Before you outsource IT you generally talk about IT as an enabler, potential source of competitive advantage – so what happens post outsourcing?  If you get it right and form a partnership then this should continue.  And the outsourcing provider should be bringing creative solutions to the table.  But if the focus is primarily or exclusively in cost cutting then say good bye to enable, source of competitive advantage.

Read this piece some time ago: looking at the challenges of continuing to improve the experience, drive more value.

I suspect this list ill ring true for many companies – struggling to maintain the original momentum behind outsourcing.  Mind you where internal IT departments have been cut each year for a number of years it is also very difficult to be creative, business enabling.