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10 Top Custom Software Development Companies [2024]

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Last updated on
January 26, 2024

A QUICK SUMMARY – FOR THE BUSY ONES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 Top Custom Software Development Companies [2024]

Top custom software development companies – shortlist

These 10 companies are the top ones on the market, but they also offer different solutions, approaches, and services. You need to pick the one that fits your exact needs by yourself.

Companies are ranked according to their ability to quickly make an impact on a project.

Comparison: characteristics of each custom software development company

Let’s start with comparing the maturity of each company - expressed by the years of experience - and potential availability of developers - expressed by the team size.

Consider these aspects carefully especially if your project is big. And by big, we mean huge budget and/or demand for a big team.

Years of experience

A graph comparing top software development companies by the time the are present on the market.

Custom software development companies that are present on the market for a long time:

  • often achieved great  maturity of processes,
  • have chosen their favourite industries and already gained experience in these fields.

Custom development companies that are present on the market for a shorter time:

  • have less experience and less fixed processes (5-6 years is often the time needed to structure the processes and gain experience as a team),
  • have a fresh look, are not opinionated, offer more flexibility.

Team size

A graph that presents how big are the teams in various top custom software development companies.

Bigger companies:

  • often need many formalities to begin the cooperation but it depends on their culture,
  • can provide you with a big team of developers and supporting roles.

Smaller companies:

  • often work in a more agile way,
  • want to prove their expertise caring about each client,
  • can accelerate many formalities, so the project can start quicker,
  • may not be able to provide you with a big team if you need one.

Is there a correlation between the company size and the ability to start a project quickly?

Often there's not. There may be many developers on board, but the company needs to maintain a sufficient buffer to be able to start a project quickly.

Comparison: custom software development companies' attitude to delivering results

Reviews are not enough - what characterizes the best custom software development company?

Most rankings present reviews and general information about companies and their services. And that's (especially reviews) important, there's no doubt.

But what about a company’s way of delivering products and attitude towards cooperation with clients?

And this is exactly what differs one dev shop from another.

You most likely have experience researching and figuring it out on your own, don't you?

6 components that add up to how your collaboration with a chosen company will look:

  • focus on business success,
  • knowledge-sharing culture,
  • smooth cooperation between business, tech, and operations,
  • time to impact,
  • taking ownership,
  • being a highly engaged partner.

The companies’ attitude to deliver products was assessed based on:

  • How they were engaging in the previous projects.
  • What clients are saying about them in reviews and testimonials.
  • What they talk about themselves on their website, blog, and social media channels.

Focus on business success, not delivering features

A graph that compares how various top custom software development companies focus on the business success of their clients.

Focusing on business success of a product means much more than understanding vision and requirements. It means helping to choose direction and features that will bring the best business results and then organizing the whole project around that. On a daily basis, it means prioritizing development of new features from the most profitable ones.

Why that's important?

  • without that focus developers would just code one feature after another, without trying to understand the "why",
  • not focusing on business results may end up with developing an unsuccessful product no one needs, that brings low ROI.

Real business support manifests in:

  • challenging your ideas and advising what you can do better during the discovery phase and then on a daily basis,
  • gathering a cross-functional team by one table to talk about your business goals and plan how to deliver them in the most time- and cost-effective way,
  • including a business analyst in a team from the very beginning,
  • having developers with proper business knowledge or supporting them with tech advisors.

Consultancy approach - knowledge-sharing culture

A graph comparing top custom software development companies and their approach to share knowledge with clients.

Knowledge-sharing culture, or consultancy approach, means teaching, mentoring, and sharing knowledge with you and your team.

A company that manifests a strong consultancy approach not only delivers code, but also teaches your developers how to write it better and more efficiently, helps you to improve processes, and sometimes offers something more, like the support of Agile coaches, marketing team, or growth advisors for your developers.

Why that's important?

  • Your team learns a lot of new stuff, you improve the quality and efficiency of software development and know exactly how it is being done. After some time, you are able to continue on your own. That's added value from collaboration with a decent dev shop.
  • You can benefit from the services of various specialists like growth advisors who plan the development paths for your engineers.
  • Sharing knowledge increases transparency and improves collaboration between team members.

DevOps culture - smooth cooperation and no knowledge silos

A graph comparing best custom software development companies' levels of DevOps culture.

Working in alliance with DevOps (or BizDevOps culture) means removing the boundaries between developers, operations, and business teams.

