Outsourcing Software Development to India - How to Find and Manage the Best International Talent

Are you exploring outsourcing software development to India? If so, it’s natural to have concerns about potential obstacles like communication, quality, and cultural alignment.

Just ask Zoe.

As an entrepreneur who’s funded and grown her company the hard way, Zoe’s always prided herself on being open to new and exciting ideas. But there’s one thing she’s never been able to bring herself to do—broaden her culinary horizons by exploring foreign cuisines.

One day, Jess, a potential business partner Zoe hopes to impress, invites her to a trendy restaurant specializing only in exotic international dishes. As she scans the menu, Zoe doesn’t recognize a single item, let alone one she wants to try. Anxiety sets in as she worries about potential sensitivities, using the wrong utensils, or pronouncing the dish’s name wrong when she orders.

After a quick “I’ll have the same,” she waits anxiously for the food to arrive. In the meantime, Jess starts raving about how she’ll love their choices. He talks enthusiastically about the health benefits of certain ingredients, how the chef carefully curates each dish, and the incredible way everything comes together to create an unforgettable meal.

Fast forward to picking up the check, and Zoe’s thrilled to find she’s taken an important first step in moving past a long-held mindset.

Offshore Software Development: Trying Something New

The fear of trying something unfamiliar is a common human trait. Call it trepidation, bias, or plain old heebie-jeebies; it can keep us from discovering and embracing countless opportunities that enrich our personal and professional lives.

Outsourcing software development to international talent has become a norm for companies looking to harness global expertise. However, many CIOs, CTOs, and project managers still carry unconscious biases about outsourcing to countries like India, thinking they’ll have to:

1. Sacrifice quality for cost.
2. Overcome exhausting communication and collaboration hurdles.
3. Deal with cultural differences that create insurmountable barriers.
4. Accept a loss of control over their project.

We firmly believe that overcoming the fear of the unknown is made a whole lot easier by learning the facts, challenging negative assumptions, and gaining a more balanced perspective.

Why Do Companies Outsource Software Development To India?

India, with its rich pool of skilled professionals and cost-effective solutions, is considered the #1 country for outsourcing software development.

To understand why, let’s counterattack the above biases one by one:

1. Sacrificing Quality for Cost-Savings

The misconception that outsourcing to India translates to a low-quality product doesn’t reflect the reality. While it’s true cost-efficiency is a driving factor for outsourcing to India, the country’s reputation as a hub for IT excellence is hard-earned and well-deserved. Indian software engineers consistently demonstrate exceptional capabilities in delivering high-quality software solutions that meet or exceed industry standards.

That makes it critical to evaluate potential outsourcing partners based on their track record, expertise, and dedication to quality rather than make assumptions based on geographical location.

2. Communication and Collaboration Will Be 10x More Difficult

Let’s not kid ourselves—every software development project comes with communication and collaboration challenges, no matter where the work is done. Yes, you’ll be working across time zones, but it’s not as big a hurdle as you might think. That’s because while the US has six time zones, India only has one, meaning the country is only 11-1/2 hours ahead of Utah.

As to other communication worries like language, technological advancements have made bridging the gap easier than ever. Qualified India-based software development companies recognize the importance of seamless communication and adopt tools and practices that ensure constant connectedness.

3. Cultural Differences are Insurmountable

Cultural differences undoubtedly influence work dynamics, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be overcome. Time and again we’ve seen how cross-cultural collaborations foster innovation and fresh perspectives, enriching a project rather than hindering it.

4. Losing Control Over Projects

Again, the fear of losing control is common to most outsourced projects. This concern typically stems from a bias rooted in the need for direct oversight. However, a well-established and trustworthy outsourcing partner like Zibtek offers transparent project management processes that allow you to stay informed and engaged at each step. Rather than fixate on control, it helps to shift the focus towards building trust and preserving open communication, both of which can yield positive outcomes.

Other reasons companies outsource software development to India include:

• Scalability. India-based developers are typically tooled up to quickly scale teams to accommodate changing project requirements, something especially helpful for companies with fluctuating workloads.
• Advanced tech infrastructures. India’s significant investment in the latest technology infrastructures and facilities is a major factor in placing it at the top of the outsourcing list. First-rate Indian software development companies have state-of-the-art technologies and tools that efficiently handle even the most complex projects.
• Global presence. Many India-based development companies have a global presence, working with clients from diverse industries. This experience allows them to adapt to various business cultures and practices.

A Brief Cost-Benefit Analysis

The main objective of any outsourcing endeavor is cost-cutting and hiring skilled talent for a particular job. Elements for comparison include everything from wages and resource availability to post-development support and infrastructure development.

This concise cost-benefit analysis shows why India supersedes the US in IT outsourcing.

• Lower labor costs. Outsourcing to India generally results in lower labor costs, leading to significant budget savings.
• Reduced overhead. You don’t need to invest in additional office space, equipment, or in-house infrastructure.
• No recruitment expenses. Hiring and onboarding new team members can be expensive and time-consuming. Outsourcing bypasses these expenses, as your outsource partner handles them.

Major players like Slack, Microsoft, Skype, and Alibaba have long taken advantage of offshore development centers that allow them to enhance their workforces and products. Smaller companies can enjoy the same benefits while generating better revenue opportunities for their businesses.

How Do I Manage The Geographical, Time Zone, and Cultural Conflicts That Can Accompany Outsourcing?

The short and perhaps surprising answer is to see them as advantages.

For instance, time zone differences give you the advantage of work being carried out round-the-clock. When your team in India logs off for the day, your in-house team can begin to review the work and share feedback that your offshore engineers can get started on once your developers head home.

And as mentioned earlier, collaboration with diverse teams often leads to innovative solutions, as does being exposed to different markets and practices.

How Zibtek and OnDemand Workforce Are Revolutionizing Outsourcing

Zibtek is excited to announce the launch of a new program designed to help our clients hire the right people more efficiently. OnDemand Workforce allows you to take advantage of all the best practices we’ve learned at Zibtek here in Utah while also leveraging the talents of our operations and recruiting staff in Bangalore, who can help you quickly find the niche talent you need for your project.

Reach out today to learn more about this innovative approach to outsourcing or to schedule a meeting.