8 Best Practices for Creating Apps for Booking

Forbes claims the global nearshore software development services market could exceed $425 billion by 2026. Meanwhile, Forrester reveals that 39% of technology leaders are set to boost their nearshore spending, tapping into cost savings, expert skills, and geographic advantages. 

The message is clear: nearshoring is here to stay. To break it down, we've outlined what nearshore software development means, its key benefits, and the signs that indicate it's time to make the switch. Let's dive in.

What is Nearshore Development Services? 

Nearshore software development is an outsourcing model where companies contract app developers in a nearby country for their software projects to a third-party team in nearby countries, i.e., a country within 1-4 time zones. 

How Does Nearshore Outsourcing Work?

Nearshore software outsourcing kicks off with evaluating your business processes. This allows you to spot tasks that could benefit from external expertise. After these functions are precise, set specific and measurable goals for your outsourcing project. It will guide you in finding a nearshore partner in a neighboring country. 

Pick a nearby country that meets your project needs. Focus on cultural fit, language abilities, and needed technical skills. Consider the reputation, client reviews, and ability to deliver high-quality nearshore software development services. Try Clutch or Goodfirms, get referrals from your industry peers, or attend IT events to find potential vendors of nearshore development.

After you've picked the right partner, work out a detailed contract. It must outline the scope of work, timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics. 

Then comes a careful transition. It features knowledge transfer and system integration, which helps ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Collaboration stays strong with practical communication tools and regular performance reviews. This approach fine-tunes the process and boosts strategic efficiency. 

Finally, check on the completed project being delivered on schedule. It should meet the specifications and quality standards you discussed from the start, reflecting the collaboration you've built.

Advantages of Nearshore Software Development Outsourcing

Nearshore outsourcing delivers world-class software development without offshore complications. Shared time zones, cultural alignment, and easy access make it a no-brainer for businesses that want speed and agility. Read on below for more benefits of this outsourcing model:

Cost-Effectiveness

While nearshore software outsourcing may come with a higher price tag than offshore options, it offers superior quality at a reasonable cost. This model reduces travel expenses for meetings and minimizes time zone coordination costs.

For example, in healthcare, nearshore teams develop compliance-driven software without incurring the high costs typical of local development, while in manufacturing, cost-efficient nearshore solutions enhance automation and streamline supply chain management.

Cultural and Time Zone Alignment

Nearshore development teams often share similar work ethics and legal frameworks with their clients, which is particularly beneficial in industries like banking. This alignment ensures smoother regulatory compliance when handling sensitive financial transactions. 

In retail, understanding regional consumer behavior is crucial for developing user-friendly e-commerce platforms. Overall, this model naturally boosts better communication and more efficient collaboration. 

Access to Skilled Talent

Nearshore hubs offer a rich talent pool with expertise in niche technologies. In fintech, developers ensure secure payment processing, while gaming benefits from advanced AI and graphics specialists. Strong STEM education and digital infrastructure in Latin America and Eastern Europe produce skilled developers who bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge solutions.

Faster Time to Market 

Nearshore software outsourcing shortens development cycles and accelerates time to market. Startups launch MVPs faster while telecom firms roll out software updates seamlessly. Shared time zones enable real-time feedback and problem-solving, keeping development agile and release cycles efficient.

Increased Security & IP Protection

Nearshore outsourcing provides greater legal protection compared to offshore options. In biotech and pharmaceuticals, it ensures data security when handling sensitive research information. In cybersecurity, nearshore teams enhance compliance with local data protection laws.

Nearshore vs. Other Software Development Models

Nearshore software development involves collaborating with teams in neighboring countries, usually within the same or similar time zones. 

On the other hand, offshore software development is when companies hire development teams from other countries. These teams are usually located in different time zones. This model often results in lower labor costs, so it's a great choice for businesses aiming to save money. 

And lastly, onshore means outsourcing software development to teams in the same country. This approach makes communication easier and ensures a better cultural fit, but it often comes with higher costs than nearshore or offshore options.