Best custom software development companies provide multidisciplinary teams and promote close collaboration. Transparency and frequent deployments increase the satisfaction of developers – and, as a consequence, of the users of your product.

Why that's important?

  • No boundaries smoothen the cooperation, speed up the decision-making process, shorten the feedback loop and accelerate the development process.
  • Frequent deployments and frequent testing allows to spot problems and bugs quickly.
  • DevOps culture makes the whole process more efficient and more satisfying for developers.

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p>A custom software development company that works in line with DevOps culture and loves to share knowledge is pure gold. You can make your processes a lot better by working with them.</p></span>

Time to impact - how quickly they make a change?

A graph that presents how quickly best custom software development companies can make an impact.

Time to impact depends on:

  • how a company manages its resources (for example, if it maintains a sufficient buffer of developers who can jump right in),
  • number and complexity of formalities needed before they can start (often bigger dev shops need more time for formalities than the smaller ones),
  • time needed for onboarding.

Time to impact can be shortened by adding tech advisors to a team in the very beginning - they can quickly spot problems and suggest improvements. It can be also influenced by the way a company manages projects (fast iterations often mean fast improvements).

Organizing workshops in the initial phase of the process also allows for a quick impact from the dev shop's side.

Taking ownership - a crucial quality of a top custom software development company

A graph showing how willing top software development companies are to take ownership.

A team with a high ownership attitude is not afraid to take full responsibility and own their mistakes because they know how to fix them. Taking ownership means being responsible for their part of the job and going through with it.

These development teams consist of the confident, experienced developers who are focused on looking for solutions.

Why that's important?

  • Developers in that kind of team will work more transparently and will be more creative.
  • The communication with you as a client will be open and close.
  • You will be sure that any mistake will be fixed and potential problems will be openly shared with you.

Being a highly engaged partner

A graph that compares how top software development companies form partnerships with their clients.

A true partnership means becoming a part of your team and being highly engaged in working towards achieving your business goals in the most efficient way.

Why that's important?

  • In traditional outsourcing a task is delegated to an external partner and they just deliver. You can't be sure if everything is going in the right direction. Development teams that form close relationships with their clients transparently share with you their progress. You can keep the finger on the pulse and be sure of the results.
  • In the case of team augmentation, your team and an external team will collaborate more effectively and gain more satisfaction.
  • Engaged teams focus on acieving their clients business goals.

Top custom software development companies – details

Here are the details about each company from this ranking – services, skills, talents on board, and the juice from reviews.

Brainhub

Range of services of Brainhub - a top custom software development company

Brainhub differentiates itself as an exceptional custom software development service provider due to their remarkable technological proficiency. Their main focus is on providing digital acceleration and team augmentation solutions. They collaborate with a diverse range of businesses, including emerging scale-ups, startups, and established enterprises.

To secure the delivery of exceptional software, Brainhub follows an approach that prioritizes rapid iterations and comprehensive testing. This strategic method empowers them to consistently bring tangible business benefits through their outstanding software solutions.

SERVICES: custom software development, web development, mobile development, UX/UI design, desktop app development, digital product development, staff augmentation, digital transformation, AI development, enterprise app modernization, legacy app modernization, Cloud consulting

SKILLS: GraphQL, Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, GCP, DevOps, workshops, hybrid mobile apps, iOS app development, Android app development, PWAs, CI/CD, automated tests, BDD, TDD, information architecture, visual design, backend engineering, API development, serverless architecture, testing, UX design, UI design, UX audit, UX workshops, architecture development, MVP, prototyping, product scaling, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, robotics, cognitive computing

TALENTS: software engineers, QA engineers, software architects, DevOps engineers, tech advisors, UX/UI designers, business analysts

TECH STACK: JavaScript, TypeScript, .NET, Node.js, React.js, React Native, NestJS, Electron.js

PORTFOLIO: National Geographic, Paradox Interactive, TC Global, Collegial, Beam, Jackbox Games, Screencloud, Heist Studios, Venture Harbour, Medicover GO

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 40 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: technical knowledge, quality of the code, proactive attitude, project management abilities, transparency, engagement, dedication, businesslike approach.

CULTURE & VALUES: The team cherishes ownership and proactive behavior. They love to engage in the full business process and believe in solving problems together through excellent communication. They believe in the power of making educated decisions. The team also values cooperation, consistent growth, and loves to share knowledge.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 100+

LOCATION: Poland

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: FinTech, gaming, EdTech, MedTech.

