Pune is one of India's largest technology hubs, with firms ranging from one-person studios to large IT services companies. Choosing well matters more than choosing cheaply: a failed software project costs not only the fee but months of lost time. These questions separate teams that deliver from teams that only pitch well.
1. Can I see software you built that is running today?
Screenshots and portfolio mock-ups prove design skill, not delivery. Ask to see a live system — and ask who uses it. A team that runs software in production understands backups, security and support.
2. Who exactly will work on my project?
Meet the people who will design and build it, not only the salesperson. Ask how many projects each developer is handling at the same time.
3. Will I own the source code, database and accounts?
The answer should be an unconditional yes, written into the agreement. Hosting, domain and app-store accounts should be in your name from day one.
4. What exactly is in the quote — and what isn't?
A good quote lists modules, user roles, integrations, milestones and exclusions (content, data entry, third-party fees). Vague quotes lead to "that's extra" later.
5. How often will I see working software?
Look for a staging link and a demo every one or two weeks. If the first thing you'll see is the finished product in four months, the risk is all yours.
6. How do you handle changes?
Requirements always change. The right answer explains how changes are estimated and approved before work starts — not "we'll manage".
7. What happens after launch?
Ask about the free warranty period, the cost of a yearly maintenance plan (AMC) and response times for urgent problems.
8. How do you protect our data?
Expect concrete answers: role-based access, encrypted passwords, HTTPS, backups you can restore, audit logs, and awareness of India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
9. Which technology will you use, and why?
Mainstream, well-supported technology (for example React, Node.js, PostgreSQL) makes it easier to hire, host and maintain your software for years. Be wary of obscure or proprietary platforms that tie you to one vendor.
10. Can I speak to a client?
A short call with an existing client tells you more than any case study. Ask them about communication and what happened when something went wrong.
11. Is the business registered, and who signs the contract?
Check the legal entity, GST and Udyam (MSME) registration where applicable, and make sure the contract is with that entity — not an individual's personal account.
12. If we part ways mid-project, what do we get?
You should receive all code, documentation and credentials to date. Agree this upfront, while everyone is friendly.
Red flags
- A fixed price given without understanding your process.
- Full payment requested upfront.
- No written scope, or a scope that is a copy of your own email.
- Code hosted only in the vendor's account, with no access for you.
- Promises of "unlimited changes" — someone pays for them eventually.
Local or remote?
Working with a Pune-based team makes in-person workshops easy, which helps a lot during discovery. After that, most projects run perfectly well remotely with a weekly call and a shared project board.
Infovion Technologies is a Pune-based software company that builds custom software, apps and SaaS — and runs its own products in production. Here's how we work.
