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April 3, 2024

Offshoring Software Development: Pros & Cons 2024

  • Outsourcing
This article delves into Offshoring Software Development: Pros & Cons. You will learn about offshore development, what it entails, and how different countries provide distinct pricing advantages. These rates can significantly impact your project's budget. Stay informed and gain valuable insights from our experts.

Reading time: 27 min

Offshoring Software Development: Pros & Cons is a topic of significant interest among business owners, and it is gaining prominence. First and foremost, business owners aim to keep their companies at the forefront, outperforming competitors effectively. The truth is that offshoring is a fantastic option for achieving high performance with lower costs. You can find talented developers more quickly and confidently steer the company in the right direction. Offshore software development is a widely adopted strategy with a promising future, supported by data from a recent report by Statista.

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This projection signals a growing appetite for offshore development soon.

Currently, offshore web development teams offer founders an excellent opportunity to thrive in a crisis. It's a great chance to fuel business growth despite the challenges.

Factor Dedicated Teams has put together everything you should consider about offshore software development, covering its weaknesses and strengths. Additionally, this post discovers what you should know to become a leader in this area.

Embrace the opportunity to explore business possibilities and propel your organization to new heights through offshore software development. Elevate and fortify your strategic game plan.

What is offshore software product development?

Offshore software product development, often referred to as software outsourcing, is a strategy where businesses delegate the entire process of designing, developing, and maintaining a software product to specialized offshore teams located in different parts of the world.

This approach is widely embraced in the IT sector by companies looking to save costs, excel in operations, and deliver high-quality software products, including mobile app development, transformative applications, and versatile platforms – covering a broad spectrum of services.

Offshoring software development pros cons

Why is offshore software development beneficial for your business? To understand this, let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages in the table below.


Offshore software development benefits and weaknesses

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Smart cost savingsWhen you opt for offshore software development, you are making a savvy financial decision. Savings can range from a substantial 30% to a remarkable 70%. This liberates resources your business can use for other essential aspects of the IT sector.CommunicationIt would be best if you overcame time zone differences and language barriers of your development team. This is possible by utilizing the right tools and practices.
Talent pool accessOffshoring knows no geographical bounds. It grants you access to a worldwide talent reservoir where Poland, Latvia, and countries from South America shine with their outstanding IT experts, putting diverse skills and knowledge on the front page.Quality assuranceHigh-quality development services are paramount consistently. To uphold your anticipated results, set clear quality control standards and development processes for every offshore programming team.
Time zonesWhile time zone differences may seem challenging, they can be your secret weapon. With remote development team members from different countries, your projects can maintain momentum 24/7, significantly expediting your journey from project inception to realization.Security safeguardsTo shield your invaluable information, you should pay specific attention to robust security measures, encryption, and airtight confidentiality agreements for offshore software development teams.
Flexible scalingBusiness needs fluctuate, and offshoring offers the agility to effortlessly expand or reduce your development team as required, bypassing the complexities associated with local hiring or downsizing.Cultures differencesCultural disparities may influence offshore team dynamics, yet they can infuse your projects with diverse perspectives. Foster open dialogue and cultural sensitivity.
Focusing on core prioritiesSoftware development outsourcing empowers your local team to concentrate on innovation, product strategy, and customer engagement. Redirect their energies toward propelling your business forward while entrusting the technical intricacies (top frontend technologies, for example) to an offshore development company.Legal complexitiesVarying international laws and regulations can be intricate. Nevertheless, numerous offshore software companies have a strong expertise in international compliance. That's why they can simplify the labyrinthine journey with guidance.

There is more to offshoring software development than just financial gains. It's about tapping into a global reservoir of talent to propel your projects to new, more advanced levels. Yes, challenges exist, but with the right approach and partners like Factor Dedicated Teams, you can unleash the full potential of offshore development.

How to hire offshore software developers

How to outsource software development to an offshore company? Firstly, you need to choose the right offshore company and then proceed logically:

