ACS Urges Caution on Whole of Government IT Outsourcing Friday 11 July 1997, Canberra - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has urged caution with the Federal Government's plans to outsource Government IT.
The ACS has issued a draft paper on outsourcing for comment, which aims to provide advice to members involved in contracting out IT services.
The paper will also be made available to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee, which is currently holding an inquiry into Federal Government IT outsourcing.
ACS President, Tom Worthington, who commissioned the ACS report, said the current debate on outsourcing lacks clarity.
"We need to define what outsourcing is, why it might be done, what the possible problems are, the roles of people involved and the wider community issues. That is what the ACS has set out to do with this paper."
Mr Worthington said it is important for IT professionals to be clear on their roles and obligations in any outsourcing work.
"IT professionals will be involved in outsourcing as suppliers, consultants or IT operatives, for either the outsourcing company or the organisation being outsourced.
ACS members need to be clear as to their obligations under the law, as well as their professional obligations set out in the ACS Code of Professional Conduct and Practice.
"Whole of government IT outsourcing is a high risk approach, for individuals, organisations and for the community as a whole. It is important that all those involved understand their obligations and the risks, as well as the potential benefits," he said.
The ACS paper was prepared by Ian Dennis, FACS, and David Goble, MACS, both of Whitehorse Strategic Group Ltd, and draws upon previous material developed by Dr John Houghton and Dr Ed Lewis. The brief and additional input was provided by Tom Worthington MACS.
"Outsourcing and contracting out of IT products and services", is available for comment on the Web.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Tom Worthington, ACS President, Tel: (0419) 496 150, Email: tomw@acslink.net.au
Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au
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