Tackling the obstacles of custom software development in 2023

Introduction

In today’s IT industry, standing out is no easy feat. That's why software development companies pour their time, effort, and resources into custom software development to create one-of-a-kind products and services.

But with the market overflowing with similar solutions, it's the only way to make a mark. And as we step into 2023, the need for customised software is only intensifying, driving businesses to seek the help of offshore development companies to meet their unique requirements.

What is custom software development?

Off-the-shelf software and hardware have been a go-to solution for businesses for decades. Microsoft Office is a classic example of an easily accessible, universal software that anyone can use. But as IT businesses become more complex, the need for concrete solutions to address unique requirements is rising. That's where custom software development comes in.

Custom software is:

● fully adapted to the specific needs and requirements of a particular group of users

● an owned product that customers can customise according to their needs, request extensions or additional features and coordinate with developers

1. A shortage of talented developers

2. High cost of operations

The two biggest challenges of developing custom products

A shortage of talented developers

The tech industry is in dire straits with a severe shortage of skilled software developers. Due to the increasing demand for top talent, they must fulfil nearly a quarter of a million job openings in the US alone. Current developers are overworked and struggling under immense pressure. The job requires unparalleled expertise and intense focus, making it a challenging field to work in. The situation is worsened by the dwindling number of senior developers available, leaving companies scrambling to find the cream of the crop.

High cost of operations

Building quality software engineers is a costly endeavour. With an average salary of €85000 for experienced engineers in the US, the cost is already steep. Recruitment agencies charge an additional 20-25% of the developer's annual salary just to access top talent. And that's not all - there are also secondary costs to consider, such as office space, equipment, training, and benefits.

Other options for building custom software

● Outsourcing

Outsourcing can seem like the logical solution when building a software team isn’t an option. But beware - opting for the cheapest labour often means sacrificing quality. These outsourced developers lack the customer focus and technical skills to deliver a reliable product.

According to the Project Management Institute, only 70% of outsourced projects achieve their intended goals.

Other options for building custom software

Offshoring

One alternative is to invest in an offshore development team: a handpicked team of engineers who are employed full-time by your company but based ‘offshore’ in another country. Why is this a better option? Here are some of the benefits:

● India produces roughly 1.5 million engineers every year

● these engineers are highly trained, experienced, and fluent in English

● the talent pool in India is huge and largely untapped

● skilled and talented Indian developers cost a lot less than their US counterparts

● cost of living is a key factor in the difference in costs

● partnering with an offshore software development company can make building custom software easier

Wrapping up

In today's crowded market, companies are turning to custom software development to differentiate themselves. However, with limited skilled developers and high costs, outsourcing may not always be the best option.

But offshoring can be the answer! With an offshore software development company like The Scalers, building custom software is a breeze. Say goodbye to blending in with the crowd and hello to software that truly reflects your brand.