Outsource app development: The definitive guideline

5 minutes read

Audio description available

October 1, 2024

The mobile app market and the low-code application platform (LCAP) industry are on the rise, with Gartner predicting the global market will exceed $12 billion by 2024. As a result, quick and high-quality app development is becoming increasingly crucial. However, many organizations need more resources to speed up in-house app creation, which is where app development companies come into play. 

Outsourcing app development is a significant decision. When it is time to outsource app development, keep these things in mind. Let’s dive in.

Outsource-app-development

Outsource app development: Overview

The first question: What is outsource app development?
Outsourcing app development refers to the process where a company hires an external team to handle all technical tasks related to building a mobile application. This approach is common when a company lacks specialized in-house development skills. 
Many companies across different countries have stepped in to provide application development services. These companies offer expertise in app development to meet diverse needs. By outsourcing app development, businesses can reap the benefits while still maintaining focus on their core operations.


So when should you outsource app development? 
According to Statista, the mobile app market is growing rapidly, with 2 million iOS apps on the Apple Store and 2.3 million Android apps on Google Play in 2024. These numbers continue to rise as new business ideas emerge, making speed-to-market crucial for gaining a competitive edge. 
Therefore, you can outsource app development when you want to gain a competitive advantage by launching your app quickly and ahead of the curve. Launching your app earlier than your competitors will attract a larger number of users.
Take Meta's Threads, for example, a unique content-sharing app that quickly gained popularity by offering something new to users. Its rapid success highlights the importance of being first in the market. 
However, creating a competitive app requires significant time, expertise, and costs, which many companies may lack in-house. Outsourcing app development becomes the best option, allowing you to tap into specialized skills and resources without overwhelming your internal team.

Why should you outsource app development?

In today’s fast-changing business world, many companies choose to outsource app development to improve efficiency. Outsourcing your app development project can make your business run more smoothly. 
There are several reasons why businesses prefer outsourcing instead of building their own development teams. Research shows that saving money is one of the biggest reasons. If you’re thinking about outsourcing your app development, here are some key benefits to consider:

Launch new products faster and save time.
Launching a new product even a few days early can be crucial. When you outsource app development, the overall project timeline significantly reduces. Your outsourcing partner will estimate the time required and allocate resources efficiently to meet deadlines. This allows you to quickly transition from concept to a finished product.
Additionally, outsourcing can drastically cut down on hiring time. Research by Deloitte shows that it takes U.S. companies an average of 52 days to fill internal positions. While you outsource app development, you quickly gain access to a professional app development team.


Focus on core business 
In-house app development can consume a significant amount of time and resources, potentially diverting attention from critical business functions. By outsourcing app development, you can maintain focus on your core business tasks while driving new projects forward. This ensures a balance between innovation and day-to-day operations.


Re​duce cost
It may be much more affordable to hire a reputable iOS or Android app development company outside of within. Outsourcing allows you to avoid the high expenses of recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house team. Glassdoor estimates that an in-house developer earns around $137,510 annually. Including startup costs, you could spend at least $463,970 for a basic in-house team. In contrast, outsourcing costs range from $30,000 to $300,000 per project, offering significant savings.


Access professionals easily
When you hire a dedicated app development team, you can access professionals with specialized skills that enhance your internal team’s capabilities. These experts bring years of experience, training, and advanced tools to the table, ensuring the development of a top-notch app using the latest technologies and design trends.


Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing partners offer custom mobile app development solutions, allowing you to scale your team up or down based on project needs. This flexibility is ideal for businesses with fluctuating workloads or when extra resources are required during critical project phases.

Why is your app outsourcing project not working?

While hiring app developers offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks businesses must consider:


Language and Communication Barriers
Outsourcing to companies in different time zones or with different native languages can cause misunderstandings, delays, or errors. Ensure the app development team has strong English proficiency and reliable communication channels to prevent issues during the project.


Privacy and Security Risks
Outsourcing involves sharing sensitive information and intellectual property, increasing the risk of security breaches. Therefore, you should choose a vendor with proper certifications like ISO 27001 to ensure verified security practices.

The process to outsource app development

The app development outsourcing process involves a series of activities, from receiving customer requests to product delivery and ongoing maintenance. Understanding each stage ensures businesses can effectively evaluate the cooperation process. Here are our suggestions for the outsourcing process in 6 steps:

The-process-to-hire-an-Outsource-app-development-company

Step 1: Determine Project Requirements
Before approaching an app development company, clearly define your app idea and scope. Decide whether it's a small, medium, or large-scale app, and identify the operating systems you'll target. Clarify whether it’s for healthcare, dating, or e-commerce, then set a budget and outline an initial list of requirements.


