10 min read

Top development partners — choosing the right one

IT outsourcing has become a key player in the IT services market, making up about 37% of global revenues, according to Statista. In 2022, this sector reached $412 billion and is on track to hit $541.10 billion in 2024. By 2029, it’s expected to achieve $812.70 billion, growing at an annual rate of 8.48%. The growing reliance on outsourcing highlights the need for businesses to carefully evaluate and select software development partners that can deliver high-quality solutions and drive business growth. With numerous options available, identifying the ideal fit can be daunting.

In this article, we’ll provide essential tips on how to choose a software development partner and introduce you to our top 10 picks based on reviews and ratings.

Tips to consider when choosing a software development partner

Choosing the right software development partner is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your project. To ensure you find the ideal one and foster a smooth and fruitful collaboration, we recommend considering these helpful tips.

Define your project requirements

Before you start looking for a partner, outline your project’s scope, timeline, budget, and desired outcomes. This well-defined plan will enable you to pinpoint potential partners whose capabilities and experience align with your project’s requirements.

Assess technical capabilities

A partner well-versed in your project’s tech stack is more likely to deliver high-quality results. To ensure this, thoroughly evaluate the development team’s experience with the specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools required for your project. Consider their certifications and ability to stay updated with the latest industry trends. Also, do not hesitate to ask questions. A good custom software development partner will recommend the best options for your project.

Evaluate experience and expertise

When assessing potential partners, prioritize those with expertise in your sector. Their proven track record and deep industry understanding enable them to grasp your unique challenges, anticipate your needs, and ultimately contribute more effectively to your project’s success.

Review past projects and client testimonials

Before filling out contact forms on software development companies’ websites, thoroughly review their portfolios, specifically looking for experience relevant to your app development project. Verify client reviews, paying attention to both the content and the duration of their relationships with the company. Additionally, consider requesting a list of their main clients to further explore their websites or apps. This will give you a better understanding of the company’s capabilities and expertise.

Consider cultural fit

Cultural alignment can significantly impact the success of your collaboration. Assess whether your potential partner’s work ethic, values, and communication style align with your organization’s culture. This ensures smoother interactions and more successful project outcomes.

Assess project management skills

Effective project management is crucial for delivering projects on time and within budget, minimizing risks, and keeping the project on track. That’s why it’s essential to understand the vendor’s project management approach. Inquire about their specific methodologies, communication protocols (e.g., frequency of updates, preferred channels), and reporting processes (e.g., types of reports, level of detail).

Examine their problem-solving skills

A good development partner should be adept at problem-solving. Assess their ability to handle unexpected challenges during the development process and engineer high-quality solutions. Ask for examples of how they’ve tackled problems in past projects like yours.

Look for scalability

Assess the partner’s capacity for rapidly scaling their team to align with your project’s evolving needs. Swift scalability is vital for meeting strict deadlines and handling unexpected increases in workload. Ensure they have a well-defined, efficient process for recruiting and onboarding new team members and expediting their productivity. This is especially important for long-term projects or growing businesses.

Evaluate their innovation capabilities

When looking for a partner, aim for someone committed to innovation and continuous improvement. See if they actively adopt new technologies like AI, ML, VR/AR, or the Internet of Things, or if they embrace creative problem-solving approaches.

Searching for a software development partner who truly ‘gets it’?

At Innowise, we understand your unique business needs and tailor solutions that drive growth and success.

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Top 10 software development partners

To create our list of the top 10 software development partners, we reviewed numerous sources and thoroughly examined each company’s website, experience, portfolio, client testimonials, and innovative approaches. We also assessed their capability to deliver scalable and secure solutions across various industries.

Innowise

4.9

56 reviews

Warszawa, Poland

Innowise

4.9

56 reviews

Warszawa, Poland

Innowise is an international software development company with delivery centers across Europe and a global presence. Their team of over 1,600 IT professionals leverages expertise in software engineering to drive innovation and success for clients.

