This paper details some of the lessons I learned in my first assignment managing outsourced testing. It explains how we can find equilibrium between managers and testers and between internal and external people, what we can do to ensure that the product maintains our high standard of quality, and how we can prepare for and respond when things go wrong.

Even organizations with internal quality assurance departments may have to rely at one time or another on outsourcing to test their products. Unanticipated projects may come up or current staffing may be unable to meet demands. Whatever the reason, managing outside testers can be very challenging, especially the first time you do it. Combining external and internal testing resources can help minimize the impact if the right balance is maintained.