This closeness leads to better communication and collaboration, resulting in quicker feedback and more efficient project management while being more cost-effective than local hiring. Here is a breakdown of the main differences: 

Nearshore vs Offshore vs Onshore: Key Differences

Key Services Offered in Nearshore Development

Looking for efficient and cost-effective software development? Nearshore teams provide top-tier services that capitalize on proximity, clear communication, and affordability, including:

Nearshore Application Development

This service focuses on developing mobile, web, or desktop applications. Nearshore developers can handle all stages of nearshore application development, from design to deployment, ensuring that applications are user-friendly and meet market demands.

Nearshore Product Development 

Nearshore teams can manage the entire software product development lifecycle, including conceptualization, design, coding, testing, and launch. This service is ideal for companies creating complex software products without extensive in-house resources.

Nearshore QA and Testing

Quality assurance and testing services delivered through nearshore teams provide comprehensive coverage across manual and automated testing needs. Nearshore development services include functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and test automation implementation. Nearshore QA teams work in parallel with development cycles, ensuring rapid feedback and issue resolution. The shared time zones facilitate real-time bug reporting and verification, leading to faster quality improvements.

Nearshore Custom Software Development

This involves creating tailored software solutions to meet specific business requirements. Nearshore teams can develop software from scratch or enhance existing systems to improve functionality and efficiency.

Nearshore App Development

Mobile development services through nearshore teams cover both iOS and Android platforms, delivering native and cross-platform solutions. Services include nearshore app development, app modernization, and mobile-first transformations. Teams specialize in creating responsive, user-friendly applications while ensuring optimal performance and security. The collaborative timezone allows for swift iterations based on user feedback and market demands.

Nearshore UI/UX Design

Nearshore design teams provide comprehensive UI/UX services aligned with current nearshore development market trends and user expectations. Services include user research, wireframing, prototyping, and interactive design implementation. The proximity enables regular design reviews and quick iterations based on stakeholder feedback. Teams work closely with developers to ensure design integrity throughout implementation.

Nearshore Maintenance and Support

Maintenance and support services through nearshore teams ensure continuous system reliability and performance. Services cover bug fixes, speed improvements, security patches, and new features. The shared time zone allows for responsive support during business hours and efficient handling critical issues. Teams provide both scheduled maintenance and emergency support to maintain system stability.

When Do You Need a Nearshore Development Company?

While nearshore outsourcing offers numerous benefits, the real question is: When is the right time to switch to nearshore outsourcing? Typically, organizations turn to nearshore in times of operational hurdles. But the reasons don't end here. 

Let's examine the situations that suggest your company might be ready for this transition.

Operational focus shifts away from core business needs.

As projects grow, your team may become overwhelmed, losing focus on core priorities. When that happens, it's time to reassess your strategy. This is where a nearshore software development partner can step in. For companies where software isn't a primary function, nearshore teams provide the support needed to maintain balance, ensuring that business goals and development demands align seamlessly.

Challenging resource allocation.

Finding the right software developers can be challenging if you don't have an in-house tech team. It's become even trickier when there isn't much local talent available. Some companies use freelancers or various outsourcing vendors to fill gaps. This is where nearshore development offers a better overall solution. 

You have budget constraints.

If building an in-house tech team is too costly, nearshore development offers a practical alternative. Companies can scale efficiently with access to skilled developers in cost-effective regions like Central & Eastern Europe or Latin America. A nearshore partner also ensures proper resource allocation, allowing you to integrate developers into your team while controlling costs seamlessly.

Your business is scaling fast.

Expanding into new markets, businesses often need additional resources at short notice. This is particularly true for startups experiencing rapid growth. A nearshore development partner provides an efficient way to scale, offering access to top-tier developers who can tackle rising workloads and pressing projects. With vast talent networks, nearshore teams ensure seamless expansion.

