Does outsourcing of computer programming need great care ?

Question

For computer programming, do changes to the development method work ?
One might ask "Does outsourcing of computer programming work ?", but it's not only "outsourcing" that is the problem, it's "(wrong) changes to the development method".

If you outsource a 1 line change of code, you are really outsourcing a big job.

You are outsourcing the infrastructure.

If you're not careful, you will be outsourcing "bodgie little changes" to your system.

Why even bother to outsource ? Why not just disband much of the infrastructure of your organisation and issue "bodgie little changes" to your software, whenever required.

Outsourcing a one-line code change can be like outsourcing work involved in defusing a bomb. Pay someone to cut that orange wire.

Hello steve, benz, cas, al,

Terrific insights.
Thanks.

Answer 1

My company tried outsourcing the development work and it was a disaster, especially because of bad communication skills. They were in a 12 hour different time zone, and we tell them what to do, and come back to an email "we don't understand", that went on for months.

Answer 2

All computer programming needs great care. If your specifications and standards are accurate and complete and the communication protocols and expectations are previously agreed, outsourcing can be very effective.
I've had very positive experience with outsourcing despite language and time zone differences, however, this was largely due to very precise definitions and remote access via VPN.

Answer 3

Yes, but it probably does not get it.

Typically there is a learning curve to get sufficiently familiar with a company, its applications, its culture, how to test the results to make sure everything working fine. Outsourcing means this learning curve is prolonged.

When the off-shore is other side of the planet, there are additional difficulties with language, able to communicate same business hours.

Answer 4

i rechon you are right in what you are saying