Top 11 Companies to Consider for Desktop Application Development Outsourcing

Looking for the right partner to help you outsource your desktop application development?

We have an overview of nine solid options for you to consider.

We’ll also review the advantages of outsourcing desktop app development, the types of services you can outsource, and best practices for your new partnership.

Top Benefits of Outsourcing Your Desktop Application Development

If you’re still weighing whether outsourcing is the right move for your desktop application development, here are some practical benefits that might help you decide.

Cost efficiency

Outsourcing can be significantly more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team, regardless of whether you choose a domestic or international provider. 

When you outsource, you’re paying only for the services required, avoiding expenses like full-time salaries, benefits, recruitment, and infrastructure costs. 

Nearshore or offshore outsourcing often provides the greatest cost savings as you benefit from the lower labor costs in other regions.

Access to specialized expertise

Different desktop applications require different skill sets. A financial services application needs skilled developers experienced with security protocols and data encryption, while a media application requires expertise in UI/UX and performance optimization.

Outsourcing provides access to developers with specific experience in these niches without needing to maintain that specialized talent year-round in-house.

Scalability

Rather than maintaining a full in-house development team, you can scale your development resources based on actual needs by outsourcing.

A typical desktop application project might need 3–4 developers during the main build phase but only 1–2 for maintenance—outsourcing makes this flexibility possible without the overhead of hiring and managing full-time staff.

Focus on core business

Delegating desktop application development to external experts frees up your internal resources, allowing you to focus on core business activities.

This shift enables your internal team to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive growth and enhance profitability while leaving the technical stuff to experienced professionals.

Quicker time-to-market

The right outsourcing partner brings established development processes and deep technical expertise to your project from day one.

Instead of spending time setting up workflows or solving common technical challenges, their teams can hit the ground running with proven approaches—reducing development time compared to building an internal team from scratch.

Types of Desktop Application Development Services You Can Outsource

Depending on your internal team’s capabilities, you might need to outsource just a few specific functions to fill skill gaps or hand off an entire development project. 

Here’s a breakdown of individual services that work well for handing off to external development teams:

• Custom software development: Tailored applications designed specifically to meet your business requirements and processes.
• Cross-platform development: Creating applications that run seamlessly on multiple operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• UI/UX design: Developing intuitive and engaging interfaces that enhance user experience and application usability.
• Software integration and migration: Integrating new applications with existing systems and migrating legacy applications to modern platforms.
• Application maintenance and support: Providing ongoing technical support, including bug fixing, updates, and upgrades to ensure application efficiency and reliability.
• Quality assurance and testing: Comprehensive testing services to get your application performing at optimal levels without bugs or issues.
• Cloud-based desktop applications: Developing desktop applications with components hosted in the cloud to increase scalability and accessibility.
• Security enhancement: Implementing robust security measures to protect applications from data breaches and cyber threats.
• Performance optimization: Enhancing the application’s performance for better speed and efficiency, improving user satisfaction.

Top 11 Companies To Outsource Desktop Application Development

We’ve included two main types of companies in our list: traditional development firms that handle complete projects with full teams and talent platforms or specialist recruitment agencies that help you source individual developers.

The best fit for your project will depend on your timeline and budget, as well as whether you need a complete development team or just want to supplement your existing technical capabilities.

The list is not in any particular order (and you won’t be surprised to find we are starting with ourselves).

1. Near

Near helps US businesses hire remote developers in Latin America (LatAm). Unlike global recruiting companies, Near focuses exclusively on LatAm, with local recruitment teams who understand the region's tech ecosystem, market conditions, and work culture.

The LatAm software industry is booming, and Near leverages this to help businesses scale efficiently through a fast, tailored, and comprehensive hiring approach, building lasting partnerships. 

We handle everything from sourcing and technical assessment to compliance and payroll, making it easy for US companies to build their teams with skilled developers while typically saving 30–70% compared to US salaries. 

2. Turing

Turing connects companies with experienced developers through their AI-driven platform. It provides talented professionals skilled in desktop application development across various programming languages and platforms.

3. EffectiveSoft

EffectiveSoft is a seasoned software development company known for delivering custom desktop applications for Mac, Linux, and Windows. With years of experience, it provides high-quality solutions, from client-server app development to desktop app redesign, incorporating the latest technologies to ensure performance and reliability.

