2024 Offshore Software Development Trends

Offshore Software Development is a dynamic and strategic approach where companies delegate their custom software development tasks to teams located in a different country. This method is not just about cutting costs; it's about tapping into a global talent pool, achieving round-the-clock productivity, and fostering innovative ideas from diverse cultural perspectives. Imagine a world where the geographical boundaries blur, and collaboration extends beyond local confines, bringing together the best minds from across the globe to work on your project. This is what offshore software development is all about — turning the whole world into a potential IT powerhouse for your business. 

Offshore software development is expected to grow around the world in 2024, with market values hitting amounts that have never been seen before. As of 2030, Cognitive Market Research says the Global Offshore Software Development Market will be worth USD 112,609.5 Million, growing at a rate of 15.2% per year from 2023 to 2030.

The following trends highlight the key shifts defining the future of offshore software development.  

 Software Development Security

Keeping the privacy, integrity, and availability of applications safe during custom software development is an ongoing process that includes both people and procedures. When security is a top priority during the creation process, it's made sure that the software is safe from the start. When it comes to important or sensitive information processing apps, security methods that are built into every step of the software development life cycle (SDLC) work the best. 

 Here are some tools and methods that can be used to make software development secure: 

• Automation Testing Tools: These help teams test software more promptly and accurately. Selenium, Appium, and Test Complete are some of the well-known automatic testing tools. 
   
• Code Review Tools: These tools make it easier to look over code and help find problems early in the development process. GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab are some of the well-known code review tools.  
   
• Systems for Quality Management (QMS): A QMS is a set of rules, steps, and instructions that make sure software meets certain quality standards. ISO 9001, CMMI, and Six Sigma are some of the well-known QMS tools.  
   
• Quality measures: These measures help you judge the quality of software and find areas where it could be better. Defect density, code coverage, and test coverage are some quality measures that are often used. 

 No or Low Code Development

No code development, also known as "low code development," is a method for creating software applications. It enables developers to quickly and easily build apps using tools and software that reduce the amount of code normally required for similar applications. You can use the following tools and methods to help you do no or low code development:  

Low-Code Platforms: Instead of writing complex code, using low code platforms, users can build apps by dragging and dropping components. This makes it easier for writers to make apps quickly without having to write a lot of complicated code. OutSystems, Mendix, and Appian are some of the well-known low-code systems.  

No-Code Platforms: With no-code platforms, users can make apps without having to write any code. The best users for these sites are those who want to make apps but don't know how to code. Bubble, Webflow, Microsoft Power Platform, and Glide are some of the well-known no-code systems.  

 API Integration: With API integration, developers can integrate services from other companies to their apps without having to write any code. This means that writers don't have to write as much code when they want to add features to their apps. Zapier, IFTTT, and Microsoft Power Automate are the well-known API connection tools.  

 Visual Development Environment: With a drag-and-drop interface, visual development environments let developers make apps. This means that writers don't have to write as much complicated code when creating apps. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify are the well-known visual development platforms. 

AI-Powered Development

AI-powered development is a way of making software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate some parts of the software development process . Here are some tools and methods that can help you use AI to power your development: 

• GitHub Copilot: GitHub Copilot is a tool that helps writers write code more quickly by using AI to complete and guess code. The machine learning makes suggestions for code snippets based on what is being put in the code.   
   
• Tabnine: Tabnine is an AI-powered code replacement tool that learns from the code being written and suggests code snippets based on what is being written. It works with more than 50 computer languages and can be added to a number of different code tools.  
   
• Scribe: Scribe is a process documentation tool that is driven by AI and helps writers describe their code more quickly. Natural language processing (NLP) is used to turn the code being written into instructions.  
   
• Amazon CodeGuru Security: Amazon CodeGuru Security is a code review helper tool that finds security holes in code using machine learning. You can fix these bugs and make the code safer generally by following the suggestions it gives. 

High Demand for Cutting-edge Skills

The software development sector is experiencing a surge, with projections indicating it will exceed a staggering $700 billion by 2026, up from its current $260.38 billion valuation. 

This surge is driving an immense demand for advanced skills in offshore development, mirroring the industry's swift growth and the increasingly intricate nature of projects. Below are several key skills that are highly valued and can be effectively utilized in offshore development: 

• Cloud Computing Expertise: Proficiency in cloud services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is vital as more companies transition their operations to the cloud. A deep understanding of cloud infrastructure, security, and native solutions is in high demand. 
   
• Blockchain Technology: Expertise in blockchain development is critical for crafting secure and decentralized solutions. This includes familiarity with platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger, among others. 
   
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Competence in AI and ML development services is sought after for creating smart systems capable of predicting outcomes, automating tasks, and enhancing decision-making. 
   
• Data Science and Analytics: The ability to process, analyze, and interpret extensive data sets to derive actionable insights is crucial. Proficiency in tools such as Python, R, SQL, and platforms like Hadoop and Spark is valuable. 
   
• Cybersecurity Expertise: With the rise in digital threats, there's a growing need for sophisticated security skills. Knowledge in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and current cybersecurity protocols is essential. 
   
