When you're tasked with hiring a SaaS developer, you want to look for someone that has the right set of technical skills, a well-developed product mindset, and a good fit at a personal level.

Beyond that, you want them to be genuinely talented and passionate about building software and creating the best possible products for customers.

All of these elements can be difficult to identify during the interview process, particularly talent and passion. How can you identify talent during the interview process to ensure that you pick the right person to help turn your idea into a sleek, functional product?

First, let's talk about the process you'll want to go through to find the right type of developer for your project. Then, we'll jump into eight ways to identify a truly talented developer for your SaaS project.

Hiring the Right SaaS Developer For Your Project

Before we jump into eight specific ways to identify a talented developer for your SaaS project, let's look at some best practices when hiring a SaaS developer.

Look For Someone With Experience in the Type of Project You're Working On

While a truly talented and passionate SaaS developer might be able to hop aboard a project in an industry they've never worked in before, it's generally ideal to find someone that has experience in your industry or at least on a similar type of project. 

This way, you can look at their portfolio and see whether they will be a good fit for what you're looking for.

Look For a Developer That Will Fit Well in Your Existing Culture

If you're hiring a SaaS developer to join your existing team, you'll want to think carefully about the culture at your workplace and the candidate that not only has the necessary skills but will also be a good fit. 

This is a good idea even if you're looking for someone to help out with one project, as there's a good chance you'll want the same developer you hire to continue to be involved as you scale your business and product.

It's hard to find the right SaaS developer when you don't offer a detailed description of what the role will consist of. 

Before creating a job posting or even spreading the word about the position, sit down and write out the specifics, including duties, necessary skills, preferred skills, and whether you're hiring for a long or shorter-term developer.

Cast a Broad Net in Your Search For Talent

Posting a job listing on popular online boards is a good start, but if you're really dedicated to finding the best developer for your project, you'll want to cast as broad a net as possible. 

Talk to your colleagues and people in your network to see if they have any suggestions, and expand your scouting search using SaaS groups on social media platforms and forums.

If you've ever hired anyone before, you know it can be a time-consuming task. The best way to go about it is to create a system for interviewing that you can use again and again for each candidate. 

Take detailed notes during or after the interview, so you don't have to rely on your memory later on when paring down your list or making a final decision.

How to Identify a Talented SaaS Developer

Now that we've gone through what to do in order to find the right developer for your project, let's look at eight ways to identify a particularly talented SaaS developer. Talent in this field encapsulates a lot more than just technical skills, but they'll need that, too.

1. They Have Extensive Technical Knowledge

A talented SaaS developer will have technical knowledge that is both broad and deep.

The best developers will be well-versed in a number of areas, including:

On top of having extensive knowledge in these areas, it's also important for SaaS developers to be flexible and willing to learn new things as the industry and technology continue to develop.

The best SaaS developers can engage in the highly technical details of their role while also keeping an eye on the big picture. They show an interest in the project as a whole, not just the part they play in it. 

A talented and promising SaaS developer will be interested in the entire product and understand the primary purposes behind its development.

Communication is key when it comes to hiring a SaaS developer. Not only do they have to be able to clearly explain highly technical aspects of the project to non-technical team members, but they also have to be willing and able to keep the whole team up-to-date on their progress and any obstacles they've run into.

Additionally, talented developers will be able to identify problems, understand them, and propose solutions clearly.

You can test this necessary and often overlooked skill by prompting your candidates to explain something technical to non-developers. Another good scenario to put in front of them is proposing a theoretical project and asking them to estimate the time it would take to complete it. There aren't necessarily any wrong answers here except not asking any questions at all to learn more about the project before giving a final estimate.

Even though SaaS developers might spend a good deal of time working alone, it's also essential that they know how to be good team players. They want to help other developers learn and get better and look to people more senior to them to teach them what they know. When someone on their team is struggling, they go out of their way to give them a hand.

It can be difficult to gauge how well people work in a team when you're hiring, though. After all, if you ask whether they prefer to work independently or on a team in an interview, 

 will rattle off the ways that they excel in both roles.

Considering that, it can be useful to follow up with the applicants' references and ask them how well they worked as a part of a team and whether they got along well with their teammates. Though this isn't a foolproof method, you'll likely gain some more insight than simply asking the candidate.

