Introduction
Establishing a high-performance software team in a new region is one of the most strategic — and challenging — decisions for any global tech company.
You need more than developers; you need structure, culture, and trust.
That’s where the Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) model comes in.
💡 What is the BOT Model?
The BOT model stands for Build – Operate – Transfer.
It’s a strategic collaboration where a technology partner designs, hires, and operates a software team on your behalf — until it’s stable enough to be transferred to you.
Build: The partner sets up the office, infrastructure, and recruitment.=
Operate: The partner manages day-to-day operations, processes, and team performance.
Transfer: Once the system is stable, ownership of the team, IP, and operations is transferred to the client.
This model gives companies speed, control, and risk mitigation — the three hardest things to balance in global expansion.
🌏 The Case: A Dutch IT Company Expanding to Vietnam
In 2018, a leading IT company from the Netherlands partnered with Saigon Technology to launch a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) model in Vietnam.
The challenge?
They wanted to build a dedicated engineering center that could deliver at global standards — without compromising quality or speed.
Saigon Technology designed and built the foundation:
A hiring framework tailored for the client’s tech stack (C#, React, and .NET Core)
Engineering culture aligned with the client’s Agile mindset
Continuous integration & code review workflows for transparency
Within months, a high-performing software team was operational — complete with senior engineers, QA specialists, and a delivery manager mirroring the client’s structure.
⚙️ Operating the Team: The “Operate” Phase in Practice
The Operate phase is where the magic happens.
Here’s what made this BOT project stand out:
Transparent reporting: Bi-weekly sprint updates and KPI dashboards shared directly with the client’s CTO.
Knowledge sharing: Regular pairing sessions between Vietnam and the Netherlands to maintain engineering consistency.
Cultural alignment: English communication standards, Agile ceremonies, and clear documentation reduced timezone friction.
Through this process, the Vietnam team didn’t just “follow instructions” — they became an extension of the client’s R&D division.
🔁 Transfer: From Partnership to Ownership
After the team reached full maturity — stable delivery cycles, ownership mindset, and well-documented processes — it was time to transfer.
The entire engineering center (people, IP, workflow, and infrastructure) was officially handed over to the client.
The result:
✅ Fully functional in-house team in Vietnam
✅ Smooth transition without downtime
✅ Sustainable cost and performance advantages
🧠 Key Takeaways
The BOT model reduces operational risk for global expansions.
Focus early on culture and communication, not just tech.
Measure success by how fast ownership can be transferred, not how long the partner operates it.
Vietnam offers a balance of talent, cost-efficiency, and stability ideal for long-term software development.
✨ Conclusion
Building a remote engineering center is not just about finding developers — it’s about building trust, structure, and sustainability.
The BOT model enables all three.
For tech companies seeking to scale quickly and efficiently, this model bridges the gap between outsourcing and ownership.
🔗 Read the full case study: https://saigontechnology.com/case-studies/build-operate-transfer-bot-partnership/
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