Offshore Development Center: How To Build ODC The Right Way

One type of drought is caused by climate change. Another is caused by the incessant demand for software development: a constrained supply of talent. It is estimated in a Korn Ferry report that by 2030, a talent shortage of more than 84 million experts will exist. 54% of global technology organizations already report that a lack of talent is impeding their progress.

Per recent reports, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the shortage of software engineers in the United States will likely surpass 1.2 million by 2026. And you know what happens when scarcity looms—acquiring said talent becomes a lot more expensive.

To manage such a scary situation, many companies and startups are adopting a globalized approach by crossing borders in search of tech expertise that they may not be able to find in their local environment – and all at a more affordable cost.

Behold the emergence of the Offshore Development Center (ODC)!

This article will describe what an offshore development center is, as well as its key benefits and challenges. Let’s dive in!

What is an offshore software development center, and how does it work?

An Offshore Development Center (ODC) is a dedicated office – either a virtual office or a physical one – that provides software development for your company and is located in another country.

While an ODC provides full and integrated services that are 100% dedicated to you and your roadmap, it is often set up by a third-party (offshoring) company to deliver it exactly to your needs. However, you call all the shots.

An ODC is a more inclusive version of offshoring. In this model, it’s like having an international company branch, not just a group of experts working for you remotely.

It also provides a development team with the necessary infrastructure and support personnel, including administrative and HR staff to ensure efficiency and optimal output.

Why would you go to another country to have a development center when it could just be done from home?

First, offshore software development centers are situated in countries where you can find expertise at a cost-efficient rate. For instance, some top choices for building ODCs include Poland, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Romania. The cost of living in these places is lower than in the US, which means wage costs will also be lower.

Second, with the talent shortage in the U.S. and Western Europe, finding the right team of developers locally is becoming increasingly difficult and time-consuming. An ODC makes it easier to find and assemble a team of expert developers as talent in these regions is often more abundant and fewer companies are competing for their talent.

Want to Build an ODC but Have No Clue Where to Begin? We’ve Got You. Let’s Build Out Your Global Team Together.

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ODC vs. outsourcing — what’s the difference?

People often confuse the ODC and outsourcing concepts to essentially mean the same thing. But these two models aren’t just different ways of saying the same thing. Let’s look at the key differences:

Comparison Criteria	Offshore Development Center (ODC)	Traditional Outsourcing
Location	An outsourcing team can be working on multiple projects at the same time, meaning the team is not wholly dedicated to a client’s project or product goals. Outsourcing is only used for the temporary duration of the project. The outsourcing team works for the agency that hired them and there is minimal collaboration with the client team.	An outsourcing team is located in a different country than a client’s main headquarters.
Team	An ODC is a fully dedicated team working to deliver a client’s project over the long term. An ODC offers continuous support even after delivery. An ODC is an extension of the company so they collaborate with the in-house development team and take instructions from the home office.	An outsourcing team can be working on multiple projects at the same time, meaning the team is not wholly dedicated to a client’s project or product goals. Outsourcing is only used for the temporary duration of the project. The outsourcing team works for the agency who hired them and there is minimal collaboration with the client team.
Management	The client has complete control over the affairs of the ODC and determines all rules and processes. ODC teams undergo onboarding training and are integrated into your brand’s culture. There is a clear delineation of roles and hierarchy of command between the ODC and in-house teams. ODCs are typically more efficient with delivery since the team is embedded and it is an integral part of the entire development process.	With outsourcing, the client plays little role in the outsourced team’s operations and management. Outsourcing teams are like temporary contractors; they deliver your project and move on. Outsourcing teams are very independent and are not integrated with the in-house client team.

There is no clear winner as both development models are great for specific cases. In the end, what matters most and what should inform your decision is the project type and duration. (We are mainly talking about ODCs in this article, but if you want a deeper dive into outsourcing and its benefits, you can find it here!

So now let’s compare ODCs versus an in-house team.

Offshore Development Centers vs In-House Teams

An offshore development center and an in-house team both offer the benefit of having a dedicated and integrated product team. However, they have major differences, especially concerning hiring and management.

