Dispelling Offshoring Misconceptions Is as Easy as 1,2,3

by The Scalers Offshore Development Teams In India

The world has changed over the last eighteen months and so have preconceived notions around offshoring. There are offshoring misconceptions that have been put right, but still, some remain. While businesses are now aware of the benefits that a dedicated team can provide. Some of these relate to the misunderstanding around the differences between outsourcing and offshoring, as we'll see below.

Low-quality output

Horror stories about software houses, poor working conditions, and poor results abound. However, they're often tales from another era and really bear relevance to the integrated offshore centers of today. When you work with an outsourcing company, you're signing a project-based contract. You might have a bulging pipeline but lack the capacity to deliver. So, by outsourcing your development to a third-party vendor you get some extra engineers for the duration required. This is great for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, but it can also bring risks such as hidden costs, loss of ownership, and substandard software. Offshoring is different. It's building a wholly-owned team abroad to augment its existing workforce with skilled professionals.

Poor security protocol

When you outsource to an external vendor, it's key to understand that you're simply another client for them. Your IP isn’t really their concern. The right offshore partner should mirror your 'home' protocols, issue NDAs, provide on-site security at the offshore location, and preferably have the correct ISO certifications to demonstrate the highest standards of information security.

Uninvested developers

With outsourcing, the developers you hire are often there on a project-based basis. As such, they're not necessarily invested in your mission and vision as a business, since they're working for several at the same time. With a dedicated development team, this is one of the offshore misconceptions that is easily dispelled. Your engineers work only for your business and are full-time, genuine colleagues as opposed to external support.

In conclusion, offshore misconceptions exist because the line between offshore and outsourcing hasn't been clearly defined in the past. The game-changer is that your offshore team is a part of your business in every sense. It's a highly talented, high-value extension of your team at home.