Three GSI model pitfalls (and why Talent Cloud is the better solution)

Gartner recently reported that by 2027, 50% of enterprises will leverage talent ecosystems, and those ecosystems are becoming increasingly more powerful and effective. Distributed’s own Talent Cloud methodology helps teams be more nimble and productive in order to build better technology, even when resources are scant. 

While the Global Systems Integrator (GSI) talent delivery model makes vast promises, it simply falls short for modern companies trying to innovate. We’ve identified three main pitfalls to utilising a GSI and will share them along with insights on how the Talent Cloud delivery model provides a more effective solution.

GSI models are simply outdated

Outdated, rigid GSI structures don’t allow for flexibility. Their sheer size can sometimes lead to bureaucratic processes and slow responsiveness, causing delays in project implementation and increased costs. Change is inevitable. You want a partner who can be nimble and shift gears as necessary. In a tech ecosystem where 70% of projects don’t meet their intended goals, it’s critical to have the right talent partner that will shift and move as needed.

Having a Talent Cloud with Distributed means being able to access a trusted, curated cohort of experts at all times. Whether the project is big or small, complicated or simple, Elastic Teams are built from a personalised Talent Cloud and can take any form required for the success of a project. This offers unprecedented flexibility in the face of change.

Lack of consistency in talent quality and duration

Since GSI models traditionally rely on random talent placement that isn’t intentional, customers will often see multiple people move through their teams, resulting in inconsistent productivity and quality. Experts are pulled from other projects, and higher rates of attrition mean a given project has to pass through multiple hands. Team members have to get caught up every time someone new is brought in, which often slows down progress or even creates new challenges.

At Distributed, talent delivery is a meticulous, curated process. We listen deeply to our customers’ needs in order to find the best talent match for their requirements. Since we don’t unexpectedly pull talent from one project in order to place them elsewhere, experts are able to settle into a project and become an integral part of the team. This leads to more longevity and productivity in the long-term.

Lowest cost per seat can only get you so much

With so many GSIs focusing on their bottom line, acquiring talent at the lowest cost possible can often have negative effects on productivity and innovation. Quality is often a direct reflection of price, and onboarding talent for less may mean having to spend more time ramping up, educating, or over-managing. There may also be the risk of lower-cost talent operating exclusively at the execution level without the business understanding needed to make real, meaningful contributions.

Distributed is able to offer reasonable prices combined with high-calibre talent that’s ready to do great work. The Talent Cloud model offers flexible, trusted teams that come into projects with high levels of investment and commitment. When companies create their own Talent Cloud with Distributed, they have a cohort of knowledgeable experts on standby to form Elastic Teams and deploy into a project at any given moment.