Our #7 featured client, an e-commerce firm close to home from Leiria, Portugal, sought to enhance their workforce with top-tier professionals to fuel their growth trajectory. This presented Cleverti with a chance to showcase the effectiveness of their recruitment services, assisting with staff augmentation, and the opportunity to make a significant and longing impact.

The Challenge

The in-house team needed staff augmentation, since all the processes and projects at hands couldn’t be performed and developed with just the existing workforce. High-quality professionals were the requirement, so it was imperative to swiftly assemble and onboard the ideal team. All this, to streamline the hiring process and optimize workflow efficiency.

Our Solution

Cleverti’s journey with the client began with a direct outreach, illustrating one of the company’s core – a proactive approach and the commitment to meeting clients needs. Since there were different teams that needed complementation, what was evident? Each demanded a tailored solution to address that specific team requirements. The recruitment process was, therefore, characterized by meticulous attention to detail. This ensured that only the most qualified candidates made it through.

The rigorous process encompassed CV screening, technical assessments and comprehensive interviews, guaranteeing that each individual brought invaluable expertise to the table.

The Final Outcome

The impact of Cleverti’s partnership was palpable, with the client consistently acquiring top-tier talents to bolster their team. The shared profiles have not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, enabling them to scale their operations seamlessly.

The workflow between teams has been marked by efficiency and collaboration, with Cleverti’s responsiveness standing out as a testament to our commitment to client success. Our reliability and dedication have garnered praise from the client, as shown by the Clutch review, reinforcing our position as a trusted ally in their journey towards excellence.

The mentioned review on the B2B platform that publishes in-depth client reviews and reliable data-driven content, was excellent. An overall score of 5 out of 5 with high marks on every considered metric – scheduling on time/deadlines (5.0), cost value/within estimates (5.0), quality service & deliverables (5.0), and NPS willing to refer (5.0).

This partnership, growing strong to this day, unlocked new opportunities for growth and innovation to our client. Our services continue to empower businesses across industries and continents, and the same commitment and excellence is delivered. One project at a time.

Check this review in detail and others at Clutch – a B2B website invested in publishing in-depth client reviews and reliable data-driven content.

The post Empowering Growth through Strategic Staff Augmentation: A Partnership with Cleverti appeared first on Cleverti.

One key benefit of outsourcing to Portugal is its location in Western Europe. It is easy to communicate and collaborate with Portugal, and it is also easy for companies to visit their development teams in person.

Portugal has a strong cultural connection with many other European countries, which makes it easier to work with nearshore development teams. This includes shared language, values, and business practices.

Portugal has a highly educated and skilled workforce, with a strong tradition of technical education and a growing tech sector. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to outsource software development.

Outsourcing to Portugal can also help companies reduce costs. The country has a lower cost of living compared to many other European countries.

The Portuguese government supports the tech sector and has implemented policies to encourage industry growth. This includes initiatives to attract international investment and support local startups.

Overall, these factors make Portugal an attractive nearshore outsourcing destination for European companies looking to take advantage of the benefits of outsourcing while maintaining proximity and cultural similarities.

As a leading provider of nearshore software outsourcing services, Cleverti has been helping companies in Europe meet their development needs since 2010.

With a team of highly skilled developers and a strong track record of delivering high-quality software solutions, Cleverti has successfully served more than 200 clients in Europe and US.

Whether you are a small startup or a large enterprise, Cleverti can provide the expertise and resources you need to successfully outsource your software development projects.

Contact us today to learn more about how Cleverti can help your business thrive in the competitive world of software development.

The post Nearshore Software Outsourcing in Portugal: An Attractive Option for European Companies in 2023 appeared first on Cleverti.

Although, there are voices claiming Outsourcing IT is not profitable anymore. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 main benefits of it and see if that claim is or not true.

Outsourcing IT Benefits

a) One of the key benefits of outsourcing IT teams is the ability to access a larger pool of talent. By hiring workers outside of the organization, businesses can tap into a much larger pool of skilled workers, allowing them to find the right people for the job.

This can help to ensure that the IT team has the skills and expertise it needs to be successful.

For example, a company might need to develop a product or service that requires a specific technology or programming language that none of its in-house team members are proficient in.

