As your brand starts to put together a strategy for launching its next big tech project, you’ve likely discussed the advantage of outsourcing software development as an exciting and flexible solution. This type of outsourcing provides the opportunity to keep your company lean and achieve an affordable solution for your development needs that would be far too complex to achieve on your timeline and in-house.

While your company considers the numerous reasons they might utilize outsourcing, keep in mind the biggest trends that are hitting the software space in 2023. These innovative technologies might play a role in your budget for the next year and affect the way you plan your technological maturation as a brand for the next decade.

What’s coming next in software outsourcing

1. Internet Of Things

Internet Of Things

The Internet of Things refers to interconnected physical objects that utilize software to communicate with one another. From smart appliances to security systems to large-scale equipment in healthcare and agriculture, the world of “IoT” has been accelerating in the tech space with numerous companies looking to take advantage and develop solutions of their own.

As more and more products become capable of this digital connectivity, more brands will work with outsourcing companies to imbue software skills within otherwise non-technical everyday products. In nuanced industries like healthcare, these kinds of innovations will help rapidly accelerate patient/customer outcomes for far superior service than previously thought possible.

2. Cloud sourcing

Cloud sourcing

Cloud sourcing

Cloud sourcing is the next phase of outsourcing capabilities, creating a system of digital interconnectivity that makes it easier for remote workers across the globe to collaborate and implement changes in a system. These cloud platform solutions let businesses outsource their digital and IT infrastructure over the cloud, allowing companies to update and optimize their operations with even greater efficiency.

As the potential for software development gets more global and powered by remote work, cloud sourcing will define outsourcing relationships for years to come. Through this highly ornate but accessible system, companies can achieve the kinds of software solutions for themselves that were previously reserved for larger corporations that had the budget to spare and invest.

3. AI-driven automation

AI-driven automation

AI-driven automation

More and more, companies are looking to automate their routine processes within their organization. From providing intelligent document processing to streamlining regular tasks, outsourcing companies can start the process of making your business far more efficient.

In particular, AI has made automation even more powerful in the past decade. Legacy RPA (robotic process automation) has evolved to “intelligent processing”, going beyond simple interpretation and input to apply machine learning to automated processes and continually create more efficient ways of conducting business. With a savvy outsourcing partner, you’ll have access to these highly efficient AI solutions that’ll make your organization far more competitive with bigger corporations.

4. Emphasizing cybersecurity

Emphasizing cybersecurity

Emphasizing cybersecurity

Data and IP are a precious, sacred resource in the software development space — a resource that brands take incredibly seriously and guard very carefully. With more outsourcing taking place than ever, these companies are becoming more cautious about when and how they share this information, and should look for a partner that shares that priority.

Outside of just maintaining a level of security, some outsourcing companies can provide custom development services for cybersecurity. From helping build infrastructure to protect your IP and data to moving onto the blockchain or similar systems, outsourcing helps leaner companies better monitor and manage information wherever it is.

5. Offering business services in outsourcing

Offering business services in outsourcing

Offering business services in outsourcing

Though many currently use outsourcing for development and technical support, more and more companies are leveraging these relationships and networks of talent to find business service solutions. Everything from a QA manager to a CTO can be found through outsourcing, providing quality candidates from around the globe at an interim or permanent level.

The benefit of using outsourcing for these kinds of assistance, on top of traditional software development consulting services, is the access to a unique talent pool. These individuals bring software experience while also helping you screen for leadership capabilities that can bridge the gap between development and positive customer outcomes.

6. Growing offshore relationships and resources

Growing offshore relationships and resources

Growing offshore relationships and resources

Onshore and nearshore solutions have long been the norm for both in-house and outsourcing software development solutions. But the influx of remote work has made offshore staffing — i.e. working with employees in Europe and Asia — far easier for brands of all sizes, and not just reserved for enterprise-level corporations.

The abundance of tech talent in offshore regions is now easily accessible with something as simple as a Zoom or Google call, which even the smallest brands have become adept at utilizing thanks to the change in work over the pandemic. More and more, outsourcing offshore talent opens up a greater pool of options no matter the resources available to these companies thanks to advances in communication and product management technology — allowing for advanced development, business services, and even IT support and maintenance services wherever necessary.

7. Expanding tech boundaries for applied solutions

Expanding tech boundaries for applied solutions

Expanding tech boundaries for applied solutions

From interactive media to more complex industry-centric solutions, the possibilities of tech in the workspace are constantly evolving. Industries like healthcare are demanding more sophisticated technology like document and data processing, IoT in health tech, and other intelligent, interconnected software systems.

Considering these nuances, the partner you work with needs to have the resources and capabilities to address and serve these new technologies, even offering them as potential solutions to your development goals. At Urchin Systems, we help companies hire agile developers that can work across industries like healthcare, developing full-stack solutions no matter the demand of our clients.

Get started with outsourcing your next big project

Get started with outsourcing your next big project

Ready to take a leap forward toward realizing your most exciting software ideas? Reach out to Urchin Systems today and let’s build something great together.