When it comes to software outsourcing, there is no one-size-fits-all model to guarantee success. Every outsourcing company is different, every project is different, and every software solution provider is different. But there are some basic practices that can help improve the outsourcing result.

Understand Yourself

Do you understand the benefits of software outsourcing and the risks of software outsourcing? Do you have a mechanism in place to avoid/address the risks? Does your management support the outsourcing? Do your internal software engineers, if any, feel threatened by the outsourcing?

If your internal staff doesn’t support your vision, you will need to communicate with your internal groups first to fully realize the potential of your outsourcing strategy.

Build an Interface Team

Software outsourcing is not just signing a contract and then sitting back and expecting the software be delivered as expected on time. You will need to frequently communicate with your vendor. It’s better to form a team to oversee the whole outsourcing process, from defining delivery standards, to requesting for proposal, to vendor selection, to contract development and negotiation, to in-process communication and acceptance testing. This interface team needs to be supportive, knowledgeable, and capable of learning quickly and good at communication and project management.

Select Your Vendor Carefully

While selecting your vendor, consider the following aspects: vendor reputation, vendor history, organization culture, technology experience, subcontractors and partners, commitment, integrity, flexibility, culture, language, time zone difference, and legal issues.

On-going Communication

While the outsourcing process is on-going, it’s important to keep the communication channel wide open. Communicate with your vendor and internal groups frequently, honestly and early whenever you have any concerns or changes. Regularly true up with your vendor to make sure they understand the requirements correctly, maintain high quality standard all the time and meet the deadlines of milestones, and quickly address any issues that surfaces.

Other factors that are important include focusing on quality and result, maintaining a good relationship with your vendor and always seeking a win-win deal with your vendor whenever possible.