Offshore Software development refers to software outsourcing to a company located in another country.
▸These include remote development, opening a center in another country, or partnering up with third-party software developers.
▸ Offshore software development has many benefits. It allows for lower labor costs, accessing a wider pool of skilled developers, and the ability to tap into different time zones to speed up development cycles.
▸ It can also pose challenges like communication barriers or cultural differences.
▸ It is important to remember that you are working together with an offshore partner in software development. It is a partnership, not a hierarchy between managers and employees.
Many business owners don't understand this because they pay the offshore company to do the work. They forget that both are available. You should wait to be chosen by an outsourcing company if you are satisfied with their services.
Let's take a look at the key points that will make your offshore partnership a success.
The Do’s in Offshore Software Development Partnerships
1. Be Clear About Your Goals and Needs
You must first have clear business and project goals. Also, you need to create a detailed product specification and requirements list.
It's okay if you don't have enough tech experience to create a product list. All business owners don't need to be tech-savvy.
In the initial stages, it is important to know your business goals and the industry in which your product will be sold. Business owners often have great ideas but struggle to realize their potential.
Here is where an experienced and trustworthy offshore software development partner can help you navigate the right way.
2. Research Well
The tech market is large and growing rapidly. There are many software development companies and many software development technologies. You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of software partners available when trying to find the right one. If you are not familiar with tech, things can become a lot more complicated.
However, nothing is impossible. It is possible to be smarter and save time in your search for a reliable software development partner.
Begin with research. Keep it simple. Do not get overwhelmed by the amount of information available. Start by filtering your options based on your goals. These are your beacons for finding the right software partner.
3. Choose an Offshore Software Development Company That is Experienced in Multiple Industries
Companies that specialize in software development have a greater understanding of how to work with different industries. Because they've been there, they are more trustworthy and can give you new perspectives, ideas, and efficient ways to implement your project. They are more likely to be able to meet your expectations than companies with less experience.
A company that is an offshore software developer and has worked on projects in your industry would be the ideal scenario. This is not a guarantee.
These are the main points you should have in common with your future partner:
- Experience
- Partnerships that last a long time
- Qualified specialists
- Positive client testimonials
Once you have a list of several companies that fit this description, you can make quick calls and then follow the flow. You will see who matches your energy, who is interested in your project, and who communicates well.
4. Always Communicate More
Communication is essential. Communication is key.
You and your partner should choose the communication platform that is most convenient to you, and stay with them throughout the project's development.
Regular meetings are a good idea with your tech lead or development team to make sure you're on the same page regarding deadlines, task processing, and project deliverables.
5. Trust Your Partner in Offshore Software Development
Trust and trust alone are the foundation of long-term, solid partnerships
It's fine to check in with your software team now and again to stay in tune with the entire process, but it should be done within reason.
Offshore software development companies, as we have already said, are more than just service providers. They are business partners.
Trust your partner, don't tell them what to do. Partnerships are mutually beneficial relationships between two or more people. This means your software team is just as invested in your project's success as you.
Trust them to do their job well and allow you to concentrate on the areas that are your responsibility in your business.
It's hard to imagine how liberating it can be to learn to trust others in the business. This is a key to business success and building good business relationships.
You should pay attention to the project development process to ensure that it meets your business goals. Then, let the tech team do the technical things.
6. Time Zone Differences: Be Aware of This Beforehand
You should be aware of the time zone differences if you are considering partnering with an offshore Software Development company.
This is usually not an issue, but it can make communication easier if you choose the best version for your time zone differences.
Today, offshore companies offer a lot: flexibility, budget-friendliness, and top talent.
You should not be discouraged by the time difference if you feel that your offshore software partner offers the complete package.
The Don’ts in Offshore Software Development Partnerships
1. Be Humble: You Are Not Always Right
Let's not call a spade an island. Many business owners believe they know everything about software development and are therefore a "know-it-all".
They are not willing to accept other approaches and opinions. Everything must be their way. This attitude can lead to many failed partnerships, and ultimately a failed project.
This is not something you should do with your offshore software developers team. Talk to them about your idea, and then listen to their thoughts.
You might find that they have some tips and tricks to help make your project a success.
2. Micromanage, But Don’t Lose Sight of the Process
Do not let your offshore software development team get in the way of you. Remember the talk above about healthy relationships. Micromanagement can be a very dangerous thing to do in a business partnership.
Maintain a healthy balance. Keep your eyes open. Regular meetings are important. Let them know what you like and dislike.
You can speak up if you would like certain items to be developed differently. Give the software team the space and time they need to do their jobs.
3. Don’t Forget Data Security
Security is vital. You must ensure that your partner is following the same security standards and measures as your business. Everyone involved in the development of software projects must make security a priority. This includes your employees as well as your partner offshore.
High security can save your business from many headaches such as:
- Financial loss
- Reputational harm
- Consumer trust can be lost (especially if the personal data of consumers is compromised by cyber attacks)
- Brand erosion
It is vital to ensure that your data is protected across all business channels. This is especially true now that there has been an increase in cyber-attacks.
4. Do Not Go For the Lowest-Priced Offshore Partner in Software Development
It's understandable to be tight on your budget, especially during these turbulent times. But don't choose the cheapest option that you find.
Low quality does not necessarily mean poor quality, especially for offshore software development teams. You might end up paying more for the best option than you think.
Why? It is because you will end with a poor product in the best-case scenario and a failing product in the worst case. You will need to find another software partner to recover your product or have it written from scratch.
Do you think this sounds like something that you would enjoy?
5. Do Not Cling to Your Plan
The tech industry and major software companies have been agile for a long time. Although it's important to have a clear and detailed project plan, sticking to it when an alternative approach is more effective halfway through the project is not a good idea.
Let the project develop naturally by being more open. Sometimes, slight deviations from your initial plan can be a way to improve and refine your project in unexpected ways.
6. Do Not Deny Cultural Differences
Consider the cultural differences you might have when talking about offshore software development teams. These differences can be particularly apparent if you have an offshore team that is from the Easternmost side of the globe and your company is based in the US or Europe.
▸You should not be able to handle situations that might cause misunderstandings due to cultural differences. It is better to find a team closer to your mentality.
▸Eastern Europe could be the perfect middle-ground for you. You can still find great partners around the globe. Cultural differences can be a big benefit for your business and project.
▸They may challenge your established business strategies or give you new ideas. You never know what you might find!
▸Don't worry about the language differences. Regardless of where they have located or their cultural backgrounds, most IT workers can speak English fluently.
▸Many offshore software development companies offer English classes to employees since English is the language of modern technology.
Software companies can also provide teams that speak other European languages, such as French, German, and others, in the event you have difficulty communicating in English.
Final thoughts
An offshore collaboration can help you grow your business and increase your bottom line. Make sure you get the most out of its potential advantages and benefits.
It is important to find a trusted and experienced partner in technology who cares about your project's success. All the rest will fall into place as you work.