Some companies are jumping into IT outsourcing and outsourced software development before they are ready. They hire a team, maybe the wrong one, and then expect them to start producing software right away. In their rush, they skip the planning, goal setting and careful evaluation of how outsourcing fits into their organization.
But what does it mean to be ready for outsourcing? Is there a way to measure your readiness? Now you can answer a series of twenty questions in an online Software & IT Outsourcing Readiness Test to get an idea where you stand. The results will tell you if you are ready to go, should proceed cautiously or seek immediate help.
There was a company already doing outsourced software development from their engineering group. "How is it going?" I asked. "It depends on who you talk to," I was told. The executives of the company thought it was going great. The company was paying less for engineering talent. Board members seemed satisfied.
But after further conversation, I learned the engineering department had never really bought into the concept of outsourcing. They resisted working with the outsourced team. Their results were actually less than spectacular.
Clearly this was a company not completely ready for outsourcing.
Or there is the excited entrepreneur with a specification like a Hollywood movie pitch for his software application: “It’s like Twitter but with video!”, followed by the inevitable request for a fixed-price quote.
Sorry, but a little more information is needed! Some sort of specification is required to give any meaningful answer. If you do not have these details, you are probably not ready to outsource.
And if you are not ready to outsource, you face the risks of extra costs, huge delays and the complete failure of your outsourced software development.
Why do people start outsourcing without planning?
There are different reasons. Sometimes it is ignorance. Other times it is an intense desire to get the software developed as quickly as possible.
But even if you are not completely ready for outsourcing, you can get help to compensate for areas of weakness. That is the other benefit of the readiness test - just by answering the questions honestly, you can focus on the areas where you need help to minimize your outsourcing risks.
The Software & IT Outsourcing Readiness Test questions are organized into four groups:
- Your Outsourcing Experience
- Your Software Technology Needs
- Your Business Situation
- Your Management Approach
The maximum you can score is 100. Here is how to interpret your results:
| 1 to 20 | You desperately need help. Your outsourcing will fail unless you make several improvements and get help |
| 21 to 40 | Your outsourcing is likely to fail without help |
| 41 to 60 | You have a chance of success on your own but could use help in a few critical areas |
| 61 to 80 | You are doing well and could use help in just a couple of places |
| 81 to 100 | Congratulations! You are an outsourcing expert |
The Runtime Bottom Line
Try the Software & IT Outsourcing Readiness Test right now and see how you score. Your results may surprise you!
Until next time,
Steve Mezak, CEO
Steve@Accelerance.com
Accelerance, Inc.
Risk-Free Outsourcing
+1-877-99-ACCEL (877-992-2235) x101 Toll-Free
+1-650-472-3785 Global Calls + Fax
Or contact me at: http://www.Accelerance.com/contact.htm
Author of the new book -
Software without Borders: A Step-By-Step Guide to Outsourcing Your Software Development
www:accelerance.com/swb.htm
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