IT outsourcing is a “necessity” in today’s global marketplace and cost should always be the driving factor when deciding to contract out any part of a business, according to an expert.

Ewan Macauley, global director of technology services at IQ Business Group, writing for TMCnet, says that businesses are not just looking for the cheapest provider, however.

“Savvy IT executives are now looking beyond the initial job quote to assure that cultural factors are considered in their true return-upon-investment,” he reveals.

Mr Macauley suggests that businesses must be ready to consider non-traditional approaches to meet their enterprises’ needs.

He recommends firms looking for an IT outsourcing partner make sure they are aware of the specific resources a provider can offer in order to meet their precise requirements.

Furthermore, they should consider the sensitive nature of the content that an IT outsourcing partner is likely to be handling.

Meanwhile, Ross Taylor, marketing manager at Direct Response, has advised firms to seek a third-party provider that has a proven track record in delivering the services they want.