Eight pitfalls to avoid when outsourcing software development abroad

The benefits of outsourcing software development abroad are widely recognized. Gaining access to software developers trained in the latest technologies can be very difficult, and international outsourcing gives companies a much larger talent pool to choose from.

International outsourcing not only offers companies greater access to highly-skilled people with in-demand technical talent, it also provides the opportunity for companies to save money. Eliminating the costs and risks associated with increasing the number of full-time employees (FTEs) can be a matter of survival for new businesses operating with tight budgets and/or high start-up costs.

8 Things to Avoid When Outsourcing Software Development Abroad

Recognizing the many benefits of outsourcing software development abroad, it’s important to note that it’s not always a straightforward and straightforward process. There are some potential pitfalls to consider before deciding to outsource. Follow along to learn more about things to avoid if you’re considering international outsourcing.

1. language barriers – Depending on the location you choose for international outsourcing, sometimes language barriers can be a real problem. Determining and communicating technical specifications can often be difficult even when speaking the same language. Before choosing an international outsourcing company, make sure there are no language barriers that could pose difficulties.
2. Cultural differences – As a US-based company, you are familiar with major US holidays and how these events can affect a typical work schedule. Depending on the location of your international outsourcing, there are likely to be entirely new holidays and other cultural differences around what defines “a standard work week” that can affect project timelines and overall productivity.
3. Major time zone differences – Large time differences can be a big challenge if you outsource software development work that requires the collaboration of US team members. Many companies involved in agile development with scrum, for example, may benefit better from employees located in the same or similar time zone. While countries like India and China are situated in distant time zones making daily work collaboration very difficult, locations near the coast in places like Costa Rica may provide a better outsourcing solution.
4. danger away – You know the old saying “out of sight, out of mind”. When it comes to outsourcing software development, this phrase sometimes rings true. There is a risk of having a team of software developers located in a far away place. Not only may overseas help be forgotten and underutilized, but distance can make regular communication, including project status updates, more challenging.
5. technical infrastructure – While your Internet access may be mostly smooth at your office location in the US, many regions of the world have much more unstable technical infrastructure. This can include frequent power outages and difficulty obtaining consistent Internet access. Before outsourcing software development abroad, make sure the location you choose provides a strong technical infrastructure.
6. employee turnover – Whether you’re outsourcing software development to a US company or a foreign company, it’s important to ask about employee turnover. Software development outsourcing is best done by companies that have strong employee engagement and low turnover. Not only will your work be more likely to be completed in a timely manner, but the quality of your code will also be better.
7. Security issues – It is very important to consider security issues in any country you are considering for international outsourcing. This is important for several reasons. Most obviously, security concerns will affect local employees working on your projects. Security concerns can also affect whether you or a member of your team can visit your software developers abroad. It is important to consider factors such as national, regional and international conflicts, social security and militarization when choosing an offshore partner.
8. code quality – If you’re a company considering outsourcing software development, you’re probably concerned about the quality of work you’ll receive. You don’t want to try to save money by outsourcing, only to have to spend more when your team on the ground has to spend hours reworking buggy code. Work with companies that hire top technical talent, and ask about certifications like those offered by Microsoft.

Outsourcing software development abroad makes perfect sense for many companies. If you’re in a region of the US that lacks technical talent, outsourcing can give you access to leading software developers. You may also find that international outsourcing helps you save money while being more efficient.

As with any new venture, it’s important to ask the right questions before you start to make your experience with international outsourcing as positive and productive as possible.