10 Questions to Ask When Looking for IT Outsourcing Services

Outsourcing services have grown to become quite a widespread practice both in large enterprises and SMBs. Whether that’s because of convenience or necessity doesn’t matter, the fact remains the same.
Read more about why companies outsource. (https://uptech.team/blog/why-do-companies-outsource)
This trend is showing no signs of slowing down, especially in the IT sector. Companies are reliant on technology now more than ever, but there is a global IT skills gap that makes it difficult for companies to fill in their vacant positions. Some of the areas that will be impacted by the skills gap the most are software development, cybersecurity, analytics, and project management.
If your company requires IT services, IT outsourcing will be your best option. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of outsourcing services and see which questions you’ll need to ask to find the right company that can meet your needs.

Questions to Ask

It’s expected that by 2020, global IT spending will equal $3.88 trillion. While your company might not invest that much in IT outsourcing, you’ll still need to ensure that you’re hiring the right company for the job and that you’re not wasting a single dollar on partnering with incompatible third parties.
Read more about how to find an app developer. (https://uptech.team/blog/how-to-find-app-developer)
The best way to find the right people for the job is by asking the right questions during your negotiations. Take a look at some of the most important questions to ask for IT outsourcing.
Read more about what is IT outsourcing. (https://uptech.team/blog/what-is-it-outsourcing)

What Does the Process of Application Development Look Like in Your Company?

Asking about how the company develops applications or software solutions will let you know what you can expect to receive from it. You’ll gain insight into their workflow, see how they approach software development, and check whether they’ll keep your own business goals in mind while working on your project.
Pay very close attention to the answer and demand a full explanation. If it seems like the company is taking shortcuts, perhaps it wouldn’t be the right choice of partner for you. Shortcuts can end up becoming very expensive, so make sure that their entire application development process is up-to-par.

What Kinds of Companies Do You Typically Do Work For?

Of course, the answer you’ll want to hear here is the kinds of companies that are similar to yours. Different businesses have different requirements and objectives, and if you want your project to be completed successfully, you’ll need to look for companies that have experience working in similar niches.
It shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if the IT services provider mostly works outside of your niche, but it’s a big plus if they have at least some experience in your field.

Could You Show Me Samples of Your Previous Work, Especially Ones That Are Related to My Company?

Seeing some of their previous work will show you how skilled and professional they are. You should feel free to ask questions about the different projects, why they decided on a specific approach, whether they’d encountered any difficulties, how they’d solved them, etc.
Examining previous work will always tell you what you can expect from an IT provider, and it might even give you some ideas that can improve your project.

How Will You Manage the Project?

Learning more about your IT provider’s project management is crucial. The answer will allow you to find out how quickly you can expect your project to be finished, and it will let you know what role you will play in all of this.
Be sure to check who will be on the team that handles your project. Check how many developers will be working on it, what their seniority levels are, and more.
From our experience, a big team is not always a good option. Because it could be hard to manage a team and communicate in time. And the most important - effectiveness doesn’t multiply by the number of people at the team.

What Is the Team’s Expertise?

IT outsourcing can be done for a million different requirements, and no one can be an expert in all things IT. Most teams specialize in a few different areas, so it’s always important to check whether your IT provider has the required expertise to complete your project.

What Are the Financial Terms?

Checking about the financial terms is always crucial. Different IT providers have different pricing structures that can have a significant impact on the final cost.
You’ll, of course, want to know whether you’re required to pay a certain sum of money before the start of the project. You’ll need to know whether there will be any financial requirements if an unexpected problem arises, and what the financial implications are if you’re not satisfied with the result.

What Collaboration Tools Do You Use During the Project?

When you’re outsourcing services, you’ll need to know the specific collaboration tools your provider is using, primarily if they’re located in a different country. Collaboration plays a vital role in any project. Your IT provider needs to let you know how your project is progressing, and you’ll always need to have a way of contacting them and working with them wherever they are.
There’s a wide variety of collaboration tools currently available on the market, so make sure that both you and your IT provider will be using the same one.

What Do You Expect from Us and What Should We Expect from You During the Project?

IT outsourcing doesn’t mean that you’re completely excluded from your project. After all, it’s your project, and you should play a part in it and stay engaged. Make sure that you’re aware of your role in the project and that you know what you’ll be expected to do. It’s just as important as knowing what you can expect from your IT provider.

Could You Provide Any Testimonials or References from Past or Current Clients?

Seeing the testimonials and reviews from previous clients will let you know whether the company’s doing satisfactory work. You’ll learn more about the IT provider’s strengths and weaknesses and even their core values. It’s just like doing a background check on your in-house employees, so don’t forget this crucial question.

How Much Would It Cost and What Does the Price Include?

And finally, the cost. IT outsourcing can go from a few thousand dollars to a hundred thousand, depending on your project. Your price estimate should include research and consultations, design, development, licenses and copyright laws, and more.
If you want your project to be done right, you shouldn’t be afraid to invest a bit more in your IT provider. After all, you get what you paid for, and the cheapest provider isn’t always the best. IT outsourcing will still be your most affordable option, even if you spend a few dollars more.

The Bottom Line

Armed with these questions (and their answers), you’ll be able to find the best IT provider that can provide you with the exact services that you need. You’ll be able to make an informed business decision that will ensure that your IT outsourcing is done right.