Google's Android has revolutionized the mobile apps market. For a while it seemed that iPhone would completely dominate the smartphones market, but the skyrocketing popularity of Android OS has changed the game. Programmers and developers love Android as it makes it easier for them to develop dynamic and groundbreaking apps. Professional android app developers also love the fact that Android OS is a free, open source software.
Android application development has rapidly gained ground in the mobile app development market because it delivers what the mobile users want. This platform is perfect for the development of feature-rich, speedy, dynamic, attractive and efficient apps. Consequently, a number of people opt for Android application development.
Offshore Android Development: When and Why?
If you decide to develop an app for Android, and you do not have the skills and workforce required for Android development, you need to get someone else to do it. If the person you hire doesn't do a good job, your app is doomed to obscurity.
Also, an experienced professional android app developer may prove to be too costly. If you do not possess a deep pocket, you cannot ignore the cost advantage of outsourcing your project. When you outsource your project, you can either find a freelancer or hire a professional app develop from a software development company.
'Freelancer' and 'Hired Developer': What do These Words Really Mean in Terms of Android App Development?
A number of freelancers post their profiles on diverse sites that help freelancers connect with potential employers. Many of these freelancers are professional developers with full time jobs, while quite a few of the profiles are created by agents who try to grab projects and then pass on to developers for a commission.
A hired developer is a person who already works as a full time developer in a software development company (usually an offshore location). You pay the company a certain amount and 'hire' the services of the developer for a specified duration or for a particular project. The company takes responsibility of the project, and it promises to provide infrastructure and technical assistance to the hired developer.
Pros and Cons: Freelancers and Hired Developers for Android App Development
If you choose a freelancer for your Android application development project, you may end up waiting for a lifetime for him / her to finish the project. The problem is that you do not know a thing about the freelancer, and in absence of a legal agreement, there is not much you can do if the freelancer delays your project indefinitely.
Also, it is not easy to find freelancers for Android development, as this field of development is not yet as popular as iPhone developer in offshore locations. But you may get lucky and find a dedicated freelancer: in this case you can get good work done for a dirt cheap price.
As long as you entrust your Android development work to a professional developer from a reputed company, you do not have to worry about quality or timely delivery. While this approach ensures quality development, it costs a little more than freelance.
What should one do then?
Freelance Android app development is a rather risky venture, but if you know a reputed freelancer who has already worked for your friends or acquaintances, you have struck gold. However, if you crave security and surety that your Android application development projects finishes on time and on cost, you are better off hiring an app developer from a reputed mobile development company.