The phrase “offshore software development” is pretty self-explanatory. Nearshore Software Development, though, can be a little less clear. Is it some ambiguous geographic definition? Does it mean outsourcing your project to a coastal city like Los Angeles, New York, or Seattle? Is it another way of saying freelance or remote work?

The answer is none of the above—though they all get it right in one regard: location, location, location. Onshore, offshore, and nearshore software development all describe where a software developer is in relation to the client, as do onsite and hybrid development.

Understanding the nuances of each method can help you choose the best one based on your project’s communication needs, budget, and complexity.

What is a Nearshore Software Development Company?

Suppose you’re tasked with making restaurant reservations for an important celebration or client meeting. You have two choices:

1. Choose a convenient local venue. Sure, the menu is limited and the prices are steep for the quality; but hey, you’re still a hero for saving everyone the hassle of driving out of town.

or

2. Venture a bit further to a neighboring locale known for its diverse dining scene. Here you have your choice of charming hidden gems offering incredible culinary wow factor and, because of factors like higher competition, often better prices.

At first glance, option #1 seems the most practical and cost-effective choice. But you soon discover this nearby restaurant’s limited menu and higher prices don’t add up to a fun or satisfying dining experience for your guests. In fact, many of them gripe during and after dinner that you should have chosen option #2 if you wanted them to enjoy themselves. Oof—they wanted a nearshore experience.

With its vast pool of skilled developers, nearshore software development gives you access to a richer menu of expertise and technologies. By going slightly outside your comfort zone, you get a higher-quality software product that leaves a positive and enduring impact on everyone who takes part. Along the way, you also enjoy a more efficient development process that’s smarter and more practical than you ever imagined.

Long story short? By outsourcing software development to a country adjacent to your own, you combine the best traits of onshore and offshore development into one efficient team of expert software engineers.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Nearshore Software Development Company?

It’s no secret that quality US-based software development, outsourced or otherwise, can be more expensive than offshore alternatives. It’s equally valid that offshore development can come with significant challenges like communication barriers, maintaining quality control, and time zone disparities.

Nearshore development avoids these problems, and you reap the rewards with benefits like:

• Similar or identical work hours, allowing for real-time interactions that support the agile development process and reduce feedback and issue resolution delays. Nearshore developers collaborate closely with your in-house staff, meaning you have tight oversight over the development process.
• Aligned cultural values and work ethics, leading to smoother communications and collaboration between teams and the client. Teams are also more familiar with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, mitigating compliance concerns.
• Cost efficiencies reflected in lower labor and operational costs.
• A rich pool of skilled and experienced engineers who are a reliable extension of your in-house team.
• Shorter travel time for clients who want occasional face-to-face meetings.
• Addressing staff shortages and bridging staffing gaps at short notice.

Provided you choose a software development partner that prioritizes quality assurance, frequent testing, and open communication, the likelihood of a successful nearshore experience is practically guaranteed.

What are the disadvantages?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to software development, so there could be times when nearshoring isn’t the right match for your project.

For instance:

1. Even though nearshore development generally costs less than onshore development, it’s typically more expensive than offshore development.
2. Native engineers in popular nearshore countries speak English as a second language. However, it’s important to note that English proficiency is growing around the world, particularly in Latin America.
3. Nearshore markets are still evolving, so finding partners for niche projects can be challenging.

Which leads us to the question:

Should I Hire a Nearshore Company?

A recent Stack Overflow survey found that the current median salary of a US software developer is twice that of the global median pay for the same position. That alone is a huge incentive for partnering with a nearshore development partner. Fortunately, the approach also offers plenty of other advantages, as outlined above.

When deciding whether to hire a nearshore company, keep in mind that projects best suited to the method are those:

1. Using an agile approach.
2. Requiring real-time collaboration, but not necessarily face-to-face.
3. Focused on modernizing complex legacy software.
4. That are B2B, B2C, and SaaS solutions.

All things considered, nearshore software development delivers a balanced approach that can offer better results than onshore or offshore outsourcing alone. By strategically handling location selection, talent acquisition, and operational framework elements, your business can realize the dual benefits of skilled talent access and cost savings.

Where is Zibtek a Nearshore Software Development Company?

If you’re looking to take your business’s software development to the next level through nearshoring, Zibtek is the right partner at the right value. Our comprehensive menu of development services, including web and mobile apps, are available onshore, nearshore, and offshore, making us a versatile choice for companies of all sizes.

No matter what phase you’re at in your software journey, our nearshore software development approach leverages the skills and expertise of qualified development teams who ensure seamless collaboration and fast project turnarounds. We meet or exceed your expectations while optimizing resources, keeping costs as low as possible, while never sacrificing quality. Choosing us as your development partner ensures you get all the advantages of nearshoring while minimizing the challenges and risks.Reach out today to learn more.