What Should You Pay Attention to When Ordering Software Development? Key Factors for a Successful Project

Before contacting a development company, you need to define what problem your software is solving. A clear project vision reduces misunderstandings and scope creep.

• What is the main purpose of the software?
• Who are the users?
• What are the must-have vs. nice-to-have features?
• What platforms should it support—web, mobile, desktop?

Document your ideas and prioritize them. A strong software development project requirements document is the foundation of a successful collaboration.

Ordering custom software is an investment. Costs depend on feature complexity, design quality, integrations, and backend requirements.

• Avoid underbudgeting—cutting corners now leads to higher long-term costs.
• Break the project into phases, starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
• Understand that quality development takes time—be realistic with your deadlines.

Get quotes from multiple vendors and ask for detailed breakdowns to compare fairly.

One of the most critical decisions is selecting the right development company. Don’t focus only on price—evaluate experience, technical skills, and communication style.

• Review portfolios and client testimonials;
• Ask for references or case studies;
• Look for domain expertise (e.g., fintech, logistics, healthcare).

If you’re outsourcing software development, also consider time zone alignment, English proficiency, and company culture compatibility.

Ask your vendor about the technology stack they recommend. It should match your project’s needs and be scalable for future growth.

• Web: React, Angular, Vue.js, Node.js;
• Mobile: Swift, Kotlin, Flutter;
• Backend: .NET, Java, Python, PHP;
• Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL;
• Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.

Discuss long-term maintainability, third-party dependencies, and how updates or scaling will be handled.

Clear and regular communication can make or break a project.

• Establish communication channels (Slack, Teams, email);
• Agree on reporting frequency (daily, weekly standups);
• Use tools like Jira or Trello for task tracking.

Misalignment can delay launches or lead to wasted resources. Choose a partner who communicates clearly and proactively.

Ask your development team to explain their software development process. Are they using Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall?

• Agile and Scrum support iterative feedback and adaptability;
• Waterfall suits fixed-scope projects with minimal changes;
• Understand how testing, bug fixes, and releases will be handled.

Clarify what’s expected from you (feedback, testing, decisions) at each stage.

Code quality matters not just today—but for the long-term health of your app.

• Ask about code reviews, automated testing, and QA processes;
• Discuss security standards (OWASP compliance, data encryption, GDPR);
• If your app handles sensitive data, consider a third-party audit or penetration testing.

A reputable company will build with security and stability in mind from day one.

Before signing a contract, clarify:

• Who owns the source code and assets after project completion?
• Will you receive documentation and technical specs?
• Is an NDA or confidentiality clause included?

Make sure your contract specifies IP ownership, code access, and delivery terms. These are common concerns in custom software development and should be addressed upfront.

Post-launch support is just as important as development.

• Will your partner offer bug fixes, updates, and improvements?
• What’s their average response time for critical issues?
• Is a Service Level Agreement (SLA) provided?

Software is never truly “done.” Plan ahead for future iterations and continuous support.


Ordering software development is a strategic process that requires more than just an idea. By focusing on clear requirements, strong communication, and the right development partner, you’ll maximize your investment and increase your chances of launching a successful product.
Remember, the best outcomes happen when both sides treat the project as a collaboration—not just a transaction.

Need help bringing your software idea to life? Contact ilink team today for a personalized consultation and reliable development solutions.