The Hindu Business Line : `Outsourcing to be prickly issue even after US polls'

Mr Harris N. Miller, President, Information Technology Association of America, addressing a gathering of Nasscom members in Hyderabad on Thursday. - - A. Roy Chowdhury

Hyderabad , Oct. 14

IF you thought that the ongoing outsourcing was just an election rhetoric; you are wrong. This issue will continue after the elections and over 40 Bills are under consideration in various States and Federal Government," according to Mr Harris N. Miller, President of World Information Technology Services Alliance (WITSA), a body that represents about 60 global associations.

Mr Miller, who is also the president of Information Technology Association of America, said: "It is necessary to continue to articulate the case of outsourcing as a business need rather than a political matter expressing views against job losses. It is heartening to note that there are politicians like Arnold Schwarzenegger, often referred to as Terminator, who has spiked about five Bills himself."

"Bills against outsourcing have been introduced in virtually all of the State legislatures in the US, and it is estimated that in about 40 States, Bills are pending consideration. Issues ranging from the "absurd call centre identification" as to where the call is routed to, to security related concerns are being addressed. The technology industry will have to work together and impress upon policy makers the advantages outsourcing has brought about in terms of new job areas and economic advantages. Bills have been passed in Colorado, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and some are pending in New Jersey. I expect this issue to erupt once again after the elections, with politicians taking up the cause against outsourcing," he said.

Mr Miller, who was addressing CEOs of IT companies hosted by Nasscom today, is in India to address concerns about information security. Countries such as India, which have become key gainers from outsourcing, need to watch out and put in place appropriate security-related legislations, he explained.

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