Customer Reviews

Source Code China: The New Global Hub of IT (Information Technology) Outsourcing

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I read this as an attempt to learn more about technology outsourcing in China. Source Code China by Cyrill Eltschinger explores how to take advantage of China's educated workforce. The books reads a lot like one of those "For Dummies" books. Topics are covered superficially with many generalities. The book fails to be a very interesting read or even an adequate reference for those looking to outsource in China. I wouldn't recommend this book.

Nice book, but nothing new here. Admitedly he did pull the information together but it reads more like a money making proposition than a real review. There is very little if anything a person who has done even the lightest homework would know. And there is little critical...all meant to please. My take: do you homework and save your money....

I helped a Fortune 50 company design and implement its global IT sourcing strategy a decade or so ago, and have been working in the field ever since. As part of my job I belong to industry best practice councils and routinely analyze research from companies such as Forrester, Gartner, and TPI, among others. Furthermore, my company has had a large presence in China for many years, so I already had a very strong background before receiving this tome. While I didn't really learn anything new, I love the fact that the author has placed in one volume a wide range of information that took me years of dealing with disparate sources to learn on my own.

The book begins with a synopsis of outsourcing trends in general as well as an overview of the outsourcing, both ITO (IT Outsourcing) and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), landscape in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, hitting the major players on each continent. The BRIC Nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), major centers of offshore outsourcing today, get their own section. This information is pithy but important background.

Next the author moves on to China, delving in-depth into the infrastructure, politics, and history of outsourcing in the region. Sections on market entry, talent, work ethics, recruiting, intellectual property protections, currency, taxation, and litigation are invaluable. Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian, Chengdu, Xi'an, Jinan, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Shenzhen each get a couple pages, but I wish the author had gone a little deeper into this area. One of the most important chapters is number 5, which has ten lessons learned about doing business in China. Although each lesson only gets a couple of pages, this information alone is well worth the cover price. We learned some of these things the hard way, so I wish this information had been around ten years ago. The author could have delved a little deeper, but I have found his points to be accurate and insightful nevertheless.

Overall I found the information herein to be comprehensive, accurate, useful, and while not exactly fun to read, sufficiently well written to convey vital information to the readership. This book should prove valuable for anyone seeking to create or expand an outsourcing relationship with China.

As someone who's been in this game - outsourcing - for many years, I found Eltschinger's Source Code China, interesting and immensely readable. He presents a comprehensive read that not only informs and educates, but also illuminates the opportunities available to those willing to leverage China as an outsourcing destination.

His support for China as an outsourcing destination is based on projections that India will be unable to supply sufficient technology talent to meet global outsourcing needs. While he acknowledges that there are many countries and territories with players providing alternatives, Eltschinger argues that only China has the highly educated population, international communications' infrastructure, and foreign language skills to offer real competitive advantage.

Despite his support for outsourcing to China, Eltschinger doesn't sugar coat the challenges. He cites lack of local management experience as one of the main barriers for Western firms partnering in China. He also points out the need for Western firms to recognize the crucial role that relationship building plays in Chinese business circles.

Eltschinger presents a comprehensive overview of ten Chinese cities that are designated as outsourcing bases. In addition, he mentions five other cities that are slowly gathering momentum in this market. In my opinion, a map of China with key locations would have been beneficial for the average Western reader.

Notwithstanding, Source Code China is a must-read for CIOs, IT professionals and intermediaries who are interested in developing viable, sustainable, and mutually beneficial relationships with China based partners. It's even a smart read for non-IT pros who wish to be fully engaged in their business.

Mr. Eltschinger speaks with well over a decade of leadership in shaping not only the China I.T. scene, but the business landscape as well. A must read for anyone contemplating developing business in China.
Fred Croxton
Director, TPI, Inc.

That nearshore and offshore outsourcing companies have been relocating to China in force has been one of those companies' secrets, but only now is the full strength of the market revealed by China outsourcing pioneer Eltschinger. Well-researched and well-written, this book is an excellent guide for those already outsourcing but not in China, along with those preparing to enter the outsourcing game for the first time.

This is a brilliant book for anyone looking to outsource their business processing or IT development. It is especially useful if you're thinking of making China your outsourcing base. It is written for the layman rather than the geek, making it very accessible, and is filled with interesting information and critical data on China's infrastructure and human capital that are necessary for outsourcing to succeed. I don't think there is another book of this type that has pulled together this wealth of information in one place.

Source Code China makes for interesting reading for those considering the outsourcing option. Providing readers with the essential information required and honestly identifies the pro's and con's.

Having lived and worked in China myself and still regularly visiting for business, I believe that Source Code China provides a true reflection of the current status and identifies where China is heading in the future.

As a firm believer in the future growth of China's IT Outsourcing Industry for all the reasons identified by Mr Eltschinger, Source Code China is a must read.

Great book to introduce someone to outsourcing in China. Definitely something to think about for those outsourcing in India, too. The book gives a good overview and analysis of the current state of China's outsourcing industry. The author also gives some good suggestions about how to do business in China and expectations about China's offerings in the future. Definitely a smart read for execs and small business owners