Offshore IoT Development: Benefits and Top Companies to Know

If you’re a company that wants to innovate without forking out a fortune, outsourcing IoT development could be the strategic advantage you need. But why outsource over building an in-house team? By tapping into global talent pools, particularly in regions like Latin America, businesses can access specialized expertise and accelerate their IoT project timelines. 

Ready to take your IoT development to the next level? We’re going to discuss the benefits of offshore IoT development, walk you through the services you can outsource, and go over a few offshore IoT development companies you should consider partnering with. 

Benefits of Offshoring IoT Development

The biggest draw to offshore IoT development is the many perks it offers. Several compelling advantages can transform how businesses implement their projects, make use of advanced technology, and maintain competitiveness. Here are some key benefits with specific examples.

Cost efficiency

Companies can significantly reduce labor costs by hiring skilled programmers in regions with lower living costs, all without compromising quality. For example, offshoring complex sensor integration for a smart home device to a top outsourcing country might cost a fraction of what it would in the US.

Access to specialized expertise

Offshoring provides a global talent pool with expertise in niche areas. If you need a touch of AI integration for a new health wearable, for instance, these professionals can supplement your in-house team with the knowledge you need to make it happen.

Reduced time-to-market

Working with offshore IoT development companies allows businesses to accelerate project timelines. For example, if integrating a new payment gateway into an IoT-enabled vending machine system is slowing down your release schedule, an offshore team can manage this back-end task efficiently. 

Scalability and flexibility

Offshoring supports dynamic scalability, letting companies ramp up or down resources based on project demands. This flexibility is especially important when developing a large-scale IoT solution, such as an interconnected smart city project, which might require additional developers at different phases of development. 

Minimized overheads and legal obligations

Offshoring helps you avoid overhead costs such as office space, employee benefits, and equipment. Plus, it cuts down on certain legal obligations related to employee rights and benefits, so companies can focus resources on core business functions or further innovation.

What IoT Development Services Can be Offshored?

Outsourcing models like onsite-offshore have become increasingly popular as businesses realize the potential for better efficiency and innovation. Here are several key IoT development services that are ideal for offshoring:

• Hardware design and prototyping: Offshore teams can handle the entire hardware design process, from creating circuit designs and selecting components to developing prototypes for wearables or smart home devices.
• Firmware development: Creating firmware for IoT devices often requires specialized knowledge of IoT ecosystems. Outsourcing this task lets you tap into firmware engineers experienced in building robust software that interacts well with hardware components.
• Embedded software development: Offshore teams can develop and optimize embedded systems software integral to IoT devices, contributing to efficient memory usage and power management, which is especially important for battery-operated devices.
• Cloud integration: Many IoT devices rely on cloud services for data processing and storage. Offshore IoT development companies can handle everything from cloud architecture design to integration, giving you secure and scalable solutions tailored to your needs.
• Mobile and web application development: Offshore teams can create sophisticated applications with seamless connectivity and usability. They can customize the user interface and experience based on market trends and client specifications.
• Data analytics and management: Offshore teams can build and manage data analytics platforms that provide actionable insights and help with decision-making. They offer expertise in big data technologies and AI algorithms that transform raw data into strategic opportunities.
• Network and connectivity solutions: Reliable and secure communication between devices is an inherent part of IoT. Offshore providers can develop solutions using technologies like Bluetooth, WiFi, and even the latest 5G standards to keep smart devices optimally connected.

Should You Outsource to a Full-Service Development Company or Hire Offshore Developers Directly?

When you're ready to go with offshore IoT development services, the next question is: should you partner with a full-service development company or hire individual offshore developers directly? Let’s compare the pros and cons of each option so you can make a decision that fits your needs and goals best.

Full-service development company

Pros

• Comprehensive solutions: These companies handle the entire development cycle from inception to deployment, making them ideal if you're looking for a hands-on partner to manage everything, including project management and complex integrations.
• Structure and consistency: With established processes, methodologies, and quality assurance practices, they often deliver consistent results and strictly adhere to timelines.

Cons

• Less control: You have limited say in the team composition, as the company assigns personnel based on availability and their evaluation of your needs.
• Potentially higher costs: Full-service options may come at a premium compared to hiring individual developers, as overhead and management fees are baked into their pricing.

Hiring offshore developers directly

Pros

• Direct control: Contracts or freelancers become an extension of your team, providing you with greater influence over the project trajectory, tasks, and scheduling. This factor is especially beneficial if you’re addressing specific skill gaps within your in-house team.
• Flexibility and customization: You can selectively recruit specialists for particular roles so their expertise aligns perfectly with your project requirements.

Cons

• Increased management responsibility: You assume responsibility for project coordination and oversight, which can be taxing if your in-house resources are already stretched thin.
• Varied reliability: Freelancers and contractors can vary significantly in reliability and commitment, potentially affecting project timelines and quality if not managed carefully.

Top 10 Companies to Consider for Offshoring IoT Development

Whether you're partnering up with a full-service IoT development company or bringing in individual developers to fill specific skill gaps, choosing the right partner is key. 

In this section, we've put together a list of reputable companies that can fulfill either approach. This includes recruitment companies specializing in finding top-tier IoT professionals and comprehensive IoT development firms. 

The list has been given in no particular order, but each has been included due to proven expertise in IoT technology expertise.

