Outsourced software development, when done correctly, may give companies with a major competitive advantage, enabling innovation, sustainable growth, cost savings, budget/staffing flexibility, and a multitude of other benefits. It simplifies the life of the whole management team, making them seem good while adding value to the business. That is, of course, when it is done correctly. So, how can you avoid getting it wrong?&nbsp;In this article, we go through the typical issues which can appear when you make a decision to outsource the software development. What are these issues and how to avoid them, let’s find out below.&nbsp;<h3>What is software development outsourcing?&nbsp;</h3>Outsourcing software development means delegating some or all project tasks to a temporarily hired third party. In this case, the client typically delegated responsibility of a certain sector of business to a qualified external enterprise with the resources and competencies to tackle specific business difficulties.Outsourcing software development is particularly appealing to companies which wish to incorporate brilliant developers from all around the world in their projects.According to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/process-and-operations/us-how-much-disruption.pdf">Deloitte</a> poll, over 70% of respondents utilize outsourcing to cut costs, 40% to provide workflow flexibility, and 57% believe that outsourcing helps businesses to focus on the core business components.<h3>Why should you outsource software development?&nbsp;</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://techbehemoths.com/blog/small-business-outsourcing-stats-survey">Techbenemoth</a> gives us some stats which represent the valuable benefits of outsourcing. According to the survey results, the most important outsourcing benefits that businesses evaluate are cost-efficiency and flexibility.<ul><li>76.9% of respondents (or 300 companies) voted for both of these options.</li><li>As secondary benefits, outsourcing companies mention higher profits margins (38.5% or 150 companies)</li><li>A risk-free business model (35.4% or 138 companies)&nbsp;</li><li>Access to new markets (36.9% or 144 companies).</li><li>On the other hand, 12 companies consider that outsourcing has no benefits.</li><li>Another 54 companies think that outsourcing has other benefits than those mentioned above.</li></ul><h3>Let’s check the main reasons for outsourcing:&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Saving costs.</li><li>Saving time.&nbsp;</li><li>Experts on board.</li><li>Technological advancements.&nbsp;</li><li>Flexibility.</li></ul>We’ll come back to expand these reasons later, in our blog. But now, let’s stay focus on some significant issues when it comes to outsourcing and how to keep away from them:&nbsp;<h3>Issue #1 Uncertain and insufficient software requirements</h3>It is crucial to be clear about your goals while outsourcing your software engineering project in order to ensure the project's success. One of the most typical mistakes companies make when outsourcing software development is failing to produce a properly specified, well-understood requirements document. It is critical that both sides have a clear knowledge of what is being requested rather than a foggy understanding.How to avoid this issue? Maintain detailed documentation.Create a complete information sharing plan, including features, technology, and code logic. Your chosen vendor should be able to understand the project simply by reviewing your published regulations. If this is insufficient, arrange calls or meetings with the outsourcing companies, your DevOps specialists, QA automation engineers, and developers to discuss potential risks and address any questions your vendor may have.<h3>Issue #2 Finding the right outsourcing approach</h3>Among other issues with outsourcing, you may have difficulty finding a vendor of the appropriate requirements. A large outsourcing agency may take a less personalized approach and charge you too much for your project. A small outsourcing agency may not have enough developers for your project size.&nbsp;On the other hand, this issue appears not only when it comes to the outsourcing agency size but when it’s needed to choose the appropriate approach.&nbsp;There are three common outsourcing models:<ul><li>Time and material model;</li><li>Fixed-price contracts;</li><li>Dedicated development teams.</li></ul>You may pick one of the models based on your goals, requirements, scope, duration, budget, and other criteria. How do you make your decision?How to choose the vendor based on your goals?&nbsp;Let’s read about the mentioned models.&nbsp;The fixed price model&nbsp;requires you, as the client, to provide the complete list of project requirements, also known as scope, as well as the exact deadline and budget. Unfortunately, due to inflexibility, outsourcing teams are sometimes forced to sacrifice a few features in order to meet deadlines. Or it could go the other way, and you'll have to pay extra fees for developers' work as a result of unexpected changes.