Offshore, onshore, co-shore. What’s real and what’s rubbish?

Businesses are under constant pressure to deliver high-quality products faster and more cost-effectively. This need has given rise to several outsourcing models designed to optimise development teams, such as rightshore, nearshore, co-shore, offshore, and onshore remote work. However, misconceptions and stereotypes about these models often cloud decision-making, preventing organisations from fully tapping into their potential.

Let’s break down what’s real and what’s rubbish about rightshoring, nearshoring, offshore and the rest so you can make smarter, more informed decisions.

Myth 1: Rightshoring is just a buzzword – it’s really just nearshoring with a new name.

Fact: Rightshoring is not simply a rebranding of nearshoring. While nearshoring focuses on locating talent in nearby countries to maximise cost savings and operational efficiency, rightshoring takes a more strategic approach. It involves selecting the right combination of onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams tailored to the specific needs of the business, rather than just focusing on proximity or cost. The rightshoring model ensures that each team is positioned in the ideal location based on skillset, time zone compatibility, and business requirements. It’s about the right people with the right skills at the right time.

Myth 2: Nearshore teams are always the same as offshore teams – there’s no real difference.

Fact: While both nearshore and offshore models provide cost efficiency, the difference lies in proximity, time zone overlap, and cultural alignment. Nearshore teams, often located in regions with minimal time zone differences (for example, South Africa for European clients), allow for smoother communication and more agile project management. The cultural alignment is stronger as well, with English language proficiency and shared business practices making collaboration easier. Offshore teams may offer more significant cost savings but often come with greater challenges around time zone, language, and cultural differences.

Myth 3: Co-shoring is just about adding a few extra developers from various regions.

Fact: Co-shoring is a sophisticated model that brings together teams from multiple regions to create a collaborative, flexible workforce. It’s not just about adding more developers; it’s about aligning skills across different locations to complement each other. By combining onshore, nearshore, and offshore expertise, co-shoring allows organisations to leverage the best talent available, reduce bottlenecks, and respond to business needs in real-time. The key to success is seamless collaboration between geographically diverse teams, unified by clear communication, shared goals, and mutual accountability.

Myth 4: Outsourcing is only for large organisations with big budgets.

Fact: Outsourcing is adaptable and scalable, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes. While large enterprises may have the resources to deploy expansive, complex outsourcing models, smaller businesses can benefit just as much by focusing on strategic placements. For example, a mid-sized company can use nearshoring to access cost-effective, high-quality talent while still maintaining tight communication and collaboration with teams in its home country. Rightshoring can be strategically adjusted to fit the specific needs of any organisation, regardless of size.

Myth 5: Offshore teams are always cheaper – it’s the best cost-saving option.

Fact: While offshore teams often provide significant cost savings, the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective in the long run. There are hidden costs to consider, including potential communication barriers, time zone issues, and the management overhead required to bridge cultural gaps. In some cases, nearshore or co-shoring models provide a better balance of cost, quality, and operational efficiency. By locating teams in regions that share similar cultural values and time zones, and who are proficient in English, businesses can optimise collaboration and speed up delivery, ultimately improving their ROI.

Myth 6: If the model works for one client, it will work for everyone.

Fact: Rightshoring and related outsourcing models are highly flexible, but they must be tailored to the unique needs of each client. What works for one organisation may not work for another due to differing project requirements, team structures, or business goals. That’s why a custom approach is key – businesses should assess their specific needs, whether that’s skillset, time zone overlap, cost, or cultural alignment, and build a model that works best for them. The rightshoring model is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about building a solution that is engineered for success.

Myth 7: Nearshore teams lack the technical expertise needed for complex projects.

Fact: One of the greatest misconceptions about nearshore teams is that they lack the deep technical expertise required for large, complex projects. In reality, regions like South Africa and Portugal are home to highly skilled software engineers and IT professionals who have extensive experience across a wide range of technologies and industries. The talent available in these regions is not only affordable but also capable of delivering high-quality, enterprise-grade solutions, often with greater agility than traditional onshore teams.

Myth 8: Remote onshore teams are always the most reliable and easiest to manage.

Fact: While remote onshore teams can offer close proximity and cultural alignment, they’re not without their challenges. Managing remote teams, even within the same country, can lead to communication barriers, collaboration struggles, and coordination issues, especially when team members are spread across different time zones or regions. Plus, the rising costs of local talent can make it harder to scale efficiently, never mind the potential for skill shortages. Remote onshore teams may work well for some organisations, but they don’t always provide the flexibility and cost benefits that rightshoring, nearshoring, or co-shoring models can offer. By integrating the right mix of onshore, nearshore, or offshore teams, businesses can optimise costs, improve communication, and increase productivity. The key to successful team management is not just geography – it’s the approach, tools, and mindset that drive collaboration and performance.

Myth 9: Offshore teams aren’t supported by a solid company structure.

Fact: This may be true for some outsourcing setups, but not with BBD. All of our team members, regardless of location, are full-time employees backed by the processes, culture, and infrastructure of a modern software engineering firm. That means proper time tracking, structured team management, access to hardware and secure office environments (with backup power and DR capabilities), and seamless logistics in place. Our clients aren’t left managing ad-hoc freelancers — they’re engaging with dedicated, supported professionals embedded within a fully operational ecosystem. BBD executive David Xavier sums it up best: “We built our presence from the ground up in each region, creating cohesive teams who share the same values and ways of working. Every BBDer is part of the same company culture. So when our people join your project, you’re getting a blend of your culture and ours – not someone else’s legacy structures in the mix. That’s how we keep delivery consistent, collaboration seamless, and the client experience at the centre”.

Conclusion: The real value of outsourcing

Like any outsourcing model, rightshoring is about more than just cost savings – it’s about maximising efficiency, scalability, and agility. By debunking these myths and better understanding the different engagement models, businesses can make more informed decisions about their development teams. When approached strategically, rightshoring can empower organisations to scale smartly and ensure that their development processes are engineered to last.

At BBD, we take a tailored approach to rightshoring, blending the best of onshore, nearshore, and offshore teams to suit the unique needs of each client. Our approach is built on flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that we provide the right skillsets in the right locations to optimise both cost and performance. With our hubs in South Africa, Portugal, Netherlands, the UK, India, and beyond, we’re able to deliver high-quality solutions that seamlessly integrate with our clients’ teams, regardless of geography. Our teams are handpicked based on the specific requirements of each project, ensuring the highest levels of expertise and seamless collaboration. By blending talent from multiple regions, we not only overcome the challenges of geographical distance but also leverage the diverse skills and perspectives necessary to drive innovation and scale at speed.

Whether it’s nearshoring, co-shoring, or a hybrid approach, the key is choosing the right model for your business needs, goals, and resources. Embrace the flexibility and strength of the rightshoring model to unlock new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

Let BBD’s rightshoring solutions help you unlock the full potential of your development teams. Reach out to us today to learn how we can optimise your software delivery with the right mix of local and global talent.