The world is going digital. Almost everything is done on the internet or via a computer application, and every business is looking to have the best digital system in place.
In Singapore, the high demand for software and websites has elicited a dramatic ballooning of the tech sector. There are hundreds of software engineers in the country, and the fact that the global digital migration is at its zenith means the industry will grow even more.
Who is a Software Developer?
A software developer is an individual charged with creating PC and mobile applications meant to perform specific tasks. Most software engineers work under computer systems design and software publishing firms, where they are assigned specific tasks, depending on their strengths and specialties.
Here are some of the duties of a software engineer:
- Preparing software blueprints
- Diagnosing and fixing software problems
- Testing, reviewing, and approving products
- Maintaining personal networks
- Installing applications and incorporating them into existing systems
- Recommending software purchases
The list of things a software engineer can do for you is endless. It is all down to what you want and the functions you want it to perform. Whoever you entrust with your project, ensure they are qualified, and have handled a similar task before.
The Software Industry in Singapore
Singapore has grown to become a first-rate technology hub, with an astonishing 80 of the world’s 100 highest-rated tech firms operating in the city-state. The main reason for this is that Singapore is brimming with talent. Forming a workforce is easy, and labor is moderately cheaper than in Europe and the US.
As a result of this, more and more young people are choosing to pursue software engineering and other IT courses, which, in return, is contributing to the growth of the industry.
The Economic Development Board of Singapore is projecting the ICT industry to create more than 50,000 jobs in the next couple of years, with a great deal of the opportunities coming from Silicon Valley behemoths such as Dell, Apple, Visa, and Amazon.
Starting a software developer business in Singapore is not difficult at all. The market is enormous, and even startups and home-run businesses get customers and make good.
That said, regardless of the type and scale of business you would like to set up, registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA) is mandatory.
Most registered software companies in the country offer a variety of services, but smaller businesses pick a service and specialize in it. Common software development services include:
- Programming
- Software design
- Web development
- Testing services
- Consultation
- Program maintenance
- Research and development
The government of Singapore has made it extremely easy to start a software company in the city-state. Using the Singapore BizFile portal, one can complete the registration process and be up and running without going through any paperwork. The other option involves paying a professional company incorporation firm to fill out and submit the forms for you.
Once you obtain approval for your company name, you will be required to provide the following documents and details as part of the incorporation application procedure:
- Your company names
- Company description
- Details of the management team and company shareholders
- Company address
- Details of company secretary
- The company’s Memorandum of Association
- The company’s Articles of Association
The ACRA usually gets back to the applicants within three days. If correction and further verification are required, the processing phase may take longer.
Software Engineering Trends in Singapore
The software industry is one whose evolution may never end. New practices and techniques are introduced each day, and the best developers are those that are up-to-speed with the changes. Here are some of the latest software development trends in Singapore:
1. Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
Yes, these haven’t gone out of style yet. The demand for excellent user experience is going up by the day, with both users and search engines favoring superiority on this front. PWAs reduce bounce rates and the ensuing downsides by combining the positive aspects of a website and its app. They help you provide application-esque experience to your browser users and lower the chances of losing customers due to customer-experience-related issues.
2. The Internet of Things
IoT never seems to reach its peak, but its progression over the years has been on an upward trajectory. In software development, the technology allows for the creation of secure, reliable and user-friendly solutions, creating a range of possibilities for business owners and developers.
With the Internet of Things finding its way into more and more Singaporean homes, the demand for IoT-informed developers is expected to soar in the foreseeable future.
3. Cybersecurity
On the flip side of the digital takeover is the issue of cybersecurity. An IT system is not complete unless it is accompanied by a strong cybersecurity strategy. Cyber crooks are almost as smart as the software developers themselves, and failure to patch-up an app or website in this day and age is a fiasco waiting to happen.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI-driven software development has been a trend for quite some time now. The digital world is craving automation, and software engineering has everything to do with it.
The current level of software development is allowing for the implementation of machine learning and other AI subjects, which modern businesses are using to better their operations and improve user experience.
