IT outsourcing providers are becoming more innovative, it has been suggested.

A recent poll by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals claimed that more firms will return to using IT outsourcing to boost flexibility and save money in the difficult economic climate.

Commenting on the findings, Patrick O’Brien, senior analyst at technology market consultancy Ovum, claimed that vendors are taking a more progressive approach to technology.

He explained that a survey conducted by his organisation showed that IT outsourcing customers believe that suppliers are embracing innovation and looking at ways to offer users more than just financial savings.

Providers are aiming to “find the problems that their customers have and think of new ways to employ technology to solve those problems,” Mr O’Brien explained.

Recent research from BT Global Services found that one-quarter of senior executives think their company’s profit margins and innovation have been harmed by cuts to IT budgets.