regardless of whether businesses use Agile, DevOps, or Waterfall management models during a mobile app development project.
- Assured Confidentiality and Security
An in-house software development team respects the confidentiality of sensitive information and values security because they aren’t hit-and-run programmers like unreliable freelancers who don’t have to face the consequences of failed development. Instead, they are bound by employment contracts.
In-House Mobile App Development Challenges
In-house development has some disadvantages when compared to reliable app outsourcing companies. Mobile development outsourcing can help clients overcome the potential challenges of internal developers. Discover what makes an in-house team of developers unattractive.
- High Development Cost
In-house developers cost more than an offshore mobile app development team because businesses spend money recruiting and training candidates, buying hardware like laptops or desktops, paying monthly salaries indefinitely, and supplying mandatory employee benefits like pensions.
- Limited Technical Expertise
An app development agency provides a diverse range of skills and expertise, while an in-house development team has limited knowledge related to different technologies, frameworks, and libraries. How can businesses build cross-platform apps with iOS developers who only understand Swift?
- Reduced Scalability
Outsourcing companies allow organisations to scale teams as projects need more or fewer app developers, skill sets, and specialists to conduct a business analysis. Unfortunately, internal resources aren’t as flexible or scalable as the recruitment and training processes are long, daunting, and costly.
In-House vs. Outsource App Development Cost
Mobile app development agencies provide an affordable solution for businesses creating a new app. The cost of outsourcing app development is cheaper than paying monthly salaries, buying hardware, and offering long-term benefits to internal staff, and let’s not forget the costly recruitment process.
Here’s a breakdown of typical rates for application development team members in the UK:
- Business analysts earn £17.95 to £32.31 per hour
- Project managers earn £19.17 to £33.35 per hour
- UI/UX designers earn £19.23 to £35.90 per hour
- Android developers earn £20.51 to £38.46 per hour
- iOS developers earn £20.51 to £37.18 per hour
- Hybrid software developers earn £20.51 to £35.90 per hour
- QA specialists earn £19.23 to £32.05 per hour
Often, nearshore and offshore outsourcing costs even less but comes with added risk. Regional price brackets depend on seniority and expertise, but here are some typical rates by popular region:
- Asia: Mobile engineers in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh earn £15-£40 per hour.
- Africa: Mobile programmers in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria earn £15-£40 per hour.
- South America: App engineers in Brazil and Argentina earn £20-£50 per hour.
- Eastern Europe: Developers in Poland, Ukraine, and Romania earn £20-£70 per hour.
- Western Europe: App programmers in the UK, Germany, and France earn £20-£80 per hour.
- North America: Mobile engineers in the US and Canada earn £70-£120 per hour.
Mobile App Outsourcing Companies vs. Freelance Developers
Finally, should businesses outsource app development to agencies or freelancers? Discover our freelance outsourcing developers and reliable agency comparison to make informed decisions about which outsourcing model would better suit the mobile development project.
Outsourcing Mobile App Development to Freelancers
Freelance developers typically have a niche in which they excel, but their skills can be limited. Some freelancers also offer teamwork with other freelance analysts, project managers, and QA engineers, providing cost-effective solutions for simple mobile application development outsourcing.
Here are potential risks and challenges associated with freelance mobile application outsourcing:
- An inability to effectively manage projects.
- Skills gaps that may miss the mark of a business app idea.
- Often provide no contract or agreement to protect the project details.
- May work outside of business hours or in a different time zone.
- Lower “outsource app development cost” may result in lower app quality.
- A lack of accountability or commitment and poor communication.
Mobile App Development Outsourcing Companies
Outsource app development successfully to potential outsourcing partners at trusted agencies to ensure the best collaboration in a seamless development process. Properly vet each company to ensure the agency and team can meet business expectations and consumer demands while reducing risks.
However, vet potential outsourcing agencies with business review websites like Clutch or GoodFirms to choose offshore or nearshore companies based on honest customer reviews. Alternatively, vet companies by visiting their case studies or past clients for insights into their development capabilities.
How to Outsource Mobile App Development Successfully
Outsource app development securely and efficiently with our step-by-step guide, ensuring minimal business risk, scalable solutions, and application success. Present your app idea comprehensively, assist in defining the requirements, and collaborate seamlessly with the right agency.
1. Define App Development Goals
Start by defining the project’s goals to ensure the app development outsourcing company understands the business needs for software development from the beginning, whether clients need Android app outsourcing, iOS development, or cross-platform solutions. Answer the following questions?
- Does my company want native, hybrid, or cross-platform development?
- What defines end-users to align with the business goals?
- What must the app do, and how must it serve customers?
- Why do we need to outsource app development?
2. Outline the Project Scope
Successful application development outsourcing also requires clients to define the initial project scope, which includes milestones, a deadline, and a budget. Outsource app development effectively by clarifying the project’s estimation for a budget and timeline that gains key stakeholder buy-in.