A positive attitude and an openness to constructive criticism are a must when you're looking for the best SaaS developer. Rather than being defensive when a team member proposes a change to the project that steps on their work, they don't let their ego get in the way. Like the rest of the team, they're simply motivated to produce the best possible product and are invested in the project beyond being a way to make a few bucks.

If you're looking to test whether they have a positive attitude before hiring, you can ask them questions such as:

What was your favorite thing about the last project you worked on?

Tell me about a team member you had a hard time working with at a previous job.

What is an example of a time you struggled to meet a big deadline?

SaaS developers will have a strong work ethic, the ability to work under pressure, and enough self-awareness to fend off burnout. Development and tight deadlines often go hand in hand, and the best developers have learned how to 

It can be difficult to really understand how well a prospective SaaS developer manages their time until they start working for you. However, prompting them with a question during the interview about how they would approach a specific series of tasks or one big project can give you some insight into how their mind breaks down and organizes tasks.

A SaaS developer that is always proactively seeking new challenges is likely not just talented, but also a great person to have on your team in general. When developers are growth-oriented in this way, it means that they are highly engaged in their work rather than doing the bare minimum that they need to do to get paid.

The best SaaS developers will be eager to learn about new technologies and curious about taking on a new type of project. On top of being excited to learn new things, they pick up new skills quickly.

To identify developers ready and willing to take on a challenge, you can ask applicants about the development they do in their free time or ask them to simply share something interesting they've learned recently.

The best hires in any field aren't always the smartest or the people with the most degrees, but more often, the people that are most passionate about what they do. When you're looking for a talented SaaS developer, you want to find someone who genuinely enjoys building and perfecting a project rather than seeing your product as a chore they have to deal with.

Passion is really difficult, if not impossible, to test for in a job interview. That being said, you might just know it when you see it. They might stick out from the crowd in a way that is difficult to put your finger on or simply seem far more energetic in their discussion of SaaS and software development.

 and need the best developer you can find for the job. Before you begin your search, you should become familiar with the different avenues available to you when hiring developers.

There are plenty of dedicated and talented developers out there, and if you're lucky, you can find one working in a freelance capacity. This can save you money compared to hiring in-house employees and potentially speed up the development process.

On the other hand, though, you're also putting your eggs in one basket, which is pretty risky. If the developer you hire ends up disappearing all of a sudden or seems to have oversold their skills and isn't really up for the gig, you'll find yourself facing some serious setbacks. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing to switch developers mid-project, be sure to check out 

Even if they do a great job on the initial task, a freelancer you hire might not be around for maintenance, troubleshooting, and scaling later.

The next option is hiring in-house employees. This can be a good option for larger companies, as full-time employees tend to be more dedicated and committed than freelancers. With the potential for in-depth knowledge about your customers and business, in-house developers can use this information to build you a great product.

One of the major downsides, though, is the cost of hiring in-house developers. You're not just talking about paying a salary and benefits, but also dealing with the cost of recruitment, training, hardware, and a bunch of other overheads. This route also typically means that projects will be slower to get started.

Finally, you can also hire a development agency that specializes in SaaS. There are some serious pros to this option, such as having a bunch of talented, experienced people under one roof that will get to know your business like the back of their hand. Hiring an agency can be a good middle-ground option when you're worried about the risks of hiring and managing freelancers but concerned about the cost and commitment of hiring an in-house team.

Agencies are also more likely to continue working with you long-term after development is over than freelancers, which can give you peace of mind that you'll be able to scale your product as demand grows.

As with all things, there are some potential downsides to hiring a development agency. For example, the most sought-after agencies might not be able to begin your project immediately.

For people that don't want to deal with managing a team of freelancers and aren't interested in becoming the employer of a full-time team, hiring an agency is likely the most effective and efficient way to bring your SaaS product to launch.

At Planetary, we specialize in helping companies of all sizes turn their brilliant idea into a reality. It doesn't matter how much (or how little) experience you have creating software-as-a-service products– we're happy to help guide you through every step of the process from start to finish.

