Suppose you're a growing tech-enabled company with a product to deliver but without the internal capacity to scale your development fast. In that case, an outsourcing development partnership is often the best way to move forward. It allows you to move ahead in the software development process without blowing your budget or struggling with skill gaps. It also gives you access to the talent and expertise of experienced professionals.
However, it is common for companies seeking outsourcing partnerships to be in the dark about what to expect. If you're unfamiliar with the basics of the software development process, this guide will walk you through it. In this article, we outline the first eight weeks of collaboration and highlight all the steps involved in a software development partnership so you know exactly what to expect when launching a project with Binariks.
Why the first 8 weeks matter in software development
The first 8 weeks of developing software are a foundation. What happens during this time often determines the trajectory of the entire software development outsourcing partnership. It is critical because:
- Foundations of trust are built early
Strong collaboration starts with mutual trust. In the first 8 weeks, both sides assess how well they work together. Good communication at this stage builds confidence that carries into future stages.
- Architecture and tech decisions get locked in
Key technical choices made early – architecture style, frameworks, infrastructure – shape everything that follows. Mistakes here can lead to costly rewrites. Smart choices, on the other hand, allow for scalable, maintainable solutions. That's why these weeks are used to explore and pick the right approach for outsource software development .
- Business alignment happens upfront
During the early stages, software product development teams immerse themselves in the client's business goals to ensure they share the same vision.
- Risks are identified and reduced
Some risks that can be reduced at this stage by building a mitigation strategy include technical uncertainties, unclear stakeholder priorities, or gaps in data access.
- Team onboarding and process setup
A well-onboarded, dedicated team hits productivity faster. These weeks are spent on integrating and setting up tools, environments, and workflows (such as CI/CD and Agile ceremonies), as well as defining roles and responsibilities.
- Clear deadlines from the start
In the first two months, we define what's being delivered and when. We turn high-level goals into a concrete roadmap with realistic timelines, giving everyone clear expectations and a shared plan.
Custom development brings long-term value when it's done with the proper foundation. Some of the key benefits of custom software development include better scalability, full control over features, tighter integration with internal systems, and the ability to adapt to specific business workflows.
Here is the entire timeline of the first eight weeks of the software development process like with Binariks:
Week 1: Onboarding, team alignment & kickoff
The first official week after pre-sale marks the true beginning of collaboration. By this point, the team has been selected through a rigorous process involving internal and external interviews based on predefined criteria aligned with the client. Now, it's time to align everyone and set the foundation for successful delivery.
Meet the team & set the ground rules
The week begins with a kickoff meeting, where all stakeholders are introduced. This is the first step in building trust and cohesion. We present the finalized team, outline everyone's roles and responsibilities, and walk through the collaboration structure.
Key agenda items include:
- Team introductions and role clarification
- Confirming communication channels (e.g., Slack, Teams, email)
- Scheduling the first stand-ups and regular syncs
- Aligning on workflows (Scrum ceremonies if Agile is used)
- Sharing a Kickoff Checklist document that becomes the collaboration playbook
Process & operational setup
We align on all key operational details to ensure everyone is on the same page:
- Communication cadence and preferences (how often, in what format)
- Time-tracking tools and processes
- Scope of work and boundaries
- Reporting expectations – most clients prefer biweekly reports, though some request weekly updates
- Financial and invoicing agreements
- Where documentation will live and how project management will be handled (Jira, Confluence, etc.)
Even if some of these points were discussed during pre-sale, this is the moment to reconfirm and document them fully.
Define KPIs and business goals
One of the most crucial steps in the software development process during Week 1 is aligning on what success looks like. Together with the client, we define key performance indicators (KPIs) and project goals that will direct the team throughout each phase.
The Project Manager facilitates this discussion and, when applicable, is supported by a Business Analyst. It includes:
- Setting measurable goals for each milestone
- Identifying client expectations for satisfaction and delivery
- Clarifying team availability and hours
- Logging any unique collaboration requirements that matter to the client
By the end of the week, everyone will have a shared understanding of the direction, responsibilities, and expectations. The format for collaboration is agreed upon, and the foundation for trust and delivery is firmly in place.