Comparison Criteria	Offshore Development Center	In-House Team
Cost	ODCs have lower hiring costs and salaries since developers are offshore (vs. local). Setting up the ODC is mostly the responsibility of your offshore development partner so you spend less on infrastructure. Most ODC models do not require you to pay extra benefits like insurance or PTO. You don’t have to worry about taxes and liabilities (your offshore partner handles that).	An ODC allows you to quickly expand or scale your team according to ever-evolving needs.
Scaling	Security worries are mitigated because the infrastructure is as robust as you want it to be. The team strictly follows the company’s existing security protocols.	You can’t quickly scale your team because you will need to go through a rigorous hiring process for every type of developer you need—and that’s if you can even find good talent locally in the first place.
Communication	An ODC requires you to put more effort into communication especially if there is a time-zone difference between the home office and the ODC.	Communication is often easier and more effective since everyone is situated in the same place or time zone.
Brand Expansion	An ODC offers an opportunity to build an international reputation and have an overseas presence.	An in-house team is locally based and as such cannot do much in terms of building an international footprint for your brand.
Security	You need to pay close attention to ensure that your ODC partner has a robust and secured infrastructure to avoid digital exploitations.	Security worries are mitigated because the infrastructure is as robust as you want it to be. And the team strictly follows the company’s existing security protocols.

The Three Offshore Development Center Models to Know

There are three major offshore development center models, all of which offer different benefits and are suited for distinct circumstances. Let’s check them out:

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Model

If you like the “rent-to-own” model, then BOT is ideal for you. It’s a great way to understand the business factors and operational demands of setting up an ODC in that country before taking it over.

With this model, there is an understanding that the hiring company would completely assume ownership of the resources and infrastructure after a defined length of time. Existing employees of the ODC also become full-time staff of the company, which explains the name of the model.

Build

This is where it all starts; following the conclusion of a contract with an ODC partner, they put up all essential facilities, including staffing. The ODC partner makes certain that the hired staff can successfully meet the client’s demand.

Operate

The ODC partner works on the ground to maintain and develop the center; however, all major decisions are decided by the hiring company. The ODC partner oversees the operations and as much as possible reflects the hiring company’s goals and objectives in its managerial affairs.

Transfer

At this stage, the client assumes full control and ownership of the ODC. When the transfer occurs, the ODC ceases to be an offshore center and becomes a foreign office of the client, complete with its own Profit & Loss statement.

Benefits and characteristics of the BOT

• The BOT model is appropriate for brands that are looking to slowly and carefully enter the international market and build a permanent engineering presence. The collaboration period with the partner is long-term, enabling adequate time for the company to get the necessary knowledge and resources for a foreign setup.
• The client gets to “try before you buy” and assumes less risk overall.
• There is less staff turnover. Top developers prefer the BOT model because of the benefits of long-term engagement and a possible permanent role in the future.

Build-To-Scale

The Build-To-Scale model is an ODC that is suitable for software companies aiming to set up long-term engineering operations and broaden their line of development. These companies embrace a growth-oriented approach, and they may have previously worked with offshore entities. However, they now require the commitment and strength of an ODC to support their expansion goals.

Benefits and characteristics of Build-To-Scale

• Long-term ODC partnership creates consistency in planning.
• Setting up a Build-To-Scale center may take a little longer than usual because it demands assembling top-quality talent who are willing to commit for the long term–but this is also a key benefit over time.
• Negotiations are more detailed which takes a longer time because the demands of this model mean that every term and condition must be settled.
• Though the ODC partner has the responsibility of setting up the necessary infrastructure for the operation, the client remains the boss and makes the key decisions and choices.
• This model is flexible and can easily scale over time as the needs of the company evolve or change.

The Product Engineering Model

The ODC model for product engineering is suitable for companies looking less for autonomous, independent development teams and more for a team(s) of developers who act as extensions of existing groups within the product organization. In other words, this model could be called the “Additional Firepower” model because it is more about adding contributing team members to an already formed team that exists locally.

Benefits and characteristics of the Product Engineering Model

• The product engineering collaboration is usually for team extensions, and the nature of the projects may change over time.
• The model is appropriate for companies that just need to bulk up existing development teams with individual contributors.
• With this model, the ODC partner is responsible for all hiring and setting up the facility. However, the client is generally still in control.

Confused About Which Model Is Right for You? We’d Love to Answer All Your Questions and Set You up for Success.

