Firms should not go into IT outsourcing deals with their eyes closed and should ensure that the provider has a proven track record in the business, according to an expert.

Ross Taylor, marketing manager at Direct Response, recommends that firms look at other contracts that companies have secured as a measure of their expertise in an area.

“Ultimately if you outsource key functions of the business to a company that cannot deliver on it, from your customer’s point of view, it’s not the outsourcer that’s failed, as far as they’re concerned, you’ve failed,” he warns.

Mr Taylor suggests that due diligence is key to a successful IT outsourcing deal, saying businesses need to ensure that a third-party provider has the systems and business processes in place to deliver the services they promise.

He adds that enterprises must look for an IT outsourcing company that is accountable for its actions because they do not want to find themselves tied into a contract where the company cannot deliver on the promised services.