8 Ways to Identify a Talented SaaS Developer For Hire

The emergence of stable library options like React, Vue, and Angular has helped encourage the increasing popularity of web apps. However, another competitor that might be worth considering is the comparatively newer and lesser-known Svelte.

React quickly became popular after it was released by Facebook nearly a decade ago, as it helped developers build interactive and seamless user interfaces. While React remains dominant in the world of UI, Svelte offers a new and appealing approach to UI.

Is Svelte or React better for developing web apps? The answer depends on what you want to prioritize when it comes to creating your digital product. Let's take an in-depth look at each library to help you make a decision that is best suited to your project.

 is a front-end component-based framework created in response to dominant frameworks like React. Free and open-source, Svelte allows developers to potentially build faster and smaller apps than React apps. This is thanks to its ability to compile HTML to code that directly manipulates the Document Object Model (DOM).

Rather than carrying out most of its work in the browser like React and Vue, Svelte processes application code in the compiler which can help to avoid runtime overhead.

, a software developer on the New York Times graphics team, and is maintained by a core group of team members.

In addition to the fact that there's no virtual DOM because Svelte is a compiler, another feature is that the syntax is simple, and there are typically fewer lines of code when compared to React and Vue. This means that developers can avoid errors and save time.

Developers can also build web apps based off of their requirements without concern about unnecessary overhead using Svelte. Without the virtual DOM, the number of layers separating the app and the browser are decreased, leading to a highly optimized and faster product.

Finally, with the help of declared variables, Svelte updates data automatically.

Though relatively new, Svelte has been adopted by a number of huge companies.

In a number of large-scale developer surveys, Svelte comes out on top again and again. Notably, it had the largest number of satisfied developers in the 2020 State of JS and was chosen as the most loved web framework in 2021 over at Stack Overflow.

 is a front-end JavaScript library that was created in 2011 by Facebook. It has become increasingly dominant in the realm of building user interfaces and is now used by some of the largest companies in the world.

The UI components are maintained by Meta, while improved versions are released by the vast community of developers and organizations behind the framework.

Wondering what the difference is between React and React Native? Check out 

Even though there are a lot of features that make Svelte appealing to developers, React is the first choice of many dominant players on the web (and for good reason.)

One notable feature is that the code of React is easily readable and simpler than many of the other options out there. It also allows developers to identify and fix bugs quickly and easily. When it comes to developing interactive, intuitive, and engaging web and mobile apps, React is often the best choice on the table.

Developers can also move data across the app without having to change the DOM, thanks to the component-based architecture of React.

Last but not least, the virtual DOM creates an elevated user experience compared to other popular libraries and helps speed up the web development process. By being able to update every little change in real-time, virtual DOM allows for fast updates without interrupting the user interface.

React is a highly popular front-end framework and is used by some of the biggest companies in the world.

The primary similarity between Svelte and React is that they are both front-end development frameworks that developers can use to create UI interfaces. 

They were both released under the MIT license and are free and open-source. This means that Svelte and React can both be used without any restrictions for commercial purposes and projects.

Svelte Vs. React: How to Choose the Right Framework

Whether Svelte or React is right for you depends on your purposes and needs during development.

React is typically used for the following:

Svelte, on the other hand, is relied on by developers for creating things.

Interactive pages or complex visualizations

Apps created with limited internet connection

Even though the lightweight and fast user experience provided by Svelte offers several advantages, it also comes with more limitations than React. It offers more maintainable code, a smaller bundle size, and allows you to achieve stellar performance without virtual DOM.

React is a good choice when you want to prioritize using a library with a huge community or support, not to mention a major company (Meta) behind it. Because it's such a popular library, it's also easier to find developers that are well-versed in React than Svelte.

React is also the better option if you value predictability and testability.

On the other hand, Svelte has a less steep learning curve for beginners and is said to be more intuitive by some developers. A great choice for building simple web apps, using Svelte offers you speedier render and load times.

While Svelte has grown quickly, it only recently reached a point where it is being used for enterprise-scale apps. This means that there simply aren't as many use cases for this library as there are for the mega-popular React.

For many companies that are building web apps, choosing the newer and less-tested library of Svelte might not make sense when mainstream frameworks like React are, by all accounts, excellent options.