The company can, in this situation, get the product or service to market faster and more efficiently by outsourcing the development work to a team with the necessary skills.

b) Another advantage of outsourcing IT teams is the ability to reduce costs. By hiring workers in other countries, businesses can take advantage of lower labour costs, allowing them to save money on the cost of hiring workers to handle certain tasks.

This can help to increase the overall profitability of the business and to allow the IT team to invest in other areas, such as research and development;

c) In addition, outsourcing IT teams can also help businesses to improve the quality of their work. By hiring workers who have specialized expertise and experience, businesses can ensure that their IT teams are delivering high-quality solutions that meet the needs of their clients.

By taking advantage of these benefits, businesses can increase their competitiveness and improve their overall performance.

Which kind of business parts use to be outsourced?

There are many different technologies that are commonly outsourced by companies, including software development, data analysis, network support, and customer support. Some of the top technologies that are outsourced by companies include:

1. Software development: Companies choose to outsource their software development to other companies or individuals with specialized experience and expertise.
   By outsourcing software development, companies can access a larger pool of talent and reduce the cost of hiring workers to handle this task; 
2. Data analysis: By hiring workers who have specialized skills in areas such as data mining, machine learning, and statistical analysis, companies can ensure that they are able to make sense of their data and use it to inform their business decisions; 
3. Network support: Companies can keep their networks up and running by outsourcing network support and resolving any issues quickly; 
4. Customer support: Finally, by outsourcing customer support, companies can provide better service to their customers and improve their overall satisfaction.

Is it fair to say Outsourcing IT is coming to an end?

It is unlikely that the outsourcing of IT teams will come to an end in the near future. In fact, the use of outsourcing to handle IT teams is likely to continue to grow, as more and more companies recognize the benefits of outsourcing and the potential for cost savings and improved performance.

One of the key reasons that outsourcing of IT teams is likely to continue is the increasing demand for IT services. As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for IT teams to handle a wide range of tasks, such as software development, data analysis, and network support, is only likely to increase. This will create a growing demand for IT workers, and outsourcing will be one way that companies can meet that demand.

Another reason that the outsourcing of IT teams is likely to continue is the availability of skilled workers in other countries. Many countries, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, have a growing pool of highly skilled IT workers who are able to provide high-quality services at a lower cost than workers in more developed countries. This will make outsourcing an attractive option for companies looking to access the skills and expertise they need to be successful.

Overall, it is unlikely that the outsourcing of IT teams will come to an end in the near future. Instead, the use of outsourcing to handle IT teams is likely to continue to grow, as more and more companies recognize the benefits of outsourcing and the potential for cost savings and improved performance.

The post The 3 Key Benefits of Outsourcing IT Teams in Europe: Access to Talent, Cost Reduction, and Quality Improvement appeared first on Cleverti.

With today’s technology constantly evolving and expanding, it is more important than ever to have a team of skilled developers working on your project.

Luckily, Portugal provides strategic access to markets and has competitive operating costs and a commitment to education and science, which makes this country a great place to find talented developers.

But where do you start?

The following five tips will help you to smoothly scale up your tech team with a reliable partner regarding your requirements and industry characteristics.

Look for high-ranked nearshore partners in Portugal to scale up your tech team

“Why didn’t you look at its reviews before?!”

That is your soul mate’s shock when realizing you have not checked the rating of an unsatisfactory restaurant.

This reliance on third-party validation practice is also common in the outsourcing universe.

A million-dollar question arises: “How to find a company with the qualities and experience to tackle your project?”

Nowadays, you can find software development platforms for in-depth client reviews, such as the clutch.co or goodfirms.co. These allow you to compare providers’ service lines or even analyze their latest projects. It will certainly guide you through choosing a business solution or service which fits your demands.

So, suppose you are considering scaling up your tech in Portugal. In that case, you might want to look for high-ranked software development providers on those platforms we mentioned and filter out the low-ranked ones. This method will reduce the chances of experiencing poor quality service reported by the community, just as we do with restaurants.

Analyze the success stories and references

According to the clutch.co, “65% of B2B buyers use third-party reviews to vet and hire service providers, “ so you can guess the next tip.

Once high-ranking consultancies have been identified, it’s time to analyze their case studies and focus on their approach and time-to-market response. One of the most complex parts of choosing a reliable software development partner is finding the one with the proper experience and industry recognition aligned with your expectations.

To make the best decision, you should consider all factors closely and carefully evaluate the provider’s technology stack and industry experience.

