IT outsourcing is being used worldwide to enhance business outcomes, according to a new study.

Research firm Gartner surveyed 750 IT outsourcing executives worldwide and found that 41 per cent are primarily engaged in outsourcing processes for this reason – up from 28 per cent in 2005.

Furthermore, 47 per cent of organisations use IT outsourcing to control their costs.

The study also found that those who contract IT outsourcing companies expect to increase their use of outsourcing over the next two years.

Another 88 per cent of organisations currently using IT outsourcing expect moderate to high levels of outsourcing compared to 67 per cent in 2007.

Gartner predicts that 85 per cent of European, Middle Eastern and African organisations will continue at the same level or increase their outsourcing during the next two years.

In February, the IT Governance Institute revealed that a lack of skilled IT workers in the UK is creating problems for firms, which may to lead the outsourcing of some work.

© Adfero Ltd