Let's look at some of the key differences between Svelte and React to explore the question of which library is better for web apps. The typical use cases for each of these libraries are different, so it's not necessarily a question of which is better but what your purposes and requirements are.

When you pit Svelte and React against each other in terms of performance, React comes out as the winner. Using error boundaries to prevent crashes, React is the better framework when it comes to robustness.

With React, the UI can be updated without the entire page reloading through the use of a virtual DOM and the generation of overhead code during runtime. Because of this, React is quite a bit more flexible than Svelte.

That being said, Svelte wins when you compare the speed of the two frameworks. Though data must get updated in real DOM structure in Svelte, which makes it less robust and flexible than React, this does provide a faster user experience.

If you're using React, you can run end-to-end tests in a realistic browser environment. This can help to decrease the amount of time it takes to get your app to market and therefore increase how much value you receive from it.

With Svelte, on the other hand, you can use the testing library in order to run unit tests.

When it comes to bundle size, Svelte is the clear winner. 

A smaller bundle size makes for more responsive sites that run smoothly. This is essential when it comes to UI render time and loading time.

Compared to other libraries, the learning curve for both React and Svelte is thought to fall on the easier side of the spectrum. Prerequisites of learning both include proficiency in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. It's worth noting that using Svelte requires adopting a new language, but this language closely adheres to web standards.

One of the obstacles in learning React is JSX, which is a syntax extension to JavaScript in order to create user interfaces. The syntax of Svelte, on the flip side, is simpler and more intuitive to understand.

Svelte vs. React: Which is The Better Library For Web Apps?

When comparing a minimum viable product versus a minimum lovable product, a common analogy is that an MVP is like instant coffee while an MLP is like a well-brewed cup of espresso.

MVPs, like instant coffee, get the job done in the simplest, most affordable, and quickest way possible. That being said, both MVPs and instant coffee are stripped-down versions of something that has the potential to be much more enjoyable.

MLPs and espresso, on the other hand, are a bit more time-consuming, more expensive, and complicated, but they are still minimal products. At the same time, most people would argue that a nice cup of espresso is quite a bit more enjoyable than a mixture of instant coffee and hot water.

With this illustration, it is easy to see that both MVPs and MLPs have their place. MVPs are a suitable option when time is of the essence and the budget is tight, while MLPs can help test an idea that requires delighting the user right from the start.

 (or an MVP for short) is a bare-bones version of a product that only has the most basic features. This simplified product is just enough to test an idea without having all of the bells and whistles that will be included in the final iteration.

MVPs are popular in app and software development because they allow you to collect user feedback before you have invested in creating the final product. This means that you can ensure that the product meets the customers' needs before adding features and functions that aren't central to the app's purpose.

A Minimum Lovable Product (MLP), on the other hand, takes a step further past the question of how to solve the problems of customers. Recognizing the importance of user enjoyment in terms of app success, the MLP also asks just how much the audience 

There are a lot of different elements that can contribute to whether users fall in love with an app versus simply feeling like it is adequate. Everything from the onboarding experience and aesthetic to its integration with other tools can impact how customers 

MVP Vs. MLP: Understanding the Difference

Both MVPs and MLPs are small samples of what an app will be in its final form. However, what they offer the user in this initial sneak-peak differs.

That being said, there can be a tremendous difference in how audiences respond to a successful MVP versus a successful MLP. This is because the latter takes into account the importance of receiving a positive emotional response from early users right from the get-go.

When you build an MVP, you are only focusing on the most basic functions of the product. You are testing out the app's main features without much in the way of design concern or consideration for the more visceral responses of users.

When you create an MLP, you recognize just how vital it is for users to be pleased and delighted with the product beyond simply being satisfied and content.

For this reason, MLPs don't just focus on the most important features of their functionality but also on their enjoyability.

In short, MVPs are usually only needed in the early stages of app development. If you are building an app that is fairly similar to others already on the market, an MVP might not even be necessary. This is usually needed when developers propose a unique idea that doesn't yet exist.

When similar apps exist, you don't have to go through the effort of validating the concept. Instead, you can use market research and surveys to determine whether your idea is viable.