&nbsp;The time and material model is better suited for long-term partnerships and allows for on-the-fly changes. With this model, you only pay for the features that have been added, avoiding unnecessary costs and poor results.Dedicated development teams are extra team members who fill a knowledge gap on your team. Instead of completely delegating your project, you will retain control and will have more skilled experts on your team.<h3>Issue #3 Choosing a vendor based on the lower price</h3>When it comes to choosing an outsourcing partner, many people make the mistake of focusing solely on price. The cost factor is important in decision making, but it should never be the only factor considered. Other factors to consider include their track record, experience, technical expertise, and how well the outsourced team can meet your needs.How to meet cost-ratio value while choosing a vendor?&nbsp;Higher prices represent a better experience in expertise fields.&nbsp;It's vital that you keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest company, you may end up with a poor quality work product and poor service. Furthermore, if the project exceeds budget or takes longer than anticipated, you may end up paying more in the long run.<h3>Issue #4 Finding a Reliable Vendor</h3>Companies frequently choose an outsourcing partner based primarily on price, deciding on the lowest cost on the market while demanding a high quality product. Sure, cost is an important consideration when looking for offshore software development services, but it is far from the only one. So, in order to find your offshore developers, you must conduct extensive research and analysis that takes into account both cost and non-cost factors.How to find a trustworthy outsourcing company?&nbsp;Deep research.&nbsp;Aside from establishing your business and technical requirements, you should investigate their operating model and market performance, type their name into a search engine and see what results you get, read reviews about the company and feedback from previous customers, review its portfolio, website, and so on.Check out credible resources like Clutch, TopDevelopers, and DesignRush, as well as vendor websites, to learn about their cases and experience.<h3>Issue #5 Unclear contracts</h3>Unlike the in-house hiring process, the legal outsourcing process is not as standardized and is heavily influenced by the vendor's location. Depending on your location, you may be required to sign additional papers that are not part of the legal process. Outsourcing issues arise after contracts have been signed and work has begun; minor misunderstandings in the agreement may result in serious consequences that infect the entire dynamic between you and your vendor.&nbsp;How to avoid this? When it comes to signing papers, be diligent.&nbsp;Prepare an NDA for the outsourcing company to sign, as well as any other regulatory documents that may be required. Discuss every aspect of the process, including situations where your vendor fails to perform or makes a mistake, and don't forget to address security concerns. Your contract should include provisions for compensation, working conditions, freelancer responsibilities, ownership information, and other pertinent information.<h3>Issue #6 Communication - is the key to successful collaboration</h3>Whenether, you are just clarifying some details with the chosen vendor, or already have plans to add some significant features, you should specify the right time for both of you and the vendor to have the opportunity to make a decision together based on all pros and cons from both sides.&nbsp;To ensure project success, clear lines of communication must be established with the outsourcing partner. It can be difficult to reach out with questions or concerns if communication is not seamless, resulting in miscommunication and unnecessary frustration for both parties involved.&nbsp;How to avoid misunderstandings?&nbsp;Put in place continuous communication.Make communication a priority in your workflow by incorporating calls, feedback loops, and other communication techniques into your project schedule. If possible, you can also meet in person at each other's offices to facilitate better understanding and increase empathy. Finally, use project management tools such as JIRA and Trello to stay in sync, and set up a shared GitHub board to share technical processes. So, in addition to the numerous benefits of outsourcing software development, there are some drawbacks. Hopefully, the common mistakes highlighted in the article that startups make on their outsourcing journey will prevent you and your company from repeating them and making your experience smooth and successful. Innovation Feel team can provide a skilled dedicated team to develop your product and, for sure, make your outsourcing experience successful and smooth. Text us and we will be in touch with you shortly!&nbsp;

