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How to Develop Software Better and Faster:
A Guide to Strategic Outsourcing
Art & Logic
software engineering and design
Features of a good recruiting
strategy:
Talent is `hand-picked' by senior
engineering staff
Rigorous screening process
includes skills- testing and
multiple interviews
Engineers are hired for expert
skills, industry experience
Retaining the best developers is
as important as hiring them
Background
Evaluate the outsourcing firm's core competencies. Consider using a checklist to
compare various firms. Start by looking at the breadth of work the firm has completed
in the past. Is there significant experience in a range of development services? A
background including multiple development tools and programming languages
indicates that the firm will be able to deliver the software for your hardware product
even if the scope increases. Feature creep is just one of many things that can bog
down your project; ask potential firms for evidence of creative recovery plans.
Staff Quality
You need expert software engineers. Check the firm's web site for projects
completed with recent and relevant technologies. Look for evidence of an aggressive
recruiting strategy, such as a compelling careers site or a local billboard campaign.
Get specific information about the firm's skills and standards. Firms with a high
quality staff have a commitment to coding standards, stable project teams, and
regular training.
Firm Size
Many engineering managers favor the personalized service of smaller firms. Small
firms can be a good choice, but opt for a firm that is large enough to provide `scalable
teams' to accommodate the fluctuating demands of your project. Larger firms may be
able to assist you with multiple software projects concurrently.
www.artlogic.com
330 North Brand Blvd.
Suite 280
Glendale CA 91203
Phone: 818-500-1933
Fax: 818-500-1533