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p>Want to learn more about our services or get a proposal? Contact Brainhub.</p></span>

<h3 id="txi">TXI</h3>

Range of services of TXI, which is in this ranking of top custom software development companies.

TXI is a custom software development company from the USA, founded in 2002. They partner with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100. The team claims they are industry-agnostic. Clutch listed themas leaders in a few categories: app development, Ruby on Rails developers, and developers from Chicago.

SERVICES: custom web development, mobile development, digital strategy and project management, product design, UX design, workshops

SKILLS: IoT, user research, UX design, branding, business strategy, project management, DevOps, maintenance, hosting, native app development, cross-platform app development, user testing, user research

TALENTS: software engineers, QA engineers, DevOps engineers, designers, project managers

TECH STACK: React Native, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails

PORTFOLIO: Dept. of Medicine, Northwestern University, Outcome Health, Journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA), AKARA, Abbvie, Tyson Foods, Ocean Spray, AccuWeather, Frommer's, Discover Financial, Dickson, Field Museum

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 42 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: communication skills, structure of the development process, skilled expertise, flexibility, collaborativeness, creativity, ability to synthesize information, collaboration, responsiveness, proactivity, willingness to learn, accessibility.

CULTURE & VALUES: The team's motto is the tech done right - right for the users, right for the client, and right for the community. They believe in close collaboration and trust. Team members love to share knowledge, and constantly grow and learn. They take care of their people and their families, so everyone can keep growing and learning. They value diversity and inclusivity.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 80+

LOCATION: USA, Chicago

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: EdTech, healthcare, manufacturing & IoT, retail & e-commerce, media

<h3 id="10clouds">10Clouds</h3>

10Clouds - Range of services

10Clouds is a software development agency offering custom software development services founded in 2009. They specialize in developing FinTech and Blockchain software. The company provides end-to-end product development and staff augmentation. 10Clouds were named one of Europe's Fastest Growing Companies by Financial Times. They were also listed among Deloitte 50 Fastest Growing in CEE, and appeared among top 100 companies globally by Clutch.

SERVICES: web development, mobile development, web design, product design, UX design, DevOps services, MLOps services, blockchain

SKILLS: blockchain, machine learning, DevOps, product design, cross-platform apps, MLOps, testing, MVP development, infrastructure development, illustration, motion design, brand design, user testing, discovery phase, Design Sprint

TALENTS: developers, designers, QA specialists, product delivery managers

TECH STACK: React.js, Angular, React Native, Node.js, Vue.js, Swift, Flutter, Kotlin, Python, Elixir

PORTFOLIO: Asmodee, StepStone, Baidu, TrustStamp, Forbes, Skedulo, Swile, Coinquista

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 57 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: transparency, cost-consciousness, engagement, flexibility, dedication, effective workflow and project management, code quality, professionalism.

CULTURE & VALUES: The team claims that mutual, constructive feedback is a crucial part of showing appreciation. According to them, it feeds the values of humanism and progress. They believe in the power of recognition and celebrating achievements -it increases happiness and engagement. As their main virtues, they named care and appreciation. They keep the team powerful and united.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 200+

LOCATION: Poland, Warsaw (HQ), Poznan, Wroclaw

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: FinTech, banking, EduTech, HealthTech, IT, business services

<h3 id="futureprocessing">Future Processing</h3>

Future Processing is in this ranking of best custom software development companies.

Future Processing is a custom software development and consultancy company from Poland. They focus on digital transformation with the use of Machine Learning, Cloud, and Data solutions. The company offers software development services and helps with the discovery phase of a project. They also provide consulting services. Future Processing have been a Microsoft partner since 2007. The company was distinguished among the Top Developers from Poland in 2022 by Clutch, and won Strategic Sourcing Awards in 2021.

