So, you’ve decided to outsource your Python project.
You’re in good company, joining industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Slack, who also outsource parts of their software development and support to third-party teams.
Outsourcing can indeed be a game-changer. It helps companies innovate faster, test new ideas, improve products, and ultimately grow. But if you’re new to the process, it’s natural to have some concerns—like how to find a reliable partner, manage a remote team, or keep costs in check.
As a seasoned Python software development company with over a decade of experience, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal tasks to outsource (and which ones might be tricky), what to look for in a tech partner, where to find top outsourcing companies, how to effectively manage your remote team, and more. Keep on reading!
When to outsource Python development?
Every business that turns to outsourcing has its own unique reasons for getting there. But chances are, outsourcing will be highly beneficial for you if your needs align with any of the following:
You need access to a wider talent selection
When you choose to outsource Python development, you get access to a global pool of skilled professionals. This allows you to work with experts from regions that specialize in software development, including Python.
It’s especially helpful if you’re facing a shortage of qualified developers in your area. By outsourcing, you can hire Python engineers with extensive experience in Python development, AI, machine learning, and other hard-to-find skills, without being restricted by geography.
You want to cut overhead expenses
By outsourcing, you can pay for services on a project or hourly basis, skipping the long-term financial commitment that comes with hiring full-time staff. You avoid expenses like healthcare, retirement contributions, paid vacation, and sick leave, which are usually not part of an outsourcing arrangement.
Additionally, outsourcing to regions with lower labor costs lets you find Python developers at a fraction of the price you’d pay for full-time employees in your local market. It’s a smart way to get the expertise you need while keeping your budget in check.
You need more hands on your project—fast
Outsourced developers are typically ready to start working immediately, cutting out the time spent on lengthy recruitment and training for in-house hires. This allows you to address urgent project needs right away.
What’s more, outsourcing companies have well-established processes for seamlessly integrating new team members into ongoing projects. They can provide professionals who are already experienced in similar tasks and familiar with industry-standard tools and workflows. This means the outsourced team can hit the ground running, significantly reducing the time it takes to get new contributors working productively.
Additionally, with expert guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes or delays caused by inexperience. Outsourced Python experts streamline the development process, helping you bring your product or solution to market faster.
You need guidance on Python development
If you lack in-house expertise or want to implement best practices quickly, Python development outsourcing gives you access to seasoned professionals who know Python inside and out. They ensure your project is built on solid foundations and adheres to best practices from day one.
An outsourced Python expert can review your existing codebase to pinpoint inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. They can also recommend optimizations to boost performance and reduce technical debt.
Moreover, they can mentor and train your in-house developers, helping them level up their Python skills and adopt industry best practices. This is especially valuable if your team is new to Python or needs help with advanced topics like machine learning or microservices.
Your project involves specific tech challenges
As you outsource Python development, you connect with specialists who bring deep expertise from various industries and project types. You’ll receive focused, actionable guidance on tackling specific Python-related challenges—whether it’s choosing the right libraries or frameworks, or solving complex technical problems.
Additionally, Python development outsourcing gives you access to teams that stay current with the latest technologies and trends, ensuring your project benefits from the most effective and up-to-date tools available. This helps you create a more robust, future-proof solution tailored to your project’s unique requirements.
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Contact usWhat Python projects can you outsource?
Web and mobile app development
Outsourcing allows you to make Python app development more cost-effective overall. You get access to skilled Python developers in regions with lower labor costs, saving you on recruitment, training, salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.
Outsourced teams can also accelerate the development process through established workflows and a wealth of expertise. This speed can give you a competitive edge by reducing your time-to-launch.
Data analysis and processing
Data analysis needs often fluctuate throughout a software development project. Python development outsourcing enables you to quickly scale your team up or down based on your current requirements—without long-term commitments.
Moreover, outsourcing firms usually have access to the latest data analysis tools, machine learning frameworks, and data visualization software, which may be expensive for your company to acquire and maintain. By outsourcing, you can leverage cutting-edge technology without having to invest in costly software, infrastructure, or licenses.
ML and AI model development
Building machine learning models requires specialized expertise in Python libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch, as well as advanced algorithms and data science. Developing these models in-house can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
When you outsource Python development, you gain immediate access to top-tier AI/ML development experts, eliminating the need for costly training or hiring. Outsourced teams use proven workflows and often have prebuilt models and frameworks, which can be customized to your needs, further speeding up development.
This helps you bring AI/ML solutions to market faster while reducing risks associated with data quality, algorithm performance, and deployment challenges.
Automating and scripting tasks
Building an in-house team for automation can be costly when you factor in salaries, benefits, and software tools. Moreover, automation and scripting tasks require specialized skills in tools and languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell.
