Applications of outsourcing theory to collaborative purchasing and licensing

Describes the various types of outsourcing arrangements used in information systems, and explains some of the theoretical perspectives that can be invoked to explain the behaviour of client, supplier, and intermediary organisations, such as customer consortia. Examines some of the problems of outsourcing in the public sector, and suggests how the theoretical perspectives might illuminate some of the problems which have emerged in the purchasing and licensing of electronic content.