Outsourcing Ten Years On
Abstract
1997 to 2007 is the era when Tony Blair was prime minister of the United Kingdom, the Internet exploded into a personal and business medium beyond all recognition and outsourcing evolved from a useful if complex cost saving device into a commonplace and even required activity for all major organisations. In 1997 offshoring was reserved for the manufacturing industry and the concept of the globalised world as so clearly espoused in Thomas L. Friedman's book 'The World is Flat' had not yet taken shape. Lawyers in 1997 advised on outsourcing contracts but few firms saw it as such a major growth opportunity for legal services. This article explores some of the developments in outsourcing as seen from a legal perspective over this decade which spanned two millennia.
