Out`sour`sing (out sor s ng, -sr-)- To send out (work, for example) to an outside provider or manufacturer in order to cut costs. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

IT Outsourcing
	Have third-party host or remotely manage part or all of your IT functions: Database Administration System Administration Hardware Administration 1-st Level Help Desk IT Staffing Network Security

Why Companies Outsource IT Functions
	Lower IT Administration cost by up to 50% Increase employee productivity by up to 50% Spent 50% less time on product support issues Focus on core business Decrease business rick Overcome difficulty in hiring and retaining staff Get 24 X 7 coverage without 24 X 7 staff

Good Candidates for Outsourcing

Need to lower overall IT spending Have new IT projects planned but no new resources IT staff spends most of time on routine administration, not strategic activities Finding it difficult to hire and retain qualified Technology staff No expertise in particular technology areas: Application, Database, Hardware, Operation System No need for full-time Technology or other staff Strict security, reliability and availability requirements