Minimum Lovable Products aren't nearly as quick to develop as MVPs, and they typically cost more money as well. However, when done right, MLPs can give early adopters the opportunity to connect emotionally with your product in a way that can be very meaningful to the overall success of your app.

When you allow users to fall in love with your product early on, it means that you've created loyal customers and potentially even brand ambassadors that will spread the word about your new product before it's even on the market.

Building a Minimum Viable Product rather than a Minimum Lovable Product can be very tempting because it is both faster and cheaper to build an MVP. It is also a great way to test the general concept behind a product before investing a tremendous amount of time and money into creating a final product. MVPs can let you answer questions you have about the creation of the app in a time and cost-efficient manner.

Minimum Lovable Products, on the other hand, are slower to create and not as cheap. For this reason, many companies choose to stick with an MVP to validate their idea and test the basic concept behind their product with an audience.

Even though MLPs are more expensive and time-consuming, one important difference is worth not overlooking: they can make users fall in love with the product.

Considering the fact that emotion and other less rational factors can play a huge role in whether or not someone decides to incorporate a new app into their daily lives, the ability of an MLP to create fans early on in development is something that could have a huge impact on the long-term success of a product.

All that being said, the fact that MLPs help you gain the loyalty of your target audience right away doesn't necessarily mean you should invest all of your cash in building one. Both MVPs and MLPs have their place, and it depends on a number of factors which is likely the better choice for your product.

There are a number of circumstances where it is appropriate to use an MVP rather than an MLP.

For one, this is a good option when you are on a tight budget. You can create an MVP to test an idea and get initial feedback from an audience without breaking the bank.

Secondly, MVPs are also likely the right choice when time is limited. It doesn't take nearly as long to develop an MVP as it does an MLP or a finished product.

MVPs can also be appropriate when you are creating a product that is so unique and innovative that you are testing a brand-new idea with your target audience. In these instances, time is often of the essence, and one of the most important factors is how quickly you can get to launch.

Finally, MVPs are a suitable option when the product is built for beta testing.

While MVPs have their place and might be the right choice for your product, MLPs serve a separate purpose in responding to different factors and needs.

For example, you might choose to build an MLP rather than an MVP when you are creating a product that isn't the only one in its niche. In these instances, the focus becomes winning over an audience with other market options. Therefore, you might choose to build an MLP to validate the exceptional user experience you are offering rather than build an MVP to test a basic concept that has already been validated by the market.

You also might build an MLP rather than an MVP when one of your primary focuses is building a loyal customer base right from the get-go.

Finally, some app developers will build an MVP first and later follow up with an MLP to test and receive feedback about the user experience of a product.

 in this guide, but let's take a quick look at the steps you will want to focus on when creating an MVP.

Anytime you consider bringing a product or service to the market, the core question is what problem you are offering to solve for the user. App development is no different. Your concept should begin with an audience's known issue and the solution you will present to them.

A useful exercise in the process is writing a few sentences that respond to the question, "what problem is this product solving for users?" This can be incredibly valuable in boiling down the basic app concept for you and your team. On top of that, it can be called upon when you create your marketing copy.

When you're building a product, trying to appeal to a huge audience can be tempting. After all, don't you want the largest possible number of people to buy what you're selling?

The reality is, though, that products are often much more successful when they hone in on a 

. When you cast too wide a net, you end up not catching that many fish.

Instead, you will want to clearly define your ideal user personas. These are the people that your product will appeal to. In creating these personas, be as detailed as possible, including information such as their age, gender, income level, social status, habits, needs, and device usage.

Understanding who you will be marketing your product to is essential, so this isn't a stage in the process you want to rush.

Now that you have a clear picture of your target audience, it's time to take a 

 and see what products are already out there with the purpose of solving the same problem you propose to solve. While you might truly have a unique idea that hasn't been brought to the market yet, there's a good chance other apps and sites will be your competitors.

UX research can be a big investment, and many start-ups will skip this step for this reason. The truth is, though, that it's essential to build a 

 to ensure that your product will provide a good user experience.

The next step is to think about which features will be necessary in order to solve the users' problem. When brainstorming about the functionality of the MVP, you can divide features into essentials and extras. During MVP development, only the necessary features will be included.