We go through the typical issues which can appear when you make a decision to outsource the software development. What are these issues and how to avoid them, let’s find out below. 

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Top 6 Outsourcing Issues In Software Development and How To Avoid Them

To build a next-generation web application, you must choose the optimal technology for your company's requirements. For back-end development, a variety of programming languages and web frameworks are available. One such framework created in the Ruby programming language is called Ruby on Rails (RoR). Both basic and sophisticated websites, as well as new businesses and startups, can benefit greatly from this robust web development framework.&nbsp;<h2>What is Rails?&nbsp;</h2>But, firstly, let's start with Ruby.&nbsp;Ruby is an object-oriented programming language that is general-purpose, dynamic, and interpreted. It's so human-like and similar to English that even someone who doesn't know how to code may understand Ruby code to some level.Despite being written in 1995, Rails was created in 2004 and earned Tiobe's "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/">Programming Language of the Year</a>" award in 2006.Rails has grown in popularity at a furious speed, with over&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_on_Rails">200,000</a> web pages presently built with the technology. Many well-known companies are now adopting Rails to create agile, scalable web apps. Twitter, GitHub, Yammer, Scribd, Groupon, Shopify, and Basecamp are just a few examples.Rails is a Ruby-based framework for developing web applications that has its own routing system that is independent of the web server. Rails' purpose is to dramatically simplify web application development by requiring less code and time than would otherwise be necessary to perform the same activities.<blockquote>“Rails is the killer app for Ruby.”&nbsp;Yukihiro Matsumoto, Creator of Ruby</blockquote>According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/Ruby-on-Rails">BuiltWith</a>, there are over 1 million+ live Ruby on Rails websites worldwide, and the number is rapidly increasing. This popularity originates from the numerous benefits Ruby on Rails programming may offer your business.Ruby on Rails benefits:<ul><li>RoR saves time because of the abundance of existing plugins and modules that allow developers to avoid developing repetitive code;</li><li>RoR is affordable because it is an open-source framework distributed under the MIT license;&nbsp;</li><li>RoR is secure, with numerous security features included by default;</li><li>RoR encourages bug-free development by including good testing tools in the framework, such as Minitest;</li><li>Because of its extensive adoption by large software businesses, RoR has a robust development community and support.</li></ul><h2>For what Ruby on Rails is used for?&nbsp;</h2>Minimum Viable Products (MVP)Ruby on Rails is a wonderful choice for cost-effective and speedy MVP development. The framework is widely used for prototyping and testing multiple versions of applications before building a fully functional Ruby on Rails app.eCommerce platformsRoR is the preferred framework for many eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, due to its versatility, low cost, and rapid development. Furthermore, RoR is highly scalable and can handle a large number of transactions at the same time.Social networking appsCompanies are recruiting Ruby on Rails developers to create social networking sites because RoR can handle a high volume of traffic. Ruby on Rails is used for web development and maintenance in hospitality and travel booking platforms such as Airbnb and Couchsurfing.Platforms that support complex databasesRoR is appropriate if your platform requires extensive database usage and hosting capabilities. The best example is GitHub, the world's largest Git repository site.As you can see, Ruby on Rails offers a diverse set of applications, and we've just scratched the surface.<h2>Which companies are using Ruby on Rails?&nbsp;</h2>Rails’ primary purpose is to rapidly create new high-performance web platforms. However, there is no definitive answer as to what Ruby is used for because, like any general-purpose programming language, it is appropriate for a wide range of products. Let’s see which businesses are already using Rails.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.shopify.com/">Shopify</a>Yes, it was written in 2006 with Ruby on Rails. The CMS already serves over a million retailers and is rapidly expanding.RoR's modular architecture makes it ideal for constructing B2C, B2B, B2B2C, or subscription-based e-stores. It has the capacity to not only get a project started quickly, but also to make it functional with eye-candy.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hulu.com/welcome?orig_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Hulu</a>Ruby on Rails is used to build Hulu, an American streaming portal. It's a significant subscription streaming service similar to Disney+, Netflix, Crave (in Canada), and others.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.groupon.com/">Groupon</a>This website is well-known among bargain hunters. These web locations are well-known for generating traffic as well as quality leads. Ruby on Rails is ideal for rapid development of such a project.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.twitch.tv/">Twitch</a>Every gamer's home from home built using Ruby on Rails is the best example here.