When it comes to outsourcing application development contracts, there are a few virtual markets on the Internet which can be of considerable help.
Of course, if the decision to subcontract the work to a particular firm or individual has already been decided, then these markets will not be appropriate to use.
But for people who have projects that they would like to farm out to a third-party it can be very helpful to locate an existing group of professionals who are actively seeking that sort of engagement.
Without delving into the exact addresses of these sites and communities, it might be interesting to have a quick look at what the actual dynamics of this kind of networks offer.
The first and most obvious advantage is that they essentially comprise a fixed and predictable location wherein one can open channels of communication with many different individuals and companies at the same time without committing to any at first.
In this way the prospective employer can get a feel for the various strengths and weakness of those who are available to take the contract.
Nearly all of these freelance communities, no matter which industry they represent, are based on the idea that people who want to hire a third-party professional to complete some aspect of their overarching project need to have information before making a decision.
The possibility of comparison shopping and portfolio viewing drives this sort of marketplace into an employer focused paradigm.
This sort of set up can be quite attractive smaller and busier businesses.
In some fields the marketplace goes both ways.
That is to say, the potential employer is able to learn about the contractors they are interested in hiring, and the contractors are able to learn about the contract and the employer.
This is usually done during some kind of communication that is part of the decision process.
Emails and instant messages can be sent to any or all of the possible hires without revealing interest in any others.
This can lead to negotiations and auctions.
Unfortunately for the freelancer, the cattle call paradigm of subcontracting work can be utterly counterproductive.
Too often companies looking to hire outside their walls are under the impression that cheaper is better, at least in the short term.
This is usually a blatantly false assumption, and perpetuates mediocre craft in whichever industry the contract was offered.
If only the inexpensive get the work, and the really good people charge what they believe their experience and skill rates, then only the novices, amateurs, and desperate will be awarded contracts.
Many times a company will need to seek out a third-party contractor because no one in their employ has the requisite skills, equipment, or time.
In these situations it can be very important for the person making the ultimate award decision to be very careful.
The temptation to go with a cheaper and apparently decently skilled individual can be very strong for business owners who are unfamiliar with the work to be done.
In the absence of understanding the task (which is presumably why they are looking for an outside professional to help with the project) many people default to their other criteria.
When it comes to outsourcing application development, the amount of money that it is projected to cost can be the primary axis of decision.