4 ways to spot a dodgy software vendor

We get called into troubleshoot failing projects quite a lot of the time, and to be honest it’s a fair split between the client and software vendor on where it’s gone wrong.

However, there have been some absolute gems of dodgy software vendors we have had the absolute pleasure of working with over the years.

Forever the professionals that we are, we won’t name and shame.

Here is a checklist of how to spot one instead.

1. The Development team are FULLY OFFSHORE.

Dear lord, if you’re going to invest money in a new IT system, website or bespoke development from a company who work fully offshore. Then be aware that the teams over there may not have the correct processes in place to support a fully successful rollout.

To help with your decision making, ask about how the implementation process will work, could they share a deployment schedule, make sure they use the term Agile and ask to meet the technical team.

Having an offshore team isn’t uncommon as some IT companies have a blend of UK based dev’s (onshore) and offshore dev’s. This is mainly for cost purposes, offshore can be charged at a much lower rate due to the cost of living being lower.

We aren’t saying all fully offshore software vendors can’t deliver work, it’s just in our experiences these vendors have the most problems with project management structure that includes an iterative process of testing, fixing bugs and producing any type of technical documentation and support guidelines. There’s also a lack of collaboration and communication from all sides, internal and external.

Remember once you’re locked in, you’re f*cked and your business will have to spend money (on consultants) to come and fix the issues.

2. No Females in the Senior Leadership Team.

No diversity = A total cock fight.

A forward-thinking software company has a mixture of men and women calling the shots, if this ain’t happening then you’ll be working with a bunch of fools who base their business decisions back in the 1970’s ways of working.

Software is a bit like the human evolution, where we will all inevitably die in the end. Change is also inevitable with software, as processes evolve and go out of date every bloody minute. With that comes the need for forward thinking and fresh, innovative ideas that can only be attained with a diverse team.

3. Agile to them means being able to do the splits.

Agile methodology for delivering software is a non-negotiable, the vendor should be organising your business requirements into sprints that includes the iterative process of build, test, fix bugs, retest and sign off.

If Agile isn’t used, then brace yourselves for a bumpy ride. Remember you can request this way of working. YOU are the customer after all.

4. They say you don’t need a project manager.

This is absolute bullsh*t. You do.

A software vendor needs to be managed and held accountable for the deliverables promised to you, if you don’t have that expertise in your team your project will not be delivered to a high standard and could potentially fail.

Also, who will manage the internal project work of your key stakeholders, as the vendor can’t do that. Spinning up infrastructure, test and prod environments, populating data templates for migrations, managing business requirements, status reporting.. the list is endless, and this part sits with you.

What should you do?

We find that including an IT project manager or IT consultant who is experienced in software vendor selection right at the start of the tender process eliminates a lot of the risk around appointing a dodgy software vendor because we know what to look for and we know the industry.

We also can use our knowledge and personal experience to help keep you away from the dodgy software vendors out there. Give us a call before you make a bad decision that’ll cost you £££££ on +441948 411270 or email jen@randomsoftwaresolutions.co.uk for a meeting to discuss your IT project today!