What is Offshore Software Development?

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Imagine a scenario where you are starting a new innovative project and you need some of the best software developers. But what if you can’t find the best software developers in your local market and your budget is running low with the deadline approaching? This is a common challenge many businesses face. 

Does this scenario sound all too familiar? You're not alone. This is where offshore software development steps in offering a reliable and effective solution and bringing a sense of relief and reassurance to your dreams. So many companies from startups to global enterprises in today’s fast paced digital world are shifting towards offshore software development to stay competitive. But you are asking what is it and why should I care? Don’t worry. We will explain every little detail in this guide so that you can see the new light.

Let's embark on this journey together towards the successful implementation of offshore software development that you can be proud of.

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Understanding Offshore Software Development

If we have to explain it in the most straightforward way then offshore software development is about hiring a software developer team located in a different country to manage and complete the assigned project from the company. The tasks would include anywhere from a simple mobile app and creating customized software to maintaining large complicated systems.

Unlike hiring a freelancer here it involves collaborating with an already established software company. The advantage is that you can have access to highly organized and well trained teams with project managers, designers, developers and QA testers who are all working together to produce that one quality product.

Leaving no room for any mistakes or hiccups.

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Why are Companies Choosing Offshore Software Development?

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There is a reason why offshore software development is a considerable trend now. The reason is simple it takes care of many of the challenges faced by modern companies.

And they are:

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• Cost Efficiency

Let's be honest about one thing. Making software isn’t cheap and hiring an entire development team requires high salaries, expensive equipment and a comfortable space to operate. Offshore software development cancels all of these concerns and offers you a really budget friendly choice. 

There are many countries like Russia, Japan, Taiwan and India where there is a massive talent for doing technical work. Compared to the USA, UK and Australia where hiring is expensive these countries will give the same if not better developers who will do the perfect job without compromising on quality.

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Pro Tip: Cost cutting doesn’t mean loose ends in the final product. There are partners who proudly maintain high standards and deliver exceptional outcomes. 

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• Access to Greater Global Talent

What happens if the best person for the job isn’t even in your country? Offshore software development can quickly solve that problem by opening the doors to a vast global pool of undiscovered talent. This path really comes in handy when you need someone with special skills that are hard to find locally. Let's say that you want to build an AI or blockchain application but your local market might not be able to fulfill this request.

So you need help from outsiders who are well equipped and knowledgeable to do the job.

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• Faster Time to Market

When technology advances speed becomes really important especially in today’s era. Offshore software development lets you hire teams and quickly get the job done. While your squad sleeps your global friends will work effectively to make sure that your essential tasks get done before their deadlines. 

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• More Focus on Core Business Activities

When you try to make software without the right types of equipment things can go terribly wrong and offshore software development gives you the chance to make things right. While your hired developers get started to finish the complex software you on the other hand can focus on your core business activities like marketing, customer services and strategy.

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How Does Offshore Software Development Work?

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Well, to be honest with you the overall process is really straightforward but it requires some careful planning. So we have made a quick breakdown to help you easily understand the whole process.

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• Step 1: Defining Your Needs

Before you hire any offshore software development companies make sure to have a clear goal and requirements like:

What is the scope?

What type of technologies do you need?

What are your budgets and timelines?

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• Step 2: Choosing the Right Trusted Partner

Always look for companies with a strong track record and check their reviews. Make sure that they communicate with you professionally. Don’t ever skip the above steps otherwise you might get scammed.

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• Step 3: Setting Up Clear Communications Lines

If you want to move on successfully then you need to communicate clearly. Make sure to take advantage of tools like zoom, slack or google meet so you can have regular meetings with your partners and stay informed about how things are progressing.

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• Step 4: Making Clear Goals for Your Project

Make sure to cut down your project into manageable tasks with clear deadlines. So everyone can work efficiently and there won't be any problems later.

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• Step 5: Focusing on Absolute Quality Assurance

Lastly make sure that your offshore software developers always do quality testing and double checking of the final results. This step will clear out any bugs or errors that may still be lurking in dark corners saving you a lot of time and money.

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Where there is success there are hardships and offshore software development also comes with its fair share of difficulties. But fear not because we have taken a few precautions for you to guarantee that everything goes smoothly.

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• Different Time Zones:

It's completely natural when you are working with someone from a different country on the other side of the world. There will be some timing issues.

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Solution: Talk to your partners and work at an ideal time when both of you are online.

That way you can get things straight in no time.

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• Language and Cultural Barriers

Languages and cultures can be huge roadblocks.

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Solution: Make sure to select those who have good English speaking skills and have a culture of creativity and are open to new ideas.

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• Data Security Threats

Working with outsiders is always about sharing sensitive information.

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Solution: Make sure to sign non-disclosure agreements to make sure they follow strict security protocols and won’t leak anything to other 3rd parties.

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• Risks and Downgrades in Quality

This one matters the most as every offshore software development company is not the same when it comes to doing quality work the way you want.

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Solution: Check their previous work and also their client testimonials. Verify everything to make sure nothing is fake and then decide if you want to hire them or not.

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Tips for a Successful Offshore Software Development Partnership

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So you finally decided to go with offshore software development and take its full advantage. Well we have the right tips for you that will make things a lot less complicated in the first palace.

Here they are:

• Communicating Early and Regularly: Set clear expectations, have open dialogues with the team and regularly check to see how the progress is being made.

• Using State of the Art Methods: Use advanced frameworks like Scrum or Kanban to keep all your projects flexible and responsive to any changes.

• Building Good Relationships: Try to treat your offshore software development team like they belong in your company and not just some third party vendor. Be friendly to them.

• Greater Priority on Documentation: Always keep a good record of requirements, changes and feedback. This information will be helpful later.

• Staying in the Loop: Regularly have demos and reviews to make sure your project stays on track.

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Is Offshore Software Development the Right Choice For You?

If you still have doubts about whether or not you should take a leap of faith in offshore software development. We will give you four reasons that will surely change your mind. You should consider it if:

1. Rare and unique skills are not available in your local market.

2. You want faster project delivery without any compromises in quality.

3. You want practical solutions at low costs.

4. You want to have a team that knows what they are doing and are not quitters even in challenging moments.

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Our Final Thoughts: Why it Could Be Your Best Move Yet

Offshore software development has gone from being just a cost saving measure to a strategic tool for innovation, scalability and global collaboration. When done right it can enable business owners to have access to some of the finest global talent, boost their company’s growth and focus on what truly matters more. The key is to choose the right partner, have clear dialogues and be active throughout the procedure.

Because you aren’t just outsourcing you are building a long lasting beneficial friendship that will drive your business forward to a successful future.  

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