OUTSOURCING
Outsourcing is the transfer of information systems development, operation, or maintenance
to an outside firm that provides these services, for a fee, on a temporary or long-term basis.
Outsourcing can refer to relatively minor
programming tasks, the rental of software
from a service provider, the outsourcing of
a basic business process (often calledbusiness process outsourcing, or BPO), or the
handling of a company’s entire IT function.
Numerous firms and organizations offer
information about outsourcing topics and
issues. For example, the Outsourcing
Center, shown in Figure 7-6, provides free
research, case studies, database directories,
market intelligence, and updates on trends
and best practices in outsourcing as a strategic business solution