10 Best Software Development Companies for 2023 [Reviewed]

Investing in a custom software is a huge step for your business. Aside from its cost, you’re introducing a brand new experience to your customers. And this might spell the difference between success and failure.

To make sure you’re headed in the right direction, consider these factors.

Software Development Types

Yes, the service comes in many shapes and sizes. That’s why before collaborating with a team of devs, you must first identify what is it you’re trying to create.

Here are the most common kinds of software development services:

• Front-end development—

  involves building elements that are visible to the user. UI design and client behavior management are some examples.

• Back-end development—

  as the name hints, it covers components running in the backstage. Databases, servers, application programming interfaces (APIs), and other infrastructure fall into this category.

• Full-stack development

  — a combination of client-side and server-side

• Application development

  — the general category for mobile, web, and desktop apps. It usually entails gathering

  requirements

  and creating

  prototypes

  or a Minimum Viable Product ( MVP ).

• Cloud development

  — the creation of cloud computing solutions like Google Drive, for example

Now, most companies in this list offer all these service. But, some have one or two fields as their specializations.

Software Development Lifecycle

The best software development companies are the ones who stay with you all throughout your app’s lifecycle.

Go for solutions that cover the seven major stages:

• Planning—

  every project should start with a consultation. This is when brainstorming, goal-setting, and feasibility analysis usually take place. 

• Requirements—

  this stage is where clients formally communicate their needs and desired outputs.

• Designing and prototyping

  —

  software creators

  , engineers, and architects start designing the software and finding solutions to algorithmic problems. 

• Development—

  in this phase,

  developers step in to create the actual working model of the app or software.

• Testing—

  during this period, the software is run against a series of tests to ensure good performance, security, and overall quality.

• Deployment

  — once all the tests are complete, it’s now time to install, configure, update, and enable the final product

• Maintenance and support

  — the last stage in the lifecycle, and the most important one. Good

  software developing companies

  continue monitoring the app for extra fixes like

  debugging

  , among others.

Programming Language

Programming languages are the key drivers of software. They are responsible for functions and classes that control all commands. 

You’re in safe hands if your chosen development team is well-versed in the top languages used by industry experts.

To name a few:

• JavaScript

• Python

• CSS

• HTML

• SQL

• Rust

Company Portfolio

If you’re outsourcing a development company, looking at its client base and case studies will help find the right match. It’s also a good measure of their credibility and expertise. It will also give you an idea of the kind of industries and niches that the agency specializes in.

Security

Security should always be a top priority, especially if your business deals with customer data.

This is particularly true for applications that process sensitive data, such as classified information and proprietary business data.

So, above all else, make sure that your chosen development team is able to work within high-security systems.

Pricing

Most custom software development companies with specialized services offer tailor-made packages. That’s what consultations are for – to identify your needs and propose a working budget to fulfill them.

However, mobile and web app developments can typically anywhere between $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the project scope.

Some companies offer subscription-based pricing. 8base Labs is one good example.

What Is the Difference Between Custom-Written and Customized Software?

Custom-written software is similar to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) programs. They are ready-made options that you can buy them from tech providers and are 100% fully developed.

Customized software, on the other hand, are tailored applications or tools that are designed and developed specifically for a brand, organization, or individual. As such, custom software development involves more intensive collaboration between the client and the developer. 

Since they aren’t industry-specific solutions, custom-written software is generally cheaper than their counterparts. They are also more accessible, as they are made for a general audience.

However, customized software provides more flexibility and adaptability on the client’s end. It’s the program that adapts to your requirements – not the other way around.

Additionally, it’s easier to integrate custom software into your existing technology systems, like CRMs, productivity tools, etc.

And while they are typically more expensive, they are more practical in the long run. A customized application is maintained and scaled by its developers even after it’s been deployed.

Must-Ask Questions for the Software Development Company Before You Sign the Contract

Asking these questions will guarantee you are entering the right partnership. 

• Which technology stacks do you specialize in?

When collaborating with a custom software development company, It’s highly important to know their areas of expertise. Are they more focused on front-end development (client-side) or back-end development (server-side)? Or, are they good in both? 

• What’s your plan for long-term software maintenance?

Post-development support is a crucial step in the process. This will involve important app fixes like debugging, feature increments, and more. It’s also good to know if these steps will incur additional costs on your end.

• How long is your development process?

Knowing a specific project timeline and the estimated time of delivery is also important. This will minimize delays and allow you to make the necessary internal adjustments while the software is being developed.

• What’s your development style?

Software development agencies have different approaches to project management. It can be Agile, Waterfall, DevOps, and whatnot. Agile is the usual setup, since it’s most cost-effective and feedback-based. 

• How much would my project cost?

As previously mentioned, custom software projects come as tailored packages. Pricing is often based on the scope of your project and the services you plan to avail.

• What does your team consist of?

Ask what type of experts are involved in the creation of your software. Are there enough or too many designers, engineers, or project managers? This will directly affect your budget, too.

• Does the app have the potential for updates?

The best custom software development companies should be able to indicate whether or not your app has enough room for expansion. Future-proofing your digital assets is key to long-term success!

• What are your rules on ownership?

Discussing Intellectual Property (IP) rights with your development team is also of great importance. Most businesses gain full ownership of their software, but still, it’ll help define grey areas if all the details are discussed.

• What’s the success rate of your previous projects?

If you’re outsourcing software development companies, ask about their previous and ongoing partnerships and how well those have turned out. This will give you enough insight into the company’s quality of work, management style, and other factors that might affect your partnership.