"A positive shock. A good investment in our future work together. Not to mention all the good food," says Frode Aron Johansen jokingly, Web Manager Estate Media.
In December 2008, Johansen and colleague Even Schjenken from Estate Media traveled to Devant's office in Pune, 175 km east of Bombay. They returned to Oslo with a large collection of new impressions. "We discussed specific web projects in more detail, at the same time as we got to know "our" programmers," Johansen says.
The guests had filled their suitcases with sketches and their brains with ideas. A new version of Estate Media's Web Portal for commercial real estate was about to be developed. Ideas were presented, solutions were discussed. By the time Johansen was on the plane back to Oslo - a new prototype had been created.
Srikanth gives his audience a thorough introduction to Scrum - the method Devant has chosen for their projects.
His colleague, Schjenken, received training on how to publish articles online, the design and look of newsletters, as well as a discussion on the company's administration system and conferences. Both representatives received a proper overdose of Indian food and culture.
Estate Media has worked closely with Devant for several years, but has increased their level of interaction with the consultants and web developers in Devant's offices in India. "We have a completely different relationship with Devant's staff in India now that we've been able to meet them in person," says Schjenken. "A few days of sitting by the same table works wonders for our "mutual understanding," says Trond Skundberg, partner in Devant, who organized the trip to India.
"Devant has put together a very focused program, and no details were missed. The days were long, but we also accomplished a lot in a very short time. In fact, we were only away from our office in Oslo for four days," Johansen says.
Quick break at the rooftop of Devant's office in Pune. From left: Even and Frode from Estate Media, Rafiq and Srikanth from Devant Consulting.
What made the biggest impression on you in India?
Even Schjenken doesn't even have to consider his reply: "The contrasts obviously hit you, and that made a big impression. What sticks with you, however, is the friendliness of the people and an incredible high level of service. I am also really impressed with devant's efforts, and how well they received us."
What were you able to accomplish in Pune that you couldn't have done in Oslo?
"We are so used to communicating with the developers via mail and chat. But to be able to sketch, point and see the body language and immediate reactions of the person you're working with is priceless," Schjenken says.
It's no secret that outsourcing to India is not always a walk in the park. What are your biggest challenges?
"The differences in language and culture can sometimes create minor misunderstandings, but we're always able to get right back on track," Schjenken says.
Would you recommend Devant's project-focused trips to India to others?
"Absolutely. The program was highly valuable and should be compulsary in terms of optimizing both cooperation and partnership. We were able to feel the effects long after our return. I have already started looking for excuses in order to sign up for the next one," Johansen concludes. Schjenken only needs one word to answer the question: "YES."
A team of developers working on a new web portal for Estate Media at Devant's office in Pune.
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