Tom Higgins, Group Director, Commercial Solutions, EMEA, Perot Systems

London

Group Director, Commercial Solutions, EMEA, Perot Systems

There is no question that outsourcing deals will increase during the current economic climate, largely due to the cost saving benefits. However, the relationship between suppliers and customers should not be sidelined in the quest for reduced costs.

Contracts require constant reassessment and objectives need to be clearly laid out from the start. Companies need a solid and informed partnership with their service providers – to ensure that they have a roadmap with clear milestones. The objectives of innovation and transformation should be at the top of any outsourcing deal, this is not the time to fall behind your competitors.

Trust is paramount in deals, and there is no room for ambiguity when projects are undertaken. Both parties need to focus more on the business and technological aims and not loose sight of the end results by simply cost cutting.