Top 5 Software Outsourcing Trends for 2019
— January 21, 2019IT outsourcing is poised for significant growth in the coming years. As businesses increasingly recognize the benefits of outsourcing, the demand for specialized services is expected to surge. While the exact impact of technology on the future of IT outsourcing remains uncertain, several key trends are shaping the industry in 2019.
Cybersecurity

In 2019, the growing dependence on digital platforms increased the importance of cybersecurity. Almost every business, regardless of its size or industry, had a digital presence, exposing them to cyber threats. The reliance on technology made it crucial for companies to protect their digital assets. According to studies, nearly half of small businesses experienced some form of cyber-attack, with many attackers leveraging automated tools to exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems. These challenges underscored cybersecurity as a key trend in IT outsourcing.
Businesses demanded software solutions capable of safeguarding sensitive data from potential breaches. As a result, developers needed to prioritize robust security measures. Software vulnerabilities, such as authentication flaws, insecure data storage, and data leakages, became areas of critical focus. Companies that failed to deliver secure solutions faced losing customers to competitors offering better protection.
For businesses, one way to mitigate risks was to adopt best practices, such as downloading applications only from verified sources like the Play Store. Spoofing and cyber-attacks continued to be persistent threats, emphasizing the need for outsourcing partners who could deliver secure software. Cybersecurity outsourcing thus became a top priority for companies seeking reliable IT solutions in 2019.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) transformed the software development landscape in 2019. Businesses sought outsourcing partners who could integrate AI into their applications to enhance efficiency and user experience. AI technologies, such as machine learning algorithms, chatbots, and robotics, became essential for automating repetitive processes and improving productivity.
The adoption of AI in outsourcing services focused on enabling businesses to deliver more personalized and intelligent interactions. Digital assistants like Siri and Amazon Alexa represented early implementations of AI, offering users helpful tools for daily tasks. The potential for AI to evolve further ensured its dominance among outsourcing trends. Companies recognized the strategic advantage of incorporating AI features into their software, driving demand for specialized development expertise.
Moreover, businesses used AI-powered chatbots to provide seamless customer service, handle inquiries, and reduce operational costs. The ability of AI to process large datasets and deliver actionable insights also enhanced decision-making capabilities for organizations. As AI technologies matured, businesses increasingly relied on software outsourcing partners to implement cutting-edge AI solutions, ensuring they stayed competitive in a rapidly evolving digital market.
Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) emerged as a revolutionary trend in 2019, reshaping how businesses approached web and mobile application development. PWAs offered the functionality and performance of native apps while maintaining the accessibility of web applications. Companies across sectors, including healthcare, banking, and e-commerce, embraced PWAs to enhance user experiences and reduce development costs.
Google and Microsoft played pivotal roles in advancing PWAs, integrating them into their browser platforms and encouraging developers to adopt the technology. PWAs provided significant advantages, such as offline functionality, faster loading times, and enhanced user engagement. For businesses in Vietnam and other outsourcing hotspots, this trend offered opportunities to deliver high-quality web applications cost-effectively.
Organizations looking to capitalize on outsourcing in 2019 leveraged PWAs to streamline their digital offerings. These applications allowed companies to reach wider audiences without the complexity of developing separate native apps for different platforms. By adopting PWA technologies, businesses could offer improved services while reducing operational costs, making them a vital focus for outsourcing partners.
Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology gained momentum as one of the most innovative outsourcing trends in 2019. Initially popularized by Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, blockchain’s potential extended far beyond financial applications. This distributed ledger technology enabled secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions across various industries.
Businesses sought to integrate blockchain into their processes to enhance security and efficiency. The technology eliminated the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and streamlining operations. Blockchain’s ability to authenticate large-scale transactions in real-time made it invaluable for sectors such as supply chain management, healthcare, and finance.
Outsourcing partners played a critical role in implementing blockchain solutions, helping companies adopt this transformative technology. Developers focused on creating blockchain-based platforms that enabled seamless data sharing, improved traceability, and minimized fraud risks. The adoption of blockchain signaled a shift in how organizations approached data security and transaction management, solidifying its position as a key outsourcing trend in 2019.
Low code Development

Low-code development gained prominence in 2019 as businesses sought faster, more efficient ways to create software applications. This approach minimized the need for traditional hard coding, enabling developers to build applications using visual interfaces and pre-built components. For organizations with limited budgets, low-code development offered a cost-effective solution to deliver high-quality software quickly.
Low-code platforms allowed developers to automate repetitive coding tasks, increasing productivity and reducing time-to-market. These tools supported the creation of a wide range of applications, from customer-facing platforms to legacy system upgrades. Businesses in Vietnam and beyond leveraged low-code development to maintain agility in an increasingly competitive market.
Outsourcing partners specializing in low-code development provided businesses with the expertise needed to implement this approach effectively. By reducing complexity and streamlining workflows, low-code platforms enabled organizations to respond to changing market demands with greater speed and flexibility. This trend underscored the growing importance of outsourcing partners who could deliver innovative solutions tailored to client needs.
Conclusion
The software outsourcing landscape in 2019 was shaped by technological advancements and evolving business needs. Trends like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, progressive web apps, blockchain technology, and low-code development redefined how companies approached software development. Businesses sought outsourcing partners who could deliver specialized expertise, enabling them to stay competitive and meet the demands of a digital-first world.
For companies in Vietnam and other outsourcing hubs, these trends presented opportunities to deliver value to clients while embracing cutting-edge technologies. By focusing on these key areas, outsourcing providers could address the challenges faced by businesses and drive innovation in the software development industry.