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Syberry
Updated: August 11, 2023

6 Steps of Custom Software Development

6 Steps of Custom Software Development

Just like any complex undertaking, custom software development of any kind can seem like an overwhelming project. But in reality, planning, creating, and implementing a new application is a multistep process, with success in each step contingent on the success of the step before. When we take it one step at a time, the prospect becomes much more manageable. If your business is ready to bespoke software to support your growth goals, here is the bulletproof six-step framework for getting it just right:

Steps of Custom Software Development

1. Identify Your Requirements

You’ve probably got a vision in mind for what your software solution will help you achieve, but what exactly do you need it to do? That’s the first step in custom software development: thoroughly and methodically working through your existing processes, needs, and gaps, and making a list of the features and requirements you need from a software solution. This will help you have productive conversations with potential development partners about everything from technical details to timelines—and, of course, cost.

2. Choose Your Development Partner

There are countless software vendors on the market today, so how do you decide which one is right for you? We answer this question in-depth here, but these are the highlights:

The right software developer understands your business objectives and has the technical expertise to back it up. They’re eager to collaborate with you to truly solve your problems—not just to build you a shiny, trendy platform and collect their payment. They have a “success mindset”, they can talk business as well as they can talk tech, and they have the processes in place to keep everyone—on your team and theirs—on the same page from beginning to end. We recommend you interview several vendors, and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions when you do. The right partner can make a big difference in the success or failure of your software.

3. Plan Your Project

Once you select your vendor, the first step is more planning. A thorough discovery process will allow stakeholders from your company and your development team to sit down and work through every aspect of the project from both a business and a technical standpoint. At this stage, you’ll hone your list of requirements, and your developer may even put together some prototypes to model functionality and user experience. Though we know you’re excited to start building the project, don’t skimp on the discovery phase—and don’t let your vendor try to skimp, either. Especially in custom software development, the old adage of “prior preparation prevents poor performance” rings true!

4. Develop & Implement Your Solution

The next step is the actual work of developing the project using the selected programming language and technology stacks. Often, development is carried out simultaneously with testing (step 5), which allows the vendor to analyze the work being done and implement corrections where needed before delivery. At this stage, it’s important that all stakeholders collaborate closely. The coordination among software engineers, quality assurance engineers, and design engineers directly affects the quality of the entire project.

Once development is complete (along with testing and quality assurance), it’s time to deploy the software. This often happens in three stages: initial data upload, progressive feedback gathering, and full roll-out. The reasoning behind this step-by-step deployment approach is that launch is generally concurrent with additional bug fixes, and it’s better for everyone if the developers can gradually detect and fix any possible defects and imperfections before the software is fully launched.

5. Testing & Quality Assurance

Quality assurance—the testing and debugging process—is every bit as important as the development. Conducting testing simultaneously with coding allows the QA team to find and fix bugs before they’re so deeply embedded in the project that fixing them requires undoing (and then redoing) days, weeks, or even months of work.

Quality assurance should comprise at least 30 percent of the total time allocated for the project, and it’s most effective when completed by a separate team, which allows for more objectivity and efficiency.

6. Post Launch Maintenance

Deployment shouldn’t be the end of your relationship with your custom software vendor. Rather, they should be available in some capacity to support any post-launch needs, from bug fixes to new features, that may crop up as the product is used in real-life scenarios.

Even broken down into these bite-sized steps, custom software creation is still a hefty undertaking. Fortunately, no business has to go it alone. Syberry prides itself on being an excellent software partner for growing businesses, and we would love to talk more about how a custom application could help your team achieve (and exceed) its loftiest business goals. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Publication date: August 11, 2023
Tags
  • software development
  • outsourcing

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Syberry’s team was highly responsive and communicative, managing our project smoothly, responding immediately to any issues that arose, and delivering great software at a reasonable price.

Richard Harkness

CEO, ADEPT Driver

Elk Grove, CA

How we help ADEPT Driver Company

We developed a web-based driving simulator for teens and another for adults. The products run on Chromebooks, and the team added features that enable them to measure a driver's ability to avoid a crash.

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I don't think you could find a better company to manage and build your project. I get so many compliments on my application, and it has a lot of unique and complex development.