5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Immersive technologies may look big at the moment, but they are in their infancy stage. The future is inundated with VR and AR, and software engineers are tipped to be among the biggest winners when the technologies go mainstream.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a developer or an entrepreneur, understanding immersive technologies is a step in the right direction, and one that will give you an edge on your competitors.
Importance of Hiring a Software Development Company
Software development, to many, is a dense and knotty field that can only be navigated by software engineers. While that is far from the truth, sophisticated applications can only be created by software experts. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a software developer for your project:
1. Software developers are specialized
Unlike your in-house IT team, which may be charged with multiple day-to-day tasks, software companies are usually made up of a team of professionals, each assigned with a specific duty. Division of labor and specialization are known to improve proficiency, which is something your business could use. Always ensure all your work is handled by an expert to shun preventable mistakes and costly business disruptions.
2. Developers are flexible
As they garner experience doing the same thing over and over, developers are more likely to understand you and play with the laws to deliver to your specifications. Their knowledge also puts them at a better place to learn new techniques and incorporate them into a system on demand.
3. Contractors can replace departing staff seamlessly
In the event an employee leaves abruptly, either because they are ill or you gave them their cards, you need someone who can pick up from where the staff left off. Picking a seasoned software contractor on a makeshift basis will not only buy you time to find a permanent replacement but also save you the hassle and cost of dealing with a novice developer.
4. Third-party software developers are cheaper
Contractors may set you back more per hour, but you will only pay for their services when you need them. Also, unlike hiring an in-house developer, outsourcing services will help you circumvent business stoppages that arise from employee strikes, illnesses, and other emergencies.
5. Third-party developers give priority to your satisfaction
A contractor’s hopes of being hired again hinge mostly on customer satisfaction. In-house software developers don’t face this kind of pressure as their remuneration is guaranteed. For this reason, third-party developers are more likely to meet your expectations or at least strive to do it than your in-house team.
Tips to Hire a Top Software Developer
A seasoned software developer can transform your company. But how do you identify these developers? How do you tell the good from the great and the qualified from the experienced?
For many, the process of hiring a software developer starts with a simple “software engineers near me” Google search. This always works, but only to give you a list of options picked randomly on the World Wide Web. Here is how to filter down your options to remain with a company you can trust and rely on for your software needs:
1. Understand your needs
So, what kind of application do you need? What features are you looking for, and who is going to use it?
The most important step to finding good software is understanding your needs. It doesn’t matter how good the developer is, if they don’t know what you want, they will likely deliver to the wrong specifications.
If you are a tech novice, consider hiring an expert to give you insights into similar applications and everything they are capable of. Jot down all the features and functionalities you need and let your software developer have a look. A good developer will know if they are capable of doing what you are asking of them from the word go.
2. Check their track record
Experience is priceless when it comes to software development. To ensure you get first-rate services, conduct background checks on all of your options to know who is best suited for the task at hand. Visit their websites and review sites to see what past and present customers say about them. The one with the most positive reviews should get the nod, but it is wise to consider a company that has been through similar assignments before.
3. Communication is key
Competence should take center stage when hiring a software developer, but that’s not all you should look at. Communication is just as important. Whoever you hire should be able to communicate coherently in a language you both understand.
Remember, developing an application can take up to months, and a lot of communication will go on during that period. Simple misunderstandings can lead to small mistakes that may add up to cost you a fortune in the future.
4. Assess flexibility
Today’s world is fast-paced, and new programming tools and languages are being introduced almost yearly. Different languages suit different assignments, and it is good that your candidate knows their way around most of the popular languages.
Pay attention to how they approach problems and circumvent difficulties, and hire the one with the best combination of flexibility and proficiency.
5. Seek second opinions
There is nothing difficult about finding developers. Screening them is the problem. A proper filter-down procedure should include having a second person put your candidates through their paces.
Although we may not see or feel it, biasness when recruiting is not uncommon. A second opinion will cut back on the chance of hiring on the basis of anything rather than merit.
6. Check the candidates’ ability to write crisp code
Writing clean code is no child’s play, and the ability to do it should separate the connoisseurs from the amateurs. A software developer who writes clean code is easier to collaborate with and include in any existing team.