For example, you might make a mistake if you hire a company without back-end development experience to create a new login and registration system.

A helpful guide to analyzing success stories would be to look for answers to the following questions:

1. What was the customer’s problem?
2. What is the solution found by the provider?
3. What were the results obtained?

After seeing these questions answered, you can easily understand the following:

• Which software development methodologies they use (Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall);
• The way providers manage and support development teams;
• The variety of technological approaches they can suggest and apply.

The last one, in particular, will allow you to assess whether or not there is the versatility to respond to customers’ specific pains.

Make a shortlist

The time has come to identify the providers that can respond to your pains and add value to your software development team.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand:

• Which ones have the most suitable technological approach to your business model;
• Which ones give you more guarantees of reliability in case you have to renew the team suddenly;
• Those who have more experience in your sector of activity.

With a shortlist of approximately five companies, the next step is to schedule meetings with the selected providers’ account managers to present your challenges and understand their services in detail.

Assess your potential partner’s talent acquisition and talent retention strategies

In this article, we talked about technological approach, technology stack and also software development methodologies.

However, we still did not mention two of the most crucial factors of this equation: Talent acquisition and talent retention.

You don’t want your partner frequently reforming your outsourced tech team. Your business cannot be susceptible to constant software development team changes. It takes time for tech teams to become familiar with your business model. Your company will be affected if your partner cannot retain its talent.

In other words, it is imperative that your future partner cares about their employees and provides them with the tools to prosper in their careers. A commitment to education and training, career progression plans, and wellness programs are all vital.

Would you like to know more about our approach and culture? Get in touch with us and discover our nearshore outsourcing solutions.

The post Scaling up Your Tech Team in Portugal? Here Are 4 Great Tips to Get You Started appeared first on Cleverti.

When a potential client talks with Cleverti Nearshore Team, with the intention of adding added value to their existing software team, the Dedicated Team is usually the preferred and most suitable Business Model that usually ends being chosen.

Although at first glance it may seem more reasonable to choose a Fixed Cost model, things usually start to complicate especially when the company doesn’t have the expertise in Recruiting & HR areas.

As a pioneer company in the Portuguese Nearshore, Cleverti has developed and improved over the years this business model that suits companies of all dimensions. A personalized business model that is focused on the client specific needs, and made to maximize the output, mitigating any potential frictions.

What is exactly a Dedicated Team?

A dedicated team is a complement to your team. It’ll fill the skill gaps or provide an extension to the competency to your existing team. The team members will be allocated and working exclusively for you, and the management can be made from your, or Cleverti side – you chose it.

Although a Nearshore dedicated team is a service, the working practices, methodologies, and the team itself will quickly evolve and become part of your own strategy – Just like the people you have in your office, but with the difference that we’ll be working remotely!

How do we set up a Dedicated Team?

The setup of a Nearshore team is a multi-step process that involves different departments. Because we go to the market and recruit specifically according to your needs, the whole process usually takes from 2 weeks, up to 2 months, depending on the requirements.

In the beginning, we start by hearing your ideas, Requirements, and Preferences – You will share them with the Business Development Team.

This information will then be passed to the Recruitment Team. It will play a critical role in the recruitment strategy and will help us pick the most relevant talents, from our pool of candidates.

You will only be involved at a later stage, when we feel that we have identified at least a few candidates that we feel that meet your interest, have the technical skills required by you, and are also motivated in working in a team like yours.

Only when you are 100% sure that we have identified the right people for your team, we move forward and hire the team elements specifically for you – Before providing this green light you are allowed to make technical interviews, technical tests, or any other kind of validation that may help you make a confident decision.

Why Cleverti?

Cleverti is a company based in Lisbon (Portugal’s capital) operating since 2010. During these past 10 years, we have been able to collaborate with hundreds of clients and earn a tremendous experience in this very competitive market.

Recently we have developed our own Methodology – Cleverti Care. This allows us to ensure a smooth operation and frictionless interactions between Client, Cleverti, and the Development Team.

Portugal is also one of the few Western European countries where you can still easily hire developers, our Universities feed the market every year with thousands of new Software Engineers. If you are located in companies like Germany, France, or the UK you may be already familiar with the prohibiting prices that are caused by the huge demand for the scarce resources (developers).

The post Dedicated Team – Everything you need to know appeared first on Cleverti.