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.yellowpages.com/">Yellow pages</a>&nbsp;It is a business directory that provides contact information for businesses.Of course, this list is endless but let's go further to answer the main question here - what does Rails have that defines it as a great tech choice of all the time?&nbsp;<h2>The advantages of Ruby on Rails from a business standpoint</h2>Developing applications with Ruby on Rails can be an excellent investment because it not only provides incredible benefits such as the ability to swiftly build complex web apps, but it also has additional hidden pearls that make investing in its learning curve well worth your time. You'll soon realize why using anything else would end up costing more than half of what it should have done in the first place. Let’s read more about Ruby on Rails advantages:&nbsp;1. Time-efficientIt is important to pick a programming language that produces the most output in the least amount of time. RoR is a framework that includes a plethora of ready-to-use plugins and modules. You can use these modules and plugins to construct web applications without having to write bipolar code. When compared to alternative frameworks, developers that utilize Ruby on Rails to create an application can complete projects 30 to 40% faster. This provides the startup company more time to develop.2. Cost-effectiveRuby on Rails is a cost-effective and time-efficient solution to construct applications. With businesses seeking to cut expenses while maintaining high quality, Ruby on rails development delivers the ideal balance of both! Startups will save money without reducing output value, making it the greatest alternative for both them and their investors.3. Gems available for every taskThere are numerous supporters of this framework all across the world. These supporters include developers all around the world who are continually generating gems and third-party libraries to improve the framework's capabilities. There are around 3000 gems available for developers, and it is claimed that these can perform practically any operation. These gems can perform functions ranging from authentication to payment and uploading. Gems make it possible and simple to add new functionality to apps. These gems can assist developers in creating web applications that meet the majority of the needs of customers.4. Easy support and maintenanceIt is crucial for startups to choose a framework with excellent support and maintenance services. Many things might go wrong throughout the development period, and only good support and maintenance services can remedy them. Ruby on Rails is a framework that provides substantial assistance and maintenance to developers as well as project management. Because of this functionality, many app development businesses prefer the framework over others.5. High qualityWith the rapid advancement of technology, it is difficult to find a framework that gives both quality and time savings. Because of its ability to deliver high levels of efficiency at minimal prices, startup organizations have discovered Ruby on Rails as their go-to solution for producing apps.While competing frameworks such as Cordova and MeteorJS are available, none have proven to be capable enough to be utilized as replacements for Ruby on Rails' app development capabilities.6. ScalableThe first step in creating a successful IT startup is to consider scalability. Scalability refers to an application's or website's ability to keep up with a load, and it's critical for any app that expects real-time visitors. If your site does not have enough servers set up at all times, when you get more traffic than usual—for example, after launching new features or advertising during peak hours—things will break faster as demand climbs exponentially, with no preparation!Scalability is a major goal for many firms, and Ruby on Rails has demonstrated that it is capable of scaling an app.7. Community SupportRuby on Rails has one of the most robust and active communities in the programming and technology industry. Regular meetups, video conferences, and other events are organized by those who write and research on Ruby (technology researchers, bloggers, and so on). Hackathons and other events for collaborative software creation attract people from all around the world. They exchange knowledge and share what they have learned.Ruby on Rails is an open-source framework that was created collaboratively. Because it is offered for free, developers from all over the world share their suggestions about how to improve this framework. This helps to push the software development industry forward.8. SecureRuby on Rails is designed to be secure. This framework includes a set of tools to assist developers keep organized and focused on the task at hand, ensuring that your website is always up to date, safe, and never compromised.Ruby takes care to keep you informed of what's going on behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating an awesome site without worrying about it being hacked or subject to malicious use.<h2>Looking for a Ruby on Rails software company?</h2>You found one!Innovation Feel team consists of true Ruby on Rails engineers with years of experience using this technology. You can hire a Ruby on Rails developer from our team to produce top-notch results that will drive your product to the top of the rankings.From education and travel to eCommerce and search apps, you may find a dedicated engineer to develop your product. Many companies have already benefited from RoR, and you can too!So, don't hesitate to contact us and we'll discover a Ruby on Rails developer who meets your needs and project objectives. &nbsp;

Let’s discover the main features of one of the strongest frameworks - Ruby on Rails.

