To begin, it is important to understand that mobile application development involves creating a mobile application that can run on more than one platform (such as iOS and Android) using a single codebase. This is typically achieved by using frameworks like Ionic, React Native, or Xamarin, which allow devs to write code in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and then compile it into native code for each platform.
On the other hand, offshore mobile app development teams are groups of software developers located in different countries or regions, working together to build apps using hybrid development frameworks. The term of "Offshore" indicates that these teams are based in locations other than the primary location of the company they work for.
Therefore, an offshore mobile development team consists of groups of engineers, designers, testers, project managers, and other roles necessary to develop successfully. These offshore mobile developers are highly skilled in cutting-edge mobile technologies like Flutter, React Native, Node.js, .NET Xamarin, and JavaScript. They seamlessly integrate into projects from various locations, such as Mexico to Ukraine, offering cost-effective solutions.
These groups collaborate remotely, using communication tools, project management software, version control systems, and other technologies to coordinate their efforts regardless of the distance between them.
Even though offshore mobile development teams work similarly to onshore teams, some adjustments are taken into account to accommodate the geographical and cultural differences.
For instance, effective communication is crucial for offshore teams. Using various communication channels such as video conferencing, instant messaging, email, and project management tools to stay connected is particularly relevant, given the distance between teams. That is why regular meetings are scheduled to discuss project progress, address challenges, and make decisions.
Moreover, offshore teams rely on collaboration tools and technologies to facilitate teamwork and productivity. These may include version control systems (such as Git), project management software (Trello is one of the most chosen apps), communication platforms (for instance, Slack or Microsoft Teams), and virtual collaboration tools (for example, Zoom).
One particularity of offshore teams is that these groups may consist of members from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, cultural sensitivity and awareness are important for fostering effective communication, collaboration, and mutual respect within the team.