SERVICES: strategy workshop, discovery workshop, design sprint, software audits, software design, support & maintenance, digital transformation, dedicated team, cloud services, legacy modernization

SKILLS: business intelligence, data science, Machine Learning, cloud solutions, data solutions, AWS, Azure, PoC development, IoT, AI, Big Data, DevOps, business analysis, testing, Quality Assurance, software architecture, quality audits, security audits, usability and accessibility audits

TALENTS: software engineers, solution architects, DevOps engineers, DevOps architects, Big Data architects, QA engineers, business analysts, scrum masters, delivery managers, UX/UI designers, graphic designers

TECH STACK: .NET, Java, Angular, C++, PHP, Python, Node.js, React, React Native, MongoDB

PORTFOLIO: Allocate, Demica, 4 finance, Coconet, Algomi, Crédit Agricole Bank, Euromoney, Flowbird, Feedback Medical, FareShare, iSite, ista, KMD, Lenso, Marston Holdings, Mediahaus, mPay, Nexteer Automotive

REVIEWS: 4.7 stars on Clutch from 33 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: top-notch project management, predictability, professionalism, quality of work, being goal-oriented, focus on people and building relationships, being cooperative and timeline-oriented.

CULTURE & VALUES: According to the team, quality lies at the center of everything they do. It represents their core strength. The team is passionate about software and shares a commitment to work. They always strive to expand their knowledge and skills. They believe in the openness and trust, and the fact that these qualities lie at the heart of the positive atmosphere at work. They also cherish team spirit.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 1000+

LOCATION: Poland (Gliwice, Gdynia), Switzerland (Zurich), UK (London), Germany (Düsseldorf), Ukraine (Ternopil)

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: fintech, healthcare, logistics & transport, manufacturing, real estate

<h3 id="diceus">Diceus</h3>

Range of services of Diceus, which is in this ranking of top custom software development companies.

Diceus is a software development company founded in 2011 in Ukraine. They provide the clients with both staff augmentation and end-to-end product development. The team was distinguished by TopDevelopers.co among the top .NET Developers of 2021. The Manifest recognized them as one of the most reviewed IT services companies. Diceus was also listed among the top B2B development firms 2021 by Clutch.

SERVICES: custom software development, web app development, mobile app development, UI/UX design, data migration services, desktop app development, website development, IT consulting and audit

SKILLS: DevOps, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, blockchain, big data, cloud solutions, data science, cross-platform apps

TALENTS: developers, designers, architects, QA and test engineers, business analysts, project managers

TECH STACK: React.js, Node.js, Vue.js, Angular.js, Golang, Flutter, Java, .NET, Python, PHP, Ruby, Objective.C

PORTFOLIO: Willis Towers Watson, Bridgestone, Bank al Etihad, Verisense, Lean Business Services, BriteCore, BenefitNet, Riskville, WebSpin360, Insubiz, Crowdsurfr, NextCom

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 40 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: responsiveness, commitment, professionalism, organizational skills, result-oriented approach, effective communication, expertise, timely reporting, dedication.

CULTURE & VALUES: The company wants to bring as many values as possible to the clients and users, using the right technology and people. The team's mission is to deliver high quality, and the expertise in various industries. They claim a quality-driven delivery model helps them to do so.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 100+

LOCATION: Ukraine, Kyiv, Denmark, Hellerup, Lithuania, Alytus, USA, New York City

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: banking, FinTech, insurance, logistics, retail, healthcare, automotive, IT, telecommunications, e-commerce.

<h3 id="taazaa">Taazaa</h3>

Taazaa - Range of services

Taazaa offers custom software solutions and has offices located in India and USA. Their core services are focused around helping organizations design and build digital solutions. The team delivers all aspects of a software development project, from validation to development and support. The company provides elastic product development teams, offers product modernization and DevOps services. Taazaa claims they served 100s of clients from startups to SMBs and Fortune 500 companies.

SERVICES: mobile app development, product consulting, product transformation, UI/UX development, web development, quality assurance, DevOps services, research and innovation, enterprise software

SKILLS: cross-platform mobile apps, native mobile apps, Progressive Web Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, NLP, IoT, Cloud

TALENTS: software engineers, QA engineers, technical architects, business analysts, UX designers

TECH STACK: React Native, Node.js, .NET, MongoDB, Express.js, Swift, Objective-C, Java, Kotlin, Xamarin, Flutter, React, Angular, Vue

PORTFOLIO: PulseBox, Caring24, Malley’s Chocolates, Lachina, Open i Networks, Vorrei, Wright Partners

REVIEWS: 5.0 stars on Clutch from 20 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: dedication and work ethic, transparency, easy communication, hard-working team, understanding the client’s needs, being able to quickly incorporate feedback

CULTURE & VALUES: They always put people first. The team focuses on building user-friendly software and always prioritize relationships over transactions. They are always open to new ideas, seeking new approaches and learning. They focus on long-term goals and care about the highest quality. They believe in empathy and humility.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 200

LOCATION: USA (Hudson, OH), India (Noida, UP)

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: healthcare, transportation, and logistics, proptech/real estate, edtech

<h3 id="miquido">Miquido</h3>

Miquido - Range of services

Miquido is a software development partner from Poland, founded in 2011. They focus on custom software, digital transformation, and legacy modernization. The company was recognized by Deloitte Technology Fast 50 2016 as the fastest growing mobile development company in CEE. They are a Google Certified Agency, were covered by Time & Forbes, and named Top Mobile App Development Company in the UK.

