How to set up an IT Delivery Center in India

Five years ago I took a flight to India, got an accountant, hired an office space in a tech park, invited friends to a meeting in the Hilton board room and signed employment contracts. This won’t work that easy nowadays. But how to get it going today?

I would like to share with you my lessons learned on my successful company’s path in India:

1. Have a (offshore) strategy

The management needs to be convinced that India, as the world’s #1 IT hub, is the place to be.  With plenty of talent, which you cannot find in Germany these days. Also with great IT-infrastructure and political stability. Also a government, which does not interfere with your business, but supports you improving it.

2. Think big – start small

Dedicate a hand-picked local employees to head the transition project and guide the – future – India team. Define your objectives and put them on a timeline. Select a consulting company like OPTANIUM to get people. Target to start with a small team within six months.

3. Set the financial expectations right

Do expect great savings, but plan for a proper ramp-up time. Many projects fail because of too high expectations within a year. Ask the management for enough time to get into a flow. Rome was not built in a day, but finally became an empire. Do things right, and do not repeat your mistakes.

4. Get the contracts straight

Best to ask a local company in India to hire and host your people, ideally one with a German presence. So you can contract the German entity and apply German law, while getting all benefits from the Indian entity in terms of skills and cheap labor. There are a few, like OPTANIUM.

5. Don’t fall for body leasers

Don’t make the mistake and get individuals from a body leaser. Find a reliable, established manager, committed with “heart & soul” and dedicated to your team members. Without a proper management structure in India, your best effort will fail. Guaranteed. Without. Any. Doubt.

6. Establish a distinguishing feature

Me-too companies do not attract skilled people. You want to be special to spark the fire within the hearts of your local talents. You need to own something others don’t have. A German presence, great technology, extras like a rental car on the weekend, participation in the company’s ebit, you name it.

7. Do away with payroll, accounting and legal

Find support to clear all regulatory hurdles for you. Outsource all no-profit-generating tasks to a local contractor with good connections to the government and local bodies. Ensure to track the results. Enforce your code of ethics and business.

8. Foster exchange

Bridge cultural gaps. Make sure your employees from both countries visit and get to know each other. During projects, for sales- and shareholder meetings, through team events and public holidays. Listen to your local team and promote their and your values and thoughts. Be open and honest, respect everyone’s opinion.

9. Two way habits

Be sure to apply the right set of customs depending on your location. Use indirect speech in India, more direct speech in Germany, do not lean on cars in Germany and do use Uber on Indian streets. Never negate your values, always follow your inner compass and get things done.

10. Be patient with the local bodies

Establishing an office in India takes weeks, not days. A Pvt. Ltd. (GmbH) registration takes up to eleven months, a new internet connection, a PAN card and a CIN, AoAs, MoAs much longer. Whenever you think you have accomplished a task, something new comes up – often unpredictable. Be patient and accept the challenge.

Conclusion

In terms of IT India is the best place to be. I dare to predict this will still apply for many more years. Looking at the shortage of resources (skills) in Germany, my advice for you is: Leverage Indian talent! Hire a service company to enhance your goals. Find the one company, which fulfills its promises. Good luck!

What are your thoughts and experiences? Let’s get in touch and exchange them. 

Author: Marcel Nebel, Optanium GmbH

Picture: iStock.com