.NET is a well-known technology used to empower all types of products, from basic web applications to AI-enabled image recognition tools. If you decide to use this technology in your project, the quickest and easiest way to do it is to hire a reliable .NET development company.
In this post, you will see a step-by-step guide on how to find a qualified vendor, what to pay attention to during the negotiation process, and how to make sure the software devs you have hired fully understand and follow your vision.
Step #1. Clearly articulate the requirements for the project
The process of finding a top-notch contractor can be daunting if you're not sure what kind of work the developers should be doing. Before shortlisting options, make sure you know what the goals of your project are. Here are the key points to consider when determining the requirements for a project:
Project type
First, you need to describe in detail the type of project you are going to create. This will make it easier to identify your direction and help you find a supplier with the appropriate knowledge in that specific area. Fortunately, .NET has many applications for software development:
- Web applications
- Linux apps based on NET Core
- Microsoft Store Apps
- Console Applications
- IoT Applications
- GUI software
- Games, etc.
Identify the features you want to implement
After you have specified the type of application you want to develop, outline all the characteristics that will be included in the future product. This will help define the functional requirements of the project and allow for better budgeting later on.
To understand what functions .NET developers can create, take a look at the most popular ones:
- Data binding
- Speech processing
- Predictive modeling
- Database Integration
- Animation
- Messaging, etc.
Set scale
Before signing a maintenance contract with a development team, it is important to understand the scale you are aiming for in your project. If you are not on a budget and want to ship a product globally, make sure the potential supplier has all the necessary resources to keep you up and running.
It goes without saying that dealing with large-scale projects requires additional resources - a larger development team, broader experience in .NET development services, robust security mechanisms, ongoing support, etc. However, if we look at the other side of the coin, you don't need an enterprise-grade vendor to create a niche application for the local community.
Additional technologies you need
There are various programming languages that use .NET - F#, C#, or C++. Decide in advance what technologies (besides .NET) you will need to use in your future product. In doing so, you will be able to select professionals who can cover the required skill set for your project and provide you with a one-stop-shop service.
This is much better than running back and forth in the middle of the process, trying to find a developer with skills in "that one particular programming language" that you didn't think about in the beginning.
Step #2: Set project boundaries
Statistics show that software projects run the greatest risk of cost and time overruns. This is why business developers must plan their timeline and budget carefully.
Budget
A project without a budget is like a car without fuel. Estimating the number of resources required to complete a project ensures the financial viability of the project and limits your search for software contractors. Here's how to set a project budget:
- Estimate the cost of each development stage.
- Plan for risks and unexpected change.
- Consider taxes.
Schedule
Here are the steps for building a project schedule:
- Determining the scope of the project
- Breakdown of results
- Defining project dependencies
- Estimating deadlines for each task
- Prioritizing product features
- Determining how much talent is needed to meet deadlines
Step #3: List of suppliers
With a predefined budget and project scope under your belt, you'll be ready to visit sites like Clutch.co or GoodFirms to find a reliable dot NET development company. While the number of vendors available is daunting, there are actionable pointers to help business owners make smart hiring decisions.
1. Choose a software development quote that suits your budget
One of the obstacles business owners face is hiring affordable contractors without compromising on product quality. To make sure that working with a .NET company helps remove the budgetary pressure, take the time to evaluate the different hiring models.
Onshore outsourcing
Onshore outsourcing is the term for hiring a service provider who is located in the same country where the business is located. This provides a number of benefits - ease of communication and a faster hiring process, to name just a few; however, for US-based companies, the high cost of service is the main drawback of working with domestic suppliers.
Offshore outsourcing
Offshore outsourcing is the hiring of an overseas contractor. This is a popular cost-cutting feature for business owners, given that developer salaries outside of the main technology centers are lower than those of professionals in America, Canada, or the EU.
For example, the average annual salary for a California developer is $130,500, while for a Polish programmer, it is $33,600.
That's why hiring .net developers from our tech talent marketplace, which source its talent from the CEE region, may give a competitive edge.
2. Check online reviews
To make sure you're choosing a reliable .NET development agency, look for reviews on social media and review platforms, or simply google "XXX Developer Reviews." You can also use related topics or Reddit boards like Clutch, Glassdoor, DOU, and Djinni to solicit feedback on a specific contractor.
3. Analyze pricing systems
Choose a vendor who uses a pricing system that is convenient for you. There are two options:
- Fix price. A fixed price is a way to compensate a contractor for completed projects. It is the preferred billing system for projects with predictable workflows and clear requirements.
- Time/material. If you choose this pricing model, you will have to pay the contractor for the number of hours spent on the project, as well as the cost of the tools required to complete the assignments. This is the recommended billing strategy for unpredictable projects with dynamic requirements.
4. Review the team's experience and past work
Before negotiating with a contractor, make sure that the .NET outsourcing company has hands-on experience with projects similar to yours in scope, industry, and budget. Check if the software developers on the team are proficient in all the technologies your future product is based on.
Takeaway
Look no further than Ideamotive to hire contractors to outsource .NET development services. We are a trusted technical team with years of experience creating products for healthcare, transportation, retail, finance, business intelligence, and other industries.
We are happy to discuss your ideas - contact us to get a free consultation with one of our managers!
