The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model applies to every company that needs to outsource specific operations or facilities to a third-party vendor.

The BOT, a Build-Operate-Transfer model, is a resource for whenever a company needs to outsource specific operations or facilities to a third-party vendor, which portrays the option of having an external vendor who will be responsible for building, operating, and running the facility or service for a predetermined period. This model also comprehends the recourse of transferring ownership and control over to the client, where he can choose if he wants to be hands-on or if, alternatively, the operator should keep running it.

The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model includes the following three steps:

1º Build: The client hires the operator to build the facility or service, which may include designing, building, and commissioning.

2º Operate: As soon as the facility or service is built, the operator is responsible for managing the facility or service, which may include maintenance, operating, and providing necessary equipment or staff.

3º Transfer: The ownership and control of the facility or service can be transferred back to the client after a set period of time, which may comprehend the transference of assets, liabilities and other necessary licenses or permits.

Training and know-how about the transfer are the first steps to ensure a smooth transition, and considering that a transfer can be an intricate process, it becomes critical to plan before implementing this model to ensure that the client has the ability and aptitude to take over the operations. Having a pre-defined agreement on transferring assets and liabilities is vital, as well as having a clear timeline for the ownership and control allocations and regularly reviewing and updating the plan as needed.

The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model can be incorporated into the IT industry to create and operate IT development hubs for foreign companies, allowing them to outsource the building and management of complex IT systems and services to specialised vendors with local expertise. This model can be particularly useful for foreign companies that seek to establish a presence in a new market yet would benefit from local expertise or resources; therefore, to reduce the risk, those companies start by choosing a local partner to run a trial with for a specific amount of time.

The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model for the IT industry can be applied to a wide range of IT services, such as: 

• IT projects development: Outsourcing a third-party vendor to build and operate a specific IT project for a client, where the project’s ownership and control can later be reassessed and transferred to the client.
• E-commerce creation and management: Hiring an external vendor to create and manage a company’s online store, with the prospective intent of transferring ownership and control of the e-commerce platform back to the client.
• Development and maintenance of software applications: Contracting a third-party provider to build and operate software applications for a client, with the intent to transfer control and management once fully developed and tested.
• Full management of IT infrastructure: Outsourcing a vendor to design and build a company’s complete IT infrastructure, with the option of returning its ownership and management to the client.

Pros of BOT services

Local expertise is a required tool to connect services and resources within a community. In light of this premise, one of the major pros of applying the BOT model for complex IT operations is that businesses have the option of outsourcing their management and construction to expert vendors who are well-rounded and connected locally. The connection between the expertise and resources provided by the vendor and the business has proved to reduce costs and improve efficiency, as it can benefit from a better understanding of the local market and regulations when networking with local providers. Plus, implementing BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) in IT Industry is another opportunity to interconnect with talented professionals in the area.

Here’s an overview of BOT’s (Build-Operate-Transfer) pros:

Cost-effective: To help the client reduce costs, he can outsource the building and operation of a facility or service to a third-party vendor. Compared to traditional in-house development projects, integrated BOT models promote cost reduction in labor and other operational expenses in the country hosting the business.  

Risk-reduction: With the amount of expertise and experience BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) vendors typically have in building and operating IT development hubs, the risks for the client are minimal. In outsourcing the building and operation of a facility or service to a third-party vendor, the associated risk can be optimally reduced.

Efficiency: Locally experienced vendors can help improve the efficiency of the facility or service.

Access to expertise: The client has access to the vendor’s local expertise and experience by outsourcing the creation and management of a facility or service.

Quicker setup time: When the IT development hub’s building and operations are outsourced to a BOT vendor, it saves the company’s time and effort required to set up the hub themselves.

Local Talent: Companies have the opportunity of connecting to a large pool of experienced and talented workers that otherwise wouldn’t be accessible in their own country.

Local benefits: Companies can take advantage of the local benefits by setting up a development hub in a specific country. Governmental incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, and dynamic regulations can be offered in certain countries to draw BOT projects, making them more economically compelling while simultaneously prompting the development of specific industries or technologies and creating a favorable environment for companies with integrated BOT models.

Flexibility: Implementing the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model can provide companies with the opportunity of outsourcing a facility or service operation and management temporarily; however, the client has the option of having the ownership and control transferred back to him at a later time.

Technical and operational support: The onus that comes with technicalities will be relieved for the client by the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) vendor, who will be responsible for providing the technical and operational support.

Shared investment: The client and the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) operator usually share the investment.

Customised services: Specific requirements can be arranged according to the client’s needs, such as legal assistance and tax support.

Continuity of operations: Upon the takeover and smooth transition, the client can be assured of the continuity of the operations.

How does the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model improve IT operations

To recapitulate, the IT industry across the world is incorporating the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model, as it offers businesses the opportunity to outsource complex IT operations to expert vendors with a local network. For example, different sectors already have BOT models in place to improve their IT operations and gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets in areas as diverse as banking, insurance, retail, healthcare, and several others.

Companies can access specialised vendors with local experience by incorporating the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model, which can help improve efficiency and reduce costs and the associated risk of building and operating a facility or service. The BOT model also offers flexibility since ownership and control of the facility or service can be transferred to the client later and, in addition, the investment the client shares with the vendor may help reduce his financial burden. 

However, the transfer of ownership and control to the client is not always successful; it can be complex. It’s why it’s essential to do the necessary planning for the transition from the beginning of the operations and ensure that the client has the adequate capacity and aptitude for the takeover.

Overall, for companies envisioning progress and expansion of their IT operations, the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model is a win-win solution since they will simultaneously be accessing the best available resources and expertise. BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) can be an excellent option if you are considering outsourcing your IT operations.

Lastly, choosing a reputable and experienced BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) vendor is critical to ensure a high standard of operations. The vendor should have a proven track record of successfully delivering projects and the required skills and expertise to deliver the project within budget and on time.