Definition: Outsourcing is any task, operation, job or process that could be performed by employees within an organization, but is instead contracted to a third party for a significant period of time. In addition, the functions that are performed by the third party can be performed on-site or off-site. Hiring a temporary employee while your secretary is on maternity leave is not outsourcing.
Examples:
Outsourcing our technical support function allowed us to provide our customers with 24 hour support.
