Alternative IT Sourcing Strategies: From the Campus to the Cloud

Published:
Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
Author(s) and Contributors:
Author(s): Phil Goldstein
Source(s) and Collection(s):
Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Research Collection(s): Research Report
ParentTopics:
Cloud Computing and Services Cyberinfrastructure Productivity Applications and Systems

Abstract

This 2009 ECAR research study explores a multitude of strategies used by colleges and university information technology organizations to deliver the breadth of technologies and services required by their institutions. Findings illustrate that although total outsourcing of institutional technology organizations is rare, so is self-operation of all IT functions and services. The study focuses on “alternative sourcing,” which is defined as the range of options institutions have for providing technology services or operating technology functions aside from doing it themselves. This includes traditional outsourcing of all or part of the IT organization, accessing cloud services and externally managed applications, development environments, or hardware via the Internet, and use of contractors and consultants as a part of the IT organization. The study is informed by 372 responses to a survey of EDUCAUSE member institutions, interviews with 20 senior IT leaders, consultation with focus groups, and three case studies.

Table of Contents
Entire Study Alternative IT Sourcing Strategies: From the Campus to the Cloud
  Foreword
Chapter 1 Executive Summary
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 Methodology
Chapter 4 Attitudes toward Alternative Sourcing
Chapter 5 Patterns of Adoption
Chapter 6 Alternative Sourcing Use Cases
Chapter 7 Alternative Sourcing of E-Mail
Chapter 8 Sourcing the IT Workforce
Chapter 9 Reflections on the Nature, Manner, and Future of Sourcing
Appendix A Institutional Respondents to the Online Survey
Appendix B Interviewees in Qualitative Research
Appendix C Bibliography
Case Studies
Thomas Jefferson University: Enhancing IT Operations with an Outsourced Data Center
Partnership of Four: Managing Alternative Sourcing at Oakland University
Online Supporting Materials
Key Findings
Roadmap
Survey Instrument

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