Non-Technical Software Requirements
It’s easy to get obsessed with a program’s technical requirements – especially when you’re outsourcing software development to a remote programmer. The outsourcing contract, after all, requires not only a comprehensive approach to completion, it also demands some rather anal evaluation as well.
But this is what makes non-technical software requirements, such as usability, support, and upgrading, easy to overlook. Unless you’re careful to include them in your contract, you might miss out on a great opportunity to have these requirements serviced as well. Here, we describe how to outsource software usability, support, and upgrading.
Usability
Regardless of a program’s complexity, software should always be designed with usability in mind. In fact, the simpler that usability — the better because simple usability expands your user base (i.e. market).
So ensure usability in your software by requiring an interface with a minimal number of buttons, menu items, and options. Require that all installation and operating instructions are written in plain English, and free from technical jargon.
Support
Technical support is not only an important element that every software program should provide, it’s outsource-able too. Even better, it pays for itself twice: (1) by those who purchase the software that it accompanies, (2) by providing insight into unexpected, problematic issues.
Tech support can be outsourced via email, chat, or phone quite effectively as long as those hired to provide it are coached in handling customer complaints with courtesy, knowledge, and compassion.
Upgrading
There’s probably nothing worse than investing a lot of money into a program, and then finding out it will never work with Microsoft’s or Apple’s newest operating system. Upgrades, therefore, must be a part of your software outsourcing strategy. Fortunately, you can outsource these too. Simply make future availability for program enhancements a contract requirement.
It’s admittedly difficult to find a sole programmer or development team who is capable of providing, or even willing to provide these essentials alongside development. However, with the right incentives, you should be able to locate a few who will provide it with the understanding and appreciation it demands.
