Having an in-house IT team in a startup doesn’t guarantee access to all the specialists you might need. Even with a large team, you may find that you need someone with specialized, rare skills at some point. In such cases, outsourcing is often the best and most cost-effective solution. But the question remains: which company should you choose?
This article covers how to find the right outsourcing company for your needs.
Outsourcing – What is it, and Why is it Popular Among Startups?
Outsourcing is not a new concept. While it has gained more attention in recent years, it has actually been one of the most common forms of collaboration since the 1970s. In fact, the first formal outsourcing arrangements date back to the mid-20th century in the USA. Over the years, outsourcing has evolved, and today, the IT sector is one of the most outsourced industries. Why? Because the field is vast and includes many specializations.
Take a Step Back
Before choosing the best outsourcing company for your needs, it’s important to take a step back and define your goals. Setting clear objectives will help you better understand the role of the outsourcing company in your startup’s development. With a clear understanding of your requirements, you can communicate your needs and expectations more effectively to potential partners.
What to Choose?
This leads to the next dilemma: should you work with a small service provider or a large corporation? Both options have their pros and cons.
Smaller Providers:
- Faster communication
- Shorter decision-making processes
- More personalized interaction
- Fewer specialists available immediately
- Individualized treatment
Larger Companies:
- High standards and rigid procedures
- Higher costs, but access to more specialists right away
- More templated, less flexible approach
These are just a few of the considerations when choosing between small providers and large corporations. The right outsourcing company should align with your specific project needs. For example, if you’re pressed for time, a larger company with a bigger workforce might be better. On the other hand, smaller companies can offer more creativity and a closer, more collaborative relationship.
Research Companies
Once you’ve identified your goals, find a few companies that meet your criteria and start evaluating how they operate. This process is similar to getting to know someone new – like inviting them for coffee. Conduct research, read reviews, ask for opinions from colleagues or friends who may have worked with these providers, and explore their case studies, recommendations, and portfolios. Gathering this information will help you decide which company best matches your needs.
At Futurum Technology, we prioritize trust and collaboration. That’s why we offer a 14-day free trial. Before signing any formal agreements, you can test our services for two weeks to see firsthand how we work. After the trial period, and once you’ve made a decision, we will move forward with an official collaboration agreement.
Money, Money, Money…Must Be Funny in the Rich Man’s World
Cost is likely to be one of the biggest factors in your decision-making process. Partnering with a reliable outsourcing company can lead to cost savings, but it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your budget against your needs before proceeding.
If the project follows a time & material model, it’s important to calculate the expected number of working hours each month and set aside a financial buffer for any potential overtime costs.
In contrast, if the project is billed on a fixed-price basis, a simple budget analysis may not be enough. In this case, consider requesting a trial period where the supplier works for a few test days. This will allow for a more accurate assessment of workload, costs, and system requirements before fully committing to the project.
Choose the Best
After thorough consideration, choose the company that suits you best. During the agreement process, clearly define the type of developers you need. This will help the outsourcing provider find the right talent to meet your requirements.
At Futurum Technology, we value collaboration and your business success. If you need a larger team or new developers, no problem. If you’re going through a challenging period and need fewer workers, we can accommodate that too. We are committed to supporting your ideas and goals. Try us – and see for yourself how working with #FT looks like!
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