Bangladesh Beckons

Despite the difficult economic markets of the past four years, IT spend has managed to maintain its upward momentum, albeit tapered down. While a recovery was generally anticipated in 2011, volumes in the IT outsourcing market fell in Q3 for both IT and BPO––the first substantial decline in 12 months. However, analysts do not expect dramatic cuts to enterprise IT budgets this year. In fact, a KPMG Sourcing Advisory Global Pulse Survey expects to see continued growth in IT services, and analyst Gartner confirms continued growth in global sourcing with a preference towards offshore outsourcing as cost optimization remains the primary driver.

This is supported by some of the trends shaping the IT BPO industry: hybrid sourcing models, innovative networks, global footprints, increased breadth of services, and cloud computing. KPMG expects to see growth in multiple sourcing locations strategies, to take advantage of local strengths and offerings.

Choosing the right mix of outsourcing destinations requires a complex series of evaluations and trade-offs. Bangladesh has evolved into a serious contender in the global outsourcing market. Over the last five years Internet connectivity has been vastly enhanced, government has made IT a focus area, and favorable policies for the sector's growth have been extended. With sourcing enterprises looking for a lower-cost but improved service delivery, the Bangladeshi IT/IT EMS industry is making its presence felt in the global outsourcing market.