Python development outsourcing, on the other hand, lets you pay only for the specific tasks or projects you need.
Outsourcing providers also bring valuable experience from various industries, helping to identify automation opportunities and streamline your operations. They can create custom automation solutions tailored to your specific needs, optimizing processes, improving productivity, and reducing manual work, which ultimately boosts your overall performance.
DevOps and cloud infrastructure automation
Hiring a full-time DevOps team can be costly, with high salaries, benefits, and the need for continuous training. Plus, tasks like setting up cloud infrastructure or automating CI/CD pipelines are often one-time projects that don’t require full-time staff. However, since DevOps involves managing critical infrastructure, errors can result in costly downtime or security breaches.
Outsourcing offers a solution by enabling you to hire Python experts with top-tier DevOps expertise without the long-term commitment or overhead of an in-house team. You can engage professionals on a project basis, ensuring high-quality work while saving on costs.
Additionally, experienced Python development outsourcing providers follow best practices and have strong quality controls, reducing risks.
With transparent pricing, outsourcing also helps you better manage costs and avoid unexpected expenses that often come with in-house teams, giving you greater budget control.
Migration of legacy systems
Legacy system migrations come with complex challenges, such as handling outdated technologies, data migration, and integration with modern platforms. In-house teams may lack familiarity with legacy systems, increasing the risk of data loss, extended downtime, or disruptions during migration.
Python development outsourcing ensures that experts with experience in both legacy and modern technologies manage the migration. Experienced external teams can also complete the migration faster, minimizing disruptions and accelerating your move to modern systems.
What’s more, many Python development companies offer long-term support, giving you access to ongoing maintenance from professionals familiar with your new setup, ensuring stability and performance after the migration.
What should stay in-house?
While many Python development projects can be successfully outsourced—and often should be—some are better kept in-house due to the complexities involved. Typically, the most tricky types to outsource are:
R&D and innovation
Research and development often involves creating proprietary technologies, processes, or intellectual property that are key to your business’s competitive edge. It’s crucial for the R&D team to be fully aligned with your company’s core objectives, culture, and strategic vision—something that can be difficult for an offshore Python development team to achieve right away.
That said, once the core idea is solidified, you can safely outsource parts of the process, like developing early prototypes or proof-of-concept models.
External teams can also handle tasks like market research, competitor analysis, or technical feasibility studies, freeing up your in-house team to focus on critical, proprietary aspects of R&D. Just ensure your in-house team maintains oversight to align external activities with the company’s long-term strategy.
Tools for internal company-wide use
Much like R&D projects, building custom tools for internal use requires a deep understanding of your company’s processes, workflows, and organizational structure.
This can be challenging for an external provider to grasp quickly, which risks creating a tool that doesn’t fully align with your actual needs.
However, you can still benefit from Python development outsourcing by having external specialists handle tasks like front-end development and UI/UX design. Meanwhile, your in-house team can focus on defining the core requirements and ensuring smooth integration with your existing systems.
This way, you get the best of both worlds while minimizing the risk of misalignment.
Proprietary software development
Developing proprietary software solutions often requires tight collaboration, quick iterations, and constant feedback loops. Outsourcing across time zones can complicate this, as external teams may not respond as quickly to changes or feedback.
There’s also the challenge of aligning with your company’s culture and long-term goals, which an external team might struggle to grasp quickly.
Another risk is vendor lock-in, where external providers use proprietary tools or frameworks that make it difficult to transition the project in-house or to another provider later on.
Despite all that, you can still leverage Python development outsourcing by having external teams handle non-critical features, like UI components, basic utilities, or supplementary modules that don’t impact the core functionality or intellectual property.
Outsourcing testing and quality assurance is also a safe bet. These tasks usually don’t involve proprietary knowledge or sensitive data—and many outsourcing providers specialize in testing methodologies.
Routine updates, bug fixes, and maintenance can also be outsourced once the core product is developed, allowing your in-house team to focus on future innovations and high-priority tasks.
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Hire nowWhere to look for an outsourcing partner?
According to Deloitte’s Global Outsourcing Survey, India remains the top destination for software development outsourcing, followed by Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. These regions have large pools of Python developers for outsourcing with experience working on international projects.
To find a reliable partner to outsource Python development to, you can use independent online listings like:
If you’re looking for individual candidates or top Python software development agencies, platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or LinkedIn are great options. LinkedIn is especially useful for leveraging word-of-mouth recommendations and following agencies or professionals to learn more about them before reaching out with a job offer.
You can also perform a simple Google search for “Python development services” to find companies in your region or beyond. For region-specific developers, using the dedicated platforms mentioned earlier is your best bet.
How to choose a good Python outsourcing services provider?