How to Choose the Best Nearshore Development Partner

Basically, when you choose a nearshore software development company, start with your project needs. Then, check the developer's skills and credentials. Also, consider their way of working, how well they fit your culture, and how they communicate. The steps to finding the best fit for the project don't end here. Below, we share a detailed overview of practical ways to find the right one:

1. Clarify Your Project Scope.

The truth is, there are no two businesses alike, even in the same niche. Yet, their challenges differ, too. Before reaching out to nearshore software development teams, define your project needs. 

To help vendors provide accurate proposals, include some deal-breaking questions in your Request for Proposal (RFP):

1. What is the scope of your project? (e.g., building from scratch or post-release support)
2. What specific tech stack does your project require?
3. Are you looking to hire an individual developer or an entire team?

2. Research Nearshore Developer Candidates.

Nearshore software developers are easy to find. Yet, without proper vetting, you risk delays, miscommunication, and subpar work. Do your homework. Find candidates with the right skills, experience, and work style to fit seamlessly into your team.

You can find potential nearshore software developers by:

1. Google Search. Search for "software developers" + [specific country] to find potential candidates. Then, review their websites to assess their IT services, expertise, and past projects.
2. Specialized Directories. Clutch features company profiles, service offerings, and client reviews, while GoodFirms highlights vendor portfolios with visuals.
3. LinkedIn. Search for nearshore development services, then narrow down by region and sector.
4. Professional Networks. Seek referrals from trusted peers and leverage proven partnerships.
5. IT Events. Join international or regional tech events to network with nearshore developers.

3. Verify the Developer's Credentials.

Never skip due diligence when hiring a developer. First, check their portfolio—real expertise is backed by real work—if it's missing, move on. Next, scan reviews on Clutch. Delays, misaligned projects, or budget overruns are red flags. A history of satisfied clients points to a dependable vendor.

4. Evaluate Collaboration Methods.

Nearshore outsourcing relies on structured workflows, not just shared time zones. Ask vendors how they communicate and track progress. Many use Trello, Slack, or Jira to update clients and gather feedback, but tools alone aren't enough. A solid workflow ensures efficiency and adaptability. Plus, discuss how they measure progress and refine products. A clear process minimizes miscommunication and keeps your project on track.

5. Check On Cultural Fit and Communication.

Nearshoring often offers cultural and language similarities, but there are some exceptions. Even neighboring countries can have unique work styles and languages.

For instance, Australia is 3 hours ahead of China. So, China could be a good nearshoring choice. Yet, there's a catch: many Chinese developers lack fluency in English, and their working methods can differ significantly. Therefore, for Australian clients, turning to European software companies proves to be a smarter choice, promoting smoother communication and a collaborative spirit.

6. Interview the Software Developer.

Communication can derail your project even with shared language, time zones, and culture. Therefore, an in-person interview is critical. It allows you to assess the project manager's or business lead's responses, revealing potential red flags.

Treat this interview as a deep dive into the nearshore developer's expertise. Extract insights before committing. Hiring is a long-term investment; mitigating risks upfront is essential.

These questions will help you determine if the candidate is the right fit:

1. What development methods do you use?
2. How do you keep communication clear with clients?
3. What tech stack and tools does your team specialize in?
4. How do you find and fix issues during development?
5. What roles and skills are needed when assembling a team for my project?

Best Nearshore Locations

Below is an overview of the best nearshore software outsourcing locations across Latin America (LATAM), Eastern Europe, and Asia, including descriptions, hourly rates, and relevant statistics.

Best Nearshore Locations in LATAM

LATAM offers skilled, cost-effective outsourcing with convenient time zones. Here is a list of top nearshore LATAM destinations:

1. Mexico

Known as North America's nearshore powerhouse, Mexico offers proximity to the U.S., cultural alignment, and a large talent pool of 220,000 tech professionals. Its bilingual workforce and growing IT sector make it a top choice for nearshore software development and IT outsourcing.

2. Brazil

Brazil is LATAM's largest economy and a leader in AI, fintech, and cloud computing. With over 500,000 developers, it is ideal for companies seeking expertise in advanced technologies.

