Computerworld's Premier 100 IT 2005

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    Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders 2005 cites a handful of successful outsourcers – and five lessons:

    • Keep a tight grip. Plan on implementing "continuous project management" and "don't abdicate responsibility."
    • Put partners to the test. Keystone Automotive's RFP for "a massive ERP rollout and data center consolidation project" was deliberately broad-brush; they wanted to see the what bidders would bring to the table.
    • Establish a relationship. Successful outsourcers will treat service providers as an extension of their own internal IT team.
    • Parcel out smaller jobs. It's easier to outsource small projects that have detailed specs.
    • Create communication channels. And not just with the service provider(s); you need to keep your own staff informed.
      http://www.computerworld.com/managementtopics/management/story/0,,98482,00.html

    Backup – and back out – options

    In the "Deal Drivers" section, Michael Taylor, CIO of Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle suggests keeping a good relationship with the vendor that lost, just in case things don't work out. "I keep a good relationship with the vendor that lost," Taylor says. "We always keep that second vendor out there. We have 30-day cancellation clauses."
    http://www.computerworld.com/managementtopics/management/story/0,,98490,00.html