We have started 2020 with a complete shift in the way we do business. In February, organizers were forced to start cancelling the major tech events, which has led people to question the future of digital technology. The demand for high-tech solutions to our global crisis has highlighted the necessity for outsourcing software development, so we are going to offer insight into why Romania is a safe and sensible location.
- Romania’s reputation as an ITC destination is strengthening
There are 110,000 software developers employed in the Romanian market, as reported by the National Association of Software Services (ANIS). This figure is set to quadruple in the coming years. This is because Romania invests a great deal into its new generation of IT graduates and IT specialists.
When looking back at 2018, the IT sector supplied 5.5% of the country’s GDP, out of just 2.2% of the employed population. This is not only more than many other EU countries, but it is also a testimony to the effectiveness of the IT sector in Romania, largely due to outsourcing software development in the country.
So far this year, things have only continued to grow. More and more companies are choosing to team up with Romanian software developers because of their geographical convenience and their dedication to quality services. They also have a financial advantage over other outsourcing locations.
- Romania has a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical education
The Romanian educational system has taken many aspects of the Asian system. You will find that graduates are highly knowledgeable and find it easy to connect one field to another. For a Romanian student, it is considered extremely crucial to have a degree in any of the STEM fields.
It’s important to remember the history of Romania and the contributions made to the development of computational systems, many breakthroughs coming from Romania. The mature IT professionals in the sector today were those who have grown up with the learning of computer science. When you add that to the new generation of STEM graduates, you have a combination of an agile approach and tech-savviness.
Romania is also leading the way in diversity. 29% of the total workforce is female, making Romania the third-highest country for the percentage of women in the IT sector.
- The Romanian culture is very similar to the rest of Europe
Whether visiting or working with Romanians, you will notice that the local folklore and culture are very much based on European culture. One explanation is the location of Romania, in the center of multiple cultures, including Hungarian, German, and Slavic, with large communities of these nationals. This makes Romanians sensitive and open to other cultures and values. Added to this is the learning of multiple foreign languages from as young as primary school. Many Romanians are fluent in more than one language whether that’s English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Hungarian.
- It is a financially attractive area
Since 2019, Romania has enjoyed an upper-middle-income economy. While there are cheaper countries that can provide cheaper rates, you may not be guaranteed the same quality. Depending on the skill and experience of the software developer you need, you can expect to find hourly rates of between 25-50€.
Other potential expenses such as office space and costs of living are lower than you would find in Western European countries and in the U.S. With the cost of flights also relatively cheap and frequent. The quality of living, especially in cities like Cluj-Napoca, is excellent in comparison to previously mentioned locations.
- Romanian software development outsourcing companies are familiar with the various working models
The final advantage on our list is the flexibility available to you. You will be able to choose from a range of working models that suit the needs of your project.
- Dedicated Team Model- The client is able to start working with a core project team and then expand within the outsourcing company. This model is suitable for long-term collaboration, scaling projects, and software solutions that are more complex in nature.
- Extended Team Model- This model is used when a client needs to extend its in-house team, ideal if you are looking for certain new skills or talent.
- Project-Based Model (also known as Turn-Key Model)- The outsourcing company takes control of the entire development process from start to finish, completing the project by an agreed time and for a fixed price.
- Flexible Model- For maximum flexibility, you can combine the above models in a way that suits your requirements. You can also change from one model to another if your circumstances change.
- On-Site Model- There may be situations when you need a software developer to work on-site for a certain period of time, working out of your location.
In Summary
While there are more aspects that may entice you into choosing Romania, the 5 key reasons we have mentioned should be enough to encourage you to look further into the advantages of outsourcing software development in Romania.
