Bydrec, Inc.Agile methodologies have set the standard for software development projects, so, as the popularity of agile climbs, more and more companies are coming under pressure to switch to more modern, contemporary practices, which is easier said than done.
Transitioning from mildly outdated software development methods to agile methodologies takes time and resources that many companies may not have or cannot afford. As a result, people narrow their choices down between either resisting the change to minimize short-term spend, or investing well above their budget to ensure success.
Agile is arguably the best custom software development method available; however, it does take quite a bit of getting used to. What some may perceive as disadvantages could really just be bumps in the learning curve, so once these hiccups are addressed, your team should be able to move forward with minimal difficulties.
Here are some of the common issues and complaints associated with agile and how to overcome them with the help of Nearshore development teams.
1 – Pricing Issues
One common client complaint about agile is the lack of fixed pricing. Of course, some clients love the freedom and transparency that a standard agile contract can offer them, and the pay-as-you-go structure is perfect for projects with loose or indefinite timelines. However, some clients prefer knowing how much the project will cost them before it starts. Total cost, unfortunately, can’t be determined until the iteration ends. This, as you might guess, doesn’t sit too well with most folks.
For clients who absolutely must know the prices upfront, nearshore companies that have been dealing with agile for a while now are the best people to approach to get a rough quote. Using their considerable experience and insider knowledge based off of previous projects, they can give their clients an educated guestimate that can then help them adjust their budget and resources accordingly.
2 – Requires Client Participation
Agile methodologies require active client participation. The clients must be aware of every step taken throughout the development process, and have their say in it. Failure to do so could result in poor execution and sub-par software quality, which consequently reflects negatively upon the developers.
Outsourcing to nearshore agile teams will ensure that client participation and communication is as consistent and flawless as it needs to be. With minimal – if any – time difference between all involved parties, setting up web meetings and conducting real-time work chats will be a breeze.
Should any issues or questions arise, getting answers or discussing possible solutions is as simple and straightforward as making a call or shooting a quick email. There’s no need to calculate times or adjust dates (one of the biggest problems with offshore; the 12- to 14-hour difference) just to get hold of the whole team.
3 – Learning Curve/Specialized Terminology
One of the reported setbacks or obstacles of using agile methodologies is the need for clients to go through a training process to guarantee successful product development. We mentioned earlier that active participation from the client is necessary throughout the duration of development, and that participation also requires a certain level of understanding.
Clients need to know the basics of agile methodologies, especially the lingo. They need to at least be familiar with what the terms means, otherwise it adds another layer of obstacles on top of navigating the agile minefield.
Thankfully, outsourced development companies are experts at adjusting based on the client company’s level of technical expertise. Whether the client has an existing in-house development team that they can talk tech with or they’re coming in fresh without any sort of background whatsoever, nearshore teams know how to work with each accordingly.
4 – Long-Term or Short-Term Availability
Nearshore agile teams are suitable for any venture, regardless of length or scope. Whether they’ll temporarily migrate to your office for the duration of the project or they’ll continue to work remotely, outsourced development teams are extremely flexible and can work under most any parameters. As a team, they know their velocity, they know their strengths and weaknesses, and they have contingencies in place to account for those gaps.
As long as nearshore agile software developers have the tools, technology, and support that they need to make the project work, rest assured they’ll make it happen within the proposed timeline and budget.
5 – Prioritizing Value over Cost
When looking for an IT services partner, a lot of people will focus on the savings they could achieve by sourcing major projects to an external agency.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with keeping everything within budget, but cost is not the reason nearshore outsourcing is such an attractive option; it’s the overall value your company receives in respect to the resources you spend.
A solid nearshore agile development team can offer your business its time, expertise, methods, strategies, game plans, and experience, which equate to higher overall value.
Summary – Why Nearshore?
Software developers at nearshore IT services companies have spent a considerable portion of their career navigating the ins and outs of software engineering. Their familiarity with similar companies pitching similar projects translates to incredible technical competency, and they possess the kind of skills you’d normally have to go through multiple interviews to find.
The best part is that their unity maximizes their talent. You don’t have to concern yourself with potential issues like diametrically opposed workflows, unresolved personal problems, or even minor in-team arguments. Working with a nearshore agile team means you’re working with a competent, consistent group of software developers who know how to function and operate as one cohesive unit, not a bunch of highly-intellectual and self-assured individuals who are set in their own ways.
Outsourced nearshore agile teams are a fraction of the cost of hiring an in-house consultant or expert, they offer the same value in terms of knowledge, experience, and expertise, and they can easily be leveraged for both small projects and long-term ventures. Best of all, they’re team players – it comes with the job description.
After all, talent and technical know-how won’t do much for your business if you can’t leverage it.
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