When searching for a provider to outsource Python development services to, there are several key traits to look for. Here’s how you can identify them:
- Technical expertise: Review their portfolio and case studies to assess their Python knowledge. Look for projects similar to yours (e.g., web development, APIs, or ML models) and their experience with relevant technologies.
- Proven track record: Check for successful projects and satisfied clients by reading reviews on platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms.
- Strong communication skills: Look at client testimonials for insights on communication and responsiveness. Reach out directly to the provider to ask about their process for keeping you informed.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Ask about their ability to manage changing requirements. Consider starting with a small trial project to see how they handle adjustments.
- Quality assurance and support: Review their website or ask directly to ensure they offer robust testing and post-launch support.
- Transparent pricing: Request a clear explanation of their pricing structure to avoid hidden costs. Detailed invoices should clearly show what you’re paying for.
- Fair contract: Always ask for a sample contract to ensure transparency regarding intellectual property ownership, deliverables, and exit clauses.
Cooperation models
Different engagement models show how a Python software development services provider tailors their offerings to meet the specific needs of various clients.
Most agencies offer three common types of engagement, though the names may vary. Here’s what Syndicode provides:
End-to-end Python development services
This is a traditional Python development outsourcing model in which the provider takes full control of the entire software development lifecycle—from initial planning and design to deployment and maintenance. They manage every aspect of the project, delivering a complete solution.
This approach is perfect for businesses that lack internal development resources or expertise, or for complex projects requiring full management, such as custom software, AI/ML solutions, or Python web applications.
Staff augmentation
Also known as outstaffing and team extension, staff augmentation services allow you to bring in external Python developers who work directly with your internal team, reporting to your managers while still being employed by the service provider. You maintain full control over the project, paying for the developer’s time on an hourly or monthly basis, while the provider takes care of HR and administrative tasks.
This model is ideal for companies needing to temporarily boost their team with specialized Python expertise or scale quickly without the long-term commitment of full-time hires.
Dedicated team
The dedicated development team model gives you a complete team of Python developers, project managers, and QA specialists who work exclusively on your project. The provider assembles the team based on your specific needs, and you pay for the team’s time and resources throughout the project. While the dedicated team operates independently, they collaborate closely with your in-house team.
This model is best suited for long-term projects with evolving requirements, where flexibility, ongoing development, and scalability are key—such as large web platforms or enterprise software development.
If you’re unsure which model fits your needs, you can always reach out to your provider of choice for advice on the best engagement model for your project.
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Hire nowHow much does it cost to outsource Python development?
As we covered in our earlier guide on custom software development costs, creating a software product can range from under $50K to over $200K. This wide range depends on several key factors:
- Project complexity: Smaller projects require less time and expertise, while larger, more complex projects—like those involving AI, data science, or enterprise solutions—come with higher costs due to advanced skill sets, longer hours, and larger teams.
- Developer expertise levels: Junior developers typically charge $20–$40 per hour for basic tasks, such as automating routine processes. Senior developers, on the other hand, charge $70–$150 per hour or more, offering advanced expertise in Python, AI/ML, and complex system design.
- Location of the development team: Developer rates vary by region. For example, a mid-level Python developer in Eastern Europe typically charges $35–$70 per hour, while their counterpart in North America tends to charge double that.
To illustrate these factors, let’s consider a sample project where a company outsources two mid-level Python developers to join its team for 8 weeks, working 40 hours per week. Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs based on these assumptions.
| Factor | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Team location | Eastern Europe | $50/hour |
| Team composition | 2 developers | $50*2=$100/hour |
| Developer hours | 40 hours/week × 8 weeks = 320 hours | 320 hours*$100/hour=$32,000 |
| Total cost of outsourcing | $32,000 |
How to ensure outsourcing aligns with your business strategy?
Outsourcing can sometimes create challenges in aligning priorities, objectives, and collaboration between your internal team and outsourced employees. Factors like time zone differences, work culture, and varying processes can make things even more difficult, leading to delays, budget overruns, or a product that doesn’t meet expectations.
To prevent these challenges and ensure smooth alignment, here’s what you can do:
Define your business goals
Begin by clearly identifying your project’s core goals, such as boosting operational efficiency, reducing costs, entering a new market, or improving customer experiences. Then, break these goals down into measurable outcomes.
For instance, if you’re building a Python-based web application, you might aim to reduce time to market by 20% or enhance customer engagement with better UI/UX. Share these objectives with your outsourced team to ensure their work is aligned with your business goals.
Choose the optimal outsourcing model
Select a Python development outsourcing model that best fits your needs. For a hands-off approach where the provider manages everything, end-to-end development works well.
If you need specific expertise to integrate with your internal team, outstaffing may be a better fit.
For long-term projects that require dedicated resources and ongoing collaboration, opt for the dedicated team model.
