Most failed software projects don't fail on code. They fail on unclear scope, vague contracts and poor communication. Here's what to look for before you sign.
Look for a company, not a crowd
A partner should be able to put one name on the contract and one person in front of you who is accountable for the outcome. If the answer to “who owns this?” is a list of freelancers, the risk sits with you.
Ask how they report progress
Good partners show working software early and often. Ask how often you'll see a demo, what a status report looks like and how risks are raised. If the answer is “we'll update you at the end”, walk away.
Check they operate software themselves
Teams that run their own software understand what it takes to keep software alive after launch. They plan for maintenance, monitoring and change from the start, not as an afterthought.
Get the contract right
A clear contract covers scope, milestones, acceptance, ownership of code and data, and what happens after launch. It protects both sides and makes difficult conversations much easier.