  1. Research potential outsourcing firms (shortlist companies based on their reputation, industry-specific expertise, and technical capabilities).
  2. Examine the outsourcing company's portfolio (look for projects that align closely with your requirements to gauge their relevance and suitability for your business).
  3. Seek client testimonials (this way, you can assess the outsourcing company's overall performance).
  4. Evaluate the technical skills of the outsourcing company's team members (when hiring offshore developers, confirm that they possess the necessary expertise in the technologies and tools required for your project).
  5. Assess the outsourcing team's language proficiency and communication skills (this will directly impact collaboration).
  6. Consider cultural compatibility and time zone differences (opt for an outsourcing partner whose organizational culture aligns with your business values).
  7. Prioritize verifying the outsourcing company's data security practices (ensure they comply with relevant regulations, mainly if your project involves handling sensitive data).
  8. Assess the outsourcing company's capacity to scale resources as needed, both up and down (scalability is crucial for sustaining long-term partnerships).
  9. Cost vs. quality (avoid falling for excessively low-cost options that might compromise the quality of work delivered).
  10. Clarify intellectual property ownership and rights within the contractual agreement (ensure that the contract explicitly states your retention of control and ownership over project deliverables).
  11. Engage in a comprehensive review of the contract terms, encompassing payment schedules, milestone definitions, warranties, dispute resolution mechanisms, and exit strategies (don't hesitate to seek legal counsel if necessary).
  12. Consider commencing with a smaller, less critical project as a pilot (this allows you to assess the performance and suitability of every software development company before making a long-term commitment).

Eastern Europe is one of the golden outsourcing regions among businesses in North America, Western Europe, and Australia. This preference is due to the advantage of minimal cultural differences, which means that offshore developers can work effectively with your in-house team. It's a wise choice for these reasons. So, if you're in any of these regions, considering offshore development solutions, including countries like Poland, is a practical step to take.

Factor Dedicated Teams ranks among Eastern Europe's top 10 offshore software development companies. The enterprise is a trusted outsourcing company for the global IT industry. Its software development services, spanning web and mobile app development, are synonymous with high-quality performance. Factor Dedicated Teams offers diverse development solutions across various sectors, including travel and tourism, education, banking and finance, media and entertainment, logistics and transportation, healthcare, online retail, and e-commerce. We have the best offshore software developers to bring ideas to life, whether you require business analysis, UI/UX design, or revolutionary back-end or front-end technologies. Contact us for a detailed consultation tailored to your business needs.

Software development rates: Unveiling the cost spectrum

What factors influence the cost of offshore software development in different countries?

Have you ever pondered the factors shaping offshore software development costs in different countries? This question often arises when businesses explore the option of offshore outsourcing their software projects. Let's explore this topic and the key factors of offshore software development costs across various regions.

Essential factors in hiring offshore software developers

FactorWhat should you consider?
Salary rangeThe salary spectrum for software developers varies significantly from one country to another. Hiring offshore developers willing to work at rates that align with the local standard is possible in regions with a lower cost of living, like India or the Philippines.
Cost of livingIn North American and Western European countries where the cost of living is high, offshore developers may demand higher wages to maintain their well-being.
Taxation systemA clear understanding of tax rates for individual income and corporate taxes is important for accurate cost estimation.
Supply and demandRegions with a surplus of offshore developers, such as Eastern Europe, tend to offer competitive rates. Conversely, areas with high demand and a talent shortage, like Silicon Valley, often command higher offshore software development costs.
Programming languagesThe choice of programming languages and technologies can affect development costs significantly. Every software developer should be skilled in sought-after languages. Specialized languages might command elevated fees. Consider your project's technology stack and the availability of expertise in those areas.
Developer expertise and experienceHighly skilled and experienced software developers may charge more for their services but can often deliver high-quality results more efficiently.
Project complexityThe complexity of your software project can significantly impact development costs. More straightforward projects may prove more cost-effective.
Intellectual property and legal considerationsRegulations and legal frameworks for different countries' intellectual property rights and data security may vary. Comprehending and complying with these regulations can add to the overall cost of offshore software development.
StabilityA country's political and economic stability can also be a factor when you want to hire developers. Nations with stable political environments and robust economies always offer a more secure environment for offshore software development, albeit potentially at a higher cost.

What are offshore software development rates by country?

Now, we have got you fully covered regarding hourly wage insights, which extends beyond just the highly developed software outsourcing regions. If you're eager to gain a deeper understanding of offshore software development rates across specific geographical areas, you'll find the figures presented below:

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This image shows the average hourly wages for work (in US dollars) in key software outsourcing areas.

For a clearer perspective on the IT industry landscape, let's dive into offshore software development hourly rates for specialized professionals in the United States, Latin America, Central/Northern Europe, and Asia.

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This image shows offshore software development hourly rates for specialized professionals in key software outsourcing areas.