The key is choosing a model that matches your project’s complexity, level of control, and resource availability.
Set clear KPIs
Your KPIs should directly reflect your business goals and project requirements. Consider the following types:
- Time-based KPIs: Milestones, sprint targets, or overall project deadlines.
- Quality-based KPIs: Code quality, number of bugs found during testing, or adherence to coding standards.
- Budget KPIs: Staying within budget, cost per feature, or adherence to financial estimates.
- Performance KPIs: Metrics like system response times, uptime, or scalability.
Share these KPIs with your outsourcing team and ensure regular tracking through project management tools or reports to stay on top of progress.
Ensure regular communication
Establish a clear communication plan from the start. This should include:
- Regular status updates: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to review progress, discuss challenges, and outline next steps.
- Tools for communication: Use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for quick discussions and meetings. For task tracking and transparency, rely on project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana.
- Reporting: Set expectations for report frequency and format, such as sprint reports, project summaries, or performance reviews.
- Stakeholder access: Make sure key stakeholders are available for quick feedback or decisions when needed.
- Working hour overlap: If time zones differ, ensure there’s a set window of overlapping working hours for real-time discussions.
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Get HelpChallenges of Python outsourcing to prepare for
Lack of shared vision
Outsourced teams may not always fully grasp your company’s mission, culture, or long-term strategy, which can result in outcomes that don’t align with your goals.
How to create a shared vision:
- Invest time upfront in onboarding the outsourced team. Clearly explain your company’s mission, goals, and vision to help them connect with the project’s purpose.
- Foster long-term collaboration by involving the external team in strategic discussions and future planning. This builds engagement and ensures their work supports your broader objectives.
Unclear scope and goals
If the project scope and objectives aren’t clearly defined from the start, the external team may go in a direction that doesn’t meet your business needs.
How to define the scope and set measurable goals:
- Develop a detailed project plan that outlines clear objectives, timelines, deliverables, and milestones. A well-defined scope helps prevent scope creep and keeps everyone on the same page.
- Break down long-term goals into smaller, measurable milestones to make progress easier to track and evaluate.
Lack of accountability
Outsourced teams might not feel the same sense of ownership as in-house employees, which can sometimes result in lower attention to detail or quality.
How to ensure accountability:
- Appoint a project manager to serve as the main contact for the outsourcing team. This person will ensure smooth communication, monitor progress, and quickly address any issues. A good project manager also bridges the gap between internal and external teams, keeping everyone aligned with your business goals.
- Implement quality control measures. Set clear expectations for quality and establish formal processes for code reviews, QA testing, and feedback. Use automated testing, continuous integration, and regular code reviews to maintain quality and catch potential issues early on.
It’s worth noting that many Python development services outsourcing providers include preventive activities in their offers.
For instance, at Syndicode, our software development process begins with the Discovery phase, where we take the time to understand your business, goals, and vision. This helps us onboard the right developers for your outsourced team.
We also offer complete teams, including a project manager and business analyst, if needed, to ensure smooth project execution.
Additionally, we assist our clients in setting up project management tools and establishing regular communication with the outsourced team. This way, we ensure that everyone stays aligned throughout the process.
How Syndicode can help with Python development outsourcing
Syndicode makes Python outsourcing easy by offering a comprehensive range of services. Since 2014, we’ve been delivering end-to-end development solutions, giving us the experience, skills, and infrastructure to build high-quality software from the ground up.
We also have access to a large pool of Python experts who can work as part of a dedicated team or extend your in-house staff. Whether it’s building web applications, automating processes, developing machine learning models, or creating scalable back-end systems, we’ve got you covered.
For more on our capabilities, check out our Projects page. If you have any questions about outsourcing Python development, feel free to contact us here—our team is ready to help you achieve your business goals with reliable, tailored solutions.
Frequently asked questions
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How to ensure effective communication with an outsourced Python development team?
To ensure effective communication when outsourcing Python development, set up clear channels using tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, and establish a regular meeting schedule. Use project management tools like Jira or Trello to keep everything transparent and track tasks. If you’re working across time zones, make sure there’s some overlap in working hours, and appoint a dedicated project manager to oversee communication. Lastly, document goals, timelines, and feedback clearly to keep everyone aligned.
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Should I outsource Python development or choose outstaffing?
Choose outsourcing if you want a full solution managed externally, covering everything from planning to development and project management. Go for outstaffing if you need to hire remote Python developers with specific Python expertise to strengthen your in-house team while retaining control over the project.
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Is outsourcing Python software development a good idea?
Yes, Python development outsourcing is a smart choice if you need specialized talent, faster delivery, and cost efficiency. It enables you to scale your development efforts quickly, tap into expert knowledge, and reduce overhead costs—all while ensuring high-quality results.