Onsite, Offsite, or Hybrid – Which Delivery Model Is Right for Your Application Development Needs

Amid the unprecedented working-model shifts triggered by the pandemic, it’s not unusual that the IT industry has had to adapt to a sea of changes to accommodate for optimal functioning. 

And as it stands, the adaptations concerning deliveries of projects are also coherently in sync with the rest as to how things should go. This is why we see enterprises stressing the viability of onsite, offsite, and hybrid delivery models for project deliveries. Each approach could work for a company’s application development needs as long as the conditions are right for it.

For one, all of these models have their own pros and cons that should be considered carefully. 

What Is the Onsite, Offsite, and Hybrid Delivery Model in Software Development?

Each model is deployed based on the location of the project resources available for service delivery. The models are based on various factors and weighed against each other when deciding on the most suitable one. 

Onsite Model

The “onsite delivery model” can be understood as delivering a required software project depending on the location of need and support resources. This model is well-suited when the business integration team is required to be close to the client’s stakeholders, when the project’s scope is unclear, or when the project is open-ended. 

Pros

• Meeting people in person; creating better collaboration and stronger connections amongst teams
• Availability of assets, equipment, and facilities from the organization
• Better focus on work 
• Easy management and monitoring of the workforce

Cons

• People have to commute more, increasing travel costs 
• Difficult for organizations as they have to maintain the workplace
• Could be costly 

Offsite Model

Having a dedicated software development team offsite is what clients like the most when they have highly technical projects with critical deadlines and scope. Employing a team of software testers and developers offshore can assist a company in reducing the time and effort required to build the software from the ground up and then repeat the process for the release cycle.

Pros

• Hiring is easier with access to a wider talent base 
• Organizations can hire diverse talent from across the globe  
• The resource management is handled by the offshore delivery partner
• Cost effective when the offshore teams are set up in countries like India 

Cons

• Communication gaps can arise if proper processes are not defined
• Greater coordination is needed between onsite and offsite teams 
• Cultural fitment of the teams can be tricky 

Hybrid Model

Evenly distributing the critical elements of both onsite and offsite delivery models is the future. With faster support systems in place for urgent requirements and detailed training and understanding of software onsite, the hybrid model can be a perfect solution for everyone. 

Even though it could be costly to make this system work efficiently, it would be worth it. Considering the pros and cons of the other two methods, slowly developing a model that follows a contingency approach for each requirement rather than a one-fit model for all would be reasonable going forward.

Pros

• A win-win situation for employees and companies 
• Offsite people can give quick resolutions because of their availability
• Cost-effective as compared to onsite
• The client can have sufficient control over the project development

Cons

• If not applied well, the hybrid model can affect employees’ productivity
• Choosing a suitable workflow and technology that supports the model is critical

Why Is the Hybrid Delivery Model a Preferred Solution in the Current Scenario?

The hybrid model consolidates both onsite and offsite delivery models for better quality results. More so, it’s a preferable model in the current scenario because of the following reasons: 

Productivity

This model can enhance productivity as people can work in different time zones and provide support 24/7. 

Communication

The onsite local team can help understand the project better and then interact with the offshore team to impart knowledge so that they are on the same page. 

Turn-around-time

It is known that hybrid models will take the least turnaround time for resolving issues. 

Cost

All services are known beforehand, and significant decisions for the project are filtered through the onsite team, saving a lot of costs. 

Diversity

Companies can also choose to employ offshore candidates from other countries who can deliver profitably due to different market conditions. 

Conclusion

Every delivery model, whether onsite, offsite, or hybrid, has its share of benefits. Although, after the pandemic, the hybrid model is gaining popularity because it proves to be the best trade-off yet. It is what most employees and companies seem to prefer. 

Nevertheless, onsite and offsite delivery models still play a vital role in many industries. We at Clear Thought Solutions believe the same. As an IT development and software consulting firm specializing in solutions for the overall development of IT systems, Clear Thought Solutions has always been a proponent of identifying and relying on models that fit the client’s requirements. 

Drop us a line about your requirements and let us help you make the best decision for your project!