SERVICES: product design, web development, mobile development, Artificial Intelligence, product strategy, digital transformation, legacy modernization, Proof of Concept, innovation research, UX/UI design, UX workshops, UX audit, Cloud deployment

SKILLS: Kubernetes, native mobile app development, cross-platform mobile app development, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Vision, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, cloud app development, cloud deployment, UX design, UI design, Business Intelligence, product strategy, workshop, NLP, market research, prototyping, PoC

TALENTS: developers, architects, designers, QA specialists, project managers, cloud engineers, data science engineers

TECH STACK: JavaScript, Angular, React, Node.js, Golang, Java, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin, TypeScript

PORTFOLIO:  Skyscanner, Abbey Road Studios, BNP Paribas, Santander Bank, Herbalife, Play, TUI, Empik, Onkyo Music, HelloFresh, Pando, Klassik Radio, HID, Nestle, Aviva, AXA, SBAB, Nextbank

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 36 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: reliability, flexibility, consistency, quick turnaround time, ability to onboard rapidly, versatile range of skills and capabilities, transparency, communication skills, commitment, work ethic.

CULTURE & VALUES: The team highly values honesty and transparency. They pride themselves on always speaking up when needed, explaining clients why their vision won’t translate into business success and advising better solutions. Delivering business value is crucial for the team. They always strive to put people first, focusing ontheir personal growth, competence development, and overall satisfaction.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 200+

LOCATION: Poland, Cracow

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: FinTech (banking, insurance), e-commerce, MedTech, entertainment

<h3 id="tsh">The Software House</h3>

The Software House - Range of services

The Software House is a custom software development agency from Poland, founded in 2012. They focus on building and scaling up software development teams. Clutch recognized them as the most highly-recommended  development company in Poland in 2020. They were also distinguished by Financial Times, ComputerWorld, and listed among the Deloitte Fast50.

SERVICES: web development, mobile development, product design

SKILLS: cloud development, devops, quality assurance, software architecture, microservices, cross-platform apps, AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, serverless architecture, customer journey maps, product workshops, wireframing, design sprint, prototyping, MVP development

TALENTS: developers, designers, QA engineers, DevOps engineers, delivery managers

TECH STACK: React, Angular, Vue, PHP, Node.js, TypeScript, Golang, Symfony, Laravel, React Native

PORTFOLIO:  eSky.com, Takamol, Smartum, WieBetaaltWat, Synerise, Worldwide101, SpeakersCorner, Prisma

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 51 reviews.

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: flexibility, efficiency, ability to adapt, experience, reliability, communication skills, knowledge.

CULTURE & VALUES: The team believes in people and their satisfaction, naming it their greatest asset. They love to grow and learn. The team values open communication and high engagement. They form their relationships with the clients on the basis of openness to one another. They believe that a broad perspective allows them to spot potential and real problems ahead of time.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 220+

LOCATION: Poland (Gliwice – HQ, Kraków), The Netherlands (Amsterdam)

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: fintech, real estate, IT.

<h3 id="nix">N-iX</h3>

N-iX - Range of services

N-iX is a big custom software development company from Ukraine with over 1600 employees on board. They focus on offering team extension, custom software development, and full-cycle game development. The team is experienced in Machine Learning, Data Science, and Cloud solutions. They are a Microsoft Gold Partner, AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, and SAP Partner. N-iX was distinguished as an IAOP Global Outsourcing 100 Company 2017-2022 and received a Computing DevOps Excellence Award 2021.