Week 2-4: Discovery or/and scope, and architecture planning
The second phase of the first 8 weeks focuses on shaping the "What" and "How" of the project. Depending on the project's maturity, this stage may include a full discovery track, a lean scope alignment, or architecture-only planning. Basically, it all boils down to either complete discovery or direct planning:
Two scenarios: Full discovery or direct planning
- If discovery is needed (typically for early-stage or complex projects), we conduct a detailed "As-Is" state mapping – a comprehensive walkthrough of the client's current processes and constraints.
- We document current workflows, collect stakeholder insights, and outline the desired "To-Be" state – what we aim to build and improve.
- This includes diagrams, flowcharts, and stakeholder interviews facilitated by the Project Manager (PM), Business Analyst (BA), and Solution Architect.
- If requirements are already clear, the team jumps directly into Architecture Planning – selecting tools, defining tech stacks, and aligning the system design with delivery goals and business needs.
Architecture & planning activities
Whether it starts from scratch or builds on existing requirements, this phase of software development outsourcing partnership focuses on:
- Validating and refining requirements
- Choosing the technical stack (suggested alternatives, trade-offs, and final recommendations).
- Designing the system architecture with input from architects and senior engineers
- Documenting user stories and confirming acceptance criteria
- Mapping out development frameworks, tools, and infrastructure decisions
Every decision is tied to business goals, and client stakeholders are involved to ensure alignment with these objectives.
By the end of this phase, the team delivers:
- A complete Business Requirements Document (BRD)
- Architecture diagrams illustrating the system layout
- A roadmap of deliverables, including estimated effort mapped to calendar milestones (e.g., "MVP delivery expected by Week X")
This becomes the foundation for execution and delivery, ensuring that everyone knows what is being built, how it will be built, and when.
Week 5-6: First sprint, CI/CD setup, feedback loop
After defining the scope and architecture, the team transitions into execution. Weeks 5 and 6 mark the start of the actual process of software development, where the foundation becomes visible through working code and value delivery.
The first sprint typically spans two weeks and focuses on the following:
- Tackling the first prioritized dev tasks
- Delivering the first working feature(s) – a tangible piece of value
- Writing unit tests and ensuring coverage from day one
- Setting up and validating CI/CD pipelines and deployment environments
- Establishing a smooth flow between dev, staging, and QA
This is where the team shifts from planning to action. The first code is merged, the first tests are run, and the first push to a live environment happens.
At the end of Sprint 1, we organize a live demo session with stakeholders. This demo:
- Showcases what's been delivered
- Helps validate that the team is on the right track
- Opens the floor for client feedback, comments, and potential adjustments
At this point, we also have facilitation from our side based on software development models . Whether the team follows Scrum or a more flexible Agile model, we provide active facilitation:
- A Scrum Master on our side (if using Scrum)
- Or a Project Manager to coordinate meetings, documentation, and updates.
By the end of Week 6, the project has crossed into execution mode, with CI/CD pipelines in place, real features in motion, and a working collaboration rhythm for continuous delivery and feedback.
Week 7-8 and further – rest of sprints, working on MVP, optimization
By the time you reach Weeks 7-8, your project has momentum: the team is working at full capacity, the foundation is solid, and regular delivery cycles are underway.
What can be achieved in this period depends on the scale of your project: sometimes, it's initial prototypes, core feature sets, or early proof-of-concepts; other times, it's the full MVP.
Either way, these first weeks lay the groundwork for stable, long-term collaboration and ensure your software development partnership with Binariks is built to evolve as your goals grow.
MVP work accelerates
From this point onward, the team works in regular development sprints aimed at building out the Minimum Viable Product. The duration of MVP development varies significantly (from three weeks to six months), depending on project complexity, scope, and team size.