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Powerful Ruby on Rails: why is it still the best tech choice for your product in 2022? 

You made the decision to start something on your own. You have a great product concept and are itching to get your business off the ground.You should concentrate on developing your product's strategy, making commercial relationships, and breaking into an overcrowded market. Everyone should concentrate on what they do best, and software product creation should be left to professionals.Who can you entrust the development of your product to? With whom should you form a partnership? Should it be a software engineer who works on their own? Or an entire company dedicated to web development?If you're thinking about these or other comparable questions, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all option.<img src="/uploads/illustration_for_article_if_b02ee7e6ab.png">Let's go deeper into the problem to see whether we can answer all of these questions appropriately. The following are some of the key distinguishes between development companies and freelance engineers:&nbsp;<h2>Rates</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>An agency's services are typically more pricey. Higher prices may appear to be a significant disadvantage at first glance, however the pricing is very dependent on the agency's location. Hiring a firm from the United States or Western Europe will set you back an arm and a leg, whereas Indian firms are offering ridiculously low rates.Eastern European firms fall somewhere in the middle. Companies in this region provide highly skilled developers at moderate prices, ensuring that you do not overspend.&nbsp;Agencies represent an excellent quality/price ratio for a company because they provide full end-to-end solutions.&nbsp;You will also save time and money by working with an agency because you will not have to manage and lead a group of distributed freelancers.<h3>Freelance Engineers</h3>The majority of freelancers charge lesser prices than software development companies. Furthermore, you will not be responsible for any overhead fees such as office supplies, health insurance, banquets, or other incentives. Freelancers appear to be a cost-effective solution.&nbsp;This may appeal to your business if you have a limited budget, are waiting for funding from investors, or need to create a single feature. Hiring a slew of freelancers for various aspects of your project, on the other hand, could be prohibitively expensive.<h2>EXPERIENCE</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>Companies that specialize in software development have a lot of experience working on complex projects and frequently have well-honed workflow practices. Additionally, software agencies are always changing and keeping up with current software trends and new programming languages, which can translate into better, more modern solutions for your project.&nbsp;If you prefer a more formal approach, hiring a software development company is a great plus&nbsp;because all you have to do is communicate with project managers, approve completed work, and wait for the next phase of your project to be developed.<h3>Freelance Engineers</h3>One of the advantages of employing a freelancer is that they are frequently more personalized specialists that meet a specific vision of the ideal applicant. Freelancers frequently have specialized knowledge in one field. Before hiring one, look over his or her portfolio to see what he or she excels at. Some freelancers portray themselves as jacks-of-all-skills, yet we all know that no one can be a master of all trades. Freelancers are appropriate to hire for one-time assignments or unique jobs. Hiring a freelancer, for example, is a viable alternative if you want to add a feature to your mobile app or build a website.<h2>AVAILABILITY</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>Schedules and workflows are always in place at agencies. Teams work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with overtime as needed. In addition, if one developer is momentarily absent, another member of the team steps in to fill the void. In established teams, well-tuned procedures help members stay organized and fulfill deadlines.&nbsp;Just make sure you're in the same time zone or have enough overlapping hours to interact with project managers, make adjustments, and discuss your startup's deliverables.<h3>Freelance Engineers</h3>Freelancers value their independence, which is why they want to avoid office life and norms. They make their own timetables and decide on how much work they do. Freelancers typically work for a variety of clients, so be prepared if they are unavailable when you need them. If you need a rapid add-on to a project, for example, your freelancer may have already started working for the next customer, become ill, or gone on vacation.Their working schedule is frequently dependent on when inspiration strikes: they may work during regular business hours, late at night, or even on weekends and holidays, and you will not have complete control over their calendar. Nonetheless, in the event of a time crunch,&nbsp;this flexibility might be extremely useful. &nbsp;<h2>QUALITY</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>Software development companies, on the other hand, place a premium on building long-term relationships with their clients and maintaining a professional reputation. They value quality over quantity, which is why they put so much time and effort into building trust. They attempt to offer the highest-quality service possible in order to exceed their clients' expectations, receive positive feedback, and have them return for future product development. For example, if you hired an agency to design your mobile app and something went wrong unexpectedly, the team will bend over themselves to resolve the flaws. Furthermore,&nbsp;agencies can provide full-service solutions for startups, from concept to design to front-end and back-end development.