Guide to Outsourcing 2: Questions to ask before Outsourcing Software Development
There are plenty of questions that you should ask your potential outsourcing partner in order to determine the viability of a positive relationship for both of you.
Generally speaking, software outsourcing vendors are located offshore, so due diligence is of utmost importance. If you begin your questions based on the idea that everything that can go wrong, will go wrong, you have a good basis from which to start.
The preliminary questions that anyone should ask their potential software outsourcing firm fall into 3 categories.
- Communication
- Security & IP.
- Quality Concerns
Communication:
Assuming there isn’t a language barrier; consider that there may be significant cultural barriers. The differential between North American and developing societies is huge. Request examples of work done in a North American business environment, and North American references as well to ensure that you and your development team are on the same page.
If possible, arrange a face to face meeting as your instinct will be a good guide in this situation. If this is not possible ensure that you speak with your team on the phone and prepare some sample questions that may come up in the day to day work environment. This will help you evaluate their understanding of your communication style.
Additionally, it is highly advisable to have a specifications document prepared with as many details included as possible.
By far the best way to evaluate a potential outsourcing partner is to send them a small trial project to see how they perform. Often, despite limited English speaking ability, offshore developers can produce perfectly written software from provided specifications.
Once you have determined your team to be proficient, make sure the details on reporting and day to day communication are discussed. What time zone will your team operate on and when and how often will you receive updates?
Also important are the logistics of communication; how will you communicate? Some of the options are Instant Messenger, phone, webcam, e-mail or project management software.
Intellectual Property:
Protecting your intellectual property and confidentiality is possibly the biggest concern with allowing any vendor access to your project.
Ensure that any agreements stipulate that your intellectual property remains your property and cannot be used by your vendor without express consent from you.
If possible, have all coding done on your VPA or server to ensure instant and constant access to your project. Should something go wrong you will have the ability to terminate access to the code.Confidentiality:
Ensure your confidentiality agreements cover your vendor’s promotional endeavors. You may not want them advertising you as a client on their website or using your name in their write-ups.
To be on the safe side, ensure all contracts and documentation is reviewed by a legal team with experience in international law.
Quality Control:
Review your potential provider’s policies on Quality Control and Assurance. Also important are coding conventions and documenting standards. Your safest bet is to enforce your own policies on your offshore team to ensure a seamless transition between your in house and offshore developers.
Also, ensure you inquire about testing methodologies and ensure that your needs are being met in that department.
Again, prepare a specifications document with as much detail as possible. This will act as a roadmap for your team, and combined with regular updates, will greatly reduce the risk of your project going haywire.Laurel Lindsay is the founder and president of Small Planet Software International. A Calgary based Risk Free, Quality Guaranteed Software Outsourcing Firm which provides Local representation and Offshore Access.
Contact Small Planet Software International today to discuss how an offshore development team can benefit you.
See also:
Overview of Outsourcing Software Development
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Offshore Software Development Teams
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Learn about our Risk Free Quality Guarantee
Read about some of our past projects.
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