IT outsourcing: definition
Subcontracting is an operation which consists in calling upon an external provider to carry out well defined tasks. It is practiced in various fields, including computer science. Several reasons can push a company to adopt such a solution.
What are the real benefits of this service? We propose you a definition of the IT outsourcing and the interest for your structure to outsource your IT services.
C’What is an outsourcing contract? ?
A subcontracting contract concerns at least two companies. The first one represents the principal. This one delegates the tasks to the second company which is the subcontractor.
As a client, you have the possibility to entrust all or part of your tasks to the outsourcer
- The management and maintenance of the computer park;
- The design of software for your company;
- The development of an algorithm;
- The maintenance of the computer system and the implementation of a data backup solution in your company;
- An audit and consulting service.
The term Digital services companies (ESN) is used to refer to the IT service providers. It replaces the former name of Computer Engineering Services Company (C.E.S.).
To find your IT provider, you can proceed by a call for tenders. You must choose it carefully to avoid the danger of IT subcontracting and secure your activity.
Why outsource IT? ?
The definition of IT outsourcing may not fully understand the benefits and reasons for this decision. They are indeed numerous.
The use of outsourcing is sometimes explained by a lack of in-house skills. We then speak of subcontracting of a specialty. It can also be a capacity outsourcing.
This happens when the company lacks the internal time to manage the task or the project concerned. However, it may have the required skills.
The last form consists of a contract outsourcing. It is a particular case where the subcontractor will itself entrust a computer project to another external provider.
Whatever the reason, IT outsourcing has several advantages advantages. This service primarily provides access to a real expertise. The providers are companies that know and master various tasks in computer science.
They can handle even tasks that require advanced technical skills.
The recourse to the providers also allows a gain of time. You can then free yourself from time-consuming and low value-added tasks. Outsourcing means giving your employees the opportunity to focus on their core business.
At the level of charges, outsourcing to service providers offers a great flexibility. You are free to define the mission to be entrusted to the provider, the duration of the collaboration and the realization of the work. It also relieves you of the costs associated with recruitment, which at the same time remains a lengthy procedure.
Another advantage for the ordering company, for example for the compliance with the RGPD (General Regulation on Data Protection). An IT service provider has a knowledge of the relevant regulations. It will be able to take the necessary measures to respect them.
What is the’impact of outsourcing on employees ?
Although a source of workload reduction in-house, outsourcing can be a source of frustration raise many questions among employees. It can even create a blockage for some and lead to a decrease in motivation. Attitudes that can disrupt internal activities.
This kind of situation is often due to a lack of communication. Before moving to the outsourcing stage, it is therefore necessary to hold an information session with the employees. You have to explain them the objectives, the consequences and the conditions of application.
It is also important to specify the terms and conditions of employment and remuneration.
The other risk linked to outsourcing is the loss of internal skills. To avoid that a possible end of contract penalizes your company, always keep a person who knows the outsourced function. Acting as an interlocutor with the service provider, she must be able to help you to hand over the activity internally if necessary.
Finally, to carry out the collaboration, the drafting of a schedule of conditions is highly recommended. It gives a definition of IT outsourcing carried out with details of the subcontractor’s missions. This document frames the collaboration.