New Book Offers the Definitive Guide to Software Outsourcing

Software development outsourcing has become a strategic imperative in today's global economy. To Steve Mezak, author of Software without Borders: A Step by Step Guide to Outsourcing Your Software Development, the issue is not whether companies should outsource software development or IT services, but that organizations lack detailed guidance on how to outsource effectively.

"Today's competitive global business environment makes outsourcing a necessity," says Mezak. "The real issues are when to outsource and how to do it effectively. Software Without Borders outlines the huge opportunity for American companies of all sizes can take advantage of resources around the world. "There are software developers in many countries that are just as smart and educated as we are, and who understand the technology," Mezak explains. "They just happen to live in a place in the world where it is much, much less expensive to hire them."

Mezak draws from his experiences in helping companies navigate the complexities of outsourcing, from evaluating whether to outsource, to choosing the right partner, and then understanding how to manage the process through to a positive outcome. Readers of Software without Borders will come away with a clear understand of the process of outsourcing, its advantages and its common pitfalls. The book will help readers answer:

• Does outsourcing make sense for our company?
  
• How can we avoid pitfalls and best prepare for outsourcing?
  
• Is our software design ready for outsourcing?
  
• Are we ready to select an outsourcing vendor?
  
• How can we maintain control of the process?
  
• How do we measure the results of the outsourcing effort?

Mezak emphasizes that outsourcing is not just for big companies and projects. Small and medium size companies can also take advantage of offshore outsourcing safely and reliably. Software without Borders is designed to help companies of all sizes move from a vague sense that they need to outsource to having a clear plan for selecting and engaging an outsourcing vendor.

Galley copies are available for editorial review and excerpt publication. Mezak is available for interviews and select article and column contributions.

Reviews:"The question isn't if companies should rely on these offshore software development resources, it's rather how do they find the best vendors the fastest and optimize their relationship with them. This book answers those very critical questions."

"Outsourcing is the only way many companies can compete effectively in today's global economy—yet most companies have very limited skills and expertise in its execution. For companies willing to 'do their homework' and 'learn the ropes' for selecting and managing offshore software development resources, the potential rewards are high: quick turn time, high-quality output, and substantial cost savings. This book helps you 'learn the ropes.'"
DAVE SOMMER, VP, E-Commerce, CompTIA, and Publisher, SoftwareCEO

"Any company considering outsourcing its software development, needs this book.
It's the first and last word on getting it done on a cost-effective, quick, professional,
and safe basis."
DR. MARSHALL J. BURAK, Dean Emeritus, College of Business, San Jose State University

"The chapter on offshoring is a key chapter in Steve's book. The data is accurate and the challenges of working in India and China are well-described—as are the opportunities. Some of the finer insights include an understanding of the Indian environment, such as the factors that lie behind recruitment, and issues to do with
corporate governance and ramp-up rates. All in all, I am very happy to recommend that this book be read."
RAFIQ DOSSANI, Senior Research Scholar, Stanford University