Industry statistics show that only 7.70% of the developers can produce basic-features custom software in under two months. This tells you that there aren’t as many fast, reliable, and skilled developers out there as you might have thought. That’s exactly why we went through an entire database of software development companies to bring you the industry’s finest. Read on to learn which they are, and check out the methodology behind our selection, which will help you choose your software development partner.
HQSoftware: Crafting Tailored Solutions for Your Success
Our team at HQSoftware is dedicated to delivering end-to-end software development services focused on your success. We prioritize quality over quantity, fostering direct engagement with clients to create tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
Highlights
- Started : 2001
- Number Of Employees : 120+
- Location : Tallinn, Estonia
Fingent takes pride in many achievements as a custom software development company. It has been in the industry for over 16 years. This team has worked with clients from all over the world, enabling them with superb technological solutions.
Highlights
- Started : 2003
- Number Of Employees : 50 – 249
- Location : White Plains, United States
Praxent is a top software development company that counts research-based UX design, fast user testing, and agile development methodology as its main strengths in developing digital products. Specializing in the financial industry with digital innovation as its ally, it helps clients gain an advantage over their competition and dominate the market.
Highlights
- Started : 2000
- Number Of Employees : 50 – 249
- Location : Austin, United States
Merixstudio is a top website development company specializing in cross-platform mobile applications and web apps of the highest quality. Supported by 150+ agile software experts, it turns innovative ideas into groundbreaking digital products and experiences. No business challenge is too big for this top-notch software development agency.
Highlights
- Started : 1999
- Number Of Employees : 50 – 249
- Location : United States
Your Idea. Our Innovation and Engineering
Glorium Technologies is a full-cycle app and software development company which serves specific client business needs and trying to manage them via the best possible technology solutions.
Highlights
- Started : 2010
- Number Of Employees :250 – 999
- Location : Princeton, United States
Belitsoft is a software development company with 400+ software developers, testers, project managers, business analysts, DevOps distributed between Poland, Latvia, and Georgia. We are a reliable partner for our clients in the USA, the UK, and Israel.
Highlights
- Started : 2004
- Number Of Employees :250 – 999
- Location :Warszawa, Poland
As one of the top software development companies, Trigent Software prides itself on being a pioneer in offshore software development and IT outsourcing. It provides incredible results through assistance in adopting digital processes and optimizing the clients’ IT environments.
Highlights
- Started : 1995
- Number Of Employees :250 – 999
- Location : Southborough, United States
DOOR3 is a software consultancy that aims to provide real benefits to its customers. This simple idea is underscored by strong UI/UX design, robust technology strategy, and optimized custom software development.
Highlights
- Started : 2002
- Number Of Employees :50 – 249
- Location : New York, United States
Table XI is a 45-people-strong team that has created multiple stunning websites and mobile apps over the past 15 years. It’s one of the top software development firms that drive clients’ businesses through innovative custom solutions that appeal to both small startups and big, established brands.
Highlights
- Started : 2002
- Number Of Employees :10 – 49
- Location : Chicago, United States
Experion Technologies is a team of top website developers with experience in all aspects of web and software development. Whether it’s design or integration, these top software developers continue to impress with digital products that move businesses forward.
Highlights
- Started : 2006
- Number Of Employees :250 – 999
- Location : Plano, United States
ORASES states that it doesn’t build Angry birds; it takes on the hard stuff. From web and mobile apps to web-based apps, the agency makes it all come together with top-tier design and a unique vision.
Highlights
- Started : 2000
- Number Of Employees :10 – 49
- Location : Frederick, United States
N-iX is a software engineering company that delivers powerful products to a long list of clients worldwide. It’s among the premier software development outsourcing providers with offices in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Belarus, and Poland. Businesses turn to this company to build top-performing engineering teams and groundbreaking software products.
Highlights
- Started : 2002
- Number Of Employees :1,000 – 9,999
- Location : St. Petersburg, United States
This custom software development firm has grown significantly since its inception in 2007. It supplies its clients with premium software products that please even the most demanding customers. Its work helps businesses grow and challenge their competitors and whole industries.
Highlights
- Started : 2007
- Number Of Employees : 50 – 249
- Location : West Hollywood, United States
Selection Criteria For Software Development Companies
Hundreds of companies out there will promise to handle your software development project. Which ones can actually deliver an outstanding product, however, is an entirely different matter. To help you find them, we have outlined our extensive criteria that enabled us to separate the wheat from the chaff and choose the finalists you see in the list above. We’ll take you through the factors we used for the selection process so you can learn how to do it yourself.
Software Development Company Website
The most obvious place to start your search for the best software development companies is the target company’s website. You want to take a look at the About Us page and learn how many years of experience the firm has. Anything over three years of market experience gives you a baseline to know that the company has some projects under their belt. Keep in mind though that even if software development startups might be inexperienced, there are many things that they can bring to the table.
Moving on to the services section, make sure the software developer company provides the services you need. Then, take some time to go over their case studies and portfolio. At this stage, pay extra attention to the company’s industry focus. The majority of software development companies specialize in a niche like healthcare, transportation, SaaS, or gaming. If your project falls within the company’s areas of expertise, you’re on the right track with your search.
Then comes the business size of the agency’s typical clients. If you have a small startup company, you want to find an outfit that caters to small businesses whose needs differ from those of an enterprise.
