August 28, 2012
Outsourcing has become a bit of a dirty word this election season, too often used synonymously with offshoring, which is really only one of many outsourcing strategies. However, from a CIO’s perspective, outsourcing may be in fact what enables U.S. companies to compete, thrive, and otherwise move the economy out of the doldrums.
Too big for one “mechanic”
While the outsourcing of past eras was a cost-cutting tactic, these days companies are just as likely to outsource IT functions for agility’s sake for the simple reason that the number of complex technologies they’re leveraging is burgeoning beyond the ability of in-house management. Think of the evolution of IT in terms of the automobile. Initially it was pretty straightforward, and one mechanic could handle all of your needs. As it grew in complexity -- i.e. transmission, air conditioning, electronics, etc. -- one service department was no longer sufficient. The addition of onboard computers added a new layer of complexity, making the maintenance of a single car a task for a broad team of experts that are rarely found under a single roof (except at the dealership, but service fees are ridiculous).
