Find The Best Custom Software Development Companies in 2023, in Under 60 Seconds

So, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Windows, etc., would be COTS software. Conversely, a payment platform made for an eCommerce store, a maintenance program for a logistics company, an app for a bank, or an education platform for an online school would be examples of custom software. Another term for custom software is bespoke software.

Thus, if there is no COTS software that meets your needs, you need to develop custom software in-house or outsource it to a third party. Given that many companies and organizations have very specific needs that are rarely met by COTS software, creating custom software has almost become the norm.

Custom software is no longer the domain of only the largest companies. Small and medium businesses regularly hire third-party providers to build software according to their specifications. This is why the best custom software development companies are in such high demand. So let’s discuss how to find one.

How To Choose the Top Custom Software Development Company in 7 Steps

It’s not reinventing the wheel to say that each custom software development project is different. It is custom software, after all. That means that not every company will be a good fit for every project.

Even the best custom software development companies don’t have the experience or expertise needed to build every type of software. Thus, when you are looking to outsource development, you are looking for the best company to build your specific software.

And here are the 7 steps you can take to find the best company for your unique needs.

1. Define Your Objectives

It is your job to define your project objectives in as much detail as you can. You don’t want the outsourcing team to have to interpret your vision. Try to define your end users, create a list of requirements, and make a mock-up of the user journey.

You don’t need to know everything at this stage, but the more details you have, the better. It is also advisable to set a time frame for when you need your software to be finished. Developers have a tendency for perfectionism, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary delays.

The exact requirements and the time frame may change as you start negotiating with companies, and it is smart to listen to their suggestions, but you should still have a draft of your project ready before you start contacting companies. 

With that out of the way, let’s talk about how you can find the top custom software development companies for your project.

2. Referrals and Reputation

The first step in your search for a custom software development company should be to create a longlist that you will later filter with the best candidates. Find 15-20 companies with the best reputations. You can find them by going to independent review platforms and looking at ratings and reviews. Referrals from people you trust are also a good way to add companies to your list.

This stage of the process is pure research and can take some time. But you can skip it by utilizing our list. The list contains only companies with a reputation for high customer satisfaction. Add or remove a few at your discretion, but the simplest solution is to use it as the basis for your search.

3. Check Portfolios and Case Studies

Once you have your longlist, it’s time to filter it. Look at the previous work a company has done. The best custom software development companies will proudly display their portfolio and case studies – it demonstrates their expertise. Search for projects that are comparable to yours, both from a technical standpoint and by scale.

The best option is to hire a company that has previously completed projects very similar to yours. However, given that the point of custom software development is to build unique software, this is rarely the case. Still, a company’s prior work is the best indicator of its software development capabilities.

4. Ask About Their Tech Stack

A tech stack is the technologies that a company uses to develop applications. It includes frameworks, programming languages, databases, and other front-end and back-end technologies. Depending on the specifics of your project, you may need a company that utilizes a very specific tech stack.

And here’s a bit of advice that might be counterintuitive – it is often better to hire a company that uses a smaller tech stack. That means that they specialize in those technologies. Only the largest custom software development companies will have a large tech stack, while the best smaller ones will be highly specialized.

5. The Project Management Methodology

Efficient software development is not just about technical expertise, but also about resource and time management. So find out what project management methodology a company uses. The best custom software development companies usually work within an Agile framework, like Scrum, Lean, XP, etc., or an amalgamation of each.

The reason is simple – Agile was specifically designed to deliver software with the fewest bugs and in a timely manner. And if you’ve ever worked on software development projects, you know delays are common. Agile is meant to counter this.

So talk to a company representative, ask how their company and their teams are structured and how they run their projects. An Agile approach is also imperative for custom software development because it integrates regular client feedback into the end software – this is essential to getting the software you want.

6. Security and Safety

Depending on the type of data your software will be storing, you might be dealing with sensitive data. Data protection laws and regulations are very strict, so it is very important that the company you hire utilizes the best data protection practices.

Ask about their certificates, training, and which types of security measures they regularly implement. An IBM report found that it takes 277 days to detect a data breach, on average. Consequently, the best custom software development companies will install preventive security measures, instead of reacting when one does happen.

7. Post-Development Support

Finally, clarify the company’s policy on post-development support and maintenance. While many companies offer post-development support as part of their regular services, that’s not always the case. In general, the company that developed the software is best suited to maintain it.

If a company does not offer it, that shouldn’t be a deal breaker. On the other hand, it does mean that your in-house devs will need to do it or that you’ll even need to hire another company. And that will ultimately affect your budget. So make sure that the availability of post-development support is clear in the contract and make your calculations based on that.

Look for  a Company Whose Goals Align with Yours

Custom software development is typically a long-term commitment. Thus, you are essentially looking for a partner and not a simple service provider. So don’t rush the selection process and wait until you find the best custom software development company for your unique project. We hope our list helps you in your search.