PCMS, a global supplier of point of sale (POS) solutions with a head office in the UK, has selected redPanda Software to provide offshore development services to its core development group.
PCMS is expanding rapidly and the redPanda Software relationship will help to support that growth with access to additional dedicated full service teams. These teams will be used as an extension of the PCMS teams to deliver projects for PCMS customers globally.
redPanda Software was chosen for its expertise and track record of delivering agile projects to the retail industry, a key criteria during the selection process.
“We are delighted to be working with PCMS, and this partnership represents a significant win not only for redPanda Software, but for South Africa as well,” says Gareth Hawkey, CEO of redPanda Software. “As a result, at least 18 new jobs will be created, not to mention the creation of new office space and various other positive knock-on effects.”
The partnership with redPanda Software will enable PCMS to increase its development capacity, to accommodate its rapid expansion, but at very low risk and without making any changes to its existing customer cost structures.
“This is a true partnership in that redPanda Software will become part of the core development processes from our Cape Town office,” adds Hawkey. “This is not the old model of ‘body shopping’ and satellite management – we will have full featured self-managing teams contributing at the same level as the UK-based teams.
“Factors such as the strong parallels in the cultural realm, technical similarities, a shared time zone, and the fact that South Africa and the UK speak the same ‘business language’ all bode well for this partnership,” he adds.
As with any working relationship, he says that maintaining strong communication and collaboration will be key.
“Software development is highly complex and is not something you can simply draw plans for, like constructing a building,” he explains. “There are so many different – and constantly moving – parts in the process, so ongoing communication will be critical and something we will focus on.”
There will be a strong skills development and training aspect to the partnership, and redPanda Software will send every developer working with PCMS over to the UK for training before work commences. In addition, developers will participate in regular refresher courses in order to maintain the close working relationship.
“For local software developers, these kinds of global partnerships create opportunities to work on unique projects and gain hugely valuable experience and expertise,” adds Hawkey.
