What is the difference between offshore and onshore?

There are many organizations that utilize offshore vs onshore software testing activities based on their project-specific requirements. The crucial factors are analysed and their advantages are evaluated. Offshore software testing is basically carrying out software testing activities in an altogether different country, whereas onshore software testing carries out software testing activities in the same country. Team preferences, location specifics, business requirements, budget constraints etc., are some of the key factors that need to be taken into consideration while going for offshore vs onshore software testing. The management should also scrutinize various aspects that revolve around these two models and then take a strategic decision that can help them scale their business. In this article, you will get to know what the differences are between offshore and onshore.   

What is Offshore testing? 

It is a business model wherein the testing team is located in a different geographical location. There will be virtual communication through online video and calling software wherein the testing team, development team and other relevant teams discuss on the project’s progress. 

Advantages of offshore testing: 

1. The flexibility factor: A large pool of testers are available and hence the QA testing can be more flexible. Through this approach, the QA testing activities can be scaled accordingly.  

2. A huge availability of QA testers: A wide variety of QA testers are available. When there are more relevant people available in these regions or nations, then there is a possibility to access a bigger pool of potential testers. The ideal tester can be located with the necessary expertise and knowledge. 

3. Expenses can be lowered: When large IT projects are outsourced to nations that have low labor costs then the cost can be reduced. Sizeable upfront savings can be expected from these inexpensive markets. 

The team should make it a point to know the working of offshore vs onshore so that they can evaluate both these valuable models in a tactical manner. 

What is Onshore testing? 

It is a business model wherein the testing team is located in the same country as that of the client.       

Advantages of Onshore testing: 

1. The contract duration can be increased: Project-based requirements can be adequately met through the onshore model as it can provide testing activities more effectively.  

2. The strategic value of in-person communication: Communication can be properly streamlined and carried out effectively through the onshore model. Communication enhances the team’s understanding of ongoing testing activities clearly, discuss problems and issues more productively.  

3. The cost factor: Better collaboration and communication are provided between clients and testers through the onshore model. Through this, the costs of software testing are reduced accordingly.  

4. Security threats are lowered: There is less significant issues of security-related issues when the onshore model is being used accordingly.     

Following are a few factors that can be taken into viewpoint while considering offshore vs onshore: 

1. Costs based on location: When it comes to labor costs, there is a general trend that developed nations charge more than developing countries.  

2. The involvement of management: Significant cost savings are experienced by the overall project budget when the testing solution requires less management attention. 

3. Communication: The success of a project is dependent on effective communication 

4. The work should be effectively managed: The project’s life cycle and project’s scope should be effectively controlled as it is necessary to deliver the project on time. If the deliveries are done later,  then it might impact the product costs and overall budget.    

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to go for offshore or onshore for your specific project, then do get connected with a professionally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with strategic testing solutions that are in line with your project specific requirements. 


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