Managing Offshore has posted a 3,600-word freely available article on proof of concept projects.
Some major points:
- Clients should use this kind of project to test the vendor.
- Service providers should use it to test the client. (One quote: "It did not take us long to realize that every customer is not an ideal candidate for offshore support.”)
- Use a pilot to identify the “real” costs of outsourcing.
One great tip: If you’re unsure whether an offshore solution is the way to go, set up a remote office and have that office adopt working hours comparable to the offshore location you’re considering. It’ll give you a chance to work out the “kinks” of being an offshore client.
Make sure to read the three tips on choosing the appropriate pilot project.
