Outsourcing mobile client dev

#1

Post by oddboy » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 3:04 PM UTC

hi gang,

i'm working on a project for the mobile space. there are two pieces. smartphone client and server backend. the backend is where all the magic happens and that's what i'm currently focused on. the front end is essential, but I have limited time/resources to work on iphone/android/blackberry apps AND the backend stuff.

i've read a few threads here on HN about outsourcing and what a nightmare it can be.

I'm curious to know:

-if anyone is in the same boat as me -if you are, how you're solving that problem -whether outsourcing is still a nightmare -any suggestions on where to find good, short term (which could turn into long term if we get along), reasonably priced mobile app development.

cheers,

oddboy

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#2

Post by zemariamm » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 3:39 PM UTC

I have the same problem as you. I'm currently developing the backend and mobile apps (android only), I try to choose tools that allow me to develop as fast as I can (right now, I'm using the combo: android + appengine (python). Tell me how it goes for you :) and good luck

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#3

Post by spif » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 3:58 PM UTC

Of course you can go about outsourcing in many different ways. We've been baldy burnt with some freelancers and others have been a real blessing. I recently wrote a long history of developing an Outlook plugin here: http://24waystostart.com/2010/frog-driven-development/

I find though that nothing beats being on location with developers in the same room while working on a project. Find someone close by or at least willing to start off the project together on location.

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#4

Post by imasr » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 4:00 PM UTC

Maybe I could help. I've been working on mobile dev last couple of years (iPhone/J2ME) remotely from Argentina. Email me if you're interested.

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#5

Post by charlesdm » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 4:10 PM UTC

I'm a freelance mobile developer that works together with a great front end developer. We mainly develop iOS and Android applications.

You can see some of our work at http://kuugu.com/. I also have a list of projects that I've worked on alone -- both professional & personal. Send me an email at cdmba1@gmail.com if you're interested or want to have a chat.

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#6

Post by michaeldwp » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 4:38 PM UTC

Outsourcing isn't so bad, but you do have to be careful. I'd recommend against going with anyone who isn't doing the actual development (i.e. someone who hires other specialized people to do the actual work).

I only have two experiences with outsourcing so far, and that was the case for my first time. He emailed me shortly after "starting" the project, saying that development had stopped and that he was looking for a developer to replace the last one. More emails with more excuses followed, taking up the original time-frame for the project, and then he just stopped emailing entirely.

So, if you get the slightest hint that the person you're talking to wouldn't be able to get the job done if a staff member leaves, then go with someone else.

If, however, you manage to find a good developer/team that has either has a strong portfolio, or enough successfully completed projects (on a site like http://rentacoder.com [aka http://vworker.com]), then you shouldn't have a problem.

Just do a bit of upfront research on the person/people before committing to anything. Make sure you feel comfortable in their ability to get the work done, backing that up with data of some sort, and you should be fine to outsource.

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#7

Post by shareme » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 4:54 PM UTC

Oddboy you may be able to use one of the cross-platform mobile frameworks thus redcuing your mobile client dev time some of them are:

Rhomobile PhoneGap QuickConnect

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#8

Post by sunkan » Thu, Dec 23, 2010, 7:48 PM UTC

I could potentially help you, I run a boutique mobile dev company http://www.mokriya.com, but our rates aren't comparable to outsourcing firms, since we are based in US. My contact info is in my profile, if you want to contact.

I think the secret to success with getting outsourced work done properly is constant communication. Make them upload the work weekly to a github account. If you engage someone and he/she hasn't produced anything for more than 2 to 3 weeks, he is unlikely to produce anything in the future.

Re: Outsourcing mobile client dev

#9

Post by antonioe » Fri, Dec 24, 2010, 11:09 PM UTC

I would suggest you spec out the project exactly how it should be delivered. Plenty of time I see people starting projects with our a complete idea of what should be delivered or even worse have too much feature creep.

Also set milestones that are connected with payments so that you do not get the "delay game".