I work for Hundsun Technologies which is a Chinese domestic software company that has in the past few years been building a global services business.  With customers in the USA and Europe we have focused a lot of effort in continuously improving our communications processes.  We currently have a project underway to integrate a set of tools to support effective communications.  On our projects project management, architecture and design is typically performed by onshore Hundsun staff  and detailed design, development and testing is typically performed at our offshore development center in Hangzhou, China.  There are of course exceptions.  In recent times we have been using the SCRUM methodology.  We employ a set of tools compatible with our development methodology, the distributed nature of our development team, and a desire to provide secured easy access to the development team, management and the client. Tools are primarily web-based and are hosted on our company website with controlled access.

For project planning and project monitoring we are using XPlanner.  This tool is suitable for a SCRUM methodology and is web-based for ease of distributed geographic access.

TRAC is an enhanced wiki and issue tracking system for software development projects. TRAC includes features defect management, source code control, project roadmap management and an integrated Wiki for project documentation. All project related documentation and information is stored on the Wiki. It is also very easy for stakeholders to review. We track not only defects, but also action items, enhancements, CRs and NCRs.

CruiseControl is a framework for a continuous build process. It includes, but is not limited to, plugins for email notification, Ant, and various source control tools. A web interface is provided to view the details of the current and previous builds.

WebEx is used to record each sprint’s demo which is stored on our Wikis. These demos provide stakeholders visibility into our progress; in addition, they can be used as training materials for new staff members or the test team.

Email, telephone, SKYPE and IM are used for routine daily communication amongst team members

If you have any experience and care to share it, I would appreciate suggestions.