The company offers various ways to enhance your team, such as staff augmentation and creating dedicated teams. They also provide IT outsourcing, custom software development, enterprise application integration, project rescue services, and IT audit and consulting. Additionally, their teams excel in UI/UX design, 2D and 3D design, quality control, and software testing, making them a comprehensive IT solution provider.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$10,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

1,000 - 9,999

Founded

2007

Innowise specializes in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, such as cloud, microservices, high-load systems, blockchain, business intelligence, digital transformation, big data, data engineering, data analytics and visualization, data science, ML, AI, computer vision, IoT, and AR/VR.

Founded in 2007, the company has built an impressive portfolio of over 1,100 successful projects. Innowise successfully combines strong technical skills with a deep understanding of the business, allowing them to deliver custom solutions that consistently drive tangible results for its clients.

Role

Technology Skills

Back-end developers

Java, .NET/C#, Node.JS, PHP, Python, Go, Ruby, Unity, Magento, Laravel, C++

Front-end developers

JavaScript, ReactJS, Angular, Vue.js, TypeScript, Svelte

Mobile developers

Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, React Native, Ionic, Xamarin, .NET MAUI, Objective-C

Innowise is dedicated to continuous improvement, gathering feedback, and refining processes to guarantee high-quality and timely results. The company stands as the optimal choice for businesses seeking a results-oriented partner. Their exceptional team, comprising 5% subject matter experts, coupled with creativity, customer focus, and a proven track record, sets them apart from other companies.

Industries

• FinTech

• MedTech

• eCommerce

• eLearning

• Enterprise

• Public Services

• Logistics & Transportation

• Construction & Real Estate

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Telecommunications

• Media & Entertainment

Specialization

• Custom software development
• Software product development (Designing, creating, and maintaining software products).
• Establishing dedicated development centers
• Consulting services (IT audit and consulting, software architecture, business analysis)
• Staffing solutions (IT outstaffing, staff augmentation, team extension, dedicated team)
• Digital services (digital transformation)
• Design (UI/UX design, 3D design and animation)
• Quality assurance services
• Management services (project management, DevOps)
• AI Development
• AR/VR Development
• Blockchain
• Cloud consulting and SI
• Enterprise app modernization
• Mobile app and web development

Main technologies

Java, JS, .NET/C#, PHP, Python, Unity 3D, Mobile, AR, MR, VR, machine learning, data science, business intelligence, Internet of Things, etc.

TekRevol

4.8

78 reviews

Houston, TX, United States

TekRevol

4.8

78 reviews

Houston, TX, United States

TekRevol is a mobile app and software development company specializing in delivering custom digital solutions, mobile apps, and games. They're known for their innovative, user-friendly products that help businesses grow.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$25,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$25 - $49 / hr

Employees

250 - 999

Founded

2018

Their team of experts collaborates closely to deliver tailor-made, robust, and visually stunning products for each client. By leveraging the latest technologies, TekRevol not only meets but exceeds industry benchmarks, setting itself apart in the competitive digital sphere.

In addition to its core services, TekRevol offers UI/UX design, thorough quality testing, and ongoing assistance post-launch. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction has earned them a solid reputation as a reliable partner in the tech industry.

Industries

• Healthcare

• Education

• Real estate

• Fintech

• eCommerce

• Automotive

• Entertainment

Specializations

• Mobile app development (native, hybrid, cross-platform)
• Custom software development
• Game development
• UI/UX design
• Emerging technologies integration (AI, AR/VR, blockchain, and IoT)
• Cloud computing
• Digital transformation

Cleveroad

4.9

66 reviews

Tallinn, Estonia

Cleveroad

4.9

66 reviews

Tallinn, Estonia

Cleveroad is a software development company that creates complex business-driven solutions, with a focus on innovation, transparent actions, and guaranteed product delivery. They build web and mobile solutions tailored to any industry and budget. Working with diverse business segments, startups, and private clients, Cleveroad applies advanced technologies that drive business growth.

