In a tough economic climate, the IT department must review all its costs - of which a substantial amount is invested in applications. Offshoring of IT support and software development has become a prominent and proven approach towards lowering IT spend, but to where and how do you offshore?

This was the second in a programme of discussions offering participants the opportunity to share and discuss aspects of offshoring practice and experience. 9 delegates from 6 organisations representing various industry sectors participated in electronic roundtable discussions.

The most common reason for off shoring is cost. In addition organisations seek scalability of resources, flexing of resources, or access to skills and capabilities not available internally.

• The main differences are working culture, country culture, difference in time zones, distance. Cultural differences MUST be recognised.
• Technology or architecture less than two years old in the market is not likely to be acquired will offshore.
• Offshoring to India is common but there is also a move towards offshoring to Eastern Europe.
• Go to India regularly to meet people face-to-face, especially those who will never visit the UK.
• Whether British, Indian or anything else, Organisations are made of people.
• Patience is a collaborative tool.
• Expatriate vendor staff brought onshore need to be strong individuals, experienced and comfortable with it English culture.
• Require the outsourcer to use the client organisation’s helpdesk systems and development life cycle standards and documentation (usually based on Prince).
• Have co-operative cost free Exit and transition built in to the contract at the outset.
• Handover between vendors is typically 8-12 weeks.
• Have SLAs and KPIs.

Purchase the report from the first discussion.

Purchase the report from the second discussion.