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Benefits of Offshore Development Centers

Thinking an ODC is your game? Here are 8 specific benefits you’ll love:

#1 Budget-friendly

Everybody would always prefer an efficient (cheaper + quality) alternative. This is why Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales always bring massive crowds—you get what you’ve been pining after all year at big discounts. When it comes to software development, ODC is like a Black Friday sale, except everything is on sale all the time.

A recent report asserts that outsourcing can save hiring costs by up to 90%.

#2 Lower set up costs

Setting up a software development center in a popular offshore country like Ukraine, Romania, or Brazil will cost much less than in the US. You cannot compare the cost of rent in New York to a place like Kyiv. So from acquiring a location to setting it up, it’s all part of the savings game with an ODC.

#3 Business expansion

Most companies aspire to expand their product and brand into other countries. It helps with growth and enhances revenue. Setting up an ODC is one of the best strategies to progressively build that international presence in a foreign country. You can leverage your ODC to build a brand reputation in the host country.

#4 Globalization and diversity

An ODC promotes globalization and diversity in many ways. First, you will have people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, etc. working with you, which opens your teams up to new perspectives and worldviews to promote innovation. Also, you have a team of people with diverse skill sets all working on your product, which enhances efficiency and drives quality.

#5 Greater access to a deeply skilled workforce

Establishing a software development center in an offshore location gives you access to the talent there in addition to what you have in your home country. With this, you operate more efficiently and deliver your projects/offerings in a better and more timely fashion.

#6 Greater access to highly technical domain expertise

Unfortunately, there is often an uneven distribution of tech stack proficiency across the globe. Some locations have better expertise in a particular technology than others. With an ODC, you will be able to access the specialized technical expertise that may be scarce in your home country.

#7 Continuous development and stability

The need for more frequent software releases is at an all-time high.  However, hiring additional members for your in-house team can be time-consuming and expensive. One of the best strategies to ensure continuous operation and faster output is by setting up an ODC. This is a great insurance policy against disruptions or delays in operation.

#8 Increased security

Operating an ODC naturally imposes the need to strengthen your security infrastructure and implement robust measures, which is a positive factor in the long run.  In short, it forces you to find and resolve any potential security risk.

Challenges of Offshore Development Centers

To be fair to you, there are a few potential challenges that may impede the efficiency of your software development center, including:

1. Cultural differences The cultural gaps between the client and ODC team—which are minimized when you work with TurnKey!—can be a roadblock to effective delivery. These differences can include language, work culture, communication, etc.
2. Administrative problems An ODC will need other technical and support offices in addition to the technical team, such as the HR, accountant, project manager, etc. The entire project could go sideways if competent management and support staff are not hired.
   To avoid these issues, you need to collaborate with a trusted and capable ODC partner who can deal with this for you—partnering with Turnkey is your best bet. Schedule a call and let’s talk about your ODC needs.
3. Unrealistic expectations are usually caused by incompetent ODC partners who probably do not understand the demands of a software development project or cannot interpret the client’s needs correctly.
   To avoid this issue, go in with a realistic view of what you need, then partner with TurnKey to watch your dreams turn into reality.
4. Legal peculiarities Every country has its unique laws and policies regulating the establishment of businesses. You have to start by understanding the regulatory demands for the country in question, and what potential risks you may take on. Before going ahead with plans, examine the regulatory structure and determine whether the business rules in the country are conducive enough.
   Or just partner with a trusted provider like TurnKey and don’t worry about it!

Partner With a Service Provider That Is Experienced in Managing Legal Structures in the Most Popular Offshore Locations.

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How to set up an offshore development center

Setting up an offshore development center can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to this model. But that’s why we are here, to help you understand some of the intricacies and steps to take, including:

1. Decide on a location: Various countries are ODC-friendly, so you have to do your research to decide which suits your budget better and would be more beneficial to your needs.
2. Choose an ODC partner: This is as important as the project itself and you need to get it right. The vendor is essentially your guide in a foreign country so if they are not competent, the project is already failing before it begins.
3. Select the right ODC model for your needs: There are various models to choose from which we have explained earlier in the article. So you should decide on which of the models best fits your purpose and goals.
4. Custom recruit your staff: At this stage, you make a list of all the necessary personnel your ODC would require to be operational. This can include both technical and non-technical staff. A typical ODC team will include the following professionals–some of whom may already be provided by your ODC partner:

• Developers: This forms the core technical team, including software engineers, designers, developers, etc.
• ODC lead: Responsible for maintaining good working relationships with the company and making sure high-quality projects are delivered on time, and according to specifications.
• Product manager: Supervises the planning and execution of the various sprints. And ensures that quality standards are all followed throughout the process.
• HR manager: Plans and manages the legal and administrative functions of hiring and maintenance of staff of the ODC.

