Be it startups to small entities, medium or large-scale organizations, the need for outsourced software development has been a factor for consideration at all levels. The reasons for this could vary ranging from specific skills to larger number of resources, costs, Time overlap, and quicker turnaround time.
Despite the greatest need for outsourcing, there are always many risks that are involved in the process. However, the success of outsourced software development is most dependent on the mitigation plan and the steps that are followed to handle the risks that are involved in the process.
Must haves for Outsourced Software Development.
Every customer onsite requires a few primary conditions to be fulfilled as mandatory requirements for the company that offers outsourced Software development. These conditions play a vital role in the success of outsourcing. A few of them can be as follows:
1. Linguistic Differences and Communication Barriers
In general, there is a common belief that the English communication of the members in the outsourced company is low in standard and they would not be able to use accurate words and sentences wherever necessary. Any requirement provided by the customers are not interpreted correctly and Issues in communication are one of the major pitfalls of outsourced software development. It is important to overcome language and cultural barriers along with different time zones to ensure the success of your offshore project.
Frequent communication with the offshore development team helps you to overcome this major pitfall. You will need to establish regular channels of communication with the outsourced team. Internal communication training and exposure to teams with client communication plays a major role in overcoming this barrier.
Currently latest technology advancements have nulled any barriers that were prevalent for communication. An important way of ensuring communication is to use collaboration tools for regular engagement. There are certain tools like Jira, Asana, and others that allow you to have video or audio communication with the offshore team and thereby act as effective communication channels.
2. Trust and Compatibility
With more and more companies clustering with outsourced software development services, partners in the outsourced countries may face some distrust on which to choose and which one would be worthy of trust and confidence. Decades of experience in the field, trustworthy approach as a partnership model, experienced resources and effective communication has paved a clear way for the reliable outsourced companies who have made a mark in these services.
3. Commitment and Responsibility
Taking ownership of the work in hard without being its owner is a rare aspect of human behavior that would win many businesses. An outsourced Software Development company’s personnel must work with an ultimate motive to build a long-standing relationship thus increasing the scope of the business. For this, each project that is undertaken must be treated as a seed which is developed to grow, win more end customers, and increase the scope and the usability of the project.
Though not a very prominent business strategy, this approach carries with it the oneness of traditional business and its success which is seen even today.
4. Value Adds and Innovation
Providing any service as an outsourced Software development partner would require a little more than the regular business partnership. This little extra can be in the form of Value adds and innovation based on the niche skills, quality, and effort. Consistency in the output, Innovation in technological output, and other intangible benefits to the business partner would add up to the confidence and the long-term trust to retain the relationship.
Performance beyond contractual agreements and providing utmost satisfaction results in customer delight.
5. Change Management and Contingency Plans
Every outsourced Software Development company has a fleet of resources across various skills and technology. Scaling up for early deadlines, scaling down for cost benefits and expert consultation with niche skills has been a leading factor that motivates the outsourced business. With all the above a disciplined approach on development strategy, contingency plans, methodologies and adaptability is also taken care of.
When all of these are taken care of by your outsourced partner, the customer has very little to worry about. Deadlines are met, technology updates are adhered to, resources are managed effectively, product is out and end customers are happy.
To summarize, the outsourced Software development business is already climbing high and having a competitive advantage over other business engagements. Considering the current situation and the effect of Covid-19 on various other industries, with effective infrastructure, planning and disciplined approach to work, the IT industry has been moving with the same pace and comfort to support their business counter parts in spite of these odds.
A strong resource base with diversified and efficient talents and skills as against a balanced customer based with long term commitment and a partnership approach is not in short of success. Outsourced Software Development thus has the greatest potential for cost reduction, competent development and efficient completion.