A Practical Guide to Staff Augmentation and Outsourcing

Abstract

Staff augmentation and outsourcing are invaluable tools for the IT manager, serving as sources of additional manpower and specialized services. Although there are similarities between the use of contractors and oursourcing firms, the two types of services differ. Outsourcing works best when the work is clearly defined, and the company is willing to relinquish day-to-day control. Flexiblity is the primary advantage of staff augmentation, which is less risky and more costly than outsourcing Given the benefits and drawbacks of each, IT managers must carefully gauge their situation to gain the maximum benefit of such services.