Threats and Opportunities for Information Systems Outsourcing

The outsourcing of information systems has grown as an accepted business trend, with several reasons being cited for considering IS outsourcing. However, there is evidence that IS outsourcing threats may impact negatively on the initial intent to outsource, as well as the success of an IS outsourcing arrangement. Managing successful IS outsourcing relationships is concerned with exploiting outsourcing opportunities and avoiding outsourcing threats. The aim of this paper is to share the findings of a systematic literature review on opportunities and threats pertinent to IS outsourcing. By considering and addressing IS outsourcing threats and opportunities, organisations may realise benefit across the whole IS outsourcing lifecycle in achieving their strategic intent to outsource.