North American software outsourcing rates

Starting with North America, the average base hourly rate for a software engineer in the United States stands at $71 in 2023, according to data from Indeed.com. However, it's crucial to note that this rate can vary based on experience, technology, and location. Importantly, this rate represents the developer's earnings and doesn't include taxes or additional expenses. To provide some context, here are hourly rates in various states:

  • California: $85 (Senior Engineer), $56 (Junior Engineer), $74 (Average).
  • New York: $76 (Senior Engineer), $54 (Junior Engineer), $70 (Average).
  • Texas: $53 (Senior Engineer), $48 (Junior Engineer), $52 (Average).
  • Washington: $68 (Senior Engineer), $53 (Junior Engineer), $63 (Average).

This snapshot gives us an overview of software development rates in the United States for 2023.

Western European software outsourcing rates

Now, shifting our focus to Western Europe, we find a region with varying rates by country:

  • France: $54 per hour, Ease of doing business: 76.8.
  • Germany: $61 per hour, Ease of doing business: 79.7.
  • Netherlands: $69 per hour, Ease of doing business: 76.1.
  • Sweden: $52 per hour, Ease of doing business: 82.
  • United Kingdom: $93 per hour, Ease of doing business: 83.5.

Western Europe's regional average is $66 per hour, with an average ease of doing business score of 79.62 and a political stability rating of 0.7.

Eastern European software outsourcing rates

Eastern European countries have emerged as prominent global software development centers. For example, in 2022, Poland reached $26 billion, and Romania reached €3.2 billion.

This region boasts several key figures reflecting the state of the IT industry:

  • $5 billion in profit for 477 participating IT companies.
  • A workforce of 700,000 IT specialists with ongoing growth.
  • An annual graduation rate of 60,000 tech university students.
  • Impressive annual revenue growth ranging from 20% to 25%.

Furthermore, according to Coursera's Global Skills Index 2022, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary achieved global recognition in the Technology category. This category includes Software Engineering, Databases, Security Engineering, Operating Systems, Computer Networking, and Human-Computer Interactions. Additionally, Hungary and the Czech Republic stood out on the global stage in Data Science, featuring trending skills such as UX design, Python, SQL, R, and more.

These insights provide a comprehensive overview of software development rates in different regions for 2023, empowering businesses to make informed decisions when seeking offshore development opportunities.

Poland: The ideal destination for software outsourcing

When it comes to software outsourcing, Poland has emerged as a prime destination for businesses worldwide. This European nation has steadily gained a reputation as an ideal hub for software development and technology services. But why is Poland considered the perfect software outsourcing region? Let's explore the compelling reasons behind this choice.

Factors to choose offshore software companies from PolandWhat should you consider?
Skilled workforcePoland boasts highly skilled and educated offshore developers. The country's strong emphasis on education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), has led to a pool of proficient IT professionals. As a rule, every software developer is advanced in English.
Cost efficiencyWhile maintaining top-notch quality, offshore software development cost in Poland is attractive. Compared to Western European and North American counterparts, hourly rates for software development in Poland are significantly lower.
Robust IT industryPoland's IT industry has experienced robust growth in recent years. The country is home to numerous software development companies, both large corporations and innovative startups. This competitive landscape fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, making it an excellent environment for offshore software outsourcing partners.
Cultural compatibilityPoland shares a similar work culture with Western countries, facilitating collaboration and project management. This cultural compatibility minimizes potential issues related to communication, work ethics, and project understanding.
LocationThe country's time zone aligns well with most European capitals, ensuring smooth collaboration.
High-quality servicesPolish software development companies are renowned for their commitment to quality and adherence to international standards. Many firms in Poland have earned certifications such as ISO 9001 and CMMI, demonstrating their dedication to delivering high-quality solutions.
Strong data protectionData security and privacy are paramount today. Poland is part of the European Union (EU), and it adheres to strict data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Proven track recordPoland has a long history of successful offshore software outsourcing partnerships with companies from around the world. Many globally recognized brands have benefited from the expertise of Polish software development teams.

Interested in gaining both quality and economic advantages? Hire developers in Poland. One great option to explore is Factor Dedicated Teams.

Final words

In 2024, offshore software development outsourcing is a strategic move for businesses aiming to grow and achieve long-term benefits.

Whether establishing an in-house development team or collaborating with an offshore company, both approaches have pros and cons. However, collaboration with offshore software development companies can significantly enhance cost efficiency, boost productivity, and facilitate business expansion. Their expertise and focus on the latest technologies ensure your projects remain on the front page.

One of the key advantages is the ability to excel while entrusting the technical aspects to your offshore software development partner.

Do you have questions about the advantages and disadvantages of offshore outsourcing software development? Are you seeking guidance on selecting the appropriate offshore development team for your business? The Frequently Asked Questions section below can provide valuable insights. If you prefer to address all your concerns simultaneously and save time, at Factor Dedicated Teams, experts are available for consultation. Contact us and let our proficient offshore development teams assist you in achieving success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of offshore software development services?