There could also be a need for other professionals not mentioned above. The important thing is to have an idea of what you might need to get started.

5. Interview candidates: After you have determined all the positions required, you then start to screen potential candidates. Many times the ODC partner performs this function.
6. Hire the team: Choose the applicants with the most relevant skill sets and would fit best culturally, then extend employment offers to them.
7. Onboard new employees: The onboarding process is occasionally overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. Proper onboarding mitigates possible challenges with cultural differences and enhances commitment ethics, and collaboration.

Next step: start building great code!

How to choose the right offshore development partner for an ODC

Your ODC partner will play a crucial role in the success of your ODC. Keep in mind that since you are probably entering an uncharted area, you will rely heavily on your partner’s counsel, recommendations, and hard-earned experience. You just have to ensure that you choose the right ODC company. (Hint: It’s TurnKey!)

Here are a few action items to help you choose the best ODC partner:

• Assess the vendor’s portfolio A portfolio functions as a testimonial of assertions and proven accomplishments. Want to see a sampling of super happy clients? Check out some TurnKey case studies here!
• English proficiency Language barriers can seriously hinder your ability to complete your project quickly. Instead of having to deal with the hassle of hiring an interpreter or compromising on communication because of language barriers, it would be preferable to work with a partner who is highly advanced in English.
• Testimonials Third-party reviews and testimonials from previous clients can give you an insight into what to expect from an ODC service provider.
• Level of experience Expertise is frequently demonstrated by relevant experience. You are better off with an experienced partner who has made all the mistakes previously so you don’t have to.
• Time to reply The amount of time it takes a potential partner to reply to messages and inquiries is a good indicator of its dedication and professionalism. If their response time is slow, then it’s a red flag.
• Legal background Ensure that your chosen partner meets the legal requirements to establish an ODC and that they have the legal authority to operate an ODC in the desired country.

Why I think TurnKey is a perfect ODC partner

Over the 5 years TurnKey has developed a reputation for creating high-performing offshore development centers and building A+ software development teams for our clients. We’ve been able to establish such a high degree of excellence by reinventing the existing procedures and cultures of designing an ODC.

How TurnKey is different (and better) than the rest:

• The long history of experience and expertise
• Custom-made solution for every client
• The best talent retention rate in the industry (by far)
• Dedicated to client control—we build, you call the shots
• A custom recruitment process for every role
• Top-notch communication and responsiveness
• Fully dedicated teams–you get 100% commitment
• Integrated teams—your team is built around your needs, your vision, and your work culture

Words can be deceiving. Experience the success story of R1 (NASDAQ: RCM). With growing demand, R1 aimed to strengthen its engineering team and amplify its grip on development and security.

How did TurnKey assist?

We onboarded 40+ dedicated professionals in areas such as:

• UI/UX design
• DevOps & Infrastructure
• Implementation & Integration
• Client-oriented professional services
• Customer support

Consequently, the R1 team amplified its output, now launching 51 updates annually (every week). Furthermore, they’ve maintained a commendably low average annual turnover rate of under 5% in the last three years, ensuring stability in their engineering endeavors.

TurnKey’s YourShore model allows us to easily integrate developers directly into our organization so that they are truly my team. I honestly forget most of the time that they aren’t working in the same building as me.

Are you ready to get started?

An offshore development center helps you scale your engineering efforts by offering much greater access to top-quality talent, all at a cost that is surprisingly budget-friendly.

FAQs

Q: What is an ODC?

A: An offshore development center means a dedicated presence or office in a foreign country that provides expert software development for your company. While the development team is usually fully dedicated to the company, the ODC is often set up and managed by a third-party (offshoring) partner to deliver against the company’s specific needs.

Q: What does work look like when you have an ODC?

A: Working from an offshore development center means setting up an office space or virtual presence in a different country. In this model, you have a full office set up for your company’s work, or –if all the work is remote–staff members will mainly collaborate online and then get together face-to-face on a somewhat regular basis for key meetings or events. Think of an ODC as an international branch of your company’s development team, not just a group of engineers working for you remotely and independently.