When it comes to IT projects, outsourcing is a great way to reduce costs, tap into supplemental tech talent, and sprint toward your growth goals. However, it can also be a daunting process, one mired in uncertainty and perhaps a bit of anxiety. After all, a lot is riding on your decision. 

So before you start outsourcing IT projects, it’s vital that you know what to expect. With that in mind, let’s dive into the basics of IT outsourcing, including what it is, the various types you may encounter, and some tips you can use to outsource effectively.  

What Is IT Outsourcing? 

So what is IT outsourcing? Broadly speaking, it’s the process of delegating certain information technology responsibilities and tasks to a third-party entity. You can outsource one-time projects, recurring IT responsibilities, or both. 

There are multiple ways to go about outsourcing. The hands-off approach involves giving the entire project or task to third-party providers, which means they handle everything and provide you with a functional deliverable based on your project specifications.  

Alternatively, you can use IT project outsourcing to augment the capabilities of your in-house staff. This is the more common approach, as it ensures you are kept in the loop from start to finish.  

What you outsource and how much control you surrender is entirely up to you. Your provider can handle everything from routine tasks like data storage to complex tasks like software development or end-to-end IT management.  

However, don’t think that IT project outsourcing means surrendering control of your endeavor. In reality, you and your business are the provider’s clients. As such, they have a duty to act in your best interests, keep you in the loop, and handle the project on your terms. Your level of involvement is entirely up to you.  

Types of IT Project Outsourcing 

For IT projects, outsourcing can be lumped into one of three broad categories, which includes: 

Offshore Outsourcing 

Traditional offshoring involves hiring a team from another country, allowing for lower labor costs. This also means countless offshoring outsourcing opportunities and a huge global talent pool.  

But there are a few downsides to this approach. For one, your outsourcing partners might be on the other side of the world. This can make collaborating in real time or scheduling video conferences almost impossible. You might also have a tough time enforcing quality control standards. 

Nearshore Outsourcing 

Nearshore outsourcing involves working with teams in neighboring countries. This is becoming increasingly popular, as you can unlock major cost savings while still being able to collaborate effectively. Since your nearshore partner’s time zone might only be a few hours off (or even the same), chatting or booking meetings is much easier. 

Think of nearshore outsourcing as a happy medium. It’s far more cost-effective than domestic outsourcing but offers better quality control than standard offshoring. For most businesses, outsourcing IT projects to nearshore partners is the most pragmatic approach.  

Onshore Outsourcing 

Onshore or domestic outsourcing involves hiring a team in your own country. With this approach, you’ll be in close proximity to your outsourced talent, making collaboration a breeze. They’ll also have to adhere to the same set of privacy, security, and intellectual property rules as you, which makes navigating the legal side of things easier.  

However, onshore outsourcing is incredibly expensive. It’s not quite as costly as hiring in-house talent, but it’s pretty close. You’ll also be competing with other domestic brands for talent and resources, making it harder to scale your team.  

Tips for Outsourcing IT Projects  

Outsourcing IT projects can drastically reduce your workload and free up your team to focus on other responsibilities. However, to enjoy those benefits, you must first get your outsourcing strategy up and running. To do that, you’ll need to: 

Define Your Project Goals and Scope 

Before you start, you should know exactly what you want to achieve with your IT project. Don’t just set an overarching goal — define the project scope, objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. 

More importantly, be clear about your non-negotiables. If any aspects of the project are optional, be upfront about it. This way, your outsourcing partner knows what to prioritize and how to allocate their resources.  

Choose the Right Partner 

Take your time to research and select a partner that aligns with your needs. Look for companies with a proven track record, glowing client testimonials, and a portfolio that resonates with your project requirements.  

Most importantly, ensure they’ve worked with clients in your vertical before. This is especially vital if you operate in a tightly regulated sector.  

Emphasize Communication and Regular Check-Ins 

Establish clear, open lines of communication. Let your provider know how often you expect updates, who they should be delivered to, and what information you want conveyed during these check-ins.  

Just like with in-house teams, regular communication is key to keeping your project on budget and on schedule. The less often you check in with your provider, the greater the odds of something going awry.  

Focus on Quality Control 

Don’t compromise on the quality of your project — set up checkpoints and define your quality standards from the start. If your provider falls short of your standards, let them know and provide clear instructions for remedying the problem. 

Of course, every new partnership will encounter a few challenges. What matters is how your outsourcing provider responds to these hurdles. Do they rise to the occasion or make excuses? A great partner will adapt to your needs and set the stage for a mutually beneficial relationship.  

Not All IT Outsourcing Companies Are Created Equal — Choose Wisely  

When it comes to IT projects, outsourcing, and best practices, remember that there’s a lot of disparity among service providers. Therefore, before you start outsourcing IT projects, you should carefully evaluate prospective partners and ensure they are up to your standards. 

A great outsourcing partner can accelerate business growth and help you take the headache out of IT management. Do your due diligence, ask plenty of questions, and don’t settle for anything but the best.