With offshore software development services, company owners can gain several significant advantages that greatly benefit their businesses in today's digital landscape.

Here's a look at some key points:

  • High development cost-efficiency: The first advantage companies are interested in is cost savings. It is a winning decision to tap into advanced talent in regions with much more affordable labor costs, reducing project expenses. That's why the offshore development model is trendy in modern conditions.
  • Access to global talented offshore developers: Offshore development opens the door to a worldwide talent pool. You can collaborate with experts from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, bringing fresh perspectives and innovation to your software project.
  • Accelerated timelines: With building a dedicated offshore team, you can accelerate software development project timelines by working around the clock. This ensures more rapid web development, testing, and deployment, giving you a competitive edge.
  • Scalability: Offshore teams can quickly adjust and even readjust to project needs, which is ideal for fluctuating workloads. This point makes utilizing offshore outsourcing models beneficial in the long run.
  • Prioritize core functions: Leveraging outsourcing software development empowers your in-house team to concentrate on key business activities that can elevate results in the foreseeable future.
  • Reduced risk: As a rule, reputable offshore development companies have strong expertise in risk management, ensuring your projects stay on track and within budget.
  • Quality assurance: Evidently, every offshore development team adheres to international quality standards, ensuring the deliverables meet excellent industry standards as soon as possible.
  • Round-the-clock assistance: Software engineers from time zone differences can provide round-the-clock support for every customer. Your software applications will be under reliable maintenance.
  • Diverse skill sets: Offshore software developers bring various skill sets and experiences, which can lead to more robust and innovative solutions, even in complex projects.
  • Cultural diversity: Collaborating with offshore software developers exposes you to different cultural perspectives, fostering creativity and cross-cultural understanding.

Why offshore software development?

In the context of business strategies in 2024, offshore software development is a smart choice for several compelling reasons. It offers a practical solution by tapping into skilled talent in regions with lower labor costs, resulting in significant project cost savings.

Their access to a vast pool of skilled software engineers sets offshore development services apart. This diversity in skill sets, combined with teams operating in different time zones, speeds up software project completion, allowing businesses to maintain their competitiveness.

Scalability is another key advantage provided by offshore development. This adaptability enables companies to efficiently manage varying workloads, aligning their resources with the specific requirements of each project.

Reputable offshore providers also bring extensive experience in risk management to the table, ensuring that projects stay on track and within budget.

Is outsourcing software development a good idea?

Indeed, when it comes to whether outsourcing software development is a wise choice, the answer largely depends on multiple factors and the specific needs of your business in 2024.

This is a good idea. It often leads to significant cost savings while still ensuring the quality of the end product. It grants access to global tech talent, scalability, and the opportunity to focus on key competencies while minimizing risks of failure. However, carefully selecting a reliable outsourcing partner is essential for achieving the best results. Consider Factor Dedicated Teams for your outsourcing needs.

How do I choose an offshore software development company?

To make the most beneficial choice of software development company from all existing options, consider these steps:

  • Define your requirements: Clearly define your project's scope, goals, and needs.
  • Assess experience and reputation: Look for companies with a proven track record in your industry or a similar domain. Check their portfolio and client testimonials.
  • Evaluate expertise: Ensure the company's team has experience with the technologies and tools relevant to your project.
  • Consider communication and time zone: Choose a company with a team that can communicate clearly in your language and is in a compatible time zone for efficient collaboration.
  • Ensure data security: Select the company that adheres to relevant data protection regulations.
  • Inquire about cost transparency: Seek a company that provides detailed cost breakdowns and is willing to discuss any potential additional charges.
  • Determine legal aspects: Review the contract thoroughly and seek legal counsel if necessary.

What is the rate for offshore developers?

If you entrust your project to an offshore software development company, the cost usually falls from $25 to $45 per hour. However, the average rate can vary from $20 to $50 per hour if you intend to hire a dedicated developer with intermediate or advanced skills. The specific rate depends on the expertise of the software engineering team. Contact us to know our company rates.

How to find and hire an offshore software development team?

When searching for and hiring an offshore software development team in 2024, start with comprehensive research. Gather information from various sources, including recommendations, online platforms, and industry forums. Please pay close attention to their reputation, evaluate their portfolios for relevant experience, and assess their pricing structure. Ensure effective communication, check legal aspects, and consider trial projects if uncertain. Maintaining clear documentation throughout the process is essential for transparency and dispute resolution.

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