Finally, it is not so known, but Indian business culture _does not_ allow them to say ‘No’. Meaning, whichever request client has, they must accept it - even when they very know it is (technically or project wise) not possible! This makes it really tricky. You can even test this, by setting an example project which with current standards can not be done. And they will accept it. As the project develops, they will start sending rubbish code, practically forcing you to abandon project.
It is the main reason why most of these off-shore deals fail. I see more and more european software houses either abandon off-shoring, bring the good guys local, or send experienced architects and project managers to the off-shore country to try to solve this issue. Not a lot of them succeed…
Hence, more and more near shoring is evolving business. Regarding Europe, meaning east block and some southern countries. Not sure how is it going in USA and other parts of world whereby several time zones are in play. But I do know that at least some Dutch development and / or recruitment companies have made quite success in forehand mentioned countries.
@vbsaltydog, hope we were able to bring some more rest into your dreams 😉
Cheers,
Smilie