With skilled IT professionals in five countries worldwide and an R&D center in Tallinn, Estonia, Cleveroad builds custom B2B and B2C apps for a wide range of industries and business domains.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$10,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$25 - $49 / hr

Employees

50 - 249

Founded

2011

Industries

• Healthcare

• Telecom

• FinTech

• Education

• Logistics

• Retail and eCommerce

• Agriculture

• Transportation

• Real estate

• Entertainment and media

• Social networking

• Travel and hospitality

Specializations

• Native mobile and web development
• Microservices and cloud solutions
• AI and data science
• Machine learning
• Industrial IoT and augmented reality
• Cross-platform solutions

Simform

4.9

61 reviews

Orlando, FL, United States

Simform

4.9

61 reviews

Orlando, FL, United States

Simform is a digital product engineering and IT talent solutions company dedicated to solving complex software engineering problems. Since 2010, their team of over 1,000 experts has empowered businesses to elevate their value through comprehensive development services.

Simform provides end-to-end product engineering, utilizing advanced technologies like cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and blockchain. They develop custom software solutions for various industries, including healthcare, finance, eCommerce, and education.

Simform's flexible global delivery model turns engineering challenges into growth opportunities. Their remote agile teams integrate seamlessly into client projects, aligning with the company's culture and strategic goals.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$25,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$25 - $49 / hr

Employees

1,000 - 9,999

Founded

2010

Industries

• Healthcare and life sciences

• Financial services

• Retail and eCommerce

• Supply chain and logistics

• Marketing and technology

• Manufacturing

Specializations

• Custom software development
• Web and mobile app development
• Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Data engineering
• DevOps

BairesDev

4.9

53 reviews

San Francisco, CA, United States

BairesDev

4.9

53 reviews

San Francisco, CA, United States

BairesDev is a software development company that helps businesses build high-quality software solutions. They offer a wide range of services, including custom software development, QA and testing, data science, mobile app development, UX/UI design, and platform and infrastructure.

BairesDev adapts to clients' needs, providing flexibility from a single developer to a full team, with experts ready to start immediately and work in the client's time zone. Projects can be easily scaled as needed.

Since 2009, BairesDev has assisted over 1,200 companies, including Google, Rolls-Royce, and eBay. They boast a 96% retention rate and an average client relationship lasting over three years.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$50,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

1,000 - 9,999

Founded

2009

Industries

• Technology

• Finance

• Healthcare

• Retail and eCommerce

• Education

• Media and entertainment

• Energy

• Manufacturing

• Agriculture

Specializations

• Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• AI and machine learning
• Data science
• Cybersecurity
• Blockchain
• UI/UX design
• QA and testing
• DevOps
• Staff augmentation

Toptal

4.9

52 reviews

San Francisco, CA, United States

Toptal

4.9

52 reviews

San Francisco, CA, United States

Toptal is a global network of top freelance talent, connecting businesses with the top 3% of software engineers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers. It's not just a freelancing platform; Toptal acts as a curated marketplace, ensuring high-quality matches between clients and freelancers through a rigorous screening process. They specialize in providing on-demand talent for a wide range of projects, from short-term engagements to long-term partnerships. Toptal’s expertise covers various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and eCommerce.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$50,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$100 - $149 / hr

Employees

1,000 - 9,999

Founded

2010

Industries

• Finance

• Healthcare

• eCommerce

• Education

• Manufacturing

• Energy

• Media and entertainment

• Consulting

• Real estate

Specializations

• Software development (software engineers, mobile app developers, DevOps engineers, quality assurance specialists)
• Design (UI/UX designers, visual designers, interaction designers)
• Finance (financial analysts, accountants, financial consultants)
• Product management (product managers, product owners, growth product managers)
• Project management (project managers, scrum masters, program managers)
• Other specializations (data scientists, blockchain developers, content writers, marketing consultants)

Brainhub

4.9

43 reviews

Gliwice, Poland

Brainhub

4.9

43 reviews

Gliwice, Poland

Brainhub is a software development company providing businesses with highly skilled, pre-vetted software engineers for project-based or staff augmentation needs. Their rigorous selection process ensures their wide talent pool of engineers with expertise in React, Node.js, TypeScript, .NET, React Native, and AWS.