• DevOps and Automation: Skills in automating software development processes and maintaining efficient operations are often required. Familiarity with tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes is beneficial. 
   
• Internet of Things (IoT): The ability to develop and manage internet-connected devices, understanding sensors, and data collection methods is crucial.

• Mobile Development: In a world increasingly reliant on Mobile app development, skills in iOS and Android app development, whether through frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or native languages, are highly demanded. 
   
• UI/UX Design: The capacity to create interfaces that are both user-friendly and visually appealing is key to customer satisfaction. Skills in design tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and an understanding of user experience principles are important. 
  
  
• Quantum Computing: Though in its nascent stages, an understanding of quantum algorithms and the foresight to apply quantum computing principles can significantly benefit as this technology advances. 

The Next Big Thing: Agile and DevOps 

Agile and DevOps have changed the way software is developed and are becoming more and more popular because they are flexible and effective. Agile is an open, iterative method that focuses on working together, getting feedback from customers, and putting out updates quickly. Together, the development and management teams work together in DevOps, which speeds up and improves the reliability of software release. Agile and DevOps are likely to take over the world of software development by 2024. 

 Tools and methods for putting Agile and DevOps into action: 

• DevOps Tools: Automation is a key part of DevOps, and tools like Jenkins, Git, Docker, and Kubernetes make the software development process faster and lighter.  
   
• Tools for Agile Project Management: Jira, Trello, and Asana are changing the way projects are managed by making it easier for teams to work together and keep track of their work. 
   
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): This method simplifies the process of creating, testing, and releasing software, which makes delivery much faster and more reliable. 
   
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): With IaC, you can manage and set up infrastructure through code, which makes the process easier and faster.

Remote Project Management Techniques 

As the world becomes more connected, managing projects from afar is essential. Coordinating outputs from teams that are spread out physically, often without meeting in person, is part of it. It's important to try new ways to communicate and work together.

Tools and methods for managing projects from afar:   

• Video Conferencing Tools: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet make it possible for teams that work in different places to talk to each other in real time. 
   
• Tools for Working Together: Tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive let you share and work together on files and papers in real time.

• Agile Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira, Trello, and Asana that are designed for Agile methods can help your team work together better and keep track of their work. 

• Quality Assurance in a Global Setting: Quality assurance is an important part of software creation because it makes sure that the software meets high standards for quality. This is even more important when teams are spread out around the world in different places and time zones. 

Tools and Methods for Ensuring Quality Around the World: 

• Automated Testing Tools: Teams can test software quickly and correctly with tools like Selenium, Appium, and TestComplete. 
   
• Code Review Tools: Use tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab to look over code and fix problems before they happen. 
   
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Use QMS tools like ISO 9001, CMMI, and Six Sigma to set up policies, methods, and procedures that will make sure software meets quality standards. 
   
• Quality Metrics: To find places where software quality needs to be improved, use metrics like problem density, code coverage, and test coverage.  

It is important to stay ahead of the changes in this industry as offshore software development continues to grow and surge around the world in 2024.   

Here are some tips to help you find your way around and adjust to new trends in offshore software development: 

• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest changes in software development that are done offshore. Regularly go to workshops in your field, read relevant papers, and make connections with other professionals to share your ideas and experiences. 
   
• Adopt New Technologies: To stay ahead of the competition, use cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT. These improvements are going to have a big effect on software creation in the future. 
   
• Work with Experts: To keep up with the latest trends and inventions in your field, work with experts in offshore software development. Working together not only keeps you ahead of the curve, but it also makes sure that your software development projects are successful and useful. 
   
• Prioritize Quality: Throughout the whole software development process, keep your eye on quality. To make sure your software meets the highest standards, use automated testing, code reviews, and strong quality control tools. 
   
• Keep your flexibility: Make sure that your software development methods are flexible. To stay flexible and effective, use tools for agile project management, accept continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and take care of infrastructure through code (IaC). 

By using these tips, you can make sure that your offshore software development projects are successful and that you stay ahead of the competition in your field.

For more than 25 years, Softura has led the charge in crafting tailored software applications for US clients with its Indian offshore development teams. As a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, we bring a wealth of expertise to every project, ensuring tangible results. 

Our offshore software development team, comprising over 450 skilled engineers, embraces agile methodologies to guarantee flexibility and adaptability throughout the development lifecycle. 

This approach ensures not only swift delivery but also enduring quality, thanks to our comprehensive full lifecycle quality assurance practices. 

Discover Softura's Key Highlights: 

1. Swift Delivery Paired with Sustainable Quality through Full Lifecycle QA. 

1. Cutting-edge Solutions Leveraging Microservices and Container-based Architectures. 

1. The Optimal Blend of Local and Global with Our Onshore and Offshore Software Engineering Teams. 

1. Custom-tailored Software Application Development Designed to Meet Your Unique Business Requirements. 

1. Agile Development with Biweekly Sprints Led by Experienced Scrum Masters. 

Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our specialists today to explore bespoke software development strategies custom-fitted to your business's unique needs.