Tuesday, July 21, 2015

What to Avoid When Outsourcing Software Development Projects


While outsourcing certainly has its share of benefits, the stories of software development projects going south are also abundant. This is why it is imperative to choose the outsourcing provider carefully. Here are a few things mistakes to avoid outsourcing software development projects

Language Disconnect: If you are planning to outsource the software development project to an offshore location where your language is not native or is not prominently in use, you may have a hard time with communication. It is important for the client and the vendor to be able to communicate clearly in a common language. With the difference in languages, you may find it extremely difficult to communicate your needs and project requirements. Therefore, choose an outsourcing location where your native language is popular.

Difference in the Time Zone: If the outsourced location is in a completely different time zone, collaboration, communication, and interaction may become a challenge. Therefore, it is advisable to hire the outsourcing team located in the time zone closer to your own. This will make sure that the interactions and communications are timely. On the other hand, some outsourcing companies align their work hours according to your working schedule. If that is the case, you can hire them easily for your job.


Differences in the Culture: The difference in the culture may have impact on the timely completion of the project. For instance, if the holidays in the country where you have outsourced your job fall within the time line set for the completion of the project, you may experience delays. Therefore, before choosing the outsourcing location, work out the productivity and schedule details with the vendor. Ask them how will they complete your project by the deadline and still be able to accommodate their holidays.

Unreliable Technical Infrastructure: Large software development projects require a reliable and stable technical infrastructure. The vendor company to which you are outsourcing your project must have the proper internet connectivity, power management system, and a reliable networking setup. If all these requirements are met, you will be more confident to outsource software development project.

Poor Credential Management: The safety of your data and business intelligence is of extreme importance. You will be sharing a great deal of business information with the vendor when outsourcing the software development project. This is the reason why it becomes important to understand the credential management incorporated by the company to keep your confidential information safe. Before finalizing the deal with the vendor, ask them up front about the credential management system they have in place.

Low Quality Workforce: Gauging the quality of the software developers before handing your project over to the vendor is important. Not only will you want your project to be of the desired quality, you will also want it to get completed in time. The higher the experience and expertise of the developers, the better will be the results. 



Low Workforce Strength: Aside from the quality and experience of the developers, you also need to ascertain if the company has the required headcount to ensure the timely completion of the project. If the employee turnover is low, it is unlikely that your project will conclude within the desired timeline.

Insufficient and Improper Analysis of the Operating Model: Going for the outsourcing company offering the lowest cost and promising the best quality may result in undesired results. While cost remains to be the primary factor while choosing the vendor, you cannot afford to compromise on the quality. You will need to strike a balance between cost and quality. A close and detailed analysis of the company’s operating model can help you determine whether it is the right choice.

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