In cloud, the definition of the sourcing strategy, as well as its implementation, shows distinct characteristics as compared with those of traditional outsourcing. The comprehension of these differences and their appropriate handling are some of the determinant factors that make a cloud implementation project in the organization succeed. It should be kept in mind that sourcing activities, such as provider(s) selection, contract negotiation and its governance, are important components of such implementation.

1. Alfredo Saad
IT Sourcing Consultant at Saad Consulting
Sourcing on Cloud Compared to Traditional
Outsourcing: 6 Differences
Apr 6, 2015
In cloud, the definition of the sourcing strategy,as well as its implementation, shows distinct
characteristics as compared with those of traditional outsourcing.
The comprehension of these differences and their appropriate handling are some of the determinant
factors that make a cloud implementation project in the organization succeed.It should be kept in mind
that sourcing activities, such as provider(s) selection, contract negotiation and its governance,are
important components of such implementation.
Here we will discuss 6 of these differential characteristics of the sourcing activities in both cases,
concisely seen on the table below:
CONTRACT SCOPE
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Static
 Few scope changes along contractual lifetime
 Compatible with “make & sell” business model
 Review cycle of contractual requirements: month / years (long and frequently pre-planned)
 Complex contractual renegotiations result when eventualscope changes are needed

2. Cloud >>> Dynamic
 Led by client’s mutant business requirements, mainly applications such as
 customer-facing apps through mobile devices
 employees’ mobility apps
 Compatible with “sense and respond” business model
 Review cycle of contractual requirements: hours / days / weeks (short and frequently randomic)
CONTRACT DURATION
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Long
 Typically 5 to 10 years
 Duration defined by the depreciation of assets dedicated to customer organization, to assure
economic viability of the contract
Cloud >>> Short
 Typically 1 to 2 years
 Experimental periods of time to launch pilot-projects
 No assets to depreciate
PROVIDERS MARKET
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Few
 Small number of qualified providers
 Frequent adoption of only one provider (sole sourcing)
Cloud >>> Many
 Market is still fragmented, immature, volatile, non standardized and not much transparent
 New providers emerge everyday
 On specialized and innovative niches
 Possible risks to be evaluated
 Solutions that do not use open standards making it difficult to migrate between providers
(vendor lock-in)
 Mergers and acquisitions that may alter provider strategy
 Lack of technical and financial solidity of provider, provoking its sudden exit from the
market
 Emphasis on ...
 ... definition of a solid sourcing strategy
 ... management of multiple providers, focusing on their integration
 ... compatibility among services and applications of all providers under contract
FLEXIBILITY OF CONTRACTUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Low
 Possible alternatives are pre-defined in the contract
 Complex renegotiations arise when additional flexibilization is needed
Cloud >>> High
 Contractual provision to permit agile modifications on ...
 ... Services
 ... Volumes
 ... Resources
 ... Scope ...
 ... including real-time provision through web portals

3. IT ACTION FOCUS
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Cost Reduction
 Efficient allocation of IT resources
Cloud >>> Outcome for Corporation
 CIO – Corporation C-Level aiming at
 Minimize time-to-market
 Increase market-share
 Reach new markets
 Maximize revenue and profitability / reduce costs
 Launch innovative products and services
CHARGING AND QUALITY MECHANISMS
Traditional Outsourcing >>> Based on profile of technical resources
 Charging based on volume of consumed resources
 Quality assurance mechanisms associated to pre-defined technical deliverables not directly related to
the business activities of the customer
Cloud >>> Based on risk & reward mechanisms
 Risk sharing, leading to innovative mechanisms
 Empiricism, transparency and partnership on client-provider relations
 Charging and quality assurance mechanisms associated to business activities of the customer