There is risk in outsourcing software development. It’s an undisputable truth. But it’s also true risk plays a significant role in our lives.

Driving to work every day, eating out, or jogging in the evening carry a certain amount of risk.  We cannot anticipate all the risks in our day to day, lest we fail to live. What we do know is some factors can substantially increase it… in life and outsourcing.

As we enter the business sphere, risks gain a different dimension. Starting a new business entails a variety of them: getting financing, sticking to legal and regulatory compliance, hiring the right people, keeping up with the market “mood”, are just a few.

One, three and five-year survival rates of enterprises, business economy, 2015 (%). Source: Eurostat Statistics Explained

Levering and taking on the risk is what makes an entrepreneur. As Dictionary.com puts it, an entrepreneur is

“A person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.”

Of course, none of this is totally new to you, or you would not be where you are right now! Which brings us to…

The risk in outsourcing software development

When we consider outsourcing, a great deal of our evaluation effort lies in choosing the best partner. After all, we are delivering part or all of the development of our applications to an entity that is unrelated to us.

Most probably, these are the first questions we will seek to answer:

1. Is the partner able to fully understand our requirements and deliver the service we need?

2. Does the partner have satisfied customers to prove skills and service quality?

3. Does the partner have suitable premises, infrastructures and equipment?

4. Is the partner able to keep up with our growth path?

And, when we consider outsourcing to a different country, more questions arise:

5. How will partner’s time-zone, language and working schedules impact communication?

6. Will the partner’s staff be able to work effortlessly with my own team? Do they have matching quality, skillset, and working culture?

7. How will the partner safeguard our quality standards, legal framework, intellectual property, data protection, etc.?

Obviously, this is not at all wrong and we should definitely get adequate answers to these and eventually other questions. It just may not give you the whole picture. Do note the emphasis on the partner.

Often, while we weigh a number of external risk factors, we neglect a key dynamic for successful outsourcing…

Do we have what it takes to hand-over our software development project to a partner?

This is a question we should be asking ourselves before outsourcing. Assessing our own internal risk indicators may set the difference between the success or the failure of our outsourcing project.

Let’s look at some of the main risks of outsourcing-fiasco-by-internal-factors we need to consider:

# Risk 1: Unclear purpose and goals

Do we know what we are trying to achieve?

How to avoid it: By setting clear business goals and strategy, as well as a consistent product roadmap, monitored by objective performance metrics. Our internal team needs to be aware of these indicators and realize exactly how the right development partner will get us further – e.g. will the partner provide a specific technology, give a global boost to our development, help us place our product on another platform?

# Risk 2: Poor engagement

Is our team prepared to cope with outsourcing?

How to avoid it: By enforcing team collaboration. Our people must be committed to the success of outsourcing and a single-team approach favours this. Involving the internal team in the outsourcing project from the beginning (defining requirements and specifications, asking questions, interviewing outsourcing team members, etc.) makes it easier to see the partner as an extension of ourselves, enabling a smoother collaboration.

# Risk 3: Weak management and processes

Are the right people on our side engaged in the project?

How to avoid it: By ensuring capable management and close monitoring. Even if the partner has a competent local management layer, we need to engage some of our senior staff to this endeavour. They must dedicate enough time and effort to the project in order to drive its success. Implementing formal processes and metrics, such as touchpoints, delivery reporting, KPIs and escalation procedures in advance, is also decisive to keep the project on track.

# Risk 4: Bad interface

How do we ensure proper interaction?

How to avoid it: By setting up fluent communication and feedback mechanisms. Before project starts, it’s imperative to clarify all our doubts and even meet face-to-face with the partner if required. When in a different country, we must anticipate any time-zone, work schedule, language and culture impacts in order to deal with them in advance. In the course of our project, we need to have adequate procedures and tools in place to ensure knowledge transfer, consistent interaction, and timely feedback, both on the partner side and on our side.

# Risk 5: Technical skills below expectations

How do we ensure that the partner’s staff has the right skills and experience?

How to avoid it: By getting actively involved. Defining a handful of requirements is not enough. We must look at the all process as an investment in our product. It takes more time and effort, but it pays off in the long run – e.g. when we hire for our internal team, we follow a set of procedures and we must do the same here. Similar skills and attitude on both sides makes engagement easier and enables seamless teamwork.

