Over the past few weeks, I have examined the evolving nature of IT outsourcing and how one size does not fit every requirement. Enterprises should feel confident that their chosen community of partners can deliver the expertise and service excellence required to support digital transformation.
Many organizations forget that IT outsourcing partners should add value to their business, but overall program control should be kept in-house. Businesses need smart digital partners that can:
- Show an understanding of how to use technology to spot potential market opportunities.
- Work effectively alongside other ecosystem partners — rather than wanting to own the whole landscape.
- Demonstrate that they have the people, processes, tools and platforms to integrate and deliver against total cost of ownership (TCO) models.
- Manage the transition and transformation stages effectively, providing clear milestones that allow the business to identify when savings can be realized.
- Define their approaches to continuous service improvements that deliver value throughout the contract life cycle.
- Scale to meet global requirements, providing a services mix that incorporates onshore, nearshore or offshore.
- Integrate their own products and services directly with those of other third parties to create business focussed solutions directly relevant to the organization.
- Share their technology vision, giving an organization the reassurance and ability to continue to innovate.
Technologies such as the Internet of Things, data analytics, mobile, cloud and social are enabling companies to gain greater business insights and create a competitive edge. However, in isolation, technologies can achieve little. To succeed at digital transformation organizations, along with their partners, can combine strategic vision with the practical ability to execute and propel innovation forward within the business.
There isn’t any time for enterprises to waste pondering the options while watching the marketplace develop. New entrants are already taking advantage of lower barriers to entry, and existing players are extending their reach, using digital technologies to differentiate themselves against the competition.
The time for action is now.
Read our whitepaper “Better Outcomes for IT Outsourcing — Building Better Partnerships fit for the Digital era,” to learn more about the evolution of IT outsourcing.
