Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Role of Outsourcing in the US National Defense

Are you among one of those people who think outsourcing is all about the following?
  • Exporting of jobs by American companies to Asia.
  • Call centers manned by Indian or Filipino employees.
  • The failed anti-outsourcing senate bill and the complex political debate in US Congress.
  • Thousands of Americans that are now unemployed because of outsourcing.
If you think outsourcing is restricted to call centers, IT and other related jobs, you may be looking on a different and outdated perspective.
Outsourcing is a business strategy that enables companies to give their other jobs to contractors mainly to lower the expenses. Ranging from the simplest of tasks like building cleaning and maintenance, it is now a global reality.
Outsourcing does not only comprise on a client phoning for customer service assistance; it could also include national defense and global arms race.
One of the hottest news articles today is about national defense. From TV series to movies to political debates to insulting late-night jokes, it is one of the most talked-about topics. Everyone fears about what’s happening to the US’ role as a global superpower and peacekeeper.
The U.S. Defense Department is considering some of the best civil aviation and military firms available for outsourcing military contracts from U.S. companies.
According to National Defense Magazine, American companies are already using foreign suppliers. China produces 97 percent of rare-earth materials; Russia supplies the largest amounts of titanium and cobalt, alongside Canada and Australia. Due to the limited supply of natural resources, America acknowledges the worldwide trend in outsourcing as a complete economic reality.
The best civilian contractors who were on the current outsourcing process can indicate another reality of what the military companies in the USA are doing. One of the promising navy ships – USS Zumwalt – is due to be commissioned by 2015.
According to Geek.com, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced warship is powered by Linux operating system. Due to its complexity, the Navy finds the need to outsource web development experts due to its technical complexity.
USS Zumwalt is probably the most heavily armed data center on the planet and that’s why excellent teams composed of web development wizards are outsourced to create it. Now, the word “outsourcing” could make a huge impact in the world. We just hope it’s for the common good of mankind.

No comments:

Post a Comment