The first step to the more effective, professional and affordable IT development has been done. You have decided to outsource some part of your development project to a software development team. But, it is not as easy as it might seem. Outsourcing is a process, involving a number of steps to take, tasks to execute and people to manage.
In some cases, when the client-provider relationship turns sour, doubt about the suitability of the outsourcing model itself usually arises, though, most often, the issue is simply one of an inappropriate choice of provider. If you have done your homework in selecting an outsourcing service provider, the end result will more often than not be successful to everyone concerned.
So, how do you choose the right outsourcing partner to help you in your IT development projects? Here are several tips on selecting the right outsourcing company for your IT projects:
Check for proven track record
Software development is very large, there are too many languages, frameworks and industry specific details. Being a good software development company will not necessarily mean that exact outsourcing team will be a good fit for your project.
Your goal as a client should be to find out the outsourcing team’s experience of delivering services similar to the one you plan to outsource. This could include number of projects executed, types of clients worked for, and industry expertise for knowledge intensive tasks. You can also ask for experience and qualifications of the management team, project managers and other team members. If you are entering into a long-term or large contract, it will be beneficial to interact with the team members prior to signing the deal to ensure the fit between your requirement and the team chosen to execute it.
Ask for references and work samples
No matter how good your selected outsourcing partner seems, it is important to ask for references and opinions from their previous clients. While a good-looking portfolio might convince you of the team’s technical abilities, having the necessary technical skills is not enough for a successful deployment of a project. You should also consider the timeliness of the development and communication skills and processes of the outsourcing firm.
Make sure your business goals and values align
If you are seeking a partner for a complex or long-term project, it is crucial to have a partner that shares your business values and viewpoints. Spend some time and understand what your selected company stands for, what do they want to achieve and why are they doing, what they are doing?
Ensure good communication and client management practices
Communication, or the lack of it, can make or break your outsourcing relations with a partner. Therefore, understanding your partner’s communication practices is critical.
With the innovation in outsourcing and the development of cloud computing, it has become very simple to exchange information even if your partner is located offshore. Several things to pay attention to when hiring an outsourcing team are:
- Knowledge of English or any other language you prefer your communication to be in
- Availability of the team to communicate on the standard channels like Skype, Slack, email
- Will you have a single point of the contact who will update you on the current situation?
- Do they have a good project management methodology set up that will fit your particular needs?
Selecting the right outsourcing partner will make a huge difference in the whole outsourcing experience. Having a partner that you are pleased to work with, who understands you and who shares your value will most probably lead to a successful delivery of your project and a long-term relationship to access the best talents, cut costs and save time.