Short answer
Choose a software development company based on evidence of similar work, a clear and transparent process, direct access to the engineers, code and infrastructure ownership for you, sensible security and POPIA practices, and a support plan after launch, rather than on price alone.
Choosing a software partner is a significant decision. The right one will save you time and money for years, and the wrong one can cost both. Use this checklist to compare options, including us.
1. Look for relevant evidence
Ask for examples of similar projects, and ideally speak to a past client. Similar doesn't have to mean the same industry; it means a similar type of problem, such as integrations, mobile field apps or data reporting.
2. Understand their process
A good company can clearly explain how it runs projects: how requirements are captured, how often you will see working software, how changes are handled and how quality is assured. If the answer is vague, the project will be too.
3. Check who you will actually work with
Will you speak directly to the developers and designers, or only to an account manager? Will the team that pitches be the team that builds?
4. Make sure you own what you pay for
- The source code should live in a repository your business controls.
- Hosting, domain and third-party accounts should be in your company's name.
- Documentation should be part of the deliverables.
5. Ask about security and POPIA
If the software will handle personal information, ask how access is controlled, how data is protected and how the company approaches the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
6. Compare proposals on substance
A lower quote may simply include less. Compare what is in scope, how the estimate was built, what testing is included and what happens after launch. Our guide to what custom software costs in South Africa explains how estimates are put together.
7. Plan for life after launch
Software needs updates, monitoring and improvements. Ask what support looks like, how quickly issues are handled and what it costs.
Red flags
- A fixed quote for a large project with no discovery or written scope
- No demos until the end of the project
- Reluctance to put the code in your repository
- Promises that sound too good to be true, such as guaranteed timelines regardless of scope changes
Working with a remote team
You don't need a supplier down the road. Many South African businesses work successfully with teams in other cities, because software projects run on shared tools and regular demos. What matters is communication and process. See how we work with businesses across South Africa.
If you would like to see how Mohteknologies measures up against this checklist, read about our software development services or get in touch.