According to an article published in the August 4, 2008 issue of InformationWeek, there is a strong trend toward outsourcing core business processes. A Business Process Outsourcing Research Survey recently completed by Tech Web Research found that over a third of the respondents outsource the Information Technology support desk. Other business processes outsourced include HR, accounting and finance. Across the board over 85% of the respondents say outsourcing has been successful in reducing costs, increasing profits and improving the business processes involved.

Outsourcing is not without problems. Ongoing communications, coordination, and performance reviews with vendors are needed. 52% of the Tech Web Research survey respondents who outsourced various business processes reported slower than expected execution, 40% reported problems with customer service, and there were a variety of other concerns.

A successful outsourcing engagement starts with defining goals and requirements and, then selecting the vendor. It is critical to involve the key people who will interact with the vendor or use the service in this process. In addition performance metrics should be established defining how the vendor (s) will be evaluated against requirements and goals. These metrics should be used during vendor selection, contract negotiation, and they should be utilized in evaluation of the vendor’s ongoing performance.

With today’s uncertain economy, many businesses are looking for ways to cut costs and preserve or increase profits. An Information Technology (IT) outsourcing solution allows a small or midsized business to leverage the technical infrastructure (people, systems, software, hardware, networks, etc.) of the selected vendor (s) to realize greater benefits and reduce costs and related risks. Outsourcing some or all IT support processes is a decision that may generate immediate financial results and quickly realize operational improvements.

Some of the benefits achieved from outsourcing IT processes include greater technical expertise and depth, reduced network downtime, improved computer systems performance, lower telecommunications costs, responsive help desk, and 24 x7 technical support. Greater network security, reliable data back-ups and, comprehensive disaster contingency are capabilities also achieved through outsourcing. Businesses may also outsource IT projects to improve productivity, such as the implementation of new IT applications and technology infrastructure.

IT Services for Small and Medium Size Organizations

ATSG, Inc. located in Owings Mills, MD has a number of clients who have successfully outsourced some or all of their IT processes to it. These clients include large enterprises as well as small and medium size businesses. Outsourced IT Services provided by ATSG include Confidence-Plus managed network services, BlackBerry® Email Hosting, Microsoft® Exchange Hosting, and application hosting. Application development services including low-cost custom wireless applications, web-site development, enhancement and maintenance support services are also supported. A number of government agencies call on ATSG for help desk and technical support of their BlackBerry Enterprise Server and email infrastructure.

A unique aspect of ATSG’s services for small and midsized businesses is the company’s ability to coordinate and work with other technology providers as needed to meet the needs of customers. ATSG has a staff of experienced project managers and, in addition has partnerships with other vendors providing leading telephone systems, application developers, and ERP Applications expertise.

Nationally, manufacturing and construction companies, as well as medical organizations are using ATSG’s hosted BlackBerry Email combined with wireless applications for inspections, sales and task reporting.

Enterprise Businesses Outsource Tax Compliance Reporting

ATSG’s 1099Pro Premium Service with Application Hosting, Data Import and Filing, is meeting the needs of several world class organizations. ATSG’s 1099Pro Hosting includes all of the benefits of 1099Pro software with the added benefit of IT infrastructure and support services by ATSG. ATSG imports and balances all feeder files that are submitted, prints and mails forms at year-end and, provides the appropriate Federal and State reporting functions.

Learn more about outsourcing IT processes by visiting www.ATSGI.com.