When it comes to software development, companies have two main options: onshore or offshore development. Onshore development means working with a team of developers who are located in the same country as the company, while offshore development involves working with a team of developers who are located in a different country.

For us, the answer is clear. We prize direct communication with a local team whose qualifications and integrity are well-known to us, personally. In fact, we never contract or sub-contract with offshore developers for these reasons.

Offshore development sells itself on cost savings through access to a large pool of developers that work for lower rates than you'll find stateside. While it may seem like a slam dunk when comparing numbers, the apparent savings in time and money may be costly in the long run when mistakes and miscommunications start piling up.

We like the direct communication that a US-based team provides. We find this results in a better understanding of the project and a more efficient development process. Additionally, onshore development can be beneficial for companies that are concerned about intellectual property protection or data privacy – we like knowing all sensitive information is being handled in a secure manner.

Sometimes beyond simple geographic or time differences, it is much easier to find developers whose values and approach to solving problems align with ours when we work with a small group of local developers who we trust, and who trust us to do right by them.

Ultimately, the decision to use onshore or offshore development depends on a variety of factors, including the specific needs of your company or your project, the level of communication required, and the budget available. It's important to carefully consider these factors before deciding who you work with.