3. Argentina

Argentina excels in English proficiency (ranked #1 in LATAM) and has a strong remote work culture. It is a cost-effective option for high-quality software development.

4. Colombia

Colombia is a rapidly growing IT outsourcing hub with government investments in STEM education. It specializes in nearshore app development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

Best Nearshore Locations in Eastern Europe

Skilled talent, low costs, and tech expertise make this region a prime outsourcing hub. Here is the list of nearshore destinations in Eastern Europe:

1. Ukraine

Ukraine remains a strong outsourcing hub, and offers expertise in web nearshore development, mobile apps, AI, and blockchain.

2. Poland

Poland is recognized for its high-quality tech talent and strong English proficiency (ranked #16 globally). It offers robust expertise in software engineering and financial technology.

3. Moldova

Moldova is an emerging outsourcing destination with affordable rates and a growing reputation in web nearshore development and cross-platform mobile apps. Its Digital Moldova 2030 strategy supports IT growth.

4. Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

Estonia:

Known as the "Digital Society Architect," Estonia excels in secure digital systems and e-governance solutions.

Latvia:

Specializes in data engineering services with a startup-friendly ecosystem.

Lithuania:

A FinTech hub with expertise in blockchain and semiconductor manufacturing.

Best Nearshore Locations in Asia

With strong English proficiency, diverse talent pools, and growing innovation hubs, Asia remains a top choice for businesses seeking efficiency and scalability. Read on for the top nearshore locations in Asia.

India

Offers the most vast talent pool and expertise in advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing. Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune are renowned IT hubs with strong infrastructure and government support for foreign investors.

Philippines

The Philippines is home to over 1,000 IT-BPO companies and ranks highly for cultural alignment with Western businesses. It excels in customer service outsourcing and mobile app development. Its high English proficiency (ranked #2 in Asia) ensures seamless communication with Western clients. Manila is a top global outsourcing hub.

Vietnam

Vietnam's IT sector grows by over 25% annually, supported by government incentives for digital transformation. It specializes in nearshore software development, mobile apps, and e-commerce solutions. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are tech hubs with growing infrastructure.

China

First, China leads globally in R&D investments and is home to major tech hubs like Shenzhen and Beijing. Moreover, it has a highly skilled workforce with expertise in AI research and hardware development but faces language barriers for Western clients. While language barriers may exist, China remains a top choice for advanced technical projects.

How to Establish a Nearshore Development Center For Long-Term Success

First, set clear, measurable goals and a detailed roadmap outlining growth and scalability for robust, long-term success. Choose a location that provides a rich pool of skilled professionals and aligns with your cultural and operational needs. Invest in state-of-the-art technology and agile project management tools to facilitate continuous feedback and iterative improvement. 

By building a flexible framework that can adjust to evolving project demands and industry trends, your nearshore development center will become your organization's sustainable, high-performance extension.

Choosing the Right Nearshore Software Development Outsourcing Partner

Selecting the right outsourcing partner can make or break your project's success. Look for a partner with a strong track record in delivering custom software solutions and proven expertise in your industry. 

Key factors include cultural and communication alignment, transparent processes, and a commitment to quality and security standards. 

A reliable partner should offer scalable solutions, regular performance reporting, and robust security certifications to protect sensitive data.

You can secure a partner whose technical capabilities and business values align with your long-term objectives by conducting thorough due diligence and engaging in meaningful discussions.

Managing a Nearshore Software Engineering Team Effectively

Establish clear communication channels using collaboration tools like Trello, Jira, or Slack, and schedule regular check-ins to maintain alignment across all teams. Encourage an open environment where feedback is welcomed, and team members feel comfortable sharing insights and challenges. 

Regular performance reviews and agile adjustment strategies help maintain high productivity and quality standards. By setting clear expectations and monitoring key performance indicators, you can integrate your nearshore team seamlessly with your in-house staff, driving consistent, exceptional results.

