ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN OFFSHORE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 1, 2011 -- Software development is a very complex process in itself and requires rigorous efforts to achieve successful project completion. When it comes to offshore software development, there are greater complications involved. This is so majorly because of lack of control due to multi-location development and it leads to uncertainty even in the final delivery of the project.

There is no doubt that offshore software development enhances the opportunities at potential savings-firstly because of the lower offshore labour rates and elasticity in staffing. Yet there are several risks that can prevent you from achieving the full benefits of offshore software development. Be it web development or software development, outsourcing brings along the following risks:

Project delays/cancellation
Unskilled labour
Poor quality
Lack of control
In order to avoid these risks and make the offshore software development project successful, you need to take the following measures:

Higher focus on communication- With the actual project being conducted in a different location, miscommunications are bound to happen. This can be prevented by making larger commitment of time for communication. Before, during and after the project, two-way communication should be conducted to clear out doubts, if any.

Clarity of project specifications and requirements- Another reason for failure of the offshore software development project is not defining the specifications and deadlines for the project. If you do not specify your expectations and the factors associated with the project, the developer would create software according to his understanding, which may not match with your requirements. It is best to write down each specifications and rules and regulations in a contract that should be signed by both the parties.


Continuous monitoring- At each stage of the development process, you need to monitor the performance of the developer and the overall progress. This is necessary in order to detect any discrepancies.

Thorough testing procedures- Testing is a critical step in offshore software development and it is important to conduct this process thoroughly. Testing allows you to see if the final product matches with the specifications and standards decided upon before the commencement of the project.

Familiarity with the home language can be an added advantage- Offshore software development is conducted in a different company which may have a different national language and culture from yours. Being familiar with the language and culture gives you an added advantage of better communication with the developers and sharing of ideas.

Assess the success record of the offshore development company- To avoid the uncertainties and risks involved in offshore development, it is wise to check the credentials of the development company and see its past performance. Handing over your project to a new company or the one with dubious records can be an extremely risky endeavour.

Technologies used in the development process- Technical expertise is very important in the success of the software development. If the developer uses the latest technologies, the project is bound to be successful; but if outdated technologies and tools are used, the success is doubtful. Thus, it is best to assess the technological soundness of the developers.

These aspects are applicable even in the case of offshore web development because it also involves similar risks and uncertainties and can be overcome by taking the above discussed measures. Thus, be it offshore software or web development, you must be cautious throughout the process.


Sigma InfoTech
Address:
Level 8, 33 York Street
Sydney NSW, Australia - 2000
Tel: 1300782023
Fax: 1300794402
E-mail: sales@sigmainfotech.com.au
http://www.sigmainfotech.com.au/websitedesign.htm

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