Oyiwoda Alex

THREE TRENDS IN OFFSHORE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Over the past two decades, offshore software development has grown ever more popular. Several companies are now resorting to foreign talent so as to increase their bandwidth, gain access to uncommon skill sets, get superior software built faster, as well as reduce their development costs on the whole. It is quite commonplace for companies to require help with software development in order to create new products. It is also common for them to look for proficient technical staff to sustain already existing programs. Although there are numerous benefits that come with working with offshore personnel, the ultimate success of a company depends majorly on daily project management, general communication proficiency, and employee maintenance. “Nearshore” software developers who work for IT outsourcing firms take on several tasks such as customizing software, designing websites, documenting projects, information architecture, troubleshooting and handling bugs that may arise. As the offshore software development idea is becoming more and more common, it is advantageous to know some of the significant trends and changes that are occurring in this ever-expanding sector. Below are three important trends that are now shaping offshore software development. INCREASED FOCUS ON “NEARSHORE” HANDS At first, a lot of companies were seeking offshore technical skills in countries situated on the other side of the globe. A software development company in California, for instance, would seek software development help from Asian countries such as China and India. Nowadays, however, most of these companies have realized that there is also a great amount of technical prowess much closer to the shores of the United States, like in Latin America, for example. They have now turned to these countries, which offer a closer alternative. INCREASED DAY-TO-DAY INTERACTION AMONG TEAM MEMBERS In prior times, the waterfall software development model was most prevalent. This meant that offshore developers had to work independently to design the project assigned. They would then deliver the finished individual software pieces. All of this took place with very little open-ended communication. More recently, however, there has been a considerable shift towards the agile method of software development. This has made regular and ongoing communication essential between the home-based company and its offshore workers on a daily basis. This methodology is becoming even more widespread, and helpful online social media tools, like Skype, have facilitated its growth. FORGING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS A lot of software development companies are now focusing on long-term or ongoing work instead of short-term project-based jobs. A growing number of IT outsourcing firms are now seeking to build affiliations with companies that desire an offshore partnership to grow with, instead of seeking sporadic assistance. Going for an offshore software development company that places premium on the significance of regular project briefings and daily communication may be crucial, particularly if the agile approach is in play. The three trends discussed above are driven by various factors and are encouraged by the increasing popularity of the agile software development model. This methodology puts forward a more collaborative, self-organizing and cross-functional team and leadership approach. It also lays emphasis on testing throughout the development so that the product may more easily be adjusted as required during the process. The effectiveness of the agile approach is the reason why it is rapidly affecting the nature of offshore software development. Technological trends and innovations are likely to increasingly transform the way business processes are conducted in other areas as well.