Company Service Focus
Software development can be classified into several categories based on its intended purpose.
Custom software is developed with the client’s personal or business needs in mind, while commercial software targets a specific market. Then comes system software that sees software development agencies build a base for the programming processes. Finally, embedded software is meant to be a part of a physical product and is integral to its functioning.
Among these, custom software is the most popular by far. This is an umbrella category for a wide range of services, including web development and mobile app development.
Custom Software Development
If you’re having trouble deciding where your project falls, opt for a company that provides custom-built development. This type of process will also allow you to keep control over how your project is shaped during the entire software development life cycle.
Even if your software project is intended for third-party users, it’s still better to choose a custom build than a ready-made solution. This is because the custom software development companies will be able to provide valuable insight into your target market and make sure that your software can scale adequately as well as keep up with the needs of the business.
Platform-Focused Software Development
There are three main types of platforms that software can be based on, each having its specific requirements.
Web App Development
Software made for web-based use is an extremely popular option. These applications can be accessed from any browser, meaning there is no need to install the app on your device. Another feature that brands and users also like is the easy updating process, which typically happens automatically. Software developer companies that offer this service will work on the front end and the back end programming for you, which is why it’s essential to check the potential firm for the programming expertise.
Desktop App Development
Desktop applications require users to manually install the software by downloading it on their device. Since these applications don’t necessarily require internet access, the software development firm needs to focus on the app speed, user experience, and interface design.
Mobile App Development
As the case is with desktop apps, mobile applications need to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device. The apps can run on operating systems like iOS, Blackberry, and Android, and are featured in the respective app stores. The focus here is on user-friendliness which should also cover the app updates.
Skills & Technologies
It goes without saying that the top software development companies should employ highly-skilled professionals, and stay on top of the latest technologies.
Programming Languages
Python, PHP, CSS, SQL, and JavaScript are just a few of the many programming languages used in software development. Each has its own specificities, which means that different languages will be better suited for different business goals. When you’re doing your research on developers, don’t forget to check which languages their team specializes in and if they suit your business needs.
Software Architecture
The top custom software development companies will know the value and importance of well-built software architecture. It is a comprehensive plan which includes many parts that need to work in unison. From software reliability, fault tolerance, system organization, technology implementation to the assessment of potential risks, great software architects will include all of that and much more.
User Experience
Let’s face it, the technology can be amazing, but if it fails to provide remarkable user experience, it will just go to waste. Regardless of what you are planning on developing, UX design should be one of your developer’s central points. Software engineering firms that understand the importance of user experience will get you in touch with their UX designer and ensure that you get the best possible product.
Project Management
Don’t ignore the importance of robust and adaptive project management. Those that are genuinely the best will understand your software product’s life-cycle, which will include several testing stages, collecting user feedback, and updates. Seeing that software development necessarily includes many sets of changes, the Agile management methodology fits this description the best.
Additional Software Services
Many companies also offer additional services to their clients. Depending on your plans, you might need one or several of them on top of the basic software development services.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to data centers. That implies that resources can be accessed on-demand, typically through cloud storage. Top developers that specialize in creating software solutions based on cloud storage will tend to have one of these certifications:
- DevOps Certification
- GCP CertificationMicrosoft
- Azure Certification
- AWS Certified Developer
Artificial Intelligence
AI is indispensable for enterprises that work with large data systems and requires top-notch specialists. In case you’re interested in artificial intelligence services, make sure you ask your potential developer if they have extensive experience with Hadoop, Apache Spark, Python, PyTorch, or Tensorflow.
Internet of Things (IoT)
With IoT becoming more and more popular among software development firms, there is also a growing demand from the customers for such expertise. Many offer the service; however, you should be careful and check if your possible development partner is staying on top of their game by asking them about their hands-on experience with IoT software products.
Team-Based Skills
Last but not least, we’ve included several important team skills your agency should have. The companies should aim to build a team that has the technical expertise and customer-oriented skills, which will provide an enjoyable experience overall.
Communication and Realistic Expectations
Good communication is extremely important for a collaborative project of any type, but especially for top software development firms. Ask to speak with the company you’re interested in and see how you like their responses to your questions.
However, you do want to be able to spot a red flag when you hear it, and in this case, overindulging clients to the point where the project suffers is one. Realistic expectations are extremely important, so you want to stay away from companies that promise huge things right off the bat.
Respecting Deadlines
Even though software development projects typically last longer than initially planned, sticking to deadlines is crucial for a good result. This is especially true for products that are market-oriented and have delivery timelines that need to be kept.
Client Feedback and Social Media
You’d be surprised how many agencies tend to oversell their experience in the field, claiming to be the best software development companies. To avoid being duped, ask the agency to provide customer reviews or find them yourself on third-party websites.
You also want to take the time to check out their social media profiles where you might find experiences of past and present employees as well as their general values as a company.
Value for Money
Cost matters, and you should get the best value for your budget without compromising on quality. Picking a firm just because it’s cheap isn’t the answer. Software development companies that go significantly under or over the industry standard should be avoided at all costs (pun intended). The discrepancy typically indicates a scam or just an inexperienced outfit that doesn’t know how to estimate its worth. Taking the time to understand your potential partner’s pricing structure is essential if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck.
