Potential for Outsourcing in Latin America
Latin America’s growing number of digital hubs is making it an increasingly attractive option for companies seeking to outsource software development. Although India and Asia have traditionally been the preferred outsourcing destinations, more and more major corporations are now considering relocating their software development operations to countries in Latin America. They are drawn to the numerous benefits that this region provides, such as expanding their global footprint, cutting costs, accelerating time to market and overcoming shortages of skilled workers.
If you’re running a startup, outsourcing your software development to Latin America may be a wise move. Here are several reasons why you should consider it: outsourcing software development.
1. Lower Costs
As companies strive to trim their operational expenses, more and more of them are turning to outsourcing as a solution for their software development needs. According to Mark Growth, nearly a quarter of all businesses choose to outsource to reduce their spending. Among the 46% of businesses that fail to outsource, the main reason cited is financial constraints.
The 2023 Guide to Global Software Outsourcing Rates published by Accelerance provides information about the average annual income of IT professionals in various countries. This report revealed that the cost of living in Latin America is significantly lower than that of North America.
For business owners who want to keep costs low while ensuring quality, hiring software developers from Latin America can be an excellent option. These developers offer top-notch services at a competitive price, making them a highly sought-after choice for cost-effective solutions. You can learn more about this topic by reading Outsourcing to Latin America, a must-read book by Nacho De Marco.
2. Proficiency in Agile and Lean Processes
Many businesses have integrated agile and lean methodologies into their software development project management practices in recent years. Latin American outsourcing centres are well-versed in using these methods, thanks to the region’s flexible and collaborative developers. As a result, they can provide innovative solutions to a range of challenges.
As startups seek developers who can work independently and make sound decisions, remote programmers are becoming increasingly in demand. Compared to in-house developers, those who work remotely are often better equipped to work autonomously. By hiring a cost-effective and diverse team of engineers from Latin America, startups can achieve high-quality outcomes with minimal management overhead.
3. The Growing Allure of Latin America for Tech Giants
Over the past few years, many major technology companies worldwide have been closely watching the IT talent in Latin America. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of these companies. Alongside their already-established sites in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, they have recently inaugurated a new office in Argentina. This exemplifies their devotion to the IT industry in Latin America and their eagerness to expand their footprint in the area.
Wizeline and Facebook, two major players in the startup industry, have gained a significant foothold in Latin America through their partnerships with various software development teams. In 2023 alone, Wizeline formed collaborative relationships with over 30 Latin American companies. As for Google’s recent entry into the region, André Barrence, director of Google’s São Paulo campus, mentioned that the objective is to foster a supportive environment that encourages innovation.
These companies are just a few examples of the numerous enterprises that have achieved success by collaborating with the highly skilled technology professionals in Latin America.
4. Proficiency in English Language
Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico are some of the Latin American countries with the highest rates of proficiency in the English language around the world. This attribute renders the region a vital hub for outsourcing software development projects.
According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2023, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil are among numerous Latin American nations that have outperformed China in English language proficiency.
The investigation further revealed that Argentina has the largest number of native English speakers in the entire Latin American region.
In urban Latin America, young people are learning English from an early age. Latin American experts are tapping into the abundant availability of programming and IT positions in the region. This allows them to work for US-based organizations in technical fields remotely.
5. Real-time Collaboration
If you are a startup entrepreneur, you might want to contemplate visiting your outsourcing partner in Latin America. For instance, a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Guadalajara, Mexico, a primary technology hub, takes a mere four hours. Additionally, a large number of Latin American countries have the same time zone as the United States, or are merely one or two hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. This makes the region a convenient and easily accessible option for entrepreneurs.
According to Eduardo Araujo, Vice President and General Manager of HP Enterprise Services, Latin America has an immensely lucrative outsourcing market, largely due to its congruous time zone with the rest of the Americas, which makes it a natural fit.
Latin American programmers provide a distinctive opportunity for American enterprises to gain access to 24/7 assistance and establish a nearby connection with their outsourced collaborators, resulting in a seamless and productive working partnership.
Outsourcing software development to Latin America: a stable and adaptable alternative for budding enterprises
Over the past few years, many US businesses have teamed up with software development teams situated in Latin America, leveraging the area’s vast pool of skilled IT experts. The region is a desirable choice for startups seeking aid with software development since it provides affordable pricing, a shared language, and is conveniently situated in relation to the United States.