7. Your candidate’s approach should be business-oriented
As stated above, there is more to a good software developer than technical proficiency. One can possess the ability to write high-quality code and use sophisticated tools, but if they don’t understand your business objectives, the final product will be riddled with shortcomings on the customer’s end. A good developer should have a business mind as well. If possible, they should be involved in creating customer personas, so the product serves the purpose it is supposed to.
8. Is the software developer willing to work in a team?
A good software developer is not someone who spends the whole day in front of their PC writing codes. He or she must be willing and able to exchange ideas, thoughts, and knowledge with other team members for efficiency and better-quality work.
Of course, there are many introverted coders who are incredibly talented and have a good track record. But if your project calls for teamwork, the lead developer should be a team player with the eagerness to communicate and work with others.
Software Development Sample Costs in Singapore
Software development companies worldwide charge on a per-hour basis, and costs are directly proportional to the amount of time a project consumes. The case is not different in Singapore. From a cost standpoint, a mobile application is not a mobile application. You will be charged based on how complex the task you hand out is.
Here are some of the factors that influence cost:
- App type
- Designing
- Complexity
- Prototyping
- Developer requirement
- Customization
- Project time
- Platform (Android, iOS, web, etc.)
- Speed and quality
Generally, an application will set you back $10 – $250 per hour, with Indian and North American companies charging the lowest and highest, respectively. Read on for total cost estimates depending on the app type.
- Basic (Simple or Informative) Mobile Apps: $10,000 – $30,000 for basic apps, $15,000 – $40,000 for apps that need regular updating
- Service and Ecommerce Apps: $15,000 – $50,000 for basic ecommerce apps, $20,000 – $65,000 if additional functions are included
- Marketplace Applications: $20,000 – $90,000. Marketplace apps such as Uber have additional features that allow for connections with other groups. Analytical functions, real-time location tracking, and other unique features may also be included.
- Multi-User Applications: $40,000 – $100,000. WhatsApp is an example of a multi-user app. These apps are significantly more costly due to the presence of unique attributes that make them interactive and user-friendly.
- Game Apps: $80,000 – $150,000 for 2D games and $150,000 – 500,000 for 3D games. A gaming app’s visual quality may also have a sway in the cost of developing it. Gaming apps use the services of a developer, a programmer, a designer, a concept artist, and an animator.
- User Productivity Apps: $15,000 – $30,000. Dropbox is an example of a user productivity mobile app.
- Basic Informational Website: $2,000 – $10,000
- Ecommerce Website: $5,000 – $50,000
- Community Website: $15,000 – $50,000
- Marketplace Website: $50,000 – $300,000
- Listing Site: $20,000 – $50,000
- Custom Software: $250,000 or more
Top Software Development Companies in Singapore
Here are some of the best and highest-rated software developers in the city-state:
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Netsmartz |
| Netsmartz About | Netsmartz is one of the largest software development service providers in Singapore. The company offers a wide range of IT services but has a software development unit that is as equipped and staffed as the very best providers in the country.
Netsmartz LLC has stations in 8 different locations across the globe and has at least 600 certified software developers and 1000 employees. |
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KAI Software |
| KAI software About | Founded in 1994, KAI software is among the very first software development companies to set foot in Singapore. The company specializes in B2B service provision, with most of its clients being large corporations in and outside Singapore.
KAI is renowned for being quick to adopt new technologies and incorporate them into their services. They are currently one of the few companies creating software based on Blockchain technology. |
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Originally US |
| Originally US About | If you are looking for a company that specializes in the creation of mobile apps, there are no better options than Originally US.
There are currently over 9 million users of the company’s applications around the world. |
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Bazingo |
| Bazingo About | With over 50 highly trained and experienced experts in its ranks, Bazingo Inc. can handle anything, from web design and mobile app development to navigating automation, Blockchain, big data, machine learning, and other exclusive technologies.
Bazingo Inc. has more than 100 clients spread across 30 different countries. |
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Intelegain Technologies |
| Intelegain About | Intelegain is a renowned IT service company that has a presence in multiple countries, including Singapore and the US. Having been in the game for more than 15 years, the company has one of the longest service catalogs and has been involved in web and mobile app development, enterprise technology, and UX and cloud services.