Step 2: Choose a Software Outsourcing Model
Next, you should decide on the best outsourcing model based on your priorities. If saving costs or ensuring 24/7 development is key, offshore outsourcing might be ideal. However, for better cultural fit or time zone alignment, consider nearshore or onshore outsourcing.


Step 3: Identify the Right App Development Company
On websites such as Manifest, Clutch, or GoodFirms, you can research possible businesses. Focus on top-rated companies and consider criteria such as experience, portfolios, client reviews, and pricing.


Step 4: Assess and Choose the Outsourcing Group
Interviewing shortlisted companies is necessary. You can assess their communication skills, development approach, and ability to handle cultural differences. Then you select the team that aligns best with your project needs.


Step 5: Set Up Project Management
Effective communication is crucial for successful app development. Organize your communication strategy and project management tools before developers begin work. Utilize software solutions that facilitate team communication, task tracking, and file sharing. In professional settings, project managers handle client communication and oversee the development processes.


Step 6: Ensure post-launch support and maintenance.
Lastly, you should establish robust support and maintenance mechanisms for both the app launch and its ongoing use. This ensures that the same experts who developed the app are available for maintenance and improvements after user adoption.

How much does it cost to hire developers to create apps?

According to Global Trade Mag, developing an app idea can cost from $30,000 to $300,000, and when the project is more complex, you might have to pay even more than $300,000.


The costs of app development can vary significantly based on several factors, including:
Project Size: Larger projects require more developers and advanced technology, resulting in higher costs.
Complexity: Applications with numerous features, intricate interfaces, and multiple system integrations will be more expensive to develop.
Platform: Depending on the platform you select (Android or iOS), development costs will vary.
Geographic Location: Service providers in developed countries typically have higher labor costs compared to those in developing countries.


For more information on outsourcing app development costs, feel free to contact BHSoft, a leading software development company in Vietnam.

BHSoft: Experts in Outsource App Development

BHSoft is proud of its dedicated team with over 10 years of experience in mobile application development, consistently delivering professional services and outstanding responses to customer needs.


One notable project we undertook is the “File Sharing Mobile App” for an international technology company that provides security solutions to business and government organizations across Australia, the US, and Europe. Our mobile development team successfully built a new mobile app from the ground up, creating both Android and iOS versions.


The client required a secure, end-to-end encrypted file storage and sharing solution. The app enables users to save, share, manage, and collaborate on critical files and documents in one secure location. Despite challenges due to insufficient documentation from the outdated app, BHSoft stepped in to create a modernized version with similar features and functionalities.


The app's key features include:
- Store, share, and download files.
- Track file history while adding, editing, moving, and removing files.
- Notify others when files are shared or read by sending notes.
- Share code snippets in multiple languages, with syntax highlighting options.
- Encrypt files on devices before uploading, each with its own encryption key.

File-Sharing-Mobile-App
This app enhances convenience by allowing users to collaborate seamlessly on a single platform, saving time and reducing costs related to file storage and organization, all while ensuring data security and integrity.

Final thoughts

Outsourcing your app development is a significant decision, as your app is a vital part of your brand identity. It communicates your values to customers and facilitates ongoing engagement. Understanding all insights into outsource app development is crucial in deciding whether this strategy is right for your business.


Our dedicated team of experts at BHSoft is ready to turn your mobile app vision into reality. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your business!

Outsource app development: The definitive guideline

5 minutes read

Audio description available

October 1, 2024

The mobile app market and the low-code application platform (LCAP) industry are on the rise, with Gartner predicting the global market will exceed $12 billion by 2024. As a result, quick and high-quality app development is becoming increasingly crucial. However, many organizations need more resources to speed up in-house app creation, which is where app development companies come into play. 
Outsourcing app development is a significant decision. When it is time to outsource app development, keep these things in mind. Let’s dive in.

Outsource-app-development

Outsource app development: Overview

The first question: What is outsource app development?
Outsourcing app development refers to the process where a company hires an external team to handle all technical tasks related to building a mobile application. This approach is common when a company lacks specialized in-house development skills. 
Many companies across different countries have stepped in to provide application development services. These companies offer expertise in app development to meet diverse needs. By outsourcing app development, businesses can reap the benefits while still maintaining focus on their core operations.
So when should you outsource app development? 
According to Statista, the mobile app market is growing rapidly, with 2 million iOS apps on the Apple Store and 2.3 million Android apps on Google Play in 2024. These numbers continue to rise as new business ideas emerge, making speed-to-market crucial for gaining a competitive edge. 
Therefore, you can outsource app development when you want to gain a competitive advantage by launching your app quickly and ahead of the curve. Launching your app earlier than your competitors will attract a larger number of users.
Take Meta's Threads, for example, a unique content-sharing app that quickly gained popularity by offering something new to users. Its rapid success highlights the importance of being first in the market. 
However, creating a competitive app requires significant time, expertise, and costs, which many companies may lack in-house. Outsourcing app development becomes the best option, allowing you to tap into specialized skills and resources without overwhelming your internal team.