# Risk 6: Poor quality assurance

How will our quality standards be met by all?

How to avoid it: By never, ever overlooking quality. This is about our product and we are accountable for it. We must make sure that our quality standards are clear and understood by all, and guarantee the means to bring them to life. The partner needs to have quality assurance procedures in force to address our requirements, but we have to make sure they are sufficient and effective. Likewise, software development and management methodologies have to be defined and implemented in order to serve our purposes – e.g. Agile methods are better suited for geographically distributed projects.

Successful software development outsourcing is possible and in fact quite common. Leaving nothing to chance is the key to anticipate and deal with many of the risks in outsourcing projects.

Working with a reliable partner is halfway through but there is some work to be done at home.  Failing to do it is as good as drink and drive: the risk of a fatal accident can increase anywhere between 2 and 20 times.

Written by Ana Raposo| Marketing Manager at Cleverti

The post Six software outsourcing risks and how to avoid them appeared first on Cleverti.

Behind these words, with some exceptions, of course, you’re likely to find big problems for you and your project. As a car or a cell phone, if you are looking for quality to increase your business, you need to pay a fair rate for the service, as you might understand.

The software market is currently an unstoppable train that grows with each passing day. If we want to be more specific, software development is nowadays divided before two options: the development ‘in-house’ and the outsourcing solution. If the first may in some cases be safer because you have total control and management of your project, the second option is one of the trending topics for the next few years in this market, due to the lack of resources. They are many advantages if you are searching for the better price to boost your project, meanwhile is important to give a double check in the “cheap outsourcing”.

But what is “cheap outsourcing”? First of all, it’s important to explain that if you are looking for the best deal, sometimes the low hourly rate could be an attraction, but beware, because that low-rate option may have poor characteristics which will not get you the solution that you want, on the timetable you need it delivered, and may ultimately become more expensive than other options.

So, after this, you’re most probably wondering: what is the minimum rate in outsourcing? According to some specialists and industry critics like Accelerance, 25€ is the minimum from which you should start negotiating an outsourcing solution for software development. Below this rate, and according to the organization, it’s a clear ‘red flag’ and you should avoid this because you can have problems with this “low cost” solution and everyone wants to get a good deal for the money they spend.

Outsourcing software development is a proven way to reduce your costs of developing and deploying applications and you could have more to win than to lose. There are some good deals in every corner of the world and Portugal, in the past few years, has won the authority to discuss with the biggest central Europe markets for a position as important outsourcing location.

What determines an outsourcing rate?

The answer is not difficult to understand because cost ultimately determines the rate. In every part of the globe, there are some factors that determine the outsourcing rate and common elements which will affect the cost of a developer. First of all, wages, because all software developers are paid a wage that is in-line with the place where they live. Second, employee benefits such as a programmer’s total compensation, which will have elements that include vacation, sick time, insurance, payroll tax, retirement contributions, etc. So, if you combine the cost of wages and benefits, you will get the most important part of the rate.

In a different but also important step, you need to consider the expense to supervise employees, because a software development team has to be managed in order to control work priorities, as well as coached and guided regularly; they also need tools such as computers, software development tools and testing tools and, last but not least, the office space (furniture, phone, internet, coffee and other bonds) to work and develop your project in the best conditions.

So, behind the outsourcing rates, you will find several factors that give you a “fair price”. When you pay under 25€ and you need to include all of this, the alarms should ring in your mind and avoid this kind of “cheap rates”, because it is possible that you aren’t getting the fullest value for the hourly rate you pay. Outsourcing is nowadays a great solution for your company and projects, but you need to find the best partner to give the boost that you need. Why?

In the foundation of an outsourced software development, there must be confidence between two companies to give you the best delivery, the best talent and the best operation to achieve your main goals. Portugal is actually one of the best countries to build outsourcing teams for many reasons: highly talented developers, low time-zone difference towards other European countries, culture, and the capacity to adapt and cover the most important languages of this specific market. Have we cheapest rates in the market? It’s a clear no, but we are very competitive when compared to central and northern Europe, including countries such as France, UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.

On the other side, locations such as India, North Africa, and Eastern Europe can provide you “cheap rates”, but for all the reasons above, you may not be very well served and in recent years references to negative experiences have been increasing. High turnover in the companies, insufficient tools, poor process, limited talent, language and time-zone barriers are the major problems of outsourcing to countries that provide you “cheap rates”.

