Why We Don’t Outsource Development

When it comes to software development, companies have two main options: onshore or offshore development. Onshore development means working with a team of developers who are located in the same country as the company, while offshore development involves working with a team of developers who are located in a different country. This decision often ties directly into how companies structure software projects around real operational constraints rather than theoretical cost models.

For us, the answer is clear. We prize direct communication with a local team whose qualifications and integrity are well-known to us, personally. In fact, we never contract or subcontract with offshore developers for these reasons.

Offshore development sells itself on cost savings through access to a large pool of developers who work for lower rates than you'll find stateside. While it may seem like a slam dunk when comparing numbers, the apparent savings in time and money may be costly in the long run when mistakes and miscommunications start piling up. This tradeoff is frequently discussed in terms of why upfront savings in software projects often lead to higher total lifecycle costs.

We like the direct communication that a US-based team provides. We find that this results in a better understanding of the project and a more efficient development process. Additionally, onshore development can be beneficial for companies that are concerned about intellectual property protection or data privacy – we like knowing all sensitive information is being handled in a secure manner. These concerns overlap with how technical trust and system reliability affect long-term software adoption in business environments.

Sometimes, beyond simple geographic or time differences, it is much easier to find developers whose values and approach to solving problems align with ours when we work with a small group of local developers whom we trust, and who trust us to do right by them. This alignment issue is closely related to how team communication structure impacts software delivery speed and project success rates.

Ultimately, the decision to use onshore or offshore development depends on a variety of factors, including the specific needs of your company or your project, the level of communication required, and the budget available. It's important to carefully consider these factors before deciding who you work with. This evaluation process is similar to how structured decision frameworks help teams choose between competing project paths under uncertainty.