As competition intensifies and product development cycles shrink, US tech companies are actively looking for scalable, cost-effective, and fast solutions. One proven route? Setting up an ODC in India.
An Offshore Development Center (ODC) acts as a dedicated, remote extension of your in-house team—based in a tech-rich region like India. Whether you’re a SaaS startup in San Francisco or an enterprise solution provider in New York, the offshore development centre model offers unmatched value for growth-focused businesses.
But to ensure your ODC setup in 2025 leads to long-term success, it’s essential to follow a structured approach.
Here’s your ODC checklist for 2025, tailored specifically for US companies looking to tap into India’s top-tier tech ecosystem.
1. Define Your Objective Clearly
Before diving into execution, be crystal clear about why you’re setting up an ODC in India.
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Do you need faster product delivery?
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Are you struggling with local tech talent shortages?
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Do you want to reduce hiring and operational costs?
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Is your goal long-term scaling or a temporary build?
This clarity helps in choosing the right engagement model and offshore partner.
2. Choose the Right Offshore Development Centre Model
Not all ODCs are structured the same. Selecting the right offshore development centre model is critical to aligning with your business goals.
Here are the most common ODC models:
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Dedicated Team Model: Your offshore team works solely for your business. Ideal for product companies with ongoing development needs.
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Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT): Start with your partner building and managing the team. Once stable, ownership and operations are transferred to you.
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Project-Based Model: Great for short-term, fixed-scope development tasks—but lacks long-term scalability.
Most US companies in 2025 are leaning toward BOT due to its flexibility and low-risk entry.
3. Evaluate Offshore Development Center Services
An ODC is more than just a team of developers. Comprehensive offshore development center services should include:
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Talent acquisition & onboarding
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HR & admin management
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IT infrastructure setup
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Data security & compliance
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Dedicated project management
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Time zone coordination
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Scalable resource allocation
Ensure your partner offers end-to-end ODC services, not just staff leasing.
4. Shortlist the Best ODC Companies in India
The success of your offshore journey heavily depends on the vendor you choose. The best ODC companies in India have:
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Proven experience with US clients
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Domain expertise in your industry
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A large pre-vetted talent pool
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Robust security protocols
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Flexible engagement terms
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Transparent communication
Look for companies based in Gurgaon, Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Pune—India’s top tech hubs.
Pro tip: Check client reviews, case studies, and Clutch/G2 profiles to verify credibility.
5. Focus on Compliance and IP Protection
While setting up your ODC, don’t overlook the legal and compliance side of things.
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Sign NDAs and Master Service Agreements (MSAs)
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Define clear IP ownership clauses
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Ensure GDPR and US data law compliance
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Choose partners who follow ISO-certified practices
A well-structured contract protects your product, data, and business reputation.
6. Establish Strong Communication Channels
One of the major benefits of ODC is seamless collaboration. But that only works if you’ve set up efficient communication channels.
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Use tools like Slack, Jira, Trello, or Asana
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Schedule overlapping work hours
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Conduct daily stand-ups and sprint planning meetings
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Assign an onshore and offshore project lead
Strong communication builds trust, improves productivity, and avoids delivery delays.
7. Plan for Long-Term Scalability
An ODC shouldn’t just solve your short-term challenges—it should support your long-term goals.
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Choose a partner who can scale from 5 to 50+ engineers
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Have the ability to add UI/UX, QA, DevOps, and support teams as needed
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Ensure infrastructure (office space, internet, hardware) is future-ready
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Regularly evaluate KPIs like velocity, code quality, and delivery timelines
By designing your ODC for scale, you’ll avoid repeated vendor changes and disruptions.
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Scale Faster
In 2025, setting up an ODC in India is no longer just about saving money—it’s about building a global tech foundation. US companies that treat ODCs as strategic assets (not just outsourcing channels) are gaining real competitive advantages: faster delivery, deeper tech capabilities, and greater agility.
By following the right checklist, choosing a trusted partner, and implementing best practices, your ODC in India can become a core part of your company’s innovation engine.