Nearshore Agile Development: The Key to Success

When it comes to "what is agile software development," it refers to a flexible, iterative approach to software development that focuses on collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Unlike traditional development methodologies, which follow a linear and rigid process, agile methodologies prioritize frequent customer collaboration, iterative development cycles, and the ability to respond quickly to changes and new requirements.

Key components of nearshore agile development are:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
• Working software over comprehensive documentation.
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
• Responding to change by following a plan.

These principles emphasize the importance of communication, flexibility, and customer satisfaction throughout development.

Key Benefits of Nearshore Agile Software Development

Outsourcing software development brings clear benefits to businesses—faster time to market, cost optimization, and streamlined process management. But why should you choose nearshore Agile software development specifically? Let's look at four main advantages of this approach:

Adaptability

Agile development turns change into opportunity, refining products through constant iteration. Nearshore teams shift priorities instantly, adapting to market and regulatory needs while keeping development on track.

Cost-effectiveness

Nearshore Agile development helps businesses save money while delivering quality software. Short iterations ensure efficient spending, early feedback prevents costly fixes, and outsourcing cuts infrastructure and HR costs. Companies gain flexibility without unnecessary overhead.

Risks Mitigation

Traditional development risks costly missteps due to changing markets and regulations. Agile nearshoring prevents this with adaptive cycles, continuous testing, and early issue detection, ensuring smoother project execution.

Incremental Delivery

Instead of waiting months for a launch, nearshore Agile teams ship updates continuously. Microreleases and feature toggles ensure that businesses stay responsive, test features live, and quickly improve software.

Darly Solutions' Expertise in Nearshore Development

Using nearshore software development teams has its upsides and downsides. By evaluating them carefully and, most importantly, picking the right partner and nearshore development center, companies can maximize the benefits while tackling the challenges, guaranteeing successful nearshore software development.

That is where Darly Solutions comes into play.  We offer a comprehensive suite of custom software nearshore development services, from medical device software to mobile healthcare apps. Enhance operational efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and gain a competitive edge—we are a trusted leader in nearshore software development. 

Moreover, we leverage an agile approach combined with robust project management and transparent communication.

This ensures the seamless integration of our team with your in-house strategies. Client testimonials frequently cite our ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective digital solutions that align with long-term business goals.

Conclusion

No doubt, nearshore software development is ideal for businesses seeking cost efficiency without compromising quality or collaboration. By understanding the key differences between outsourcing models and following best practices for setting up and managing a nearshore team, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Partnering with an experienced provider like Darly Solutions ensures that you have the right expertise and support every step of the way. Embrace the nearshoring model today to stay competitive in the software development landscape tomorrow!

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According to data from the Precedence Research resource, the worldwide SaaS market is estimated at USD 358.33 bln in 2024 and is expected to grow up to USD 1,251.35 bln by 2034 at a CAGR of 13.3%. Such demand is due to the ease of deployment of such solutions (instead of local installation, access to them is possible from any device with a purchased license where there is an Internet connection), as well as often extensive customization options. If you would like to launch your own SaaS solution, but are not yet sure about the final list of features, you should consider the SaaS MVP development option. 

What Is MVP in SaaS?

A minimum viable product (MVP) in the context of SaaS development is a version of a product where only the key functionality is implemented – that is, the one that determines the value of a specific SaaS solution for the end user. The goal of a SaaS MVP is to reduce development time by cutting down on secondary functionality, and to obtain user feedback to determine the course of implementation of a full-fledged SaaS version. 

SaaS MVP Development Benefits

What are the benefits of SaaS MVP development? Let’s find them out right now.

Ability to competently plan a budget and attract investments

Compared to implementing a full-fledged SaaS solution, MVP development is cheaper, since its task is to allow the target audience to test its key functionality in practice, without any excesses in the set of features and user experience (UX) design. This simplifies budget planning, too, as it does not require colossal expenses from the project owners from the very beginning. Also, thanks to this approach to development, its speed increases. Therefore, the working product can be presented to potential investors a few months from the start of work, and it will not just be a business plan in the form of a presentation, but a functioning software solution that can be applied to solve specific tasks. Usually, negotiations regarding further investment in such a project with this strong attribute (an MVP) are successful.

