Source Code China: The New Global Hub of IT Outsourcing

By Cyrill Eltschinger

"The next five years will be ...] a period of opportunity for China to speed up the growth of software and information services outsourcing. China will continue to generate strong market demand for the global software industry." -- H.E. Bo Xi Lai , Minister, China Central Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Praise for Source Code China: The New Global Hub of IT (Information Technology) Outsourcing "Cyrill Eltschinger's Source Code China examines the depths of a remarkable shift towards a value-added economy. After reading this book, you'll see once again how China is positioning itself for leadership in this growing area." -- William G. Parrett , Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte, May 2007 "In his book, Cyrill Eltschinger addresses an important perspective: China is not only 'the factory of the world, ' it is also becoming a major technology services hub. For all of us, it is a fascinating experience to participate in this impressive evolution." -- Josef M. Mueller , Chairman & CEO, Nestle (China) Ltd " Source Code China provides an insightful touch with the reality of how China is reshaping the global market for offshore IT services." -- Prof. Dr. Dr. Klaus Wucherer , Executive Vice President, SIEMENS "This is a must-read to understand IT outsourcing in China and its impact on the rest of the world." -- Dr. Andrew Lai , VP/GM, Global Delivery China Center, Hewlett-Packard Company; International Economic Advisor to City Mayor of Chongqing, China; IT Strategy Advisor, City Mayor of Chengdu, China "In his book Source Code China , Mr. Eltschinger provides compelling reasons why any company can benefit from IT outsourcing to China, a country that is rapidly becoming the destination of choice for most enterprises." -- Charles Pau , Director, Globalization Architecture and Technology, IBM "This book demonstrates China's credentials as the new hub of offshore IT services." -- Steve Little , Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, D.S.I., Schneider Electric "Organizations not sourcing IT services from China are literally missing the boat. Mr. Eltschinger's book takes readers on an intellectual journey explaining how and why China is becoming the premier offshore destination for businesses all over the world. This is a must read for any business executive and I highly recommend you knock this one off your reading list immediately." -- David Etzler , Chief Executive Officer, OutsourceWorld If you are not in China, you are really not in the game

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470106964
• ISBN13: 9780470106969
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A well balanced view

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.

A good overview of the Out Sourcing Industry in China and beyond

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.

From a true authority!

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.

Informative and practical: a must read for IT pros and their stakeholders

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.

The book the market needed

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.