4. ELEKS

ELEKS stands out as a technology consultancy firm known for developing custom software solutions, including sophisticated desktop applications. The company boasts over three decades of software development expertise and specialized knowledge in emerging technologies like AI and cloud consulting.

5. Iflexion

With a focus on full-cycle software development, Iflexion has extensive experience in creating robust desktop applications. With solutions developed across multiple domains, such as e-learning, e-commerce, and computer vision software, a partnership with them guarantees top-tier performance and usability.

6. Oxagile

Specializing in software development for over 20 years, Oxagile has provided mobile and web software for big brands like Vodafone, Google, and Disney. Its low-risk development approach means you can rely on a transparent and communicative process with plenty of trackable metrics and feedback.

7. Upwork

Upwork is a global freelancing platform where you can hire professionals with desktop application development expertise. It’s a versatile platform for finding both individual developers and specialized teams.

8. Toptal

Toptal offers a curated network of the top freelance app developers. It specializes in matching businesses with expert professionals skilled in desktop or mobile app development.

9. Appnovation

Appnovation is a full-service digital consultancy offering end-to-end services from strategy to design, development, and continuous support. The goal of its services is to deliver shorter development and testing life cycles for businesses to get to market faster.

10. Itransition

Itransition offers comprehensive web app development services, from web portals to PaaS-based apps and more. Founded in 1998, the company is a seasoned veteran in the desktop app space, with experience digitizing business processes like customer-facing services and internal operations.

11. Andela

Andela connects companies with Africa’s top software engineering talent. It focuses on finding expert offshore developers skilled in creating advanced desktop applications suited to project-specific requirements.

Best Practices for Successful Desktop Application Development Partnerships

Found a development partner that looks promising? Great. But before jumping in, let’s talk about how to set up the relationship for success.

Define clear objectives

Start by setting clear and measurable goals for your desktop application project. 

Outline the specific features, functionalities, and timelines you expect. This clarity will guide the development team and ensure alignment with your vision.

Choose the right partner

Select a partner with technical expertise who understands your industry and business objectives. Look for companies with a proven track record in desktop application development, relevant case studies, and positive client feedback.

And remember that while cost savings are important, successful outsourcing isn’t just about finding the lowest rates.

It’s about finding the right balance of expertise, communication skills, and cost efficiency.

Developers based in Latin America, for example, often offer a sweet spot of technical expertise, timezone alignment, and competitive rates that make sense for US businesses.

Communicate effectively

Establish open and regular communication channels. Use project management tools to track progress, share updates, and address any issues that arise promptly.

Regular check-ins help keep the project on track and keep everyone aligned.

Prioritize flexibility

While having a well-defined plan is crucial, it’s equally important to remain flexible. 

Development needs can evolve as the project progresses, and a good partner will be able to adapt to changes efficiently, allowing your application to meet the latest user needs and tech advancements.

Involve key stakeholders

Engage all relevant stakeholders from the outset to gather input and confirm that the application meets user expectations. 

Stakeholder insights can prevent costly revisions and align the project outcomes with broader business objectives.

Focus on quality assurance

Prioritize a thorough testing and quality assurance process. Collaborate with your partner to define clear quality standards and implement rigorous testing to deliver a robust, bug-free product.

Cultural alignment

Cultural compatibility plays a big role, especially when outsourcing internationally. 

Work with partners who understand your corporate culture and working style to facilitate smoother interactions and stronger teamwork.

Establish post-development support

Check to see that your partner provides post-launch support to address any issues or updates efficiently. This ongoing relationship is essential for maintaining and improving your application over time.

Final Thoughts

Success with outsourced desktop application development often comes down to finding developers who not only have the right technical skills but also understand what you’re trying to achieve from a business perspective. 

The best partnerships happen when developers can think beyond the code and contribute insights that make your application even better than originally envisioned.

That’s why hiring dedicated remote developers as extensions of your in-house team, rather than just third-party contractors, often leads to the best results—they become invested in your business goals and can contribute meaningful insights as actual team members.

If that sounds like the right model for you, we can help. 

At Near, we’re passionate about connecting US businesses with skilled development talent in Latin America. Whether you’re looking to build a new application or enhance an existing one, we can help you find the perfect developers.

Our rigorous vetting process ensures you’ll work with developers who can hit the ground running on day one, while the Latin American time zone alignment with the US means real-time collaboration with your team.

Book a free consultation call with us today.