High productivity of the development team

Since an MVP has a limited number of features, your team will be freed from optimizing user interface. Therefore, work on the MVP will proceed faster. In addition, when developing such a software version, your team may gain valuable insights that were initially overlooked – they can also be implemented over time. Finally, when the solution’s functionality is limited, it is easier for developers to identify possible areas for improvement and, thus, address them in further development cycles associated with the launch of a full-fledged SaaS version.

Reduced time to market

An MVP approach allows you to release your solution first. Indeed, given the rapid development of the global SaaS market, this would be a wise move. A couple of months delay needed for implementing a full feature set could cost you the fact that your product's analog will appear and win the audience's favor first. At the same time, by launching your product as early as possible, you will also be able to start refining it earlier, too, ultimately receiving a SaaS platform with a lot of functions and advanced user experience after 9-12 months from the start of work on the project.

Common Challenges of Building a SaaS MVP

Along with all the benefits, it is also worth considering the possible challenges associated with SaaS MVP development.

Impossibility of applying the MVP concept to absolutely all products

It is worth starting with the fact that MVP development is not a universal approach, and not all products allow for feature prioritization. In particular, this applies to the ones in which all functions are interconnected, and it is not possible to single out the most priority ones among them.

Breaks in development cycles

It is important to understand that the release of the MVP in its first version is not always followed by the development of a full-fledged product. Sometimes, the team has to implement one or two more solutions with limited functionality before its participants come to a full understanding of the concept of the SaaS solution. Since the collected feedback may relate to non-overlapping functions of the product, the preferences and dissatisfaction of real users may not be fully covered in the full-fledged product.

The need to adopt new approaches to software development

Quite often, the development of MVP is accompanied by the introduction of radically new practices, such as Agile development and DevOps. In the long term, iterative development and other methods can increase the team's productivity by about a third, but the adoption and training can also take a lot of time for the team.

Possible issues with the program code stability 

Typically, MVP development of a cloud-based solution implies speeding up each development stage (in particular, the one related to testing the program code and its optimization). In this regard, it often happens that teams pay insufficient attention to the code stability, and the MVP solution itself becomes susceptible to hacker attacks. That is why, regardless of the chosen development approach and methodology, developers are still better off adhering to generally accepted standards for user data security and using proven authentication/authorization methods, reliable encryption protocols, access rights delimitation, etc.

Difficulty of scaling

Even though the MVP is initially hosted in the cloud, its computing power may not be enough if the product becomes really popular. In this regard, when choosing a cloud provider to ensure a scalable architecture, it makes sense to initially focus on options that allow automatic scaling as the workload on the software changes. Today, such type of service is provided by AWS, Microsoft Azure, and some other cloud vendors.

Problems with long-term budget planning

Lack of a clear understanding from the very beginning of what set of functions will be present in the final solution can provoke difficulties with budget planning, which, in turn, carries certain risks for investors. Therefore, it is important for you as a product owner to discuss with them all possible risks and prospects of your MVP launch strategy at the early stages of your interaction.

How to Build a SaaS MVP

So, how to build SaaS product – you may ask. Therefore, let’s consider the main steps you have to perform to develop an MVP. 

Defining the target audience

First, you will need to understand who the target audience of your SaaS solution is and what they expect to get from it. In fact, you will have to collect demographic and behavioral data about your product users to determine the most important functionality for the MVP and provide them with the most comfortable ways to interact with it.

Market research

To give your SaaS solution a unique selling proposition (i.e., to make it stand out from the competition in some way), you will need to conduct preliminary research that will determine both market trends in general and help identify the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

Identifying core functionality

Now, you have everything ready to determine the functionality that is the highest priority for your SaaS solution. Usually, this is the functionality that allows you to solve one or two key tasks assigned to your product (that is, without it, it will lose its value for the end user).