Todd Surber

CEO, PIXRIT

Charleston, South Carolina

How we help PIXRIT Company

A photographer approached us to build a web-based software platform that combines the fastest social media manager with state-of-the-art galleries and provides the ultimate tool for photographers to upload, store, back up, and share their photos and manage their SMM activities.

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The high-quality, user-friendly software Syberry created for us has helped grow our clientele, and we were very pleased with their partnership. Syberry was straightforward and consistent in their communication, met every deadline, and ensured a hassle-free development process.

Vince Hughes

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Knoxville, TN

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Our client was inspired to create a product that helps steel erection companies perform faster, more efficient estimations and bids. We developed original proprietary software from the initial concept.

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Syberry delivered world-class service for a cost-efficient price. They communicated well with our team throughout the process, breaking down steps and utilizing a streamlined management system to keep everyone in the loop at all times. The resulting new platform far outperforms its predecessor and has received rave reviews.

Bill Fahy

Owner, FDI Creative Services

Houston, TX

How we help FDI Creative Services Company

Following strict regulations and requirements, we used AWS to develop a custom e-commerce web app that includes shipping integration. Since the site’s launch, the team has continued to make updates.

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The application was delivered on time and within budget. Syberry explained their process thoroughly and accommodated to scope changes effortlessly. Their stellar project management, highly responsive communication, and proactive attitude set them apart.

Ricardo Casas

CEO, Fahrenheit Marketing

Austin, TX

How we help Fahrenheit Marketing Company

We developed a large, complex .NET application with various third-party integrations. The team built the software from scratch based on existing wireframes.

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The end solution exceeded the client’s expectations. Syberry delivered high-quality products on time and at outstanding value. They provided frequent updates and repeatedly sought feedback at each stage. Customers can expect a highly experienced team that easily translates concepts into solutions.

Rudy Milkovic

Executive Director, Velikom

Austin, TX

How we help Velikom Company

Our team built video streaming software as a web and desktop app for a third-party client. We completed end-to-end development—from scoping to feedback cycles to QA—using PHP and Wowza Streaming Engine.

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Syberry has significantly improved our existing platform, and they continue demonstrate their dedication to our business goals and needs by making thoughtful suggestions for enhancements. The Syberry team is communicative and reliable, mitigating all our concerns about outsourcing software development.

Cory Kowal

VP of Products, THG Energy Solutions

Tulsa, OK

How we help THG Energy Solutions Company

Taking over for another vendor, we served as the ongoing software engineering partner for an energy company’s cloud-based platform. The company provided scoping, development, testing, and deployment services.

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Syberry has been an invaluable partner in development. Their impressive team was more than able to fulfill our project needs, and their expertise and dedication led to smooth collaboration every step of the way. The result was a successfully launched product that has received lots of positive feedback.

Chris Cox

CTO, MyMelo

Louisville, Kentucky

How we help MyMelo Company

We provided staff augmentation resources for a development project. The team contributed engineers to follow an established roadmap to perform updates and add features.

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The database Syberry developed has empowered 40 organizations to help in the fight against COVID-19. A communicative partner, the Syberry team worked quickly and efficiently to launch the website, and they continue to invest their time and efforts into the project.

David Snyder

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How we help Covid Resource Network Company

The company developed a website that serves as a database where organizations can find and donate to other organizations. Currently, the team is working on enhancing the website and fixing bugs.

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Syberry was a patient partner, making this engagement feel like a true collaboration. The system they created for us will save our team significant time and frustration.

Joyce Cubio

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Yuba, California

How we help Ernie's Mobile Home Transport Company

The team built an information hub for a mobile home transport and permit service. After discussing the existing system and processes, we delivered a new structure for forms and data.

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The Syberry team is skilled at juggling multiple projects. Though they are in high demand, we were confident that they had the resources and the expertise needed to focus on our partnership. Their constant dedication led to a truly successful engagement, and the final product exceeded all our expectations.

John Fox

Executive VP, Fox Business Automation Solutions

Lakeland, Florida

How we help Fox Business Automation Solutions Company

Brought on as a third party, we supplied ongoing development services. The team work on multiple projects and deliver according to predetermined design specifications.

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