When it comes to migration projects, especially large ones, there is some soul-searching regarding whether the firm has the resources in house to manage it properly. Following is a run-down of the pros and cons of outsourcing a tech migration.

Pros

• Expertise that would be too costly or time-consuming for in-house staff to acquire
• Specialized knowledge and experience in particular systems, knowing the nuances and idiosyncracies of apps and their installation
• Bring automated tools and proven processes
• Allows my staff to maintain support levels and timetables for other in-house projects
• Provide additional support and training
• Knowledgeable about coexistence issues
• Less disruption to my users
• Given the above, should be quicker and more efficient

Cons

• Cost
• I don’t trust outsiders
• No support after the project is over
• Usually left cleaning up mistakes after they have left
• Create systems so only they can make changes and updates, not my staff (Potential loss of independence)
• Never stay on schedule
• They work to cover up a problem, not to solve it (a corollary is that they work to a budget, not a solution).

So here is a question for everyone to start the week. What pros or cons would you add?