Choosing a business model

At this stage, you need to come up with ways to monetize your product. Note that in the context of SaaS, this is most often the purchase of either a license for a certain period of use or access to advanced functionality.

Building a roadmap

Now, you can create a step-by-step plan for implementing your solution, from MVP to launching and supporting a full-fledged SaaS product. Note that this is necessary not only for presenting the prospects of your project to investors and stakeholders, but also for the technical team to make them understand in which direction to move.

Creating an MVP

At this stage, your technical team can begin to build MVP, i.e., implement its user interface, server requests, database requests, alpha testing, etc.

Deploying an MVP and collecting user feedback

Once your team is confident that the MVP meets the previously defined specifications and everything works as intended, you can deploy it to the production environment and begin beta testing – that is, testing it on real users to gather feedback on possible improvements. After that, you will have to prioritize the aspects highlighted by users and plan to implement them in subsequent development cycles.

How to Accelerate SaaS MVP Development

Finally, let’s consider a number of best practices that will help you speed up the SaaS MVP development process:

• Use Backend as a Service (BaaS) and low-code solutions to reduce the amount of work for your backend and frontend specialists, respectively;
• Choose a time-tested technology stack that all members of your development team are familiar with;
• Delegate individual tasks within your project or the entire project to an outsourcing service provider to eliminate the need to urgently search for talent with the necessary skills;
• Establish processes for collecting feedback from users from the very beginning of work on your project.

SaaS MVP Development with Darly Solutions

Would you like to build an MVP as a Service solution and are looking for a seasoned team of developers who will bring your business idea to life? In this case, feel free to contact us. MVP as a Service is one of the key areas of our activity, which you can see for yourself by requesting our portfolio. You can also entrust us with individual tasks within your project, such as QA testing or, for example, UI/UX design. Whatever the list of our services you choose, rest assured that you will be satisfied with the results of our cooperation!

With more than 2.7 billion smartphone users across the world in 2020, it’s no surprise that the mobile app industry is expended with no signs of stopping. Nowadays, smartphones have become a useful and convenient instrument that offers multiple benefits such as communication through emails and social networking, web surfing, entertainment, GPS and various other productivity apps.

In fact, studies show that the average American checks their phone every 12 minutes. 10% of people check their phones every four minutes.

We use our phones every day at work, at home, on the street, in bed, while we are eating, in our cars. You might be reading this article from a mobile device right now.

What are people doing on their phones? Well, 90% of mobile time is spent on apps.

According to these facts, many companies considering mobile apps are facing a common challenge — which app development approach to choose? Should we build a native, mobile web, or hybrid app? More importantly, which is the most appropriate app type for you and your business?

Let’s find out what are native, mobile web, and hybrid apps, analyze the differences between them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. After reading, you will be able to understand which approach will be the right one for your business idea.

Web Apps

A web app is a software program that uses web technologies like HTML5, CSS, JavaScript. It exists entirely within browsers such as Safari and Chrome and is essentially a mobile website. It is therefore not possible to download them from an app store.

Also, the web app is not connected with the device’s operating system and does not use its storage. Unlike an iOS or Android app, there is no software development kit (SDK) for a developer to work with. There are templates and frameworks for developing web apps like Angular, React, and Vue.js that you can use to get a quick start.

So, here are some pros of web application

• Developing a web app can be simple and quick. So, web apps are a cost-effective way to put your product in the hands of a lot of users.
• Web apps can be built for all platforms as long as they can run in an appropriate web browser.
• The user doesn’t have to manage updates manually. The newest version always loads when a user opens a web app.

And some cons:

• Searching for an app might be difficult because the user doesn’t find it in any app store.
• A browser is required to run a web app. It means that users have to take more steps to use a web app, whether that’s searching for the page or typing in a URL.
• Web apps can be slower and lack a lot of benefits. They only work online and they don’t have access to as many phone features like push notifications, contacts, etc.