3. Devise Minimal Project Requirements
Outsourcing companies will conduct a requirements analysis for software development to define the functional and non-functional requirements for mobile applications based on market research and other requirements-gathering techniques. However, outsource app development with some basic guidelines:
What to include in the basic project requirements when choosing a mobile app development company:
- Type of application
- Operational system
- Core application features
- Primary function or purpose
- Intended devices (for cross-platform development)
4. Choose an Outsourcing Model
Select the model that best fits business objectives. Hire someone with nearshore outsourcing in Eastern Europe, opt for the affordable but risky offshore app development option in Asia or South America, or stick to an onshore development team in Western Europe for cultural alignment.
Here’s a breakdown of the popular models used for mobile application outsourcing:
- Choose onshore development to use an application development company in Scotland when the business operates in London. Onshore development ensures cultural alignment, seamless communication, and streamlined collaboration in the same time zone.
- Select nearshore software development outsourcing from Germany for a business operating in Ireland. The time zone differences won’t exceed four hours, allowing for a lot of overlap, and ensuring enhanced communication and collaboration during business operating hours.
- Outsource to offshore mobile app developers in India when the business operates in Wales, providing the requirements are simple enough and don’t require tons of oversight. Offshore mobile app development often has teams working 4+ hours outside the company’s time zone.
5. Shortlist Potential Outsourcing Partners
Do some research on companies or freelance developers before the business invests in app development outsourcing. Contact potential vendors and ask the top questions to ask a software development company, allowing clients to assess experience, expertise, methodologies, and services.
Consider whether the company or developer’s technical skills and variety of technologies match the requirements. Review whether the company or developers offer multiple services, use business analysts to conduct comprehensive business analysis, and have a portfolio of past clients.
Review the potential outsourcing agency’s mobile app security best practices and whether they provide quality assurance software testing. Businesses should be welcome to ask as many questions as they have to help them shortlist the top candidates for app development outsourcing.
6. Choose an Engagement and Pricing Model
Outsource mobile application development to agencies with flexible engagement models, allowing businesses to supplement in-house developers or manage the entire project with a team that includes a project manager and business analyst. Here are the common engagement models for outsourcing:
- Dedicated Team: Dedicated software development teams are ideal for large-scale or complex projects requiring a QA specialist, project manager, and UX designer. The team can work remotely or supplement an internal team while focusing exclusively on the project for the contract period.
- Staff Augmentation: Staff augmentation services allow businesses to contract teams or developers to support and supplement in-house developers on a contract basis. Staff augmentation allows clients to retain control and manage the entire project.
- Project-Based Model: Companies can also hire dedicated developers proficient in any mobile application tech stack with a reliable agency using the project=based model, which contracts the developer for a single project or part of an ongoing project.
Additionally, businesses will have a choice between two pricing models:
- Fixed-Price Model: The fixed-price model allows businesses to set and stick to budgets and deadlines, knowing the cost of developers, resources, and technologies upfront. However, the outsourcing pricing model isn’t flexible and requirements changes could cause delays.
- Time and Materials: Clients pay for the time spent and materials used on a mobile application development project. The outsourcing cooperation model is flexible enough to suit an iterative Agile software development process with changing or evolving requirements.
7. Set the Legal Foundation
Mobile development outsourcing protected by legal contracts will reduce many risks. Outsource app development to a team or developer offering a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect intellectual property rights and a services level agreement (SLA) to outline expectations and deliverables.
8. Set Expectations and Collaborate
Outsource app development to mobile application development companies and developers willing to collaborate, listen, and adjust the project scope based on stakeholder feedback. Clearly define all expectations from day one to help them create a software development specifications document (SRS).
The document will include the final details for the project scope and requirements, some including:
- The mobile app’s purpose
- Data-based target audience
- Comprehensive project scope
- Detailed product description
- Requirements analysis results
- Detailed requirements and specifications
- User stories and use cases
Furthermore, clearly defining expectations requires business leaders to collaborate throughout the software development life cycle. Agree on project management tools and communication protocols for application development outsourcing, providing feedback and validation, and receiving progress reports
Successfully Outsource App Development With Pulsion
Outsourcing application development is much simpler when partnering with a trusted industry leader with 30 years of experience using remote project management best practices. Outsource app development to a team that has served previous clients with innovative mobile applications.
Our clients and case studies provide reassurance, and our specialist teams provide access to experts like analysts and even a business development manager. Our tech stack includes cutting-edge technologies, allowing our developers to offer various mobile and web development services.
We offer staff augmentation services or dedicated software development teams with flexible engagement models. We provide custom iOS app development, Android app development, React Native app development, and hybrid app development services.