It might feel like it was a long road to get here, but taking the above steps before developing and testing your MVP can make a big difference in the probability of your success. Make sure you 

If you decide that building an MLP is the right call for your product, you'll want to incorporate the following steps into the process.

When building an MLP, defining the core problem you are solving is just as important as it is for an MVP. Even though your MLP will focus on delighting the user, the functionality still has to come first.

An MLP obviously goes beyond the bare-bones features of an MVP, but it's still important to keep this version light. Focus on the things you believe are necessary to the product and those that will elevate the user experience in a way that creates a loyal audience base.

What can your product bring to the table that will win over audiences with several other market options? While you still want to keep your app minimal, creating an MLP involves incorporating design features that push peoples' emotional buttons rather than simply solving an objective need.

You know your idea is brilliant, but the proof is always in the pudding. Once you have built your MLP and started testing it, you must conduct user interviews to get feedback on how people are responding to your new app or site.

If you decide you want to build an MLP instead of an MVP (or you're developing an MLP as the next stage after your MVP), it's important to invest in UX design. You might even consider working with a UX professional right from the start of the project when you are working to validate the concept.

Both MVPs and MLPs have their place, so the answer to this question has to do with your product, audience, needs, budget, and timeline. These two minimum products aren't mutually exclusive, either– your team might decide to first develop an MVP to test the initial idea and functions before creating an MLP to gain feedback on the UX and build a solid customer base.

Whether you build an MVP, an MLP, or neither, one of the most important aspects of the app development project is the partners you team up with. If you're looking for experienced and knowledgeable developers that will help you turn your idea into a reality, 

Dev Guide: Minimum Viable Product vs Minimum Lovable Product

Endless opportunities are opened up when you connect your business with the Internet of Things, but that doesn't mean the process is always free of obstacles. Whether you're thinking about transforming your own business using IoT or you dream of creating an IoT solution for a consumer market, this type of project requires a hefty investment and the right partner to succeed.

Once you have a firm grasp of the problem you are trying to solve using IoT solutions, one of the next steps is creating a shortlist of IoT partners that you can select.

You can only usefully narrow down your list to the best possible IoT developers for your project, however, if you know the right questions to ask and the types of answers to look for. For this reason, we've created a list of ten questions you'll want to ask any prospective IoT partners before you hire them.

10 Questions to Ask IoT Partners Before Hiring Them

Asking the right questions before you hire IoT developers can help ensure that your processes are agile, your resources are used efficiently, and you are able to achieve successful and desirable outcomes. It's easy to assume that implementing an 

 is a one-time deal, but existing solutions often need to evolve with the changing tech landscape over time.

For this reason, selecting a partner you feel you can work with in the long term is exceedingly important.

1. What Experience Do You Have Developing IoT Projects?

When you're hiring anyone to take on any type of task, one of the primary questions you'll want to ask is what type of experience they have that makes them feel they are a good fit for the role. The right IoT partner will be able to present you with some case studies where their services have helped companies develop IoT partners. Ideally, these case studies will show that they have worked on IoT platforms on on-premises devices or gateways as well as those distributed between cloud services.

If you find that they have worked in your particular industry, all the better. That being said, an IoT team that has successfully implemented projects in a few areas with a set of best practices and an architectural approach can often apply the same methodology to industries they have yet to work in.

Since IoT projects require a wide variety of expertise, from cloud services and mobile app development to protocol optimization, it's important that anyone you hire is experienced in several different aspects of software development.

You'll also want to learn about their experience working with third-party systems through APIs and what programming languages they have expertise in.

2. Do You Have Expertise on the Hardware Side of IoT?

It's not absolutely essential for your IoT developers to have experience designing hardware components, but it can be a big plus. If the partner you find has expertise in this development aspect, it can mean that you don't have to look for additional partners to design sensors and devices.

Ask about how knowledgeable and competent they are when it comes to hardware engineering and if they have established relationships with hardware manufacturers.

During implementation, selecting your hardware and software will be a critical decision. There are a number of different tools involved in IoT projects, and the interoperability and connectivity of these systems is something that shouldn't be overlooked.

