What is Software Development?

The process of developing software refers to the creation of applications and programs. Basically, software development is the creative process of designing and building an app. There are two types of software development: offshore and nearshore. Offshore refers to the process of hiring a company in a different country to build your software. Nearshore refers to a company located in a nearby timezone (i.e., Latin America). In order to get started with successful software development, you need to find a team you trust and a partner who can help you with your project. This is why we recommend you research the company; make sure they are accountable and determine if they have a US entity. Always find the right team for your project and ensure the contract reflects your needs and their accountability.

 

Latin America’s Software Development Landscape

By design, software development is a global industry, and in a post-Covid world, it has never been more true! Software engineers work with colleagues from around the world. As a result, work opportunities are distributed across the globe. For this reason, you might consider hiring a team from Latin America when looking for a software development team for your project. Regarding software development, the region is shifting from receiving outsourced work to becoming an active participant in the industry. In fact, Latin America is home to many local software development companies. Specifically, the countries of Mexico, Columbia, and Brazil have become more stable and beacons of talent. Furthermore, the region is catching up with more developed economies in terms of innovation and the software products produced.

 

How to Find Developers in Latin America You Can Trust

When you’re looking for the right software development team in Latin America, it’s essential that you select a team you can trust. When using Upwork, Fiver, and other outsourcing platforms, always dive into the reviews and ask for references because recourse is a challenge with most of these platforms. Trust is essential to working with a development shop or an individual developer. After all, it’s critical that you share information and build an effective relationship with your team. That is why we recommend you start by creating a shortlist of preferred candidates. You can do this by checking out the following elements: 

• Type of Work: Find out what kind of work the company has done in the past. It’s essential that you select a team that has experience in the sort of work you need.
•  Previous Clients: Try to get in touch with other companies that have worked with the company you’re considering hiring. You can also check out reviews online. 
• Most development shops have rate cards. Ask for one so that when you get the bid, you can reference it when reviewing the bid and comparing other shops. 
• Cultural Fit: You’ll want to hire a team that is a good fit. We recommend that you get in touch with the team members. This will help you understand their experience and how they work.

 

Latin America-Nearshore versus India-Offshore

When looking for a software development team, you will come across two options: an offshore team and a nearshore team. Remember, these are two ways to refer to the geographic location and, more specifically, the timezone of the team you’re considering hiring. Offshore refers to a software development team that is located in a different country and typically 9+ hours away from the client. This is often used as a way to reduce costs for organizations. Nearshore refers to a software development team located in the same country as the client. This is often done to create a more effective relationship between the team and the client. As mentioned above, there are a lot of advantages to hiring a nearshore team. The most important thing to consider is that a nearshore team is closer to home, same time zones; this makes communication more effective. While also increasing the relevance of cultural factors when hiring. The cost comparison is worth noting. This can be beneficial to both parties in many ways. With the cost being slightly more in Latin America, you are paying for the real-time availability of the development team.

Region	Average software development hourly rate	Ease of doing business*	Political stability**
North America	$70	84	0.3
Western Europe	$75	80.3	0.7
Eastern Europe	$55	73.7	0.4
Latin America	$55	65.7	-0.1
Asia Pacific	$28	65.5	-0.7
Africa	$33	66.1	-0.9

*According to The World Bank, the max score is 100

** According to The World Bank, a scale from -2.5 to 2.5

 

The Key to success in LATAM Development is taking the “ease of doing business” column from where it is to 100%. Building that trust takes decades, so do your homework. For a better chance at solidifying that stability, try to find a business in the US that has ties to a Latin Country, such as Mexico, Colombia, or Chile.

 

Wrap Up

Now you know what it takes to start a software development project, Latin America’s software development landscape, and how to find developers in Latin America you can trust. Furthermore, you know the difference between offshore and nearshore teams. It’s essential that you take your time when hiring a team. In fact, a successful project takes time, so don’t rush the process. When hiring a team, you want to make sure you choose the right people. It’s a big decision that can significantly impact your business. When you’re ready to start software development, you can use this guide to find the right team for your project. 

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide, and we wish you the best of luck with your project!