Friday, November 16, 2007

Offshore Software Development: How to Select Projects That Will Succeed

The central issue for a company in offshore software development is to decide the projects to be offshore. Company cannot just offshore any project, for the reason that the employees in developed countries desire to operate on fresh project development. This matter has to be cautiously thought .Offshore software development requires subsequent guidelines to be followed:

1. Company goal: It’s often said that goal are easy to make but hard to accomplish. Therefore, make certain that you identify your goals for offshore outsourcing well. Be clear on the factors that are attracting you towards offshore business. Is it cost only, or do you want to develop custom software rather than general software. Different reasons will give you different list of projects to be off shored.


2. Sufficient resource talent offshore: This reason basically depends on the technologies you use; you have to make sure that there is a tremendous resource talent. Struggle for the appropriate resources in countries like India is extreme; if you are in a narrow position and require spending hefty training dollars to get highly trained staff, you have to give a thought on how you can preserve your employees. This is because competition in the market is so high in terms of salaries that employees can easily leave your company for other if they are offered good salaries.


3. Deliverables and level of interface with the U.S. team: You should be capable enough to provide the adequate information to the companies you are dealing with. This will enhance the chances of success & will earn you huge income the next step involves the level of interface. How much interaction does the offshore team require to do with the U.S. team? This depends on the need of the offshore teams but it will take considerable management effort to make it profitable.


4. Specialized equipment or tools: If your development atmosphere involves specialized tools and equipment, it can affect monetary viability and schedules; it is also necessary to consider the time it will take to create the required environment offshore.


5. Cultural fit: Is it feasible to teach offshore employees within a rational time frame? For instance, projects that deal with user interfaces are harder to transfer because of the need to recognize the cultural issues in U.S.

6. Attracting and preserving offshore genius: If you are doing new development or you are in a strong technology area, this will work in your favor. If you are allowing for dated or proprietary technology with inadequate market demand or supporting energy, this will work against you.