| In combining Open Source software and offshore | | | | happen" scenario. In other words, even if you make |
| development, high quality, cost effective software is | | | | the wrong choice in outsource software development |
| more easily obtainable. In fact, I suggest Open Source | | | | partner, your code, your infrastructure will still be based |
| should always be a part of any outsourced software | | | | on Open Source which can be parlayed to different |
| development, but that is a different topic. The focus of | | | | developers much faster than completely original code. |
| this article is how Open Source provides a foundation | | | | In the worst case scenario, if the software being |
| of trust and confidence when using and/or providing | | | | developed is not Open Source based, it will be much |
| offshore software development services. | | | | more difficult to replace the developers. |
| When purchasing software development services, | | | | "Open Source" can mean different things to different |
| many people make the mistake of assuming that the | | | | people. In this article, my definition of Open Source is |
| only reason to choose one person/company over | | | | intended to mean complete products, tools, libraries, etc. |
| another are pure coding skills. Simple as that right? | | | | with a vibrant community. (Read Succeeding with |
| Wrong. Developers also assume the person/company | | | | Open Source for one reference on choosing Open |
| procuring software development cares deeply about | | | | Source software) It does not simply mean the delivery |
| Java vs. .Net vs. PHP vs. RoR. Wrong. Well, ok, maybe | | | | of source code with the solution. In particular, the Open |
| both of these points are not entirely wrong. Yes, | | | | Source product, tool and or library needs to have other |
| people do care about coding prowess and technology | | | | established resources, so new developers time spent |
| infrastructure, but I believe there are many other | | | | analyzing code and infrastructure can be reduced. |
| factors when making an outsourcing decision. | | | | New developers to the project will spend much more |
| People who purchase software want to have | | | | time "getting up to speed" on architecture, if the |
| confidence and trust in the people they choose to | | | | software is not using community based Open Source |
| develop software. Confidence and trust can be | | | | software. |
| earned over time, but how does it start? Well, of | | | | When implementing an outsource development |
| course, the software developer(s) needs to have | | | | strategy, choose developers that will use Open |
| good references, case studies, professionalism and | | | | Source software in the overall solution. Using Open |
| applicable skill sets. But, even after reviewing these | | | | Source in the solution provides a shorter path to |
| factors, there might still be nagging doubts about | | | | confidence and trust in outsourced software |
| trusting someone you have never met and the person | | | | developers. Put another way, open source plays a |
| or company was not a referral from one of your | | | | positive part in the risk management of the decision to |
| contacts. | | | | outsource. By choosing offshore software |
| Open source software is the foundation for | | | | development partners that deliver based on |
| confidence and trust when choosing to outsource | | | | community established Open Source with appropriate |
| software development. It is the catalyst to an | | | | license for your needs, quality and the most |
| acceptable answer to the "what is the worst that can | | | | competitive cost can be obtained. |