Brainhub has established trust with over 80 fast-growing companies across the US and Europe, including enterprises like PwC, Credit Suisse, Paradox Interactive, and National Geographic, as well as startups and scale-ups such as Beam, Cello, Gokong, Rulrr, and Spider. This focused approach enables Brainhub to provide targeted expertise, helping businesses enhance their software development capabilities.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$50,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

50 - 249

Founded

2015

Industries

• Fintech

• Education

• Healthcare

• Media and entertainment

• eCommerce

• Marketing and advertising

Specializations

• Front-end development (React, React Native, TypeScript, JavaScript)
• Back-end development (Node.js, .NET)
• Cloud Infrastructure (AWS)
• Team augmentation
• Project-based development
• Software consulting

Datarockets

17 reviews

Toronto, Canada

Datarockets

17 reviews

Toronto, Canada

Datarockets is a software development company specializing in building custom web and mobile applications, with a particular focus on AI development and integration. Their AI services include natural language processing, predictive analytics, and chatbot development. Additionally, they offer product management services, assisting clients with product strategy, business analysis, and UX/UI design.

Their technical expertise encompasses a variety of technologies, including Ruby on Rails, Node.js, and React.js for web development, as well as Java, Kotlin, Swift, React Native, and Flutter for mobile app development. Datarockets provides flexible engagement models, such as launching projects from scratch, modernizing existing projects, augmenting teams, and validating ideas through PoC or MVP development.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$25,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

10-49

Founded

2014

Industries

• FinTech and banking

• Fitness and health

• Marketplaces

• Enterprise

• Information technology

• Advertising and marketing

• Entertainment

• Consumer products and services

• Booking and payment services

• Business services and management tools

Specializations

• AI development (NLP, data capture and predictive analytics, chatbots and conversational AI)
• Web and software development (custom web applications, Ruby on Rails development, Node.js development, React.js development)
• Mobile application development (native mobile development, iOS and Android, cross-platform development)
• Product management (product strategy, business analysis, UX/UI design)

Software Mind

4.9

41 reviews

Kraków, Poland

Software Mind

4.9

41 reviews

Kraków, Poland

Software Mind is a global digital transformation partner with a proven track record of over 25 years, delivering value-driven engineering solutions to over 250 clients across more than 30 countries. Their team of 1,500 experts, located in 14 centers worldwide, specializes in cross-functional engineering teams that leverage leading technologies like cloud, AI, data science, DevOps, and embedded software. They have a deep understanding of diverse cultures and a commitment to cost-effective solutions, making them a trusted partner for businesses seeking to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$50,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

1,000 - 9,999

Founded

1999

Industries

• Finance

• Telecom

• Sports betting

• Biotech and healthcare

• Manufacturing

Specializations

• Software development
• Web and mobile development
• Quality assurance and testing
• UI/UX design
• Consulting and advisory
• Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, and GCP)
• AI-powered applications
• Data science
• DevOps
• Embedded software
• Team augmentation

Digiteum

4.9

15 reviews

Gdańsk, Poland

Digiteum

4.9

15 reviews

Gdańsk, Poland

Digiteum is a software development company that helps global enterprises and profitable SMEs overcome technical challenges with value-driven software solutions tailored to their specific business goals, budgets, and timelines. Their expertise lies in providing scalable resources, with the ability to quickly ramp up or down, ensuring project kick-off within two weeks. Digiteum's team boasts an 80% seniority level among engineers proficient in a wide range of technologies, including .NET, Java, Python, Node.js, React, Angular, TypeScript, as well as cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and DevOps tools (Kubernetes, Docker). Their agile approach guarantees flexibility and responsiveness to evolving needs, while their EU headquarters and ISO certifications guarantee the security and quality of their deliverables.

Digiteum's adaptability and ability to provide solutions across various industries are showcased through a diverse portfolio of projects, demonstrating their technical expertise and deep understanding of business challenges.

Attribute

Value

Project size

$10,000+

Avg. hourly rate

$50 - $99 / hr

Employees

50-249

Founded

2010

Industries

• eCommerce and retail

• Travel and hospitality

• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

• Real estate

• Education

• Finance and banking

Specializations

• Custom software development
• Web and mobile app development
• Digital platform development
• Cloud migration and management
• Software consulting
• Back-end development (Java, Python, Node.js)
• Front-end development (React, Angular, TypeScript)
• Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud)
• DevOps (Kubernetes and Docker)
• Other areas of focus (data engineering, machine learning, security and compliance)

Key signs a software vendor excels at client relationships and communication

Choosing a software development vendor isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about finding a partner who excels at building relationships and communicating effectively. Here, we’ll review the key indicators highlighting that a software development partner prioritizes strong client relationships.

