Switching Software Development Vendors – How to Make the Transition Smoothly

Transferring a software development project to a new vendor is not uncommon — but it can feel like a major challenge. The most common reasons for switching include delays, poor quality, or lack of technical expertise from the current provider.

In this blog, we explain why companies decide to change vendors, how the transition is carried out in practice, and what to consider when selecting a new partner.

Why Do Companies Switch Software Development Vendors?

There are several reasons why businesses decide to transfer their software development projects. The most common include:

• Delays and quality issues
  The current vendor fails to deliver features on time or at the agreed quality level. The project suffers from constant delays, features don’t work as specified, and bug fixes take too long.
• Recurring bugs and technical issues
  New feature deployments introduce frequent bugs, performance issues, or even bring back previously resolved problems.
• Lack of expertise or resources
  The vendor may lack the necessary skills or capacity to carry the project forward. Sometimes the departure of a key team member halts progress altogether.

How Does Mediasignal Handle Software Project Transitions?

At Mediasignal, we have extensive experience in taking over software projects. With over 25 years as a trusted partner in digital business development, our takeover process follows a clear, structured plan:

1. Code Review and Project Assessment

• We begin with a technical audit of your current codebase to evaluate its quality and identify potential risks.
• You provide a briefing on the challenges with your current vendor and any known technical issues.
• Together, we define your goals for switching vendors, the development backlog, and timeline expectations.

2. Initial Plan and Cost Estimate

• Based on the assessment, we create a preliminary project plan.
• You receive a cost estimate for the agreed scope.
• We also establish a pricing model for ongoing development.

3. Codebase Review and Modernization

(Plus, environment migration if needed)

• We review the full codebase and identify issues such as deprecated modules or outdated language versions.
• We propose necessary updates and check for security vulnerabilities.
• If required, the application can be migrated to a modern hosting environment managed by Mediasignal.

4. Continuation of Development

• Once the technical foundation is solid and any legacy issues are addressed, we continue development based on your goals and priorities.

What to Consider When Choosing a New Vendor

When planning to switch software vendors, it’s important to evaluate the following:

• Relevant experience
  Does the new vendor have experience with the technologies your project uses? The solution doesn’t have to be identical in industry or functionality, as long as the technical expertise is a match.
• Proven takeover process
  Has the vendor successfully handled similar project transitions before? Ask for references or examples from other clients.
• Clear communication and process
  The new vendor should be able to present a structured onboarding process, realistic timelines, and transparent cost estimates.

In Summary

Switching to a new software development partner can deliver significant value — especially if your current provider isn’t meeting expectations.

At Mediasignal, we handle project transitions carefully, beginning with a thorough code review and situation analysis. From there, we create a clear action plan and resume development seamlessly.

Book a short Teams meeting — we’ll help you assess your situation and plan the next steps.

You might also be interested in:

The Phases of Software Development – From Planning to Continuous Improvement