<h3>Freelance Engineers</h3>Even while there are many highly qualified professionals among freelancers, some of them are solely concerned with getting the job done, receiving paid, and moving on to the next client. They may desire to complete tasks as rapidly as possible since more clients equals more earnings. Quality may not be a concern for some freelancers, therefore you must be extremely cautious when selecting a contractor for your startup. Examining their portfolios for relevant projects, browsing their portfolios on resources, and reading feedback will assist you in identifying someone with a good reputation and track record.<h2>ACCOUNTABILITY</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>One of the most significant advantages of choosing an agency for your software development needs is that they oversee the project between the customer and the engineers to ensure that everything runs properly. They can keep track of the hours worked, the quality of the work, and the client's comments to ensure that everything works well. Checking in with multiple different freelancers individually is far more difficult than going through one project manager who oversees the entire team of engineers. Furthermore, if something goes wrong, a solid, respected agency will have an easier time replacing staff, and an agency is often better suited to deal with problems.&nbsp;One of the most significant advantages of employing a software company versus a freelancer is the increased level of security.<h3> Freelance Engineers</h3>Because most freelancers rely on word of mouth to find clients, they aim to execute a good job. A freelancer, on the other hand, is much more difficult to hold accountable than a software development company. Some freelancers are too preoccupied with other projects to work on your timeline, and not all freelancers are concerned with the quality of your product. Furthermore,&nbsp;most freelancers work on a job until it is completed before moving on to the next.&nbsp;This means that if you discover any defects or issues with the product after it has been completed, you may not receive any assistance or maintenance from the company who hired you.<h2>MAINTENANCE</h2><h3>Development Company</h3>You must be concerned about the future of your company. You may expect product maintenance from an agency, which includes bug repairs and upgrades, creation of new functionality, and ongoing product support. You'll also be able to work with the same team that created your product and knows it like the back of their hand.<h3>Freelance Engineers</h3>Freelancers finish the project and move on to the next client. That is the most common scenario. It may be difficult to approach them after the product has been released to address bugs or make additional changes to the final product. Even the most experienced coders will have to update and fix their code from time to time. In addition, freelancers frequently demand additional compensation for any work done after the launch. You should always explain the possibility of future maintenance when employing a freelancer.<h2> WHAT TO BE SUITABLE FOR YOU?</h2>Freelancers are easy to hire for a specific project or task that necessitates their expertise. For difficult long-term tasks, employing a software development agency is preferable. The greater the crew, the more intricate the project is. Freelancers may appear to be less expensive than agencies at first look, but they will take up more of your time to manage. As a result, hiring a company may end up saving you money in the long run. <img src="/uploads/tableforarticle_d0697a0bac.png">If you're convinced you want to hire a freelancer, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://devler.io">Devler.io</a> platform can help, and you can rest assured that it only lists vetted software professionals.If you prefer to go with a software development company, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovationfeel.com">Innovation Feel</a> can offer you a team of experienced developers; simply <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovationfeel.com">contact us</a> and we'll keep in touch.&nbsp;

Who can you entrust the development of your product to? Should it be a software engineer who works on their own? Or an entire company dedicated to web development? Let's find out! 

Innovation Feel

Innovation Feel Blog: stay in touch with latest trends, including product management, engineering, design, and culture

Top 6 Outsourcing Issues In Software Development and How To Avoid Them

Powerful Ruby on Rails: why is it still the best tech choice for your product in 2022?

Development Company VS Independent Engineers: What Will Be Suitable For You?