An increasing amount of businesses are choosing to outsource for a wide range of reasons, for example, reduced costs, increased productivity, and more time to focus on core competencies.

India has led the way in providing outsourcing solutions and has provided an extensive range of outsourcing services to companies across the world for many years. Outsourcing to India is now seen as the world's principle outsourcing solution.

India has a sizeable pool of educated, technically skilled, English speaking workers that increases in number every year. Having access to this workforce has enabled India to provide value for money services that of are of an equal quality to those available anywhere else.

They use the latest software, technology and infrastructure and they have shown themselves to be technically superior when compared to other countries that supply outsourcing solutions.

When deciding on an outsourcing company, the following should be considered: track record; references; stability; credentials; samples; communication; post development support.

- Track Record. Learn everything you can regarding the experience of your outsource partner, the various types of businesses that they have provided services for, and the amount of projects that they have successfully completed. Find out if they have specific experience in delivering the required services at the scale that your business needs.

- References. Prior to finalizing an agreement with an outsource partner, request that they provide some references. These will allow you to learn more about the quality of service they provide, whether they consistently meet deadlines, and if their customer support services can be relied upon. You will also be able to get more information about issues such as their level of responsibility and turnaround time.

- Stability & Credentials. Be 100% sure that an outsourcing company is financially secure. It is also worth finding out about their directors and managers (Are they well qualified? What experience do they have?).

- Samples. Samples give you a good insight into an outsourcing partner's quality of output and expertise. They allow you make certain that they fully understand what you require and if they have the right people, processes and technology to complete your project.

- Communication. Ensure that potential service providers can communicate well in English and check what hours and days they can be contacted and through what means of communication.

- Post Development Support. Comprehensive support on completion of your project is essential to help you resolve any issues that might arise after they say that they have done all that they have been asked to do. Reputable outsourcing companies should provide this.