The benefits, for clients, of choosing ISO certified partners for software development

20th January 2023

ISO 27001 is the international standard that outlines best practices for Information Security Management Systems, commonly referred to as an ISMS. To achieve certification businesses must implement a comprehensive set of security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their information.

There are several benefits of your software development partner being ISO 27001 approved:

Increased security, implementation of ISO 27001 means that a partner has implemented a comprehensive set of security controls to protect the information that is handled. Providing assurance that their information security practices are of a high standard

Compliance, many industries, and governments have regulations that require businesses to implement information security controls, and being ISO 27001 certified can demonstrate compliance to these regulations

Risk management, the ISO 27001 standards requires those certified to conduct regular risk assessments and implement controls to mitigate they top risks. This can help your partner to identify and mitigate potential security threats, ensuring safety of the data handled

You don’t want to launch the same way your competition did. Know the strengths and weaknesses of your competition and find a unique, standout way to launch

Business continuity, successful certification to the standard also requires your partner to have a plan in place to ensure the continuity of their business in the event of a security incident. This can you’re your partner to minimise the impact of any security incidents and ensure business continuity

Reputation, being ISO 27001 certified can enhance the reputation of your partner and demonstrate to you and other clients or customers that they take information security seriously

Overall, by selecting a partner who is ISO 27001 approved means that they have implemented a comprehensive set of security controls and have undergone a rigorous certification process, giving the assurance that they are handling your data with the highest levels of security.

What’s SaaS?

SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a model of delivering software development and applications over the internet, on a subscription basis. The SaaS model is different from traditional software delivery models, such as shrink-wrapped software or software installed on-premises, in that it is delivered over the internet, and customers access the software via a web browser or a mobile app from any location.

SaaS developers typically host and maintain the software applications, handle all the upgrades and updates, and handle all the infrastructure and security for the software. Customers simply pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to access the software and its associated services. Examples of SaaS companies include Salesforce, Zoom, Dropbox, and Slack.

How do I select a SaaS or software development provider to become my partner?

Experience and expertise

Look for a business that has experience and expertise in the specific area of software development that you need. It's also important to evaluate their portfolio and case studies to see the types of projects they have worked on and their level of expertise

Scalability

Consider the scalability of the business and their ability to adapt to your growing needs. Ask about their infrastructure and resources to ensure they can handle large amounts of data and traffic

Security

Security is a critical aspect of any SaaS software; make sure the company you choose has robust security measures in place and that they comply with industry standards such as ISO 27001

Technical support

Consider the level of technical support that the provider offers you. Look for vendors that offer you the types of support you need, for example you might need 24/7 support or require a dedicated team handling your technical issues

Pricing

Evaluate the pricing model and compare it with other options available in the market. Make sure it aligns with your budget and the value it offers

Partnership

Look for businesses that are willing to collaborate and work as a partner, rather than just a vendor. This will ensure a more efficient and effective working relationship

Reference check

Ask for references from current or previous clients and reach out to them for feedback about their experience working with them

Once you have evaluated the above factors, schedule a meeting with your potential partner is key to discussing your specific needs and to see if capabilities align with your requirements. This will help you make an informed decision about selecting a SaaS software developer to become your partner.

The benefits of an ISO 27001 certified software development or SaaS provider outweigh using an uncertified business. With quality and safety key focuses of the certification process, potential partners can demonstrate and assure you of the security protocols they have put in place to keep your data safe. Certification also provides you with an independent verification of the business’ credibility, where their systems are aligned with internationally recognised standards.

Compliance to ISO 27001 could be all it takes to secure a partnership with the promise of long-lasting success.