When a client contemplates using an application development partner, one of the major issues is the timeline for delivery of the completed solution. Unfortunately, for many inexperienced companies, both clients and solution providers, approaching this thorny subject is like trying to second-guess how long is a piece of string!

It does not matter what the application is: a business solution, management tool or a mobile security solution, the time to develop and sign off on a completed solution will pose some very tricky questions.

When you are considering a software application development partner, the first thing you need to consider is the prior experience of the proposed partner. Specifically, what projects have they successfully undertaken in the past which are similar to your project in terms of software development skill sets used and understanding of the business applicability of a proposed solution?

By ensuring you work with an experienced solution provider you will be more likely to be able to tap into their past experience about where bottlenecks and delivery issues have occurred in the past. Where issues do occur which are unforeseen, an experienced partner will be more likely to react and respond with workarounds and maintain the delivery schedule.

Another major issue to consider is exactly who will be working on your application development project. You should vet the specific people who will be working on your project for a variety of reasons, not least your own business security but also to ensure that while the provider has the skill sets available and prior experience, they are not going to foist an eager, recent recruit upon your project. You are paying for expertise and experience to be brought to bear on your proposed solution and this in a timely fashion so mistakes are not made which cause later delay.

Finally, another common issue is the ability of the solution provider to deliver the project in the context of the resources which will be required. A solution provider must be capable of delivering the resources which will be required in contrast to the overall size and capability of the provider. A small company taking on a large project may simply be unable to deliver the project within the timescale allowed. Key staff may be needed elsewhere because they are under pressure to handle other clients to generate or maintain company cash flow which pushes your project further down on the list of priorities, and leads to delay.

A key to avoiding delays in delivering finished application development projects is to maintain excellent communications between the solution provider and the client. This starts at the very beginning of the project when it is first being negotiated between the parties. The project should be clearly and meticulously stated in terms of what constitutes a finished project and the work which is expected to be delivered by the solution provider. This should include not only what resources and staff will be assigned to the project, but what the situation is in the event of cost overrun or how work will be remunerated which is in excess of the originally stipulated agreement.

Author Bio: Lawrence Reaves is a strong believer in Washington DC IT services such as Washington DC application development and Washington DC cloud computing services. For these services, Lawrence recommends PLANIT Technology Group, a Juniper Networks Technology Partner. PLANIT Technology Group can be found online at: PLANITTech.com .

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: application development, IT services, Richmond IT services, Richmond outsourcing, outsourcing