Why should you outsource app development?

In today’s fast-changing business world, many companies choose to outsource app development to improve efficiency. Outsourcing your app development project can make your business run more smoothly. 
There are several reasons why businesses prefer outsourcing instead of building their own development teams. Research shows that saving money is one of the biggest reasons. If you’re thinking about outsourcing your app development, here are some key benefits to consider:

Launch new products faster and save time.
Launching a new product even a few days early can be crucial. When you outsource app development, the overall project timeline significantly reduces. Your outsourcing partner will estimate the time required and allocate resources efficiently to meet deadlines. This allows you to quickly transition from concept to a finished product.
Additionally, outsourcing can drastically cut down on hiring time. Research by Deloitte shows that it takes U.S. companies an average of 52 days to fill internal positions. While you outsource app development, you quickly gain access to a professional app development team.
Focus on core business 
In-house app development can consume a significant amount of time and resources, potentially diverting attention from critical business functions. By outsourcing app development, you can maintain focus on your core business tasks while driving new projects forward. This ensures a balance between innovation and day-to-day operations.
Reduce cost
It may be much more affordable to hire a reputable iOS or Android app development company outside of within. Outsourcing allows you to avoid the high expenses of recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house team. Glassdoor estimates that an in-house developer earns around $137,510 annually. Including startup costs, you could spend at least $463,970 for a basic in-house team. In contrast, outsourcing costs range from $30,000 to $300,000 per project, offering significant savings.
Access professionals easily
When you hire a dedicated app development team, you can access professionals with specialized skills that enhance your internal team’s capabilities. These experts bring years of experience, training, and advanced tools to the table, ensuring the development of a top-notch app using the latest technologies and design trends.
Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing partners offer custom mobile app development solutions, allowing you to scale your team up or down based on project needs. This flexibility is ideal for businesses with fluctuating workloads or when extra resources are required during critical project phases.

Why is your app outsourcing project not working?

While hiring app developers offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks businesses must consider:
Language and Communication Barriers
Outsourcing to companies in different time zones or with different native languages can cause misunderstandings, delays, or errors. Ensure the app development team has strong English proficiency and reliable communication channels to prevent issues during the project.
Privacy and Security Risks
Outsourcing involves sharing sensitive information and intellectual property, increasing the risk of security breaches. Therefore, you should choose a vendor with proper certifications like ISO 27001 to ensure verified security practices.

The process to outsource app development

The app development outsourcing process involves a series of activities, from receiving customer requests to product delivery and ongoing maintenance. Understanding each stage ensures businesses can effectively evaluate the cooperation process. Here are our suggestions for the outsourcing process in 6 steps:

The-process-to-hire-an-Outsource-app-development-company

Step 1: Determine Project Requirements
Before approaching an app development company, clearly define your app idea and scope. Decide whether it's a small, medium, or large-scale app, and identify the operating systems you'll target. Clarify whether it’s for healthcare, dating, or e-commerce, then set a budget and outline an initial list of requirements.


Step 2: Choose a Software Outsourcing Model
Next, you should decide on the best outsourcing model based on your priorities. If saving costs or ensuring 24/7 development is key, offshore outsourcing might be ideal. However, for better cultural fit or time zone alignment, consider nearshore or onshore outsourcing.


Step 3: Identify the Right App Development Company
On websites such as Manifest, Clutch, or GoodFirms, you can research possible businesses. Focus on top-rated companies and consider criteria such as experience, portfolios, client reviews, and pricing.


Step 4: Assess and Choose the Outsourcing Group
Interviewing shortlisted companies is necessary. You can assess their communication skills, development approach, and ability to handle cultural differences. Then you select the team that aligns best with your project needs.


Step 5: Set Up Project Management
Effective communication is crucial for successful app development. Organize your communication strategy and project management tools before developers begin work. Utilize software solutions that facilitate team communication, task tracking, and file sharing. In professional settings, project managers handle client communication and oversee the development processes.


Step 6: Ensure post-launch support and maintenance.
Lastly, you should establish robust support and maintenance mechanisms for both the app launch and its ongoing use. This ensures that the same experts who developed the app are available for maintenance and improvements after user adoption.

Final thoughts

Outsourcing your app development is a significant decision, as your app is a vital part of your brand identity. It communicates your values to customers and facilitates ongoing engagement. Understanding all insights into outsource app development is crucial in deciding whether this strategy is right for your business.


Our dedicated team of experts at BHSoft is ready to turn your mobile app vision into reality. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your business!