Outsourcing is now a loaded word. There were times when it used to mean, “getting things done from someone else”. When it comes to Outsourcing websites, it would have meant exactly that, “getting your website made from someone else”.

But then what is the difference between ‘outsourcing websites’ and ‘getting a website made’?

The difference is that when you outsource your website, you ought to expect more than just getting a website made. Most of the companies get their websites made from professional website firms and the relationship usually ends the moment the website is put on the servers and made live. Outsourcing your website should mean building business relationships in terms of long-term commitments.

When you outsource your website to any company, the following questions must be asked and a satisfying answer obtained:

1. Where will the website or web application be hosted? For how long and for how much?
2. What kind of Ongoing Support will be provided with the website/web application?
3. What kind of Customer Service will be provided?
4. What will be the Agreed Service Levels for the above mentioned services?
5. If required, what resources would I (the client) would need to run this website/web application?
6. If required, what resources would the website development firm provide to run the website/web application?

Now, the above are simplified versions of the kind of information you as a client must have. This not only puts you at an advantage but provides the website firm the focus to deliver on time, within budget and with consistency.

If you are in the business of outsourcing, OR, you are a potential buyer of outsourcing services relating to web development, please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question (using the form below).