SERVICES: mobile app development services, OpenText professional services, game development, software QA and testing, team extension

SKILLS: Cloud solutions, Big Data, data analytics, business intelligence, embedded software, VR, DevOps, Machine Learning, IoT, UX design, UI design, enterprise mobility, blockchain, native mobile app development

TALENTS: software engineers, DevOps engineers, data scientists, QA engineers, delivery managers, scrum masters, UX/UI designers

TECH STACK: Java, JavaScript, Python, .NET, Scala, Ruby, C#, C++, Unity, PHP, Golang

PORTFOLIO: TuneIn, Weinmann, Globacap, PrettyLittleThing, Cleverbridge, Fluke, Gogo, Messer

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 27 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: close communication, top-notch technical and management skills, bug-free delivery, structured process, being solution-oriented, feedback-oriented and cooperative

CULTURE & VALUES: They believe in empathy and care about clients and teammates. One of their values is curiosity. They like to look at situations from different angles. The team cherishes flexibility, open communication, trust, initiative, and innovation.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 1600+

LOCATION: Ukraine (Lviv, Kyiv), Bulgaria (Sofia), Poland (Krakow), Sweden (Malmo), USA (Florida)

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: manufacturing, logistics, retail, fintech, healthcare, telecom, agritech, energy & utilities

Your next moves

Now, you can continue the research using other resources and sites like Clutch or The Manifest, or already start reaching out to the choses companies.

During the assessment phase, pay attention to culture fit, mutual understanding, and the flow between you and the vendor’s team.

Before starting the cooperation, remember that you should be the owner of the source code, and that needs to be stated in the agreement.

If you want to speed things up, prepare at least a short version of an RFP with all the crucial details. This will save your time as you won't have to write a long e-mail for each vendor.

Good luck!

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p>Looking for custom software development services? Work with a Forbes Diamond awarded firm.</p><p>Start with indicating your needs.</p></span>

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FAQ - Choosing a custom software development agency

What is custom software development?

Custom software development is the process of designing, creating, deploying, and maintaining software specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements and preferences of an individual, organization, or a specific set of users. This process stands in contrast to commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS), which is developed for a broad market and does not cater to individual-specific needs.

What are the benefits of custom software development?

  1. Tailored solution: Custom software is designed to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring a perfect fit for your processes, workflows, and objectives.
  2. Scalability: Custom software can grow with your business, accommodating new requirements and changes without the limitations often found in off-the-shelf solutions.
  3. Competitive advantage: By having software that is unique to your business, you can gain a competitive edge through improved performance, innovation, or unique features that are not available in standard software.
  4. Improved security: Custom software can be more secure than standard solutions, as it's less likely to be a target for mass attacks and can be equipped with bespoke security features.
  5. Long-term cost effectiveness: Although the initial investment is higher, custom software can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if it significantly improves efficiency or replaces multiple off-the-shelf products.

What is a custom software development company?

Custom software development companies create software solutions adjusted to a particular client’s needs. The process often includes services like ideation, workshops, design, development, and maintenance. The software can be created from scratch by a particular vendor, or an external company can co-create it with an internal client’s team, delivering, for example, some features.

What are types of custom software development services?

Custom software development companies offer:

  • Web development: Designing and creating websites, web applications, and web services.
  • Mobile app development: Developing applications for mobile devices across platforms like iOS and Android.
  • Desktop application development: Building software for desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Custom-built software may also include:

  • ERP systems: Developing Enterprise Resource Planning systems to integrate various business processes.
  • CRM systems: Creating Customer Relationship Management software for managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers.
  • Supply chain management: Solutions to manage and optimize a company's supply chain operations.
  • E-Commerce solutions: Developing online storefronts, shopping carts, and payment processing systems. Integration with existing e-commerce platforms or creating custom e-commerce platforms.
  • Cloud application development: Building applications that run in the cloud.
  • Cloud migration: Assisting businesses in moving their operations to cloud platforms.
  • Cloud infrastructure management: Managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure.
  • Software integration: Integrating various software systems, including legacy systems, to ensure they work seamlessly together.
  • API development and integration: Creating and integrating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for software to communicate with other systems.
  • Data analytics and business intelligence: Developing tools for data analysis and visualization. Implementing business intelligence solutions to help businesses make data-driven decisions.
  • IoT solutions: Developing Internet of Things applications for various industries, integrating sensors and smart devices with software.
  • AI and Machine Learning: Implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities in software solutions.
  • UI/UX design: Designing user interfaces and user experiences for software and applications, focusing on aesthetics and usability.
  • Quality assurance and testing: Ensuring software quality through various testing methodologies like unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing.
  • Software maintenance and support: Providing ongoing support, updates, and maintenance for software applications.
  • Consultancy and strategy: Offering expert advice on software strategy, digital transformation, and technology solutions tailored to business needs.

