In the old days of software development (circa 3 years ago), when you wanted to build a new software application or start in on some business projects, you had to interview tons of staff to find the right people, sort out computers and desk space, and give your new staff plenty of ‘settling in’ time.

Or . . . you could outsource to a local IT firm which would handle all of your development for you. In the days before voice-over-ip, cheap ubiquitous broadband, and efficient collaboration systems, this was often more trouble than it was worth. Frequently, a firm delivered software that was 'not quite' what you had asked for.

But now you have more options than you've ever had before. Technology companies can't expect you to be their customer just because they are closest. The bar has been raised and all IT organisations must work hard to impress you.

Here are some of the main reason you may consider outsourcing some of you projects or business functions:

• You want to save money.

  The big reason companies look offshore is to save money. While this goal is a good one, it should not be the only reason you look to go overseas. Too often, companies are releasing all of their software developers or call centre staff and replacing them with cheaper, untested, offshore workers. Talent is what you should be looking for. That is what Overpass is all about.

• You want to increase your productivity.

  If you've ever had to find developer or call centre resources, you know how difficult finding the right people can be. While everyone is talking about a technology market decline, the reality is that most developers in the Western world are employed and making a good wage. It's not as easy to find a local developer as you might think.

  By sending a project overseas, you have access to a very large population of developers who, in many cases, can start work immediately. Not only will they be more readily available, it is likely they will be more skilled as well.

  Why strive to get five junior programmers here when you can get 10 senior programmers overseas.

• You want to help your existing employees gain a competitive edge on the marketplace.

  If you kept your staff doing what they are doing right now for the next five years, would you really be doing them a service?

  What if you could promote your existing coders to architects? What if you turn your run-of-the-mill code monkeys into technology standard gurus and highly skilled code reviewers? What if you could put your employees on the ultra-cool new project, while getting Overpass to take care of maintaining the hum-drum legacy systems? When your staff leave your employ, give them a skill they can use in the outsourcing world.

• You want to increase innovation.

  In the book Swim With the Sharks Without Getting Eaten Alive, Harvey MacKay wrote about the importance of having people who stare at the wall all day. The current economy is based on ideas. Ideas need to gestate. If you have your staff working at 100% all day long on routing urgent work, no new ideas will arise. You will lose your innovative edge.

These are just a few examples of reasons to offshore. You may have your own.

Whatever your reasons, Overpass can help you.