The outsourcing question: how well does it work?

I am in the middle of a project that will get outsourced, most likely to a company with resources in India. To be more precise, the development tasks will be outsourced. My current role as functional and design specifications lead will most likely continue, at least during initial phase of engagement.

Few questions that went through my mind, when I found out about this, were:

• how well will this process work?
• what are the chances for such a project to succeed?

There are several ways to define success. From management perspective it may be the financial aspect: the reduced cost of development overseas. I don't have all the facts and am not in the best position to judge this aspect.

I am however more interested to find out what does it take to make this process successful from the point of end product quality and delivery on time. What kind of elements - open communication, good technical specifications, flexible working hours, etc. - are critical in engaging the outsourcing party to deliver the best possible results?

If you like, please share your honest opinions from past experience here...

Finally Spring

I have to admit, I enjoy the warm weather better than long cold winter. But who doesn't?

Here are some pictures I took in during the weekend in my lovely neighbourhood. Enjoy!