Which company is best for software development?

There’s no universally best software development company. There’s only the best one for a particular case. It should provide what your project needs most in terms of services and specialists. Besides that, top software development companies have a specific view of projects - they look at them from the business-success perspective. Best teams work flexibly, eagerly share knowledge with their partners, work transparently and form strong relationships with internal teams.

How do I find the best custom software development company?

To find the best custom software development company, start with naming your needs and expectations. Then, use various sources to research potential vendors:

While researching particular companies:

  • check their portfolio,
  • read reviews and testimonials,
  • review the credibility of their websites.

Ask how they manage projects, what kinds of specialists they provide, and how they operate in terms of, for example, deployments and testing.

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p>To operate faster, prepare at least a short version of the Request for Proposal to send to chosen companies.</p></span>

How to choose the best custom software development company?

  1. Define your requirements:
  2. Project scope: Clearly define what you need. What problems are you trying to solve? What are the goals of the project?
  3. Budget: Determine your budget. This will help you narrow down companies within your financial reach.
  4. Timeline: Establish a timeline for the project. When do you need the software to be ready?
  5. Research potential companies:
  6. Expertise and experience: Look for companies with experience in your industry or with similar projects. Review their portfolios and case studies.
  7. Technology stack: Ensure the company has expertise in the technologies required for your project.
  8. Client testimonials and reviews: Check for client testimonials, reviews, and ratings on platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, or Google.
  9. Evaluate their process:
  10. Development process: Understand their software development methodology (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) and how it aligns with your needs.
  11. Communication: Evaluate their communication process. How often will they update you on progress? What tools do they use for communication?
  12. Project management: Assess their project management capabilities. Who will be your point of contact?
  13. Consider cultural fit:
  14. Company culture: Ensure the company’s culture aligns with yours. This can affect communication and the overall working relationship.
  15. Language and time zone: Consider language barriers and time zone differences, which can impact collaboration and communication.
  16. Check legal and compliance aspects:
  17. Intellectual Property Rights: Ensure that your agreement clearly states that you will own the final product and its code.
  18. Confidentiality and security: Make sure they have strict confidentiality policies and robust security measures in place.
  19. Contract and SLA: Review the contract and service level agreements (SLAs) carefully. Understand the terms for delivery, payment, and what happens if the project scope changes.
  20. Cost versus value:
  21. Pricing models: Understand their pricing model (fixed price, time and materials, etc.). Be wary of selecting a company solely based on price. The cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality.
  22. Value addition: Consider how the company adds value to your project. Do they offer innovative solutions, proactive problem-solving, and post-deployment support?
  23. Post-deployment support:
  24. Maintenance and support: Check their policy for post-deployment support. What kind of maintenance and updates do they offer?
  25. Training: Find out if they provide training for your team to use the new software effectively.
  26. Request proposals and conduct interviews:
  27. Request for Proposal (RFP): Prepare a detailed RFP and send it to your shortlisted companies. This should include your project requirements, expectations, and any queries you have.
  28. Interviews: Conduct interviews or meetings to discuss your project in detail. This helps in understanding their approach and ensures they fully grasp your requirements.
  29. Trial Project:
  30. If possible, start with a small trial project to evaluate their expertise and the quality of their work before committing to a larger project.

Which tech skills to look for in custom software developers?

  1. Programming languages:
  2. Frontend development: Skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are fundamental. Familiarity with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js is often crucial for modern web development.
  3. Backend development: Proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, .NET, C#, or Node.js, depending on your project’s backend requirements.
  4. Web development: Technical expertise in languages supporting both frontend and backend development. Trusted software development partner has expertise in a few chosen technologies.
  5. Mobile development: For Android, knowledge in Java or Kotlin; for iOS, expertise in Objective-C or Swift.
  6. Frameworks and libraries:
  7. Knowledge of relevant frameworks and libraries that align with the chosen programming languages, such as JavaScript, .NET, Java, Python.
  8. Database management:
  9. Familiarity with database technologies like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Oracle. Understanding of database design, management, and optimization.
  10. Version control:
  11. Experience with version control systems like Git. Understanding of workflows such as GitFlow is beneficial.
  12. API development/integration:
  13. Experience in creating and integrating APIs (REST, SOAP), and understanding of JSON or XML.
  14. Cloud computing:
  15. Familiarity with cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Skills in cloud deployment, scaling, and management are increasingly important.
  16. DevOps practices:
  17. Knowledge of DevOps tools and practices, including continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), Docker, Kubernetes, and configuration management tools.
  18. Software testing and Quality Assurance:
  19. Experience in writing and maintaining unit tests, integration tests, and understanding of test-driven development (TDD).
  20. Security:
  21. Understanding of security best practices in software development, including secure coding, knowledge of common vulnerabilities and their mitigation (OWASP Top 10), and possibly experience with security testing tools.
  22. Software architecture:
  23. Understanding of software architecture principles, design patterns, and best practices. Experience with microservices architecture or monolithic architectures, depending on your project.

