Software Builder versus Technology Partner: Our Philosophy

We’ve talked a lot over the past few weeks about where we see the future of software development, and we clearly have some strong opinions. One topic has come up over and over again: partnership. At Steadfast, we feel very strongly about the dichotomy between builder and partner when it comes to technology, and are not opposed to hammering a topic to death. So today, we’re going to deep dive into our view of this facet of the industry, and why we think partnership is the future.  

For those that have engaged with software development previously, you likely have had the “hired gun” experience.  You hire a software firm to develop a particular product or system.  The firm does the job, delivers the software, and then maybe offers you a support contract moving forward. For all intents and purposes, the job is done and the relationship is ended.  

This business model relies on a particular philosophy: that there is a completion state for a software project.

We disagree.

While there is such a thing as an end state for a statement of work, and there is such a thing as exhausted hours or a depleted budget, we don’t believe that any software project is ever truly completed.  

This mentality comes primarily from our experience as builders and founders. We see software as an iterative process.  Delivering the best possible systems and the best possible experience has no true end state.  Even a system that works when delivered, which accomplishes the goal using the highest quality standards and best possible technology is not necessarily done. 

The reason for this is not a question of whether something works or not.  If you hire a good development firm, your software will work when they deliver it, and chances are it will be great.

Iteration is necessary because these systems and products are used by humans in a world that is in constant flux.  As humans shift and change, so do their problems, aspirations, and requirements.  Great systems and products shift and move with their audiences, being both of the now and forward looking at the same time. 

This is why even great startups with fantastic tech constantly employ and empower development teams. These teams aren’t stagnant simply because the product is good in the moment.  They are always on the move, looking to make things better, more efficient, more effective, and more relevant to their users.  

Whatever technology you are deploying for your company should be the same. It may be good enough today, but a good business owner will be constantly looking for the cracks and the opportunities.  Finding ways to increase value by iterating.  

Our definition of success for anything we do is revolutionizing our client’s business, and ideally not just once. Our goal is consistent evolution and revolution.

If once is all that is desired, we certainly understand. That said, the best possible outcome, in our opinion, is one in which we are involved over the long term, available to keep a system moving with the times and opportunities.  Whether adding a new feature, refactoring something getting a bit dusty, or completely overhauling a system based on new technology, we want to be available to create transformational change whenever needed. 

This is why we think about ourselves as a partner to our clients: a third party development team as dedicated to their mission as we can be without being in-house.  We think carefully about our clients when we bring them in for just this reason.  We want to work with people on projects where long term value is possible, not to maximize our own profit, but to be a part of something truly special.  

As technology continues to speed up and generate rapid change across industry after industry, we believe this is one of the most important shifts that should happen in our industry. Software firms must see themselves not as moving from project to project, but as a valuable resource for clients, available to step in and do some heavy lifting to keep incredible businesses moving forward. 

The more we shift our mentality, the more valuable we will be and the more our clients will be able to achieve.