This document discusses outsourcing and smartsourcing. It defines outsourcing as transferring non-core business processes to third-party vendors in order to reduce costs. Smartsourcing aims to not just cut costs but also drive innovation through strategic partnerships where risks and opportunities are balanced. Common business functions that are outsourced include IT, human resources, facilities management, and accounting. While outsourcing can lower expenses and focus internal efforts, disadvantages include loss of control and security threats. Smartsourcing creates innovation by emphasizing flexibility, preparation, choice, planning, control and partnership between organizations and vendors.