Important Success Factors of Offshore Software Development

Software development is a prevalent technique that allows the companies to perform their official tasks without any delay. In fact, the magic behind its efficient performance is that the software is intended to augment the overall performance making the officials grow potentially. 

Also nicknamed as outsource software development, it is considered to be the most efficient way of saving on huge costs that are incurred by keeping an in-house offshore software development staff. Basically, the main purpose of the having such a facility is to create opportunities for better functionality and allowing the companies to pay attention to some of the most essential business tasks.

Certainly, it is the involved technicalities that have managed the companies to perform excellently at the master level. The best thing of getting the services from an expert offshore software development company is that the technical factor will be definitely high. By this, it means that a professional company would be making use of latest technical trends associated with the software development process.

 Some of the important services to be noted by such type of companies are product designing, coding, testing, SaaS development, intranet solutions, ecommerce and even project management; depending on the requirement of the client company. Moreover, it is one of the most important services that help other companies to grow instantly. 

1. Team skill:

Considered to be an essential factor in determining the processing of offshore development, there is a need for the companies to hire a skilled team of developers. They should be well aware of the on-going technical trends associated with software development. This makes them stand in demand because of the factor that their technical minds are sharpened enough to create excellent software for the clients.

2. Designated process:

A planned procedure is mandatory for the team, where every candidate should know as to what they are designated to do. This ensures a high amount of clarity in the entire work flow and the results are excellent. In fact, this also includes in crafting strategies on how to complete a procedure and what all technologies are mandatory in completion. In this way, every expert associated with a project of software development will be able to know their job.

3. Preparation:

In preparing the feasible ground for effective offshore software development, there is a need to conduct meetings between officials for understanding the possible work flow to be carried out. This happens to prepare a working framework for the professional active in software development.

4. Performance factor:

After making an outline structure of the process to be carried out in development, an offshore software development company should analyze various factors and identify the possible outcomes. This will help the people in making excellent software that would be helpful in simplifying the working modules.

Offshore software development is the technological gift to the companies, which helps them in creating wonderful software. This is the reason that the offshore software development company is gaining momentum in the market. Read More : http://www.techtrendsit.com/mobile-apps-is-offshore-development-the-right-move/

Agile based methodology in Offshore Software Development Process

It is believed that effective communication plays an important role in the success of any software development process. This belief has given rise to agile software development wherein there is no fixed plan for development. Instead, the developers and clients regularly communicate to decide the next plan of action. As opposed to this, an offshore software development process entails a plan driven approach. It involves much less communication than the agile methodology. The development process is largely based on a plan of action chalked out in the beginning. Software development projects from Europe and North America are now undertaken by development firms based as far as India. While offshore development means significantly reduced development costs, the other benefits of it are less known. It is in the best interest of clients that a certain level of agility exists in any development process. Therefore, integrating some approaches of agile development into an offshore based methodology can help the latter succeed.

• Setup a defined communication protocol: It is usually seen that remote servers are situated in locations where the largest development teams sit. Smaller teams communicate to these servers over the internet. It is essential to set redundant communication channel for back-up when the primary ones fail. A particular communication protocol must be set for the complete development process. This would include documentations structures, strategic location of servers, video conferencing plans and also field visit plans.

• Use of wikis as knowledge repositories: Since face to face communication is not possible on a regular basis, it is essential to bridge this gap by creating effective knowledge repositories. Wikis can be used to share information and also to provide updated on the development process. This is offset the problem resulting from the absence of physical proximity. Most offshore software development centers follow a plan driven approach. As such they require detailed plans and designs for the requirements. Knowledge repositories can help to communicate these plans. Moreover, they can be used by both the client and developers for future reference. The lack of structure of wikis allows the involved parties to create documentation of their own suitable structure. The notification capabilities of wikis can be used to alert all distant parties about any significant changes as well.

• Continuous integration of the completed work: It is a common practice to divide the development process and delegate it to different firms. While this results in faster products with fewer bugs, integration becomes a bottleneck. Having continuous integration is very important for such an offshore software development process. But, multi-site teams may face serious glitches during integration. Therefore, it is important that all the teams use the same code base and interoperable design methodology. It is a must that every development is done keep the future integration in mind so as to avoid future issues.

