Pitfalls Behind Cheap Programmers

By Thomas Hoffman

May 20, 2002 12:00 PM ET

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Computerworld - Great deals aren't always what they seem, especially in hiring an offshore developer. Before signing on the dotted line, look past the pay rates and the skill sets of the programmers you're going to hire. Here's how:

Consider the challenges of working with programmers in non-English-speaking countries.

Consider the messages you're sending throughout your own company and among your IT staff. This requires good communications throughout your company as to the business justifications for such a deal.

Ensure senior-management commitment to offshore outsourcing. And consider the political risks within your own organization -- there will be people who don't want to see offshore outsourcing deals succeed.

Conduct a complete risk analysis before entering into an offshore programming contract. Factors to consider include the infrastructure risks of the host country you're dealing with, including telecommunications, power and transportation; the political and travel risks associated with working with firms in different countries post-Sept. 11; and the financial risks of working with smaller companies.

Recognize cross-cultural differences and the need for client and vendor training.

Gauge the vendor's software processes. (For example, are they ISO 9001-compliant? Have they been certified with the Software Engineering Institute's Software Capability Maturity Model?)

Source: Marty McCaffrey, executive director, Global Outsourcing, Salinas, Calif.

Read more about outsourcing in Computerworld's Outsourcing Knowledge Center.

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