Implementing IoT includes required components such as sensors, edge gateways, communication protocols, IoT platforms, and cloud data management and analytics software. When you're talking to prospective teams, ask them about their experience with various hardware and software to see if their expertise and your needs sync up.

3. Do You Have Experience Implementing Real-Time Systems in My Sector?

IoT solutions are commonly divided into two categories: internally and externally focused projects. Internally focused projects involve creating and retrofitting assets within a company, while externally focused products consist of building new products to be sold to consumers.

It's common for IoT vendors to work solely in one of these groups, so it's a good idea to find a partner with experience in the realm applicable to your project.

4. What Are the Best Practices You Follow?

One thing you'll absolutely want to find out about is the operation processes of potential IoT partners. You can ask them if they have specific protocols they use to streamline production or if there are best practices they follow during the process.

A competent and reliable team will be able to walk you through their methodology and practices ahead of time. They'll also inform you about the software solutions they have found that help make the process as streamlined as possible.

Understanding the best practices of software engineering is highly important when setting a steady development pace.

To get into further details, you can ask them about their policy regarding response time (and how strict that policy is,) how they approach communication flows, and whether they are proactive in dealing with predictable issues. It's also important to ensure that they are generally on the same page as you regarding the vision your business has for the solution.

Finally, you'll also want to find out how involved they will be in the discovery stage of your project.

Are you hiring programmers for an app project but aren't sure how to best screen potential candidates? Take a look at our list of twelve of the 

how to test your developer's skills before hiring

This question is particularly important if you are creating a consumer-oriented IoT platform. A user-friendly and intuitive interface is a must in these instances, and you'll want to make sure you find a partner that is well-versed in the best practices of 

In your search for IoT developers, you might find that some are specifically focused on things like server infrastructure, architecture, and firmware development. In other cases, you can find competent and capable partners when it comes to incorporating intuitive UI in both web and mobile apps.

As you might imagine, this is a vital question to ask before beginning a project with IoT partners. Otherwise, they might fall short when it's time to produce the user-facing functionality.

Robust data security is a must in the dynamic IoT environment. This is perhaps one of the most important questions for you to ask when hiring IoT developers, as you'll want to make sure that their security mechanisms are beefy and highly capable.

You might find that you can further narrow your list using this question, as data security should be a non-negotiable element. Any IoT developer you partner with should know exactly what to do when it comes to protecting your device, incorporating data encryption, and employing security mechanisms for both cloud and device storage.

Look for thoughtful and engaged partners when it comes to data security questions. On top of that, ask to look over the tools and processes they use to complete security audits.

7. Are You Able to Scale Up as Our Needs Change?

Your IoT solution will likely need to scale up over time as your solution has had time in the market. When you select an IoT partner, you want to know that they will be able to help you manage changes and scale up when the time comes.

For example, it's completely within the realm of possibility that you could want to add new devices and features down the road. It's essential that you don't have to reorder the entire solution at this point but instead can have the team make the necessary changes to keep things flowing seamlessly.

Relatedly, you'll want to check their ability to manage your IoT projects from afar, even if you scale up later. After all, the last thing you want to have to do is throw out your existing solution or find third-party solutions once you've outgrown your current partners and system.

When you partner with an IoT vendor, you want to know that their solution will be able to align with your desired outcome and existing architecture. Similarly, it's important to learn about their agility when it comes to implementing the solution.

In a perfect world, the IoT partner you find will be willing to work with the technology, tools, and devices you prefer. It's also a good idea to pair up with a team willing to incorporate your company's existing infrastructure to create a customized solution for your organization.

As a quick note, you'll want to watch out for providers that try to pin you to specific proprietary tech as a part of the partnership. Even if they otherwise seem like a great team that could help provide the solution you need, it's best to avoid these types of companies because it can cause big problems in the future.

9. How Long Does a Project of This Size and Scale Typically Take?

Since many complex components exist in an IoT ecosystem, implementing an IoT system isn't the world's fastest process. While it can vary greatly depending on the particular project, the average time to market for an IoT is around 18-24 months.

That being said, many different factors can impact how long it takes to implement this type of system, and you'll want to learn how they build timelines depending on the project's size, scope, and requirements.

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