• Importance of regular bug fixing and code reviews: There might be times when the development output of a team is used as a code base by another. During such times, bug fixing before embarking on the development procedure is important. This makes the developers familiar with the code base, its structure, limitations, capabilities and future scope of enhancement. This in turn results in a better product with no bugs. Having regular code reviews between multi site teams proved to be helpful in building a robust product. Ambassadors from each team can visit their peer teams so that everyone is on the same page. This will bring the aspect of face to face communication used in agile approach into an offshore development process.

In this way, incorporating agility through communication into an offshore software development process helps create a cost effective and successful product.

About TechTrendsIT

TechTrendsIT is a growing technology and strategic outsourcing company consisting of more than 1000 engineers providing reliable solutions on Business Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Mobility, Independent Testing, Application Lifecycle Management, UX Design, Research and Social Return on Investment, thereby developing a strategic technology for its clients.

TechTrendsIT combines platforms, solutions, accelerator and enablers with research and custom development to offer innovative solutions to its clients and provides a strategic advantage which helps them to stay ahead of its competitors.

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.

A Bit of History: Outsourced Development and Offshore Development

Software development programs were kick started long before. But the concept of offshore software development was conceived only in early 1990’s. Not many companies where doing offshore software development programs at that time. Companies at that time where having their own space at their own locations. There they will hire software professionals and take all kinds of development projects. Then, who is the first one who came up with the offshore development idea? We have to dig into the history to know about the roots of Outsource Software Development projects.

Anyone remember the name Andersen consulting? In Europe and US they were the first to attempt project development outsourcing. At that time no one ever thought about doing such type of initiatives. Everyone liked to look after their business from the same place itself. But the term outsourcing was not anyone at that time. Anderson and allies were doing onshore development projects. Their method of project execution is similar to the one that was doing by offshore development companies. The company was recruiting many software professionals at that time. The hired professionals were sent to special training sessions. In that session they will be taught about the various ways in which a project has to be executed for the customers. Training on software development was given on diverse platforms. Again, there were many levels in it. They were programmers, system analysts and project managers. After giving a common training program, each level of executives will be again trained according to their post. By following this method of development practises Anderson was able to gain lot of business in the software development area.

At a time there were able to handle lot of clients. This helped them in improving the business. But the main problem with this type of project execution method was its cost. They were hiring programmers and development professionals at very high prices. Or at that time the software development professionals in U.S and Europe were only a few. So there was great demand for such people. Thus it becomes not practical for smaller or low investment companies to meet the cost of software development programs. This forced many to think about alternative methods. It becomes very much impossible for companies to meet the expenses related to developing software. Later, it was towards the end of 1990’s many having started thinking about offshore development or project outsourcing.

In late 1990’s many companies have started having tie-up with companies of other countries. Certain other companies have started enquiring about software development projects and its cost directly with companies outside the country. All these efforts where started after realizing the benefits of software development outsourcing. When compare with the cost associated with developing software in the hometown with other countries, it was relatively very high. But the expertise of professionals on developing software was same. This forced companies to opt for outsourcing. Many companies in U.S and Europe have started sending project offers to other countries where production cost was lower. This includes countries like India. Earlier U.S companies where sending representatives to other countries for collecting information regarding the cost, professional expertise, man power, company set up etc. After sometime there came a change in this trend. The companies in other countries started bidding for projects and this can be called Outsource Software Development trend. The company that won the bid will take the project and submit it on time after completion. Nowadays all the major outsourcing companies are following this pattern. With the development of technology it becomes easy for offshore development companies to find projects and bid for it. The term “outsourcing” is now used in a broader sense. Not only software development, many more works have started coming from various companies to offshore development companies.  

The 6 Cardinal Principles of Effectively Communicating in Offshore Software Development

Developing software and deploying them in your business is not a simple task. There is the price factor to consider, the returns it will bring in the immediate future, how fast it will go obsolete and the cost of maintaining it and making changes from time to time. Yet another factor that should not be lost sight of is the human angle to software. People within the organization need to be trained in its use. Without proper training the software is as good as thrash. 

 

The high cost of developing software is one of the reasons why businesses in developed companies leave its development to software companies offshore. Offshore software development has big advantages – it is possible to develop them at low prices, quality can be ensured, specialized skills can be availed, and still more benefits too are available. For many software companies in the high cost economies, the offshore software development process route is the best way to make big profits.

