The key ingredients for a fruitful partnership between IT outsourcing provider and client have been revealed by a team of experts.

Kate Vitasek, a faculty member in the University of Tennessee’s Center for Executive Education, US, and three colleagues outlined their suggestions on Networkworld.com.

Top of the list is building cooperation into the contract, which can be facilitated by both parties asking “what’s in it for we?” as opposed to “what’s in it for me?”.

Factoring in hidden transaction costs and using the contract “as a framework, not a weapon” are also listed as important.

Ms Vitasek also said foresight was vital and every eventuality should be covered, including the implementation of an agreeable exit strategy.

In addition, both parties should create a “shared vision statement” to ensure their goals match up and are attainable.

A recent study from KPMG revealed businesses now want IT outsourcing to represent more than just a cost-saving option.