Global sourcing strategies up this year

IDC predicts an increase in global sourcing strategies this year, aided by a growing importance in global delivery for organisations across Asia Pacific.

In its latest study, Asia Pacific Services 2008 Top 10 Predictions, IDC said the focus will be on blended IT solutions as organisations move beyond purely cost-driven decisions. Senior analyst for IDC's Asia Pacific global delivery research Jenna Griffin says: "Global sourcing increases the potential for creating optimal business outcomes. It allows organizations to access best-of-breed skills and price points without the restrictions of geographical boundaries."

In that respect vendors can adopt a more regional perspective on both opportunities and growth outlook while users can expect the best technology and services that once were a preference becoming a necessary part of IT strategy.

The increased focus on global delivery will also fuel a strong potential for emerging markets. Griffin says that having service providers that offers onshore and offshore services where domestic markets are slow (particularly in developing nations) generates a stronger growth trajectory within the domestic market as a whole. "Service providers benefit from economies of scale, and the creation of jobs means that the overall market benefits from greater economic prosperity."

"Growth and moving up the value chain are key themes for service providers across the board," she says. "The region represents a pot of gold for innovative vendors, but there are also significant pitfalls to trip those who fail to deliver on customer satisfaction and cost efficiency."