Top Software Development Countries: Part 2
In my recent post, “Top Software Development Countries in 2020”, I spoke about how growing fast, and scaling operations is no longer an option for companies — it’s now a necessity for survival. I also listed out four popular countries that are a haven for software developers in 2020. They have a deep talent pool, offer cost-efficient operations, and can definitely help you build your A-team that will help you elevate the services and products that you build to the next level.
This post is the second installment in the series, focusing mostly on countries that are often forgotten. Though these countries may not have a massive talent pool like the other popular countries do, it can still work for companies that are just starting out and are looking to scale their operations without burning a lot of capital at the get-go. So if you’re looking for a list of non-mainstream IT offshoring countries, read on!
5. Vietnam
For years, tech giants such as IBM, Nokia, Intel, and Samsung have outsourced their software projects to Vietnam. In fact, in 2018 alone, Vietnam exported $3.5 billion worth of software according to the Ministry of Information and Communications. However, in 2020, Vietnam is no longer simply an IT offshoring destination.
Today, local IT businesses are branching out into other technology areas such as Fintech, blockchain, SAAS, E-commerce, and Artificial Intelligence. Though these markets may be growing at a slower pace, they’re definitely growing steadily and will continue to do so. So if you’re looking for cost-effective labour in newer technologies, Vietnam might be worth a shot!
6. Poland
Over the last couple of years, the IT industry in Poland has played a pivotal role in the economy of the country. According to a study by Euromoney, the IT services sector in Poland has grown by 8.2% per year between 2015 and 2019; This growth is entirely owed to the pool of over 15,000 engineers that graduate in the country every year.
One of the most substantial advantages of the Polish IT market is the lower costs. With labour costs, anywhere between 20–50% lower than Western Europe, Poland acts as a cost-effective option for countries that want to scale but cannot afford the sky-high prices in the West.
Though Poland is not a hi-tech hub yet, the country can definitely be a lucrative IT offshoring destination, especially for companies in Western Europe where the time-difference and cultural difference is almost negligible.
7. South Korea
South Korea, ranked as the most innovative economy, according to Bloomberg, has been dominating the international charts in R&D intensity through its value-added manufacturing and patent activity. Boasting the fastest average internet connection in the world, South Korea, which is a relatively small country, has become an economic powerhouse. The country is a melting pot of innovation, even competing head-on with Apple in the smartphone race.
South Korea is now spearheading the industrial revolution by digitization, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and increased connectivity. Apart from this, Korea is also a leader in digital banking and Fintech startups. If you’re looking to leverage Asian talent at cost-effective prices, South Korea might be an option worth exploring.
8. Latin America
Latin American countries such as Mexico and Peru have become a relatively new entrant to the IT offshoring industry. For instance, Mexico is a really convenient option for Northern American companies because of their geographical proximity and time difference. Apart from that, the cultural differences between the two sides aren’t all that significant either.
With hourly rates varying from anywhere between $20 to $50, Mexico offers reasonable service and a well-educated workforce. The number of IT specialists in the country is slowly growing, with many engineers always on the lookout for an opportunity to develop their professional and managerial skills. However, because the IT industry in Latin America itself is relatively new, there is ample room for improvement in the programming and business management space.
Ultimately, irrespective of the country you choose to offshore your IT processes to, the key is to collaborate with an offshore partner that can provide the best value for your business. It isn’t always about the cost, or about the geographical proximity — value trumps all.
Source: https://thescalers.com/top-software-development-countries-in-2020-part-2/
