IT Outsourcing Categories

Software and Application Development
This service spans designing, developing, and installing software for a variety of IT systems. Our applications range from single-platform, single-site systems to multi-platform, multiple-site systems. A project may involve the development of new applications or new functions for existing software applications. Each development project typically involves all aspects of the software development process, including definition, prototyping, design, pilots, programming, testing, installation, and maintenance.

System Maintenance
The system maintenance service is usually for large software systems that need modifications and enhancements as well as product support. This would include assisting customers in migrating to new technologies while extending the useful life of existing systems. Projects may involve re-engineering software to migrate applications from mainframe to client/server architectures or to migrate from existing operating systems to UNIX or Windows NT. For companies with extensive proprietary software applications, implementing such technologies may require rewriting and testing millions of lines of software code. In the case of IT offshoring, this includes performing most of the maintenance work at offshore facilities using satellite links to the customer's system. In addition, the offshore firm maintains a small team on the customer's premises to coordinate support functions.

Packaged Application Outsourcing
Application outsourcing is the practice of renting or "paying as you use" access to centrally managed business applications, made available to multiple users from a shared facility over the Internet or other networks via browser-enabled devices. Application outsourcing allows customers to receive business applications as a service. The Internet is the delivery channel. The pricing model tends to vary from a cost per single seat to a flat price per site model. Application outsourcing vendors are responsible for maintaining client applications and technology infrastructure. The external vendor hosts and maintains the applications, delivers application help desk support, and provides the technology infrastructure needed, all under a service level agreement.

Packaged Application Installation and Integration
This service involves working with providers of packaged enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and supply chain management software to install and integrate the software packages with customers' existing computer systems. The external vendor customizes the software to meet the specific needs of customers and provides ongoing maintenance and support services.

Architecture Design Services
Engineering design services include Web Services design, product and process analysis, and simulations and range from basic changes to complex designs. In addition, the services may involve customizing the latest object-oriented design, modeling, and engineering software to specific user requirements.

Network Services
Managing the network remotely is becoming a popular outsourcing function. Most organizations want the different elements of the network - routers, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and security policies - managed according to best practice. The pressure to reach a best practice level is forcing many firms to outsource to network management specialists.