1. Near

We’re starting with ourselves because we specialize in connecting businesses with experienced IoT developers from Latin America. 

Our focus is not just on finding developers but on ensuring cultural alignment, time zone compatibility, and the best possible fit with your team’s workflows. Whether you need talent for embedded systems, IoT dashboards, or cloud integrations, we have pre-vetted developers ready to step in. 

Our recruitment process is tailored to ensure you get the right talent quickly, with minimal onboarding time.

2. BairesDev

BairesDev offers nearshore IoT development services with a focus on hardware prototyping, embedded software, and IoT dashboards. 

It uses tools like Raspberry Pi, PlatformIO, and Node-RED for device integration and connectivity. For data analytics, BairesDev implements IoT solutions using ThingSpeak, ThingsBoard, and Tableau tech stacks to process and visualize IoT data. 

Teams from BairesDev are typically onboarded within two weeks, and it provides expertise in device management, cloud infrastructure, and mobile app development for connected devices. 

Headquartered in the US, BairesDev also has a strong presence in Latin America.

3. Toptal

Toptal is a freelance marketplace that connects businesses with registered IoT developers worldwide. 

Its talent pool currently includes experts in embedded systems, IoT architecture, and cloud integration. Toptal’s experienced talent recruiters mean a quick hiring process, typically within 48 hours. 

It offers flexible engagement models (hourly, part-time, or full-time) and a “no-risk” trial period so businesses can change their minds if not given the right fit straight away. 

Toptal can also provide Managed Delivery options for businesses that require end-to-end management of IoT projects. 

4. SoftServe

Headquartered in Eastern Europe with a development center in Austin, Texas, SoftServe specializes in IoT solutions for industries like smart transportation, manufacturing, and predictive maintenance. 

It offers hardware design, embedded software development, and cloud-based IoT data pipelines using platforms like AWS IoT, Azure IoT, and Google IoT. 

SoftServe also provides real-time analytics powered by data science and machine learning. The company holds certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2, meaning high standards for security and data management.

5. Intellectsoft

Intellectsoft, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, offers enterprise IoT solutions for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. It focuses on real-time monitoring, big data analytics, and IoT security with features like anti-intrusion systems and diversified device protection. 

Intellectsoft also develops IoT platforms for stock monitoring, smart shelving, and RFID-based tracking. 

With offices in London, Eastern Europe, and Colombia, the company can deliver worldwide end-to-end IoT solutions, from device management and integration to data collection and actionable analytics.

6. ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft brings over 13 years of IoT software development experience, delivering solutions across 30+ industries. 

Its offerings include predictive maintenance, smart cities, connected vehicles, and healthcare IoT. The company focuses on architecture design, edge computing setup, and IoT data visualization apps. 

With headquarters in McKinney, Texas, and offices worldwide, ScienceSoft emphasizes modular IoT architectures for scalable solutions. 

It also offers QA and testing, which means reliable and secure IoT applications tailored to specific business needs.

7. Cognizant

Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, Cognizant delivers comprehensive IoT solutions, including smart connectivity, IoT operations, and mobility. Its services span industrial IoT, healthcare, and sustainability projects, leveraging edge IoT technologies to optimize operations and mitigate risks. 

Cognizant integrates hardware, software, and security capabilities to create connected solutions for factories, public spaces, and supply chains. It emphasizes sustainability and business transformation through IoT-enabled intelligent enterprises.

8. EPAM Systems

EPAM Systems, based in Newtown, Pennsylvania, offers end-to-end IoT development services for both consumer and industrial applications. 

Its expertise covers firmware development, IoT consulting, ecosystem development, and data analytics. EPAM builds scalable IoT platforms using C/C++, Python, Node.js, and AWS IoT. 

The company focuses on security, usability, and scalability, and its solutions are tailored to startups and enterprises alike. Its real-time data monitoring and preventive maintenance programs enhance operational efficiency.

9. Wipro

Wipro, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with a global presence including the US, specializes in IoT consulting, engineering, and managed services. 

It has completed over 120 IoT deployments, focusing on industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy. Wipro’s services include IoT strategy development, engineering integration, and managed IoT ecosystems. 

It leverages machine learning, deep learning, and IoT security to deliver scalable, secure solutions, making sure that businesses stay competitive when undergoing digital transformation.

10. Infosys

Infosys, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, focuses on industrial IoT services that enhance enterprise productivity, product quality, and operational efficiency. 

Its offerings include real-time asset monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital transformation solutions. Infosys provides intelligent scheduling, centralized command centers, and workforce safety solutions. 

With projects completed in over 55 countries, Infosys integrates AI, cloud, and IoT technologies to help industrial and engineering projects within businesses that are aiming to improve supply chains and digitize current systems.

Source: Pexels

Final Thoughts

Offshore IoT development offers major benefits that can significantly enhance your company’s technological capabilities while saving time and money. These offshore partners can help your business gain the specialized expertise you need to keep projects moving forward. 

At Near, we help businesses nearshore to Latin America, providing access to a pool of top-notch professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in the IoT domain. With Latin America’s competitive rates, growing tech talent, and proximity to the US, it’s an ideal destination to help you scale.

Ready to take the next step? Fill out our form to receive a list of pre-vetted candidates in your field. Let Near help you tap into the global talent market and turn your IoT vision into reality.