The number of app users is constantly increasing. In 2023, the number of app downloads exceeded 257 trillion. Custom software development is the answer to the ever-increasing customer needs of companies in every conceivable industry. It is a service that includes comprehensive IT solutions, design, implementation and technical support of applications.
When talking about software house companies, one should start with their definition. For what, in fact, is a software house? It is a company that develops custom software, including mobile, web or dexterous applications. However, software house offerings are not limited to such services.
Software houses offer a multitude of other solutions for clients: database systems, technical support, application audits or the creation of UX/UI design. Many times you can also count on the service of implementing artificial intelligence as support for the systems included in advanced applications.
In this article, you will learn what a software house is and what services it offers. In addition, we will tell you what it is like to work with a software house and how to choose the best one.
Table of Contents:
- What is a software house? Definition
- What does it look like to work with a software house?
- How to choose the best software house? 3 tips
- Software house: article summary
What is a software house? Definition
Software house is a company that specializes in custom software development. It offers a complete service of providing applications for clients, starting with coming up with the design and ending with supporting the application once it is implemented. Software house can also be referred to as a "Software Development Company".
What services does the software house offer?
The approach to the service offered varies from project to project, from client to client and between different software house companies. Each team organizes its work a little differently and has its own methods of implementing projects. Having the task of providing a wide range of products, the software house is based on a fluid approach to the client. The project can be created from the beginning of the design phase or based on the delivered activities of other companies. Then the software house primarily takes over the programmatic development of creating a digital product.
Software development agencies often take on the role of subcontractor for part of an existing project. IT specialists are able to provide database solutions, AI technologies or take over products to optimize their performance.
Software development companies: key features
First of all, such companies operate on the principle of providing a digital project implementation service for clients. Such a service includes requirements analysis, workshops, UX/UI design, programming, publishing and support, although it is not limited to the above.
As a rule, software houses operate in modern project management methodologies, such as Agile or DevOps. Optimization of processes, an agile approach to development and quick adaptation to change are important characteristics of a well-organized software house.
Software and its functionalities can change according to needs. Therefore, in implementing projects, application development companies have a flexible approach, which is standard in the IT industry.
What does it look like to work with a software house?
As we have already mentioned, there is no single way to create an application and work with the client. Each case is considered individually. Nevertheless, we can set a general outline of the stages of custom software development. Here they are:
Meeting: At this stage, the client presents the vision of the project and its prototype. His needs and values are learned.
Product Discovery Workshop: the stage of research, analysis and discussion. The idea of the application is developed, goals and possibilities for achieving them are determined.
Bid: Determination of the scope of work, schedule, cost estimate. The customer decides whether to use the offer.
UX/UI design: Create a functional mock-up of the application design and its prototype.
Production: proper programming, development, bug fixing in case of testing. The client receives reports regarding the work.
Publication: the implementation of the application, a kind of premiere. The application is downloadable or begins its operation.
Maintenance: Period of updating the application, making minor fixes. Ensure stable operation of the application on the latest systems.
How to get started with a software house?
To start cooperation, all you need to do is send an e-mail or call, providing a description of the scope of the project or idea and your own expectations. Even a simple idea for an application can be taken on board, and specialists will support its development with their experience and knowledge.
How to choose the best software house? 3 tips
Reviewing the available software houses, there are several ways to choose the best of them. What should we be guided by when choosing a company to realize our dream application?
Software house company rankings
A good way is to look at a reliable ranking that takes into account a wide range of companies. The most popular of these is Clutch.co. There you can find information about the services offered, the location and size of the company or read reviews from verified customers.
This makes it a somewhat reliable source of information, as the reviews go through careful verification. Nevertheless, one should not be guided by their quantity. In this case, the most important thing is quality. Smaller software houses will have few reviews, but this does not indicate their experience. Even if a particular software house doesn't have too many of them, however, they are high ratings themselves, it is as much as possible an indicator of high quality services.
Software house portfolio analysis
Going to the website of a given company, we will often have the opportunity to review presentations of completed projects. When analyzing such an IT company's portfolio, it is important to consider the scope of services provided, the use of technology and the goals achieved. Carefully implemented solutions especially score and prove the reliability of a given software house.
Approach to project development
The best measure of what experience and expertise a software house offers is its customized approach to executing applications.
We won't fully know if a particular company will offer us what we want without contacting it. It's worth interviewing a representative of a particular software house to see what the workflow is really like. A professional tone and a customer-sensitive approach are the qualities we should look for in an initial conversation with a potential contractor.
Software house: article summary
We hope that after reading the article you know what a software house company is and how to choose the best one for your project. Remember to pay attention to the rankings and portfolio of a given company in your selection, but don't hesitate to call and see for yourself.
Companies don't offer one and the same path for developing applications for business, so it's worth checking what range of services from a particular company suits you best. The quality of the collaborative experience depends on good customization. Open communication is absolutely key in the IT industry, after all, applications are created for people.
or simply write an email