What comes to your mind when you think of building a tech startup? Funds management, client acquisition, partnerships, or anything else.
Most startups struggle with finances in the early years. Only 10% make it to the top, remaining 90% fail within three months, found Exploding Topics in a study in 2023.
As an entrepreneur, you understand the importance of cross-platform apps for your tech startup. Robust and intuitive apps are crucial to finding new customers and winning their loyalties. However, building these apps requires proven expertise and hands-on experience in different app development technologies and programming languages.
You’re less likely to have the financial and human resources to build such an app. Why not outsource it to an offshore cross-platform app development company? It will save you time and money and help you achieve your core objective.
If you are a startup owner, read this comprehensive guide to learn about offshore cross-platform mobile app development and the unique benefits of this outsourcing model.
Let’s get started!
What is a Cross-platform Application?
A cross-platform application, as the name suggests, is software compatible with different platforms. This application runs smoothly across diverse operating systems, devices, and screen sizes. Users can access their desired functions on any platform.
Take the example of Netflix, a popular video-streaming app with more than 277 million users. It is accessible across the web, Android, and iOS. You can log in to your account and watch your favorite content on your PC, tablet, or smartphone.
Hence, cross-platform apps enhance user experiences and improve engagement. Businesses can expand their reach across different devices and build a loyal user base.
High engagement ultimately translates to more profitability and competitiveness.
Difference Between Onshore and Offshore Cross-platform App Development
Onshore and offshore are two popular models to outsource cross-platform app development. Both have their own pros and cons.
The onshore model, also called insourcing, involves working with an app development agency on the same continent or region. For example, if your company is based in New York, your outsourcing partner will also be based in the same city.
The onshore cross-platform app development model improves team collaboration and teamwork. Besides, there are very minimal risks to data privacy. Nevertheless, it is relatively expensive and unaffordable for startups with limited financial resources.
The second model, offshore outsourcing, is opposite to onshore outsourcing. It involves finding a cross-platform app development agency anywhere in the world. You have the flexibility to choose your outsourcing partner in a country where rates are low and performance is exceptional.
Startups usually prefer the offshore model because it is cost-effective and gives more freedom. Employers get access to a wide talent pool and hire qualified developers at low prices.
Benefits of Offshore Cross-platform App Development
Discover the unique benefits of working with an offshore cross-platform app development agency:
1. Cost-effectiveness
The primary advantage of outsourcing cross-platform app development to an offshore company is a significant reduction in development costs.
How? See the below table comparing the average yearly salaries of senior app developers in different countries as per Glassdoor.
Country | Avg. Yearly Salary |
US | $120,000 |
UK | $85,000 |
Europe | $80,000 |
India | $30,000 |
Pakistan | $20,000 |
So, if you hire an app developer from the US, it will cost you six times more as compared to Pakistan. In other words, hiring an offshore cross-platform app development agency from Pakistan or India can cut down your expenses and help you achieve long-term cost savings.
Your startup, therefore, can build a robust app within a tight budget and attract potential leads to convert them into loyal customers.
2. Qualified IT Professionals
Offshore development is not restricted to any specific region, boundary, or time zone. The whole world is open to you. It’s your choice whether you want to hire an agency from your home country.
As a result, you get access to a pool of highly talented and qualified IT professionals. Competent app development agencies can provide you with UI/UX designers, software developers, and SQA engineers meeting your criteria. You can even interview the shortlisted candidates before onboarding them.
Hence, there is no shortage of skills or technical expertise. The model offers flexibility to hire dedicated resources at your preferred budget and grow your business.
3. Quick Turnaround
One drawback of insourcing is that both you and your outsourcing partner work within the same time zone with slight differences. There is a very limited possibility of 24/7 business continuity.
So, meeting tight deadlines becomes challenging.
The offshore development center solves this problem. Having your in-house and outsourced teams onboard in two different countries allows you to operate round-the-clock in two different time zones. When your internal team in the US has gone home at night, the outsourced employees in Pakistan or India would be working in the daytime.
Eventually, the app development process becomes faster and ensures a quick turnaround.
4. Opportunity for Business Growth
Modern businesses rely on building partnerships with international companies. These partnerships encourage knowledge sharing and promote innovation. The result is better product quality and further expansion.
Achieving these goals becomes a lot easier with offshore cross-platform app development. Partnering with outsourcing agencies in other countries opens the doors for new growth opportunities. You can integrate your internal team with external resources. They collaborate on the same projects and work together to find innovative solutions.
Consequently, your employees learn new skills and apply lessons learned from cross-cultural teams to deliver better results. A reliable partner can thus bring agility and growth to your organization.
Final Thoughts
Offshore outsourcing is a cost-effective approach to build next-generation cross-platform apps. It allows small businesses and startups to hire qualified IT resources from third-party agencies at competitive rates. These outsourcing partners give access to dedicated developers and deliver outstanding results within tight deadlines.
As a startup, therefore, you can get your app ready in less time and spend the money you save to explore new growth opportunities. That’s the main reason why the offshore cross-platform app development model is getting very popular among small businesses.
