Software development refers to the act of planning, designing and developing software. In short, it means building software programs from scratch or adding to existing programs.

Some software service companies specialize in certain things, offering development for a single type of category or product. More comprehensive service providers, such as Solutions, offer a range of software-related services, including options such as custom software development, mobile or web application development and development of cloud software solutions. Service providers may also provide help with testing and troubleshooting, implementation and future updates to software.

It's possible to build software solutions in-house, but it can require several resources. You'll need IT teams familiar with dev methods such as Agile, for example, as well as developers who are well-versed in the coding languages required for the job at hand. Each software solution might be better developed in a different language and via a different method, so resources from various projects don't always cross over. That makes in-house development a potentially expensive, resource-heavy effort.

Not to mention the fact that it can take months or longer to develop complex software solutions. And during that time, your tech staff would be tied to the effort and unable to attend to other user-facing matters in the business. For these reasons, many companies find that it's better to outsource software development.

You want to choose a software development services company that aligns with your business needs. Here are a few considerations to factor in when looking for a software development partner:

• Have they created similar programs? Look for a company that has expertise in your niche and a history of proven results.
• How do they work with their clients? Ask about communication, how much control you have, and what type of development or project methodology they will use. You want to work with a partner that can align with your own business processes well whenever possible.
• What are the costs and how does pricing work? Make sure you understand pricing structures, fees and how the cost could evolve if things with your project change. Obviously, you want to choose a vendor that's within your budget.

Cost for software development can range widely and depend on factors such as:

• Complexity of the project
• Whether you need integrations
• Timeline, as faster may be more expensive
• Type of software being developed

For more information about the cost of software development, reach out to Solutions with information about your project.

The timeline for software development varies depending on all the same factors that impact pricing. Simple software may be developed in the space of a few weeks while complex solutions might take months. For more information about potential timelines for your project, reach out to Solutions today.