Provider FAQs
Whether you are just exploring offshore possibilities or are quickly
approaching your decision timeline to launch an offshore team, we are sure you
have plenty of questions. We have included the following commonly asked
questions in two sections. The first section (below) is frequently asked
questions about Augmentive and our services. The second section is
frequently asked questions about Eastern Europe. In addition, feel free
to contact us if you have additional questions we did
not answer.
How do I get started outsourcing?
The easiest way to get started is to contact us. One of
our account executives will begin working with you to understand your company
goals and project needs. We have an in-depth knowledge of offshore development
that can quickly get you started on your offshore project. Augmentive believes
that every offshore project begins with a detailed needs analysis. What are the
project goals? What are the current gaps in development methodologies? What
skill sets and resources are missing? For more information on our methodology,
click here.
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How can I outsource to an offshore provider without even meeting them?
You cannot and we would not ask you too. The Augmentive team is prepared to
arrive onsite and meet face to face with your project team. Part of our
development methodology relies on appropriate knowledge transfer and
team training. Both elements require a level of face-to-face communication.
Depending on the length of the project and the level of complexity, you may
need more or less initial product knowledge transfer. As your team grows,
however, there will be less of a need for new members to arrive onsite. For
more information about growing and maintaining and offshore development team,
contact us.
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What development roles can I outsource?
Augmentive offers a full suite of development services from needs analysis and
definition to final testing and deployment. We believe that each client's needs
are different and must be assessed independently. Based on this assessment, we
will work with you to outsource those roles that makes sense for your business.
To get started on your needs assessment, contact us.
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What types of projects can I outsource?
Whether you are launching a new product, customizing existing products or
rewriting legacy applications, Augmentive offers full-service outsourced
project development and offshore staffing services. For companies looking to
outsource a complete project, Augmentive works with you to understand project
needs and will deliver high quality software. Using our methodology, customers
engage in successful projects at any stage in the development process. For
those companies looking to expand operations into low-cost, high productivity
locations, Augmentive provides staffing services to create a dedicated offshore
team.
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Do you do fixed-bid projects?
Yes, Augmentive does provide fixed-bid project services. In order to determine
the most cost effective way to work with Augmentive, please contact
us.
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We have our own development methodology; do we have to use yours?
No, we are firm believers that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. The
first step in our development methodology is to
understand your current methods and process. We will only institute changes if
we both agree that there are necessary modifications for a distributed
development environment.
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How do I evaluate the cost of an offshore project?
There are three main areas to look at when evaluating an offshore partner:
-
Knowledge and experience - Has the provider done projects in my industry? Do I
need a specific set of skills? Does the provider understand my project needs?
-
Ability to execute - Augmentive has worked to perfect our methodology and
processes to ensure successful execution of your projects. The method of
execution is the most critical piece of provider selection. Without successful
execution, cost savings quickly become project losses.
-
Cost - wage is not the only way to look at offshore project costs. See the
question below for more information on evaluating the true cost of an offshore
project.
It is important to have an understanding of your project needs when selecting
an offshore vendor. We believe that each client's needs are different and must
be assessed independently. Based on this assessment, we will map Augmentive
services to your project needs. To get started on your needs assessment,
contact us.
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Who is the owner of the intellectual property of the software that your team
develops?
The intellectual property is the client's. Augmentive helps clients hire
employees in offshore development centers. Therefore, any work done by these
employees is the client's intellectual property and not Augmentive's.
Augmentive will not disclose any information about a project without
permission, will not re-use or resell project code and we are willing to work
within any non-compete agreements agreed upon at the start of the project.
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How do you communicate with customers throughout the project?
Continuous communication is an important part of any offshore relationship.
Augmentive has created a communication infrastructure that gives you direct
access to your offshore project team. In addition to phone, email and Internet
chat, we can establish video conferencing and onsite meetings. Also an
advantage to Eastern Europe is the window of direct communication
unavailable to firms in India and China.
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