Portugal in the past few years has assumed an important role in the outsourcing market. With competitive rates, the country produces great IT talent, recognized among their peers. With a great culture of work and close to important time-zones in Europe, Portugal is nowadays one of the most important countries if you are looking for quality outsourcing, with good delivery and best practices in the market.

In conclusion, that key-sentence that you need to retain: you get what you pay for. Outsourced software development can be cost-effective, and you can have a great experience with the right partner. However, “cheap outsourcing” means you are not getting full value for what you pay and you can probably have problems, like delays, turnover and poor scope delivery.

Written by Tomás Santos |  Business Development Manager at Cleverti

The post Outsourcing prices: Below 25€? Thanks, but no thanks appeared first on Cleverti.

Before walking you through our simulation tool, let’s us just remind how outsourcing software projects is an increasingly common practice. Small, medium and large companies are doing it for different reasons, with proven benefits.

For many, cost savings may still the number one driver but overall outsourcing pros clearly outweigh cons as the outsourcing industry evolves:

# Expertise on demand                            

Technology changes so fast that software projects often require skills most companies don’t have promptly available. An external provider is able to offer a comprehensive skillset on short notice.

# Talent at your service

Great talent can be hard to find. Working with multiple technology projects makes it easier for specialized providers to attract great professionals and engage them in your project.

# Higher product quality

Provider’s experience and additional capacity, e.g. for in-depth testing, will contribute to making your software applications more dependable, thus improving product quality and user experience.

# Process improvements

Proven methodologies, best practices, and processes implemented by a specialized provider improve productivity, flexibility, and quality throughout your software development process.

# Shorter time-to-market

When you extend your team with skilled specialists they will focus on accomplishing. Since they are experienced with similar projects, they will have suggestions to avoid bottlenecks and help you get your product out faster.

# Wider business focus

The specialists engaged in your project are hired by the partner taking recruitment effort off your hands – in many cases, you will validate/approve team members. Partner also has project control mechanisms that will decrease your workload allowing you to focus on driving the business forward.

How our simulation tool can help to get you started

After weighing the positive impact of outsourcing in your software project, you should start assessing potential partners.

At this point, you are probably still in an early decision stage. You will have doubts and may not even have a very clear idea on how exactly to setup your project. It is only natural that you are not ready to start a more formal consultation procedure.

This is where a project simulation tool may come in handy to help you realise what you actually need when you need it and how much you should expect to invest.

Our project simulation tool available on Cleverti’s website was designed with this purpose. It allows you to simulate a project in a fast and easy way, based on what you are looking for, when you plan to start, what kind of engagement you have in mind and which type of resources you need to involve.

The tool is available for web and mobile and can be used to simulate Software Development, QA & testing and Product Support projects.

Here is an example of a software development project simulation:

1. Start by choosing the type of development

2. Define when you’re planning to start

3. Select an engagement model

4. Estimate a team size

5. And get your simulation right away!

The entire process is free, fast and simple and you may opt to remain anonymous. In any case, Cleverti’s customer care team is always available to clarify your doubts and help you put together the best solution for your project.

Simulate your project now!

The post How to setup an outsourced software project: the easy way appeared first on Cleverti.

There are several reasons that help explain the phenomenon, but it is important to detail the importance of the service and how it can help in the development of a business. Despite some reticence, outsourcing is undoubtedly a path that cannot be overlooked.

To start with a quick explanation, the most common approaches nowadays are either working with a third-party outsourcing provider or establishing captive operations in competitive markets like Portugal. Engagement models can be differentiated based on customer organization’s need for management control, cost of operation, risks and other factors.

One of the biggest fears for beginners is the thought of losing control of their own business. It is important to demystify this idea, because this service only seeks to function as a driver to the business; a great help when for some reason you do not find solutions internally. Portugal entered the map of outsourcing in this decade and it is not difficult to understand why. The location, the excellence of resources and the competitive cost structure have made the country a showcase for European companies. Cleverti, for example, founded in 2010 is already operating in 9 countries with a mix of operative models.

Time and Materials (T&M), Project Fixed Cost and Managed Team. These labels may sound strange, but they are the three most recurring approaches in an outsourcing service.

