For the most part, small businesses in the software technology industry rely on outsourcing providers to accomplish some of their tasks. Cost-cutting finances and time restrictions are the two major reasons why most companies outsource their many technology projects overseas like India, China and eastern European countries.
Although software technology involves complicated and demanding projects, many companies have achieved success in their endeavors. Yes, with the right mindset and attitude, your own success in outsourcing is indeed, attainable. Below are some rules for a successful software technology outsourcing that you can follow:
Choosing Your Outsourcing Partner. Outsourcing providers in different countries differ in many aspects. The diversity in size, infrastructure, capital, language, talent, and location all affect an outsourcing firm’s capability of service. For the most part, some companies choose their outsourcer based on the size and reputation of the outsourcing firm. But in reality, the success of partnership between the client company and the outsourcer depends on not just one or two factors but with the right combination of each and every factor involved.
What most companies don’t realize is that infrastructure, language and skills all play a major in their success especially when outsourcing software development. The lack of sufficient communication infrastructure, like high speed internet connection or smooth telephone accessibility will likely result to faulty projects, thus alterations or modifications on those projects might be needed repeatedly.
A more in-depth research or study must be done on the part of the client when seeking an outsourcing company for software development. Interviews with the prospective team members must be personally conducted to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and find out whether these people can really handle a certain project. This is true most importantly when looking for programmers where a special knowledge matched with skillfulness is very essential.
Deciding on the Right Project. Evidently, finding a proficient and talented team to work on the project is only the first step. Making sure that this team will handle the right project for them is the next step. Not every project will be suitable for outsourcing. Some projects do require face to face communications. To avoid serious catastrophe, it is advisable to start with outsourcing more simple tasks like internal technical support, documentation, quality assurance, and like projects. It is also recommended to limit outsourcing with a specific time period of around 2 to 3 months.
Administrating the Project. In outsourcing software development, correct planning and implementation is the key. When you have decided on your outsourcing team and which project to entrust them, it is imperative that you and your outsourcing partner understand each other. Give clear and precise guidelines about your expectations on the project. A written outline is indispensable. While the project is on-going, do not just count on assumptions that every thing is doing well. Ensure that every thing is indeed doing well by monitoring the day to day progress of the project either through e-mail, instant messengers, or phone communications. This may require a little more patience and attention from you but taking these extra efforts can save you from big disappointments.
Funding the Project. Cost-cutting will not be a good plan if it means compromising the quality of work. Provide an adequate portion of your resources in funding the outsourced software development project.
Testing the Project. Testing is important not only on the final stage of the project. Even in the early stages of the project, it is wise to conduct trial tests to ensure the quality of work. Don’t miss on the small details. For example, if it is a support software, you would want to measure the exact number of problems that the software support, how long it takes to responds to each problem, and whether the response is satisfactory or not. Pay close attention to every detail and have a written record of all the tests conducted.
Learn from the Project. Whether the project has been a success or a failing one, it is wise not to stop and plan on another project. Both you and your outsourcer can learn from the last project. The written reports will be a great help on your next endeavor. If the first project was a success, you may want to add some complexities on the next one to improve and perfect the process.
About the Author
Liz Roberts is a successful internet marketer and has been using outsourcing to fuel her everyday online marketing business. In her recent years in the arena of online marketing, she was able to build a competent team of outsourced webmasters performing link building strategies and creating web templates.
Copyright 2007
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