According to recent projections, the demand for software engineers, QA experts, and testers is expected to increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031. Around 24% of executives use an outsourcing model for their IT projects.
Offshore software development companies are often hired to create products for clients in different countries or continents. As the demand for IT outsourcing continues to increase, offshore software development teams are being sought after in South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, which have emerged as the top offshore destinations.
Eastern Europe
Poland and other Eastern European countries have gained prominence in the IT outsourcing industry because of their cost-effective services and skilled workforce. Also, the clients consider such advantages as cultural and linguistic similarities, and favorable time zones. While their rates may not be as low as those of Asian developers, Eastern European teams offer high-quality work, dependable communication, and timely delivery.
Asia
The Asia region has become a sought-after hub for outsourcing app development, with a vast pool of over 4 million IT professionals. The primary reason for hiring offshore teams in Asian countries like India is cost. Developers there typically earn lower salaries than in the US, with an average of $20,000 per year. However, it’s important to keep in mind potential language and cultural differences with such countries as India, China, or Vietnam.
South America
South American countries are becoming increasingly important in the IT outsourcing industry, thanks to their proximity to US startups. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico have a large talent pool of over 500,000 various IT experts. Additionally, developers in these countries have a high level of proficiency in English, and the IT industry enjoys strong government backing.
How to find a dependable software partner?
Conduct a thorough evaluation of potential vendors by reviewing their company information and feedback from previous clients. Search for potential developers by exploring tech company directories such as G2, Goodfirms, Upcity, and ITFirms. You can also directly contact software development vendors using B2B social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter or freelance websites such as Upwork.
Gather requirements and establish communication
When reaching out to an offshore software development company, begin by sharing your business needs and vision with your partner. Assess whether the vendor understands your goals and has a clear plan for delivering the expected outcome. The vendor will collect all necessary data to get a complete picture of your requirements and identify your expectations, allowing them to assemble a skilled team of dedicated developers and provide accurate job descriptions.
Select the top developers for your team
The software vendor will begin by sourcing and interviewing candidates to create a shortlist of developers who are the best match for your project’s requirements. You will then have the opportunity to personally interview the shortlisted candidates, which may involve testing assignments or live coding sessions. Being involved in the hiring process can help you gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of your future team of dedicated developers.
Establish effective management and ongoing communication
Before your dedicated developer team begins working on your project, agree on the project management methodology (Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall) and communication tools (such as Zoom, Jira, Skype, Trello, ClickUp, etc.) that are convenient for both parties. As development is typically an iterative process, it’s important to receive regular detailed progress reports, provide feedback, and make any necessary changes. Consistent communication and detailed reporting with feedback provide full transparency into the development process. The final step is product release, at which point you’ll have achieved the desired result and can deliver it to end users. Optional ongoing support, maintenance, or customization can be requested.
Potential challenges when working with an Offshore Development Team
To make the most of offshore software development, experts from Belitsoft suggest being aware of and addressing common issues that may arise during collaboration with your offshore partner.
Time zone differences can result in communication difficulties, such as addressing real-time problems or understanding certain issues.
To resolve this problem, consider scheduling regular meetings and workshops in advance to discuss tasks, progress, and other important matters with your offshore team.
Cultural differences can affect the effectiveness of an offshore software development team.
To minimize this risk, perform a comprehensive analysis of candidates before making a selection. That can help you detect any potential cultural differences that could impact the success of your project.
Lack of personal interaction can influence mutual understanding and the achievement of project goals.
To prevent this issue, try prioritizing frequent team communication, such as scheduling weekly calls or video conferences, to stay connected.