Building an Offshore Development Team in Vietnam
Overview
Our client, a strategy and technology consulting firm based in Switzerland, embarked on a project to establish a robust offshore development team in Da Nang, Vietnam. The goal was to create a team of 30 members, including developers, QA specialists, business analysts, project managers, and admin staff, that exceeded European standards in both skills and communication.
- Switzerland
Project Scale
30 person-months
Client Background
The client is a Switzerland-based strategy and technology consulting firm looking to expand its operations by setting up an offshore development team in Vietnam. This move was part of their strategy to tap into the potential of IT outsourcing while maintaining high-quality standards.
Client Requirements
The client required a team with strong technical skills and proficiency in English to meet the demands of European clients. Effective communication and cultural adaptation were also crucial to overcoming the challenges of remote work and ensuring smooth collaboration.
Challenges
Navigating the regulatory landscape in Vietnam, particularly as a foreign direct investor (FDI), posed significant challenges. Restrictions and hurdles from local authorities needed to be addressed to ensure compliance with local government regulations. Additionally, online communication difficulties due to the physical distance between team members initially hindered effective collaboration.
Strategic Solutions
To meet the high standards required, the team was carefully selected for their technical skills and English proficiency. The project management model used by the client in Switzerland was adapted to fit the Vietnamese cultural context, ensuring smooth integration and collaboration. A legal agent was also engaged to navigate the regulatory challenges posed by local authorities. Effective digital tools and strategies were adopted to facilitate smoother interactions and collaboration, mitigating the impact of remote work challenges.
Key Achievements
The successful setup of the offshore development team in Da Nang has been a significant achievement. The team has delivered high-quality software solutions, supported by careful planning, strong project management, and cultural adaptation. This venture into Vietnam highlights the advantages of IT outsourcing and offshore development, allowing the client to expand its global reach while maintaining high standards of quality.
- Initial team size: 30 members
- Annual team growth plan: 20% increase in team size
By leveraging local talent and adhering to best practices in team management, the client has successfully established a productive offshore development team in Vietnam, setting a strong foundation for future growth.