However, as browsers and web apps become more advanced, PWAs (progressive web apps) offer a wider functionality like:

• Sending push messages
• Using some touch screen elements
• Using some of the device’s hardware

So, If your startup is on a budget and doesn’t require complex functionalities or access to operating system features, then building a web app can be the most suitable solution.

Native Apps

A native app is a software application that is built for specific platforms and is written in languages that the platform accepts. For example, Swift and Objective-C for native iOS apps, Java or Kotlin for native Android apps and C# for the most part for Windows Phone apps. Native apps are also built using the specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the selected operating systems.

Advantages of the native application:

• Native apps offer the fastest, most reliable and most responsive experience to users.
• Good integration with the hardware of the device (e.g. camera, GPS, phone, touch screen)
• It comes with the push notification functionality.
• Great design and user experience possibilities. For example, the implementation of sophisticated UI/UX design and animation.
• These apps can be downloaded from app stores and installed on mobile devices, where they can be placed as a designated icon on the home screen.
• Native apps are also more suitable for working offline.

Disadvantages:

• Need more than one codebase. iOS apps will not run on Android and the opposite, so you will have to work with different codebases for every platform you choose to build in.
• Native apps are usually more expensive in developing, especially for companies that need apps on multiple OS platforms. For both platforms, it will require two separate developers or teams.
• A lot of time is spent on development. Also, it takes time to update the app for different platforms.
• Require constant updates to keep with the current OS versions.
• Expensive to keep your native app updated
• Both Apple App Store and Google Play get a 30% commission from every in-app payment.

To sum up, a bigger budget is required if you want to build your app for multiple platforms (i.e. iPhones and Android) and to keep your native app updated. Native apps are not the best option for simple applications.

By offering a great user experience, better performance and accessibility, native apps are able to offer users a more personalized product.

Hybrid apps

Hybrid apps combine the power of native and web apps to reap the benefits of both. Actually they are made, so they look and feel like native applications, but like web apps, are built with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Also, there is a shell that is downloadable and loads the code using a WebView.

Advantages of the hybrid apps:

• Hybrid apps don’t need a web browser like web apps.
• With a hybrid app, you only have one codebase to manage. So, instead of building two apps like with native apps, you’re building one app, and it works on both platforms.
• Hybrid app developers are often less expensive than native application developers. You will probably require half the number of developers two native apps would have required. Or, with the same number of developers, a hybrid app could be published in half the time.
• Hybrid is a great option for developers that create visually intense applications, for instance, games
• Hybrid apps let you retain the same ability to access device features as with native apps.
• Easy to work with, maintain and upgrade
• Because of their native infrastructure, hybrid apps can work offline.
• Hybrid apps are easier to scale to another platform. Once you’ve built for one platform, you can launch on another, like Windows Mobile.

The downside:

• Getting your hybrid app to run appropriately on each platform generally takes substantial work. Sometimes, the total cost might become comparable to that of fully native apps. It all depends on how close you want to get to the “native user experience” or how simple your app is.
• Hybrid apps can be slower than native apps.
• Need to customize to a large number of exciting browsers
• Inability to implement complex features (e.g. in-app analytics, charts, diagrams)
• These hybrid systems make bug fixing more difficult.
• Hybrid apps load in a WebView, so performance can be worse than native applications.

Say you have an idea for an app, and you don’t know if people will like it or not. If you understand that a web app doesn’t really allow you to test this app, the simple version of the hybrid app will be a good solution for you.

You give to people to download and use the app on their device, although you are short on resources. Usually, a startup project is decided to create a hybrid app that in the startup world, this is called an MVP, or minimum viable product.

Conclusion

There are many different directions in which you can take your app, all of which have their pros and cons. The choice between web, native, and hybrid development is dependent on a number of factors, including business needs, app requirements, developer skill, budget and timelines. What’s important is to spend enough time thinking and analyzing before you start building because the apps are expensive enough. So, you may only have one go at getting it right. Find out the information as much as you can about the different kinds of apps and the development stages.

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