Each approach has its own specificity and you need to realize what each one has to give to your business. Project-based outsourcing is considered to be the most appropriate for development of software with well-defined requirements and deliverables. On-site presence may be required to facilitate estimating, specification and relationship management. On the other hand, T&M is suitable for those projects where the requirements are unclear, maintenance or one-off projects. This is the explanation for the first two approaches.

With a certain amount of complexity and accompaniment we have the Managed Team service. This may be the best option if you want to build a more continuous project with a long term relationship. It’s important to understand that in this model the trust and partnership are the most important words. The feeling is that the customer is just not one more, but rather a special client that will put the trust necessary for the development of your business.

This centre model caters for software with changing requirements, maintenance and support of large systems, research and development, testing as well as other types of complex ongoing medium- or long-term tasks. In this type of engagement vendor provides necessary facilities and allocates a team that works only on account’s projects and is managed by a customer representative. This option is usually preferred when resource requirements are low. The customer is charged a fixed monthly fee per full-time employee (FTE).

It is important to realize that there is a lot more to gain than to lose from the outsourcing service. This approach will deliver benefits in terms of improved focus, optimization of processes, reduction of operational costs, faster time-to-market, etc. But companies must thoroughly evaluate each option to identify one that represents the best fit for their specific requirements, business culture and strategic goals.

The approach selected will depend on whether the primary driver is short-term cost savings or whether the company has long-term vision for offshoring/nearshoring and wishes to retain control over processes and intellectual property. It’s not easy to find the right partner, but you should look for one who can help you pursue your strategy.

Portugal, and more specifically Lisbon, points to the near future as one of the main technology capitals of Europe. As a stage for major tech events such as Web Summit the Portuguese capital has attracted more and more international clients and emerges as a great alternative for those who want to opt for an outsourcing service.

By Tomás Santos | Business Development Manager | via LinkedIn

The post Why outsourcing? And why not, when you have so much to gain appeared first on Cleverti.

Several reasons can set you on the way to outsourcing software development. These are a few:

• You´re (always?!) on a tight deadline and need to scale up to increase productivity
• You’re lacking specific skills to further develop your product – adapt to new technologies, platforms, etc.
• You need to focus the internal crew on developing business / new products
• You’re seeking a competitive edge by dropping operating costs – lower setup investment, less time spent on hiring the right people, and a more competitive cost structure in the outsourced development company’s location can help you get there

At this stage, you’re probably wondering… and what about quality? Oh yes, quality really is (or should be!) one of the expected outcomes when you outsource software development. It’s a simple formula:

An outsourced development company employs the most talented developers and testers + has implemented proven methodologies and processes + is skilled in a wide technology stack + has enough resources to provide short notice responses to your needs = when you outsource, this set of features is placed at your service and should contribute to improve productivity, flexibility and, of course, quality throughout your software development process.

But make no mistake, not all software development partners are alike. And since partner’s practices and performance have a straight impact on your project accomplishments and quality of your software, you obviously must choose your partner carefully. Here is what you should look for:

#1. References – Satisfied clients are your best proof of compliance. Ask for client references to confirm technical skills, capacity, quality, adherence to deadlines, etc. Ideally, try to speak directly with at least a couple.

#2. Capacity – Partner should have capacity to deliver in accordance to your requirements. Check experience in delivering similar services and besides make sure they have adequate premises, infrastructures and equipment, including capacity to scale.

#3. Empathy – Partner is expected to play a key role in your software development process, enter your daily routines and work towards your success. Make sure they are able to understand your business and project needs, relate to your goals and find the best solutions to meet them.

#4. Open communication – Project success relies on effective and regular communication, even before start. Make sure partner is open to clarify your doubts, have face-to-face meetings and welcome you in their facilities. Also check for common language(s), working schedules, accessibility, tools, etc.

#5. Location – Partner needs to fit in your routines and processes so the more they look like you the better. A partner from a country with matching social, political and regulatory framework, besides similar working culture makes it easier. Low travel and time-zone impacts also matter as you’ll need the outsourced team at swift reach. Try to understand the impact of currency fluctuation and exchange costs – for instance if you´re company is based in an EU member state you can prevent this by outsourcing to another member state.

When you choose wisely, a development partner should only benefit the quality of your software.

By Ana Raposo | Executive & Marketing Manager | via LinkedIn

The post 5 must-haves you should look for in a software development partner appeared first on Cleverti.