How to choose a software development company in India: a checklist
By Techrit · Updated · 5 min read
Pick a software company whose live work you can open and try, that puts scope, timeline and price in writing before starting, that gives you the code and data, and that stays on after launch for fixes and updates. Ask to see a working version every week or two.
The checklist
- Live work: websites and apps you can open and use today, not just screenshots.
- Written scope: features, timeline and price agreed before any work starts.
- Ownership: the code, designs and data belong to you, in your accounts.
- Regular demos: a working version to try every week or two.
- One team end to end: design, web, mobile, back end and hosting, so nothing falls between vendors.
- Support after launch: who fixes bugs, updates the app for new phones, and adds features, and on what terms.
- Clear communication: one person you can reach, in a language you are comfortable with.
Questions to ask
- Can I talk to a client whose project is live?
- Which parts of my project are hardest, and how will you handle them?
- What happens if we want to change something halfway?
- Where will the software be hosted, and who pays for it?
- How do I get my code and data if we stop working together?
Red flags
- A quote given before anyone has understood the project.
- No live work you can try.
- The code or hosting kept in the vendor's name.
- Weeks of silence followed by a big reveal.
How Techrit works
We share a written scope, timeline and fixed quote before starting, show a working version every week or two, hand over the code and data, and stay on after launch. Our live work includes the Janseva Pratishthan Foundation website and EduRit, our own school ERP.
Questions
Should I choose a freelancer or a software company?
A freelancer can suit a small, well-defined job. For an app or SaaS with a back end, design and long-term support, a company with a team usually lowers the risk.
Who should own the source code?
You should. Make sure the contract says the code, designs and data belong to your business, and that they live in accounts you control.