Intelegain’s ability to provide quality services without meeting clients in the flesh has enabled them to work with businesses of all sizes from different parts of the globe. Their notable clients include TATA, Share Khan, Ericsson, and Canon. |
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Rocketech |
| Rocketech About | Rocketech is a full-service IT company that has small scale businesses and large enterprises in its client base. Headquartered in Singapore and with a presence in London, San Francisco, Kyiv, and Moscow, the company offers services such as mobile and web application development, consulting and management, cloud services, and digital design.
Rocketech’s most notable works include the PIX cross-platform backpack, Babystep learning management system, Sderbank crowdsourcing app, and Humm.ly science-based music player. The company uses PHP, JavaScript, Java, Swift, Go, and a range of other languages for their software projects. |
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Octal IT Solution |
| Octal IT Solution About | With a presence in the US, India, Singapore, and Europe, Octal IT Solution is among the leading lights in the Singaporean tech industry. Its services include mobile app development, web design, software services, CMS solutions, e-commerce services, Microsoft solutions, big data solutions, business intelligence, MEAN stack solutions, and IoT applications.
For the 10+ years that they have been in business, Octal IT solutions have created associations with leading technology companies such as Amazon Web Services, C&B, STPI, Acquia, NASSCOM, and Microsoft. Their domains include lifestyle, banking, online retail, manufacturing, media and entertainment, healthcare, education, and travel & leisure. |
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CIS |
| CIS About | CIS has established itself as a top-bracket software development company, offering services ranging from mobile game and app development for Android and iOS, web design, SEO and digital marketing, software integration with VR/AR and IoT, etc.
Having operated in the Singaporean industry for close to two decades, CIS has the expertise to get you around your technology needs with the utmost ease. CIS’s services abide by global standards and are well aligned with market trends. Their primary services cover a range of areas, including open-source development, application development, business intelligence, digital marketing, front-end design, cloud infrastructure implementation, etc. |
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| CIS Contact | Website: https://www.cisin.com/
Phone: (65) 3159 1140 |
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Systematix Infotech |
| Systematix About | Established in 2005, Systematix has a strong presence in Singapore, the USA, Australia, and some parts of India. The company’s mission is to be the ultimate IT partner for businesses throughout their growth journey.
You can rely on them to develop your enterprise applications, robotic process automation, customer relationship management system, ERP, ecommerce website, business intelligence applications, data science applications, etc. |
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Zapbuild |
| Zapbuild About | Zapbuild is a full-service IT company that is in partnership with several startups and SMEs seeking next-generation IT infrastructure in Singapore. Its service portfolio includes consultation, large application development, and legacy application maintenance.
If you are looking for software services in ecommerce, eLearning, learning management systems (LMS), real estate, smartphone application, search engine creation, or any related subject, Zapbuild is an excellent choice for you. |
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Unicsoft |
| Unicsoft About | Since its incorporation in 2005, Unicsoft has been at the frontline in creating mobile and web applications designed for the future and with sustainable growth in mind. Currently, the company is 15 times what it was 15 years ago. |
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Tvisha |
| Tvisha About | Tvisha describe themselves as a “tech-cocktail” company that offers a perfect balance of software designing, technology innovation, and business consultancy. Their services include CRM creation, payroll management, attendance management, and web and app development. |
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Emizentech |
| Emizentech About | For a company that has authenticity, transparency, team spirit, and commitment as part of its core values, it is not hard to see why Emizentech is so popular among big corporates in Singapore.
Emizentech started in 2013 as a web development company before evolving into a full-scale IT solutions provider. The company’s service list now includes web designing, software consulting, software development, graphic designing, and ecommerce solutions. |
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NetSet Software Solutions |
| NetSet About | If experience and history top your priority list when looking for a software developer, then NetSet has got you covered. The company has been in operation for more than a decade and makes use of advanced tools and technologies to create top-quality products without compromising timeliness. |
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EC Infosolutions |
| EC Infosolutions About | EC Infosolutions is a group of 30 highly qualified and experienced software engineers spread out across Singapore, India, and the USA. The company offers excellent software solutions to startups and established corporates alike, with more than 100,000 people using its services every day. |
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HashCash |
| HashCash About | HashCash Blockchain is a global software provider whose creations help enterprises make real-time cross-border payments for Payment Processing, Trade Finance, Remittances, and more. HashCash provides AI, IoT, and Big Data solutions, and solves tough IT challenges by implementing state-of-the-art digital transformations for clients in different parts of the world. |
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AB4 Systems |
| AB4 Systems About | AB4 Systems was incorporated in 2015 and has since done business with prominent organizations such as UNICEF, UN, OCHA, Ernst & Young, and the World Bank. The company has also helped develop custom mobile and web applications for small businesses in and outside Singapore.
