One of the critical decisions in offshore software model is to identify the right offshore software development partner.

Given that a customer is venturing out "far far east" to identify the best outsourcing partner for the first time, it can be a daunting experience. The customer needs to establish a framework under which it will identify the software vendor and it will work with the identified vendor. We at eXtendCode believe that relationships need clarity, honesty and plain old hard work. Here is a list of a few things which a customer should think about before identifying offshore software development partner.

Management Team

When one invests in a company, it is important to look at the management team of the company. A company that is giving offshore development work to a vendor is investing in that company. It is highly recommended to look at the management team of the vendor to evaluate if the team has appropriate credentials, if they appropriate experience both at technology at cultural level. A management team with experience outside the country of current location should be highly preferred.

Communication

Communication is one of the most important factors for having a successful relationship with an offshore software development partner. A vendor may be highly competent on the technical aspect but if it cannot communicate effectively in terms of understanding customer’s requirements and responding using established channels, the project/service is doomed to fail. On top of all this, time zones and cultural aspect pose other challenges. Communication aspect is also related to the management team’s exposure to the international work environment.

Business and Technical Competence

A customer should evaluate if the offshore partner has business acumen and required technical skills to translate the business requirements into actual implementation satisfying critical success factors. The combination of business and technical skills is important even if the customer is managing the project remotely like in Time and Materials engagement model.

Customer Engagement Framework

It is very critical to evaluate if the offshore software development partner uses best practices and established processes to engage with customer. The lack of explicit customer engagement processes is the first sign of risk. One may argue that you don’t need such framework or processes, if the project is small. We at eXtendCode believe that an explicit customer engagement framework is must and one can always adapt the framework as per the project/service requirements.

Customer References

A list of good customer references is very important to evaluate where the offshore partner stands. The quality of samples, customer’s feedback and the location of customers should be used to evaluate the partner. References could also address issues like schedule adherence, trustworthiness, and responsibility, which cannot be judged by work samples, and are best resolved by previous customers.

Why eXtendCode?

1. eXtendCode has been in the business of providing outsourcing solutions for a global clientele for the past one year.

2. Although the company is relatively young, it has an excellent management team with more than 40+ years of aggregated experience all over the world (US, Europe, Japan, Mid-East, India).

3. We have been offshore software services providers for diverse platforms such as Microsoft, SAP and Open Source.

4. eXtendCode relies on its EODM (eXtendCode Offshore Development Methodology) to deliver projects/services in a consistent and predictable manner.

5. eXtendCode uses its client engagement framework ECIF (eXtendCode Client Interaction Framework) to manage client relationships, which is based on our Client Portal. Client Portal is our extensive web based portal service which is offered to the customer at no extra cost to collaborate and monitor the project execution.

6. eXtendCode has worked with more than 20+ customers in US, Europe and India.

7. Last but not the least, WE ARE COMMITTED! WE DELIVER!