Offshore development may look simple on the face of it, but it has its risks. Unless properly managed, costs can go up and there will be unacceptable time delays. Most businesses that managed the process well are a happy lot however. The key to a successfully outsourcing program therefore lays in how it is managed. There is no dearth to coders/programmers or resource centers in top software development countries like India for example. 

 

Here are some cardinal principles to follow in managing offshore outsourcing.

1. Before work on the project begins, set up a communication channel with the vendor companies. That means you and the vendor will have to sort out the language issue first. When you outsource to countries like India, you may not feel difficult in communicating but the understanding can sometimes be fatal. It is therefore important to switch to text communication and keep verbal to its minimum.
2. Make text communication the primary channel for transfer of ideas, day to day contact and for transferring details. The reason why text is better is that you and your vendor get a record of what was and what was not communicated. It lends well to reexamining. It is fine for taking corrective steps at the earliest possible. Yet another advantage is that the developer will be able to use records for documenting the software in the future.
3. When you assign or take up an offshore, request or send clarification at the earliest possible time. It will reduce the time required for communicating itself by leaving the developers to what they are best at – writing the codes impeccably.
4. Set the time for interacting with the vendors. This is particularly important because offshore vending often happens in different time zones across the world. There are of course countries that have time advantage. For example if you live in the US, you will find countries like India very comfortable because it is work time in India when it is time to retire for the day in the US. It means you will be able to monitor progress during working hours and issuing instructions for people working in the other half of the world.
5. Understanding how developers work offshore is important. When you understand the work culture, you will be able to communicate much better and in a meaningful way. You will know what to tell and what not to.
6. Be open to new ideas. It is always possible that the developers have something better in their mind for the working environment of the software. Rather than sticking to your own premonitions and misplaced ideas, it always helps to hear what coders have to say at the other end.

About TechTrendsIT

TechTrendsIT is a growing technology and strategic outsourcing company consisting of more than 1000 engineers providing reliable solutions on Business Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Mobility, Independent Testing, Application Lifecycle Management, UX Design, Research and Social Return on Investment, thereby developing a strategic technology for its clients.

TechTrendsIT combines platforms, solutions, accelerator and enablers with research and custom development to offer innovative solutions to its clients and provides a strategic advantage which helps them to stay ahead of its competitors.

Role of Offshore Software Development Companies

Offshore software development refers to outsourcing software development tasks to offshore countries. India is one of the most preferred offshore countries for outsourcing software development services. There are many offshore software development companies in India offering a wide range of software development services.

Indian offshoring software development companies have proved their worth by offering efficient and effective solutions such as web application development for wireless and smart cards, content management and consulting and global staffing. These firms employ the best team of experts to render specialized experience in application development, web development, software development, web programming, android development and website programming.

Today companies need a rapid response from their IT departments in order to stay competitive. Agility, innovation and flexibility along with cost effectiveness have become important elements. Herein  arises the need of application management services.  Application management refers to managing and monitoring the performance and quality of service of complicated business transactions in a system management. Application management services allows organizations to focus on core business issues, improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve time to market. There are many advantages of application management services which includes better output at a reduced cost, flexibility of resources, improved output growth by utilizing best application management system and deploying best resources. 

A large number of businesses these days are relying on Android application development with an objective of improved business growth and initial ROI. They are outsourcing the services of best android development company. Android business applications help in establishing better network with the current and potential customers by sending regular updates on products and services news on social media channels and elaborated email marketing combined with expense tracking. The best advantage of using Android platform is that it is an open source so codes can be easily accessed by the experts to see the working of the system. Moreover it is extremely affordable and offers advanced integration. Multiple simple and complex programs can be easily merged by the businesses using this platform.

Thus we see how offshoring software development services plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our business. It is a key to making large profits with lesser investments.

About TechTrendsIT

 TechTrendsITis a growing technology and strategic outsourcing company consisting of more than 1000 engineers providing reliable solutions on Business Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Mobility, Independent Testing, Application Lifecycle Management, UX Design, Research and Social Return on Investment, thereby developing a strategic technology for its clients.

TechTrendsITcombines platforms, solutions, accelerator and enablers with research and custom development to offer innovative solutions to its clients and provide a strategic advantage which helps them to stay ahead of its competitors.