The webinar, hosted by Global Services Media and sponsored by Symbio, explored a number of aspects and opportunities for globalization in R&D outsourcing. The discussion, moderated by Ed Nair, Editor, Global Services Media, had Vamsee Tirukkala, Co-Founder & Managing Principal, Zinnov and Jacob Hsu, CEO, Symbio as speakers.

The webinar discussed several crucial aspects of R&D outsorcing: how  an ISV can release more R&D dollars for new products keeping the total R&D spend the same; how small to mid-sized software product companies manage revenue expectations from new products and yet build on roadmaps for existing products; the role of India and China in helping companies in software R&D; how companies can manage products in the later stages of their lifecycle; the emerging models  in this space and their success rates.

Tirukkala spoke on the trend of companies leveraging global centers, especially in emerging economies like India and China, mainly for cost savings and access to relevant talent. An audience poll on attractive locations for R&D investment also confirmed this, with China emerging the frontrunner.

With a freeze on spending in the face of recession and plans to optimize on investments made over the past 12 months, companies need to rapidly evolve and transform their emerging location centers to increase their innovation.

Globalization opportunities for enterprises and ISVs seem bright, according to Tirukkala, with several small and medium sized companies beginning to work directly with 3rd party providers. He said, “ A huge trend we are seeing in the industry in the last 18 months is what we call as the 'go to market' strategy. Its what vendor partners can bring to the table . If you are a partner in a well-known reputed company, they have the capability to take your product to multiple markets."

The new pricing models (outcome based pricing, revenue share pricing and risk reward pricing) offered by vendors to clients are adding to the attractiveness of partnerships, he said.

Jacob Hsu also spoke on the growing importance of partnerships in this area. "The future of product development will be working with a lot of partners to innovate and build cutting edge products very quickly," he said.

The webinar was well attended and enthusiastically participated in, with poll questions receiving an average response rate of 59.18%.  

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