Each sprint continues the established delivery rhythm:
- Implementation of prioritized features
- Continuous integration and testing
- Iterative demos and stakeholder feedback
- Adjustments based on evolving needs
Process optimization & documentation
With development underway, there's also space for reflection and improvement:
- Fine-tuning development processes, team collaboration, and workflows
- Improving code quality, test coverage, and deployment stability
- Ongoing feedback loops to incorporate stakeholder input into future sprints
- Building and updating technical and product-related documentation as the system evolves.
Stabilization or handoff
Depending on the project structure, the outcome of this phase can take two forms:
- Transition into a stable, long-term software development flow cycle, where the team continues to iterate and scale the product
- Or a structured handoff to the client's internal team, including documentation transfer, knowledge-sharing sessions, and onboarding support. If you choose this, we smoothly transfer software development processes into your hands.
Why this 8-week approach works
As our Delivery Manager Antonina Homoniuk says: "Too often, software partnerships stumble from rushed beginnings or unclear expectations. At Binariks, we believe in a guided launch, giving customers the structure, feedback loops, and clarity they need to feel in control before making big investments. It’s not about speed for its own sake; it’s about building lasting, reliable solutions together."
So, basically, the described structure provides projects with the focus they need early on without locking teams into rigid or bloated software development processes. It's fast when it needs to be, thoughtful where it matters, and flexible enough to match different project types.
- Controlled start, less risk
Instead of diving into development, we first align on goals, architecture, and how to work together. That keeps the scope in check and avoids costly mistakes later.
- Just enough planning to move with confidence
We focus on key decisions early – scope, team setup, timelines – so delivery doesn't stall mid-way.
- Early feedback keeps things on track
We focus on working code instead of long specs. From the first sprint, we demo real progress and gather feedback to stay aligned.
- Flexible structure, not a one-size-fits-all process
Need a discovery phase? We do that. Already have requirements? We dive into planning. Whether you prefer an agile or hybrid approach, we tailor the software development process to your specific needs.
"Honestly, what clients tell me they value most is being in the loop and actually steering their project from day one. Our approach isn't about locking you in but about letting you test ideas, set real priorities, and see progress early, so you always feel confident and in control as we build together," adds Antonina.
- Works for different kinds of teams
- Startups: fast-moving, hands-on support
- Enterprise software development : clear structure, documentation, and reporting
- Product teams: long-term delivery with DevOps readiness
What happens next?
The 8-week ramp-up is just the beginning. Once the MVP is delivered, the project enters the post-MVP phase, where the real product evolution begins. Here is what happens after the software contract is signed.
Depending on your goals, this phase of collaboration in software development processes can include:
- Scaling the team to accelerate feature development
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Infrastructure management and DevOps
- Product iteration based on user feedback and analytics
- Gradual handoff to your internal team if you're moving toward in-house ownership
Every collaboration looks different beyond MVP – some continue with long-term delivery, some shift to support and optimization, and others transition into advisory mode. We adapt to your pace and product maturity.
9 Best practices for software development partnerships
- Controlled start with clear roles, expectations, and communication channels
- Upfront planning to align on goals, KPIs, timelines, and delivery scope
- Fast feedback loops through demos, reviews, and direct input
- Flexible collaboration – hands-on or autonomous, based on your needs
- Domain knowledge tailored to your industry and workflows
- Clear, proactive communication using shared tools and routines
- Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and accountability
- Lean, living documentation for clarity
- Long-term mindset – monitor, adapt, and grow the partnership over time
Ready to start? Let's plan your first 8 weeks
A successful software development partnership starts with structure, clarity, and mutual alignment. That's exactly what our 8-week approach delivers.
Why partner with us?
- A dedicated team is assigned from day one without delays and reshuffling
- You get domain expertise in healthcare, fintech, and insurance
- All communication follows a clear structure tailored to your work style
- We move fast, validate early, and deliver what's needed
Book a workshop or an intro call with us to see how this methodology applies to your project in practice.
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