A quick google search returns approximately 100,000 results for “web application development”, not even counting the adwords on the side. In the Seattle area alone there is a dizzying array of companies who offer their development services. There are some who promise you everything under the sun, and others who you are not sure exactly what it is that they do. Some specialize in ASP.NET development while others are more focused on PHP and mysql implementations.
So how does one evaluate a web application development company?
Simple. You have to ask, see what they have done in the past, and make sure their proposal meets the key ideals of what you want to accomplish.
Web application development is a difficult process so you must find a company that understands you and your idea. Software development is a complex process with many variables and unknowns that will crop up during development. The Internet is ripe with stories of great ideas for a software program that have gone uncompleted because of the complexity that can invade an idea. Even the best laid plans can be sidetracked by feature creep, bad developers and unfocused energy.
When evaluating a web application development company you must find out what their process is. What is it that keeps them from going off target and over budget? Does the company have good communication skills? Do they have a process in place to keep you informed of the progress being made? Do they do research and provide you with an explanation for exactly how they think the end user is going to use the product? And do they help you flesh out your idea with the knowledge that they have attained through past projects?
Having gone through many bid processes with our clients over the years it is always interesting to see what other companies present in their project plan. Quoted prices are usually all over the place and promises can be sky high. But in our experience projects are best presented in three phases.
- Creation of a prototype with, minimal features, but what are usually the most important features
- Fleshing out of the prototype with ideas that that did not make the first round of cuts, but add significant value to the product
- Final product features are implemented and some kind of support contract is agreed upon
The reason that you should look for proposals, and companies that work this way is because it helps avoid project failure, and it minimizes costs. If after a short period you believe that the company you hired is not worth working with it is easier to walk away from projects that are created with through this process then with a company who builds everything at once. With each step you get to see what is being created, and if the company can present functionality of a product in a fast and efficient manner.
Choosing the right company is essential for the success of your product, or idea. So choose wisely, or of course you could always just choose WebOnyx (:-
Tags: seattle, Web Application Development, web application proposals
