The Offshore Development Center model (ODC) has become a popular solution for those who want to save costs without compromising quality. According to data, IT outsourcing is predicted to reach $587 billion by 2027, a significant increase from its present worth of $395 billion. Furthermore, the ODC framework is used by more than 80% of the world’s top 500 firms for the development of software and other technical activities. Businesses that are looking to outsource some of their software development services will at some point consider ODCs. That’s why it is crucial to understand the basics to derive the most value out of this model. Let’s dive deeper to learn more about the future of outsourcing.
What is ODC?
An offshore development center (ODC) is a specialized team of software experts who work remotely to provide customized software development and maintenance services to clients in various locations. Often, the ODC is located in a low-cost country with a highly qualified workforce. The fundamental goal of an ODC is to provide clients with cost-effective software services. Among these services are software design, development, testing, and maintenance. The ODC team is capable of working on a wide range of software projects, from basic applications to major enterprise systems. Offshore outsourcing organizations or IT service providers often own and manage ODCs, which may also have offices in the client’s country. The ODC model has various advantages, including cost reductions, access to trained staff, and the capacity to easily scale up or down based on project needs. Yet, there are hazards to consider, including communication and cultural barriers, as well as data security and intellectual property concerns. Read also: Everything You Should Know about Project Management in Software and App Development
What are the Major Types of ODC?
There are several types of offshore development centers (ODCs), each with its own unique features and benefits. The major types of ODCs are as follows:
- Dedicated ODC
– A fully dedicated team of developers who work exclusively on the client’s project;– The team is usually located in a separate office and works closely with the client’s team to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Shared ODC
- A shared resource that is used by multiple clients;
- The ODC team works on multiple projects simultaneously;
- The team members are dedicated to specific clients and work exclusively on their projects.
- Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) ODC
- The model involves setting up an ODC that is initially owned and managed by an offshore service provider;
- After a certain period, the client has the option to transfer ownership and management of the ODC to its own company.
- Hybrid ODC
- The model combines the features of a dedicated and shared ODC;
- An ODC team works exclusively on the client’s project but also works on other projects as needed.
- Captive ODC
- The client sets up its own offshore development center, usually in a low-cost country, to leverage the benefits of outsourcing while retaining control over the development process.
Each type of ODC has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right model depends on the specific needs and requirements of the client. Related: Creating an MVP for Your Startup: Key Considerations for Success
What Are the Core Benefits of ODCs?
Companies who choose to outsource their software development and maintenance services can reap various benefits from offshore development centers (ODCs). Among the many advantages of ODCs are:
- Cost savings. Saving money is one of the key advantages of ODCs. Companies can considerably cut development expenses by outsourcing to a low-cost country with trained staff.
- Availability of skilled labor. Companies can use ODCs to access a pool of competent and experienced software developers who might not be available in their home country.
- Scalability and flexibility. Companies benefit from ODCs’ flexibility and scalability since they can swiftly scale up or down their development workforce based on project requirements.
- Reduced time to market. Companies can use an ODC to take advantage of the 24/7 work cycle and save development time, resulting in a quicker time-to-market for their products or services.
- Improved quality. To ensure that the software developed meets the highest quality requirements, ODCs adhere to tight quality standards and protocols.
- Risk reduction. ODCs mitigate risk by guaranteeing data security, intellectual property protection, and compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Focus on core competencies. Companies can focus on their core strengths while leaving software development to professionals by outsourcing their software development and maintenance services to an ODC.
Overall, offshore development centers offer several benefits to companies, allowing them to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase their competitiveness in the market. Read also: A Guide to the Software Development Team Structure
Potential Drawbacks of ODCs
Companies gain from offshore development centers (ODCs) in a variety of ways, including cost savings, access to trained labor, flexibility and scalability, faster time-to-market, greater quality, risk reduction, and the freedom to focus on core strengths. Yet, there are several possible disadvantages to ODCs that businesses should consider before outsourcing their software development and maintenance services. Communication and cultural barriers, a lack of control over the development process, quality concerns, intellectual property threats, legal and regulatory compliance issues, and hidden costs are some of the negatives.
Offshore Development Center Model: Conclusions
That being said, before making a decision, businesses should assess the benefits and downsides of ODCs and select an ODC partner that is a good fit for their specific needs and requirements. But one thing remains certain: offshore development centers are not going anywhere. The model is a great fit for those with a defined budget and plans to create something meaningful. Contact us to learn more about outsourcing and nearshoring. We are an experienced software development service provider, offering flexible solutions for businesses of any size and scale.
