Outsourcing

I response to this.

I believe the gains from outsourcing are dubious at best.

From personal and anecdotal experience I believe that the gains in 2-5 years when your business changes (and it will, particularly in legislation-rich areas like financial services) you will suddenly find yourself with a bill for several million pounds to keep up with new requirements; hindered by inter-company change control and stuffed by your more far sighted (i.e. agile) competition.

Of course, you’ll be gone by then with a fat bonus – or am I being cynical?

I do agree that HR and some of the other dull stuff could benefit from this, but be very careful of your core business. Like it or lump it IT is core business these days for every organisation.