How can you be sure that IT outsourcing will improve your bottom line?
Outsourcing the IT function looks attractive. It can offer you greater
flexibility and cost savings, and enable you to focus on your core
business. At the same time, outsourcing IT has its problems. It can
involve extra risks and hidden costs. Your company's relationship with
the IT supplier will not just run itself. You will need to manage the
relationship to obtain the services your business requires. Whether
outsourcing your IT is the right decision for you depends on the needs
of your business. This is why you should be clear in your own mind what
you expect from your IT. That way, if you do decide on outsourcing, you
will then be able to find the best supplier. Finding the best supplier
of IT services is not just a matter of the cheapest deal. You want to be
sure you are using a supplier with real technological expertise who
understands the specific requirements of your industry. Because your
business relies on IT, negotiating the contract with the supplier is of
vital importance. You need to be aware of matters such as liability,
data protection and intellectual property. If you want outsourcing IT to
work for you, you need to negotiate a contract that takes these issues
into account. Benefits to business include: -Make the right decision Use
this book to help you decide whether outsourcing IT is the right
solution to your business needs. -Secure the right service package You
need to make sure you will obtain a service package that will fit your
requirements. Follow the advice in this book, and you can avoid becoming
locked into a contract for services you do not want or need. -Avoid
spiralling costs When objectives are unclear and communication is poor,
your relationship with your supplier can turn sour. Find out how to
avoid the crossed wires and disputes that can cause costs to spiral.
-Negotiate the right contract Cutting the best deal is about more than
driving a hard bargain. The contract with the supplier sets the terms of
the relationship for years to come. This book tells you the steps you
need to take to make sure the contract is properly drafted. Buy this
book if you want IT outsourcing that will work for your business! About
the author: Jimmy Desai is a partner in a City of London law firm. He
has more than a decade's experience of advising on IT outsourcing
contracts, and he has helped businesses to implement outsourcing
strategies and to make cost savings. He has also offered advice to both
governments and international companies on their IT outsourcing
transactions. In addition to his law degree, Jimmy Desai holds a
Master's Degree in Electronic Engineering and has postgraduate
qualifications in Intellectual Property Law and Practice. He has given
lectures at the University of London and the University of Stirling, and
he writes for several IT publications.