As a leading mobile app development company in the UK that also provides MVP development for startups, clients can outsource app development or access the following resources:
- Hire dedicated developers
- Hire iOS developers
- Hire C++ developers
- Hire Swift developers
- Hire Objective-C developers
- Hire React Native developers
If that isn’t enough, and businesses want specialist technology expertise, we recommend that companies hire Apple Vision Pro developers or TvOS developers to expand the applications to new platforms. Alternatively, use our IoT development company services to connect more devices.
Our extensive range of expertise combined with a deep understanding of the latest technologies allow our professional mobile application outsourcing teams to deliver nothing short of excellence. Learn more about us, or contact us for an initial consultation and outsourcing interview.
Outsource Mobile App Development Conclusion
Application development outsourcing needn’t be challenging when following our expert guide. Outsource app developers to offshore locations if the budget is tight, or rely on a nearshore or onshore mobile app development company for high-quality apps with cultural alignment.
Keep in mind that a reliable app development agency must provide feedback in the interview, showcase a history of happy clients, and provide agreements that protect both parties. Never sell the application’s idea short with an unreliable team or developer. Instead, contact us for an outsourcing interview today.
Mobile App Development Outsourcing FAQs
Where can I successfully outsource mobile app development?
The best app outsourcing companies that a business can use to outsource app development are available in different regions. However, use an app development outsourcing company closest to the country in which the business operates to benefit from cultural alignment, seamless communication, and app developers who work in the same time zone.
When should a company outsource mobile app development?
Any company can outsource mobile app development if the following conditions arise:
- The in-house resources lack the necessary skills for the intended mobile development project.
- Projects require specialised skills and talent that are available from a global talent pool.
- Businesses wish to reduce the cost of mobile application development with offshore models.
- Leaders want the internal IT team to focus on core business activities and processes.
- A project requires professional oversight with a diverse team of analysts and designers.
- Rapid mobile application development is the core focus for a faster time to market.
- Businesses want to scale teams according to existing project needs or requirements.
- Clients wish to reduce, mitigate, and manage risks in an app development project.
- In-house app developers aren’t providing the security needed for sensitive information.
- The mobile app development company can provide a range of cutting-edge technologies.
Where can I find offshore mobile app development services?
Offshore app development has its drawbacks but is the most affordable option. Businesses can find reliable offshore development companies in B2B directories and review platforms. For example, Clutch is a review platform that enables businesses to assess companies with honest client reviews.
Alternatively, consider hiring freelance application developers from Eastern Europe on a website like UpWork, TopTal, or Freelancer. Unfortunately, there are risks of outsourcing to a freelance developer because they aren’t certified with ISO standards and often don’t provide legal contracts.
What should a mobile app development outsourcing contract include?
Companies should outsource app developers or use mobile application outsourcing from a reliable and certified agency that includes the following agreements and details:
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): A contract to protect the intellectual property rights of any mobile application idea, analysis results, and sensitive information related to business processes.
- Services Level Agreement (SLA): A contract clearly defining the expectations, timeline, budget, communication protocols, collaboration efforts, and mobile application project deliverables.
How can I check mobile app developer expertise?
Outsource app development to a software development company or developer that showcases the right expertise to ensure seamless collaborations, successful development, and innovative mobile apps. These are some general areas of expertise the agency or developer should possess:
- Domain Expertise: Experienced developers understand user interface design, CRM integrations, app store optimisation, and the integration of secure third-party services and APIs.
- Technical Skills: Proficient developers know mobile programming languages and frameworks like React Native, Flutter, Swift, Objective-C, Ionic, JavaScript, and C++.
- Security Protocols: The developer should follow mobile app security best practices and understand user authentication, encryption, penetration testing, secure codes, and API security.
How much does mobile app development outsourcing cost?
How much it costs to outsource app developers or enlist a trusted development partner will depend on the outsourced model, project scope, engagement model, methodologies, complexity, and app type. Instead, estimate the cost to outsource app development with our app development cost calculator.
How can I reduce the risks of outsourcing to an app development agency?
Companies can reduce the risk of application development outsourcing with a few simple tips:
- Request a quality assurance or services level agreement contract that defines expectations.
- Ask the agency about their remote project management practices and collaboration models.
- Discuss trial phases with client-side management with the app development outsourcing company.
- Key the code to a client-side repository to retain the code on the business end immediately.
- Hire developers closer to match the culture, time zone, and business hours.
- Select an outsourcing partner with ISO certifications and certified app developers.
- Outsource to MVP development company services to test an application idea first.
- Interview the agency, assessing the technical skills, technologies, and expertise.
- Review the agency’s previous clients, testimonials, case studies, and online reviews.
How can businesses manage an outsourced team?
Mobile application outsourcing includes a project manager in some outsourcing models. However, a company can outsource app development successfully when following our comprehensive guide on how to manage a software development team if using the staff augmentation services.
