Offshore software development makes communication among the distributed teams difficult. Our Agile Software Development approach relies upon informal but intense communication.
Communication Methods and Tools
Xebia uses variety of methods to maintain the optimal communication between the customer and offshore team. The developers in India use messaging software such as Skype to stay in touch with the on site team of the customer. Our team conducts daily stand up meetings with the help of the latest video conferencing software to provide the updates on the completed tasks and activities on daily basis. We also use shared tech mailing list to ask the questions or share the information in informal manner.
Xebia also uses a Wiki which is accessible to the whole project team on site and offshore that facilitates rapid collaboration among the distributed teams. Xebia provides Web based progress tracking tools to facilitate easy monitoring of work at the offshore location by the customer and other stakeholders in a non intrusive manner.
On Site Product Owner
Xebia recommends having an On site consultant or Product Owner in the customer team who is aware of local context in which the software will be used. He can communicate to business managers and end-users effectively to understand their requirements. On site consultant acts a conduit to transfer the useful information to the offshore team and on site team, if applicable. It frees up customer from managing all little details of offshore team management and communication.
