Codestone

Category: Support & Managed Services

Firms that wish to benefit from outsourced IT services have been reminded that they must forge a close partnership with their supplier in order to achieve the best results.

A new report from Computer Business Review has noted that managed services are becoming increasingly popular, citing figures from Nasscom-Evaluserve showing that European firms saved up to $30 billion (£18.53 billion) by outsourcing IT last year.

However, it stated that in order to attain these advantages, companies must be prepared to invest time and resources towards a close relationship with their outsourcing provider.

The report observed that proper communication must be established between the client and provider, underpinned by a clear business plan at the outset.

Andy Gallagher of Serco Consulting told the publication: "Maximising value in outsourcing deals is an ongoing process, not a one-off procurement exercise."

Earlier this month, an industry report was published by Everest which showed that the recovery of the global economy in 2011 is expected to be accompanied by a rise in demand for outsourced IT.

Posted by Jack Gilbert