How much does custom development cost?

The cost of custom software development can vary widely based on a range of factors. It's challenging to provide a precise figure without specific details about the project, but I can outline the key elements that influence the cost:

  1. Complexity and scope of the project:
  2. Simple projects (like a basic web application or a simple mobile app) may cost from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
  3. More complex projects (like an enterprise-level application, a sophisticated mobile app with advanced features, or a comprehensive e-commerce platform) can cost from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  4. Highly complex projects (like custom CRM systems, complex integrations with existing systems, or advanced AI solutions) can exceed a million dollars.
  5. Technology stack:
  6. The choice of technologies (programming languages, frameworks, databases) can impact the cost. Some technologies may require more specialized skills, which can be more expensive.
  7. Development team's location and structure:
  8. Geographic location: Custom software development agencies in North America and Western Europe typically charge higher rates than those in Eastern Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
  9. In-House vs. outsourcing: Hiring an in-house team is usually more expensive than outsourcing to a development company or freelancers, considering the added costs of employment benefits, office space, etc.
  10. Design customization and User Experience:
  11. Custom design with a focus on user experience and unique branding elements can increase the cost.
  12. Integration with other systems:
  13. Integration with existing systems, third-party services, or APIs can add complexity and cost.
  14. Data migration and processing:
  15. Migrating existing data into a new system and ensuring its integrity can be a complex and costly process.
  16. Security and compliance:
  17. Implementing advanced security measures and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, etc., can increase the cost.
  18. Maintenance and support:
  19. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and support services are typically charged separately and can be a significant part of the overall cost over time.
  20. Project duration and development methodology:
  21. Longer project timelines and methodologies like Agile software development (which may involve more frequent changes and iterations) can influence the overall cost.
  22. Additional features:
  23. Features like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT integration, high-end graphics, or real-time data processing can significantly increase the cost.

How long does it take to build a custom software?

On average, a moderately complex custom software project might take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, this is a very rough estimate, and actual timeframes can be shorter or much longer based on the specific project requirements.

The time required to build custom software can vary widely depending on several factors:

  1. Complexity of the software: Simple applications might take a few months, while complex enterprise-level systems could take years.
  2. Scope and scale of the project: The number of features, integrations, and the scale at which the software is expected to operate greatly impact the development time.
  3. Development process: Agile methodologies might speed up the process through iterative development, whereas traditional models like Waterfall can be more time-consuming.
  4. Quality of the development team: Experienced developers and efficient project management can significantly reduce development time.

How this ranking was created?

Wondering how the top 10 was picked from the crowd?

Companies listed in this ranking:

  • Received at least 20 positive client reviews on Clutch and other sources. In most cases, the total number of reviews for a company is higher than 50.
  • Have an overall score on Clutch of 4.7 or higher. 
  • Didn’t receive any completely negative review on Clutch.
  • Exist on the market for at least 5 years and have a vast experience in software development proven by a strong and legit portfolio.
  • Hire a team that has skills needed to deliver scalable custom software solutions.
  • Demonstrated a high level of engagement, proactive behavior, ownership-taking attitude, and problem-solving focus on past projects.
  • Promote an Agile culture of working.
  • Offer cross-functional teams with various specialists on board that focus on improving client’s business results.
  • There are no sponsored sections here. These companies are truly top, and were carefully researched and investigated by real people, not algorithms.

To gather all this information (which you can also find below), we’ve analyzed the companies’ websites, pages on ranking portals, reviews, testimonials, and content they publish on blogs and social media.

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Every year, Brainhub helps 750,000+ founders, leaders and software engineers make smart tech decisions. We earn that trust by openly sharing our insights based on practical software engineering experience.

Authors

Olga Gierszal
github
Software Engineering Editor

Software development enthusiast with 6 years of professional experience in the tech industry.

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