Businesses often have to make a difficult choice when it comes to developing custom apps or custom websites. The market is flooded with excellent resources and experienced development companies making it challenging to pick and choose. For short to mid-term projects, it is often tempting to hire a freelance developer. But it is equally helpful if you partner with an agency that provides dedicated resources.

What are the differences between outsourcing developers from a professional custom application development company and hiring a freelancer? First things first, you need clarity on your project and development requirements before you set out to recruit your resources. Here’s a comparative analysis of dedicated resources versus freelance developers.

1. Technical expertise: Skillset and experience are the key differentiators that can help you decide. Look for the versatility of projects in the developer’s portfolio. Check for certifications and endorsements. Has the developer worked on a project similar to yours? You will often find that software development companies have a wider range of resources with an eclectic blend of know-how and experience that makes them suitable for your project. The advantage of working with a company would be the added assurance of professionalism and the ability to view client testimonials and portfolio.

2. Security: Application security is an important factor when you outsource your work. There are several elements of security such as in-built security to protect against cyber threats as well as protection of data, IP, business critical information etc. The developer needs to understand the value of security and be able to build a secure, robust application or website that works in the client’s interest at all times. It is advisable to do a reputation check and work with a reliable partner to avoid security lapses. If you are an E-retailer looking to launch your webstore, hire a Magento eCommerce developer only with the best credentials, as your business credibility depends on it.

3. Communication: When you choose to outsource talent that doesn’t work in-house, there is bound to be some anxiety regarding status updates and clarity of expectations.  Every business looks forward to a constant flow of communication and regular project updates through the various iterations in the project lifecycle.  Other than the technical expertise, the developer’s proactiveness and communication skills will be of utmost importance to ensure that the development runs like clockwork.

4. Availability: The responsiveness and availability is quite likely higher and better in a dedicated resource. For instance, if you wish to make some quick changes to your project midway, a freelance developer with multiple clients may not be able to attend to your request rather swiftly. An agency that provides you a dedicated team of developers can provide faster turnaround for requests and get things moving quickly.

5. Project management and post-go-live support: A software development company with dedicated resources functions on some fine-tuned systems, processes and standard approaches of project management. This makes your life much easier because of the quality assurance and adherence to requirements and timeline. Dedicated resources are possibly more accountable and responsible because of a well-oiled system that governs their work.

You will also look for post-go live support and maintenance requests and this is easier to manage when you work with dedicated developers. Will you get last-minute support for bug-fixes and round the clock service? These are some questions you need to consider before you seal the deal.

While there are some exceptional freelance developers doing quality work, if you are outsourcing software development for the first time, it is advisable to go the relatively safer route of working with dedicated developers. Do you have any feedback or experience on hiring developers that you would like to share with us?

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