"...and that's when it hits you, you are so ready for IBM."

Ready or not, outsourcing is in your face. These days there are no ways to avoid the CEO's question (he sees Big Blue's commercials too): Is outsourcing the panacea IBM and others claim it is?

Of course outsourcing is not new, nor is the IBM advertising theme. You might remember their old message: You'll never get fired for buying IBM. Feeling a sense of déjà vu?

But you still have to answer the CEO's query. And answer it in a way that he can understand. In other words, how will outsourcing affect the bottom line? Obviously, cost savings is not the total answer. Before answering the cost question, you must decide what makes sense to outsource. Next, factor in things like security and service (along with guarantees that your company will get what it pays for). The next step is to figure out whether it makes sense to outsource the company IT jewels: customized business applications, which add value and a unique competitive advantage.

Here's the Cliffs Notes: Yes, outsourcing can be an expedient and economical way to get IT applications up and running quickly. But buyer beware: ineffective implementation can ruin your business, and your career.

The following ITworld.com special report looks at outsourcing trends and what they mean to your company.

Trend: The rise of IT outsourcing

In today's market are four primary reasons companies choose to outsource their IT functions:

• Focus on core competencies: IT specialization is a business necessity. Because technology changes literally on a daily basis, it is much easier for companies to outsource at least part of their IT operations to a firm with IT expertise and economies of scale.
• Speed to market: Businesses want to be able to sell their product -- the core competency -- as quickly as possible. Were they to build every necessary piece of technology in-house, time to market would take years. By outsourcing IT operations, companies are able to take advantage of the rapid deployment and flexibility offered by IT service providers.
• Saving money: The more complex the operation, the more cost-efficient outsourcing becomes.
• Shortage of IT resources: The never-ending quest for skilled IT workers lands on the doorstep of outsourcing vendors. Many companies do not have the personnel, equipment, or capital to support a full technology team.

What this means to you:

If one or more of the above sounds familiar, outsourcing might be a viable option.