If your project is medium-sized, AB4 is a good choice for yo |
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Alea IT Solutions |
| Alea IT Solutions About | Alea IT Solutions is a group of engineers who deem their services complementary to existing customer product development teams. Their flexibility and readiness to tweak their packages to fit into the client’s plans and business objectives is one of their biggest selling points.
Alea IT Solutions has been in business since 2004 and has helped hundreds of foreign and local clients attain their software goals without breaking the bank for it. |
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Ingic |
| Ingic About | Ingic serves more than 1,500 users in more than 30 countries and has been involved in a whopping 6,500 projects. The company’s inception was inspired by the observation that people have changed how they live, work, and buy, but businesses haven’t adopted.
Ingic prides itself in providing powerful, easy-to-use solutions that enable businesses to provide products and services that are aligned with customer expectations. |
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Rococo Consultant |
| Rococo Consultant About | For the fifth year in a row, Rococo Consultant has remained a reliable name in providing all-inclusive IT solutions to startups and SMEs in Singapore. Rococo offers top-notch web and software development services tailored to help businesses improve on their decision making, user engagement strategies, and profitability.
The company’s mission is to help companies attain their objectives by covering them on the software development, digital marketing, ecommerce, and SEO fronts. |
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| Rococo Consultant Contact | Website: https://www.rococoindia.com/
Address: 1 Sophia Road, #07-22 Peace Centre, Singapore 228149 |
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Metizsoft Solutions |
| Metizsoft About | Metizsoft is a multinational with a presence in India, Singapore, Australia, and the US. They have been in the industry for 8+years and have gained a ton of experience helping businesses improve customer experience and accomplish their goals.
Having served more than 500 customers, Metizsoft would be a great choice for anyone looking for a software developer with a good history. |
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TigerNix |
| TigerNix About | TigerNix is a full-spectrum multinational software development company with thousands of qualified developers and staffers on its payroll. Whether it is a website or custom mobile application you are looking to build, TigerNix has the team and tools for the job.
With TigerNix, businesses are sure to get IT solutions that will give them a competitive advantage over their rivals. The company serves all sizes of companies, from startups through multinationals, and has a comprehensive package listing, which prospective clients can have a look at before committing. |
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Software Development Company |
Highnix Pte Ltd |
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| Website | https://www.highnix.com |
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Edelo Pte Ltd |
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| Website | Edelo.com.sg |
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Software Development Company |
Calvin Seng |
| Key Services | With the mission to building a better internet, our suite of reusable products and services help you build, secure, and deliver responsive e-commerce websites, customized web solutions, enterprise-grade mobile apps in less time.
The company’s most notable works include the IRAS-certified GERP enterprise resource planning system, TIPME logistics management system, FUNwedot international social app, Ecommflow framework and Projflow project management app with client invoicing and integration to Google Tasks. The company uses PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, Flutter, Ionic and a range of other languages for their software projects. Services: |
| Website | https://calvinseng.com |
| Key Clients | Clients: – ComfortDelGro – RSVP Singapore – ST Engineering – SinCo Technologies – Nanyang Technological University |
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Software Development Company |
One X Tech |
| One X Tech About | One X Tech delivers effective, value-driven technological innovations for leading enterprises. Our team of consultants, designers and engineers live and breathedigital services to deliver best-in-class technological solutions. We assist enterprise clients in their digital transformation and we deliver cutting-edge solutions by applying established and emerging technologies into their core business models. |
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Summary
The above software development companies are among the very best in Singapore. Before hiring, it is vital that you conduct in-depth background checks on all your candidates to understand them better.
