NEWS
2024.01.19
2024.01.22
Offshore Development: Key Points for Success
Offshore development involves outsourcing tasks such as software infrastructure construction, system development, and operational maintenance to overseas companies or local entities with lower wages compared to domestic rates.
In recent years, Western nations have faced a shortage of engineers, causing disruptions in development and related activities. The IT industry in Europe, grappling with a scarcity of talent and rising labor costs, coupled with an increase in IT-adoption by businesses, finds it challenging to meet demand solely within the country. Many who have experienced difficulties in smooth system and app development have turned their attention to offshore development as a solution to break free from this situation. This article explores the fundamentals of offshore development and provides insights into key points for ensuring its success.
Table of Contents
- What is Offshore Development?
- A Type of Development Outsourcing to Overseas
- Objectives of Offshore Development
- Major Countries for Outsourcing
- Benefits of Offshore Development
- Cost Reduction in Offshore Development
- Cost Reduction in Offshore Development
- Shorter Delivery Time with Offshore Development
- Key Points for Successful Offshore Software Development
- Thorough Preparation Before Outsourcing
- Detailed Communication is Crucial
- Careful Monitoring of Progress and Deadlines
- Consultation for Offshore Development at Kaopiz
1. What is Offshore Development?
1.1. A Type of Development Outsourcing to Overseas
Offshore Software development, is a method of outsourcing tasks such as designing, developing, infrastructure building, and operational maintenance of software like core business systems, web systems, and applications to overseas development companies, subsidiaries, or local entities with lower costs than those in the domestic market. The term "offshore" in Offshore Development refers to "off" and "shore," signifying "abroad" or "overseas." It implies carrying out development activities outside the home country. Like manufacturing products in cost-effective overseas locations for sale domestically, offshore development operates on a similar principle.1.2. Objectives of Offshore Development
The primary objectives of offshore development include:- ⓵ Cost reduction in development.
- ⓶ Establishing connections with excellent IT companies and professionals overseas.
1.3. Major Countries as Outsourcing Destinations
Offshore development originated with outsourcing tasks to India, known for its abundance of IT talent and lower labor costs than in Europe. Following India, China, with similar advantages, became a popular destination for offshore development. Some of the main countries chosen as outsourcing destinations include China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.Outsourcing Destinations | Average Monthly Unit Price Range for IT engineers (US dollars) |
China | 2400 ~ 2700 |
India | 2000 ~ 2700 |
Vietnam | 2000 ~ 2400 |
The Philippines | 1800 ~ 2000 |
Bangladesh | 1500 ~ 2000 |
2. Benefits of Offshore Development
2.1. Cost Reduction in Offshore Development
As mentioned earlier, the most substantial benefit of offshore development is the reduction of development costs. Outsourcing tasks to countries with lower labor costs enables significant savings in personnel expenses, a significant portion of overall development costs.2.2. Cost Reduction in Offshore Development
On par with cost reduction, securing talented IT companies and professionals abroad is a crucial advantage. In Western nations, where there is a growing need for IT talent due to rapid globalization and informatization, offshore development serves as a solution to address the expected requirement of about 85 million IT professionals by 2030. Establishing connections with overseas talent through offshore development not only addresses the shortage but also provides opportunities for talent acquisition through collaboration.2.3. Shorter Delivery Time with Offshore Development
Offshore development allows engineers from different countries to work simultaneously through cloud systems, significantly reducing the time required for delivery. The ability to secure many skilled individuals and expedite delivery times means increased flexibility to handle large-scale developments and complex programs.3. Key Points for Successful Offshore Development
3.1. Thorough Preparation Before Outsourcing
Success in offshore development is deeply connected to the preparation before outsourcing. Foreign technical professionals differ from their Western counterparts in language, culture, and values regarding work. Bridging these significant gaps and ensuring the success of offshore development necessitates thorough preparation. When engaging in offshore development, consider elements such as the language used by the outsourcing partner, time zone differences, and other factors that may impact the work. Furthermore, many countries follow a practice where anything not explicitly stated in the contract or specifications may not be implemented. Even details considered common sense in Europe might be overlooked, leading to potential issues. It's essential to clearly specify necessary details in the contract and specifications. When working with engineers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, having a bridge SE (a person proficient in both languages) or an SE from the outsourcing partner who can communicate in English is crucial. Building a positive relationship with this bridge SE from the start is also an essential element for success.3.2. Detailed Communication is Essential
As mentioned earlier, effective communication with the outsourcing partner is crucial. Closely effective communication allows correction of misunderstandings or misalignments caused by language or cultural differences in early stage. In particular, communication with the project manager or business analyst, acting as a liaison, is critical. And let's keep in mind maintaining frequent communication, regular tasks management, and consistent feedback communication between both sides.3.3. Careful Monitoring of Progress and Deadlines
One of the challenges in offshore development is the management of progress and deadlines. The impact of time zone differences on communication during work can be significant. Even a few hours of time difference can have a substantial impact on deadlines. Additionally, differences in culture and work values may result in looser progress and deadline management in some countries compared to Europe. Careful communication helps in managing progress and deadlines more effectively. Be meticulous and cautious when overseeing progress and deadlines compared to domestic development projects.4. Consultation for Offshore Development at Kaopiz
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