Transparent communication

A reliable custom software development partner keeps you in the loop. They frequently update you on project progress, share both the good news and any issue they face, and are honest about potential roadblocks. To ensure this level of transparency, Innowise assigns you a dedicated project manager who provides regular reports, schedules frequent check-ins, and uses collaborative project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana to provide everyone with real-time access to project updates, documentation, and progress reports.

Responsive and accessible

If you have a burning question or sudden concern about your project, a good vendor is just a call or email away. At Innowise, we understand your time is valuable and strive to provide prompt, helpful support whenever you need it. That’s why our team maintains 24/7 support through various communication channels, ensuring clients can easily reach out and receive timely assistance.

Adapts to your needs

Every project is unique. A good outsourcing provider recognizes this and offers the flexibility to adapt their methodologies, tools, and processes to best suit your specific requirements. Our agile approach allows us to iterate and adjust our workflow as your project evolves, guaranteeing the end result aligns perfectly with your vision.

Engaged and proactive

A top-notch software development partner doesn’t just accomplish tasks; they actively contribute to your project’s success. They offer valuable insights, brainstorm creative solutions, go the extra mile, and genuinely care about achieving your goals. Innowise exemplifies this approach by continually offering innovative solutions and actively seeking client’s feedback to enhance project outcomes.

Clear expectation management

A good development partner sets realistic expectations from the start. They don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Instead, they communicate what’s achievable and ensure everyone is on the same page. Innowise outlines project milestones, timelines, and deliverables upfront, providing transparent estimates and managing expectations throughout development.

Mutual respect

Your project, your vision. As a skilled custom software development partner, we understand and value your expertise. We actively seek your feedback and incorporate it into our decision-making process.

Cultural and organizational compatibility

A development partner who understands your company’s culture and work ethic is more likely to integrate seamlessly with your team, fostering smoother collaboration and minimizing misunderstandings. Innowise invests the time to thoroughly understand client organizations, ensuring alignment in working styles.

Feedback mechanisms

The seasoned vendors are always looking to improve their services. They seek your feedback and opinion, listen to your concerns, and use your input to refine their processes. Innowise, for example, conducts regular client surveys and post-project reviews to gather feedback and drive continuous improvement.

Strategic partnership approach

A true partner views your project as a shared venture, investing in its success and sharing both the risks and rewards, rather than solely focusing on their own profit. By outsourcing development to us, our clients leverage our expertise, infrastructure, and resources, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.

Conflict resolution plans

A mature software development provider like Innowise has established procedures for addressing conflicts head-on. We embrace difficult conversations and aim to find mutually beneficial solutions through transparent conflict resolution, prioritizing open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Commitment to team integration

Effective providers invest time in understanding your company’s culture, values, and processes. This ensures their team seamlessly integrates with yours, fostering a collaborative environment that transcends technical work and prevents cultural misunderstandings. Innowise rigorous selection process prioritizes professionals who are both technically proficient and culturally aligned with your organization.

Long-term engagement focus

By positioning themselves as long-term partners, vendors aren’t just focused on the current project. They aim to build a lasting relationship that supports your ongoing growth and future projects. This commitment is evident in Innowise’s 93% customer return and recommendation rate, highlighting the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional solutions and fostering long-term partnerships.

Summing up

Choosing the right software development partner is a critical decision that involves various factors like experience, scalability, cultural alignment, etc. By applying the tips outlined in this article and considering our top 10 recommended companies, you can make an informed decision that sets your project up for success. Note, that the ideal partner is not just a vendor but a collaborator who understands your vision and shares your commitment to achieving your goals.

Dmitry Nazarevich CTO

Date: June 01, 2024

Dmitry Nazarevich CTO

Date: June 01, 2024

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