Firms switch from outsourcing to homeshoring

Outsourcing is so last season. The new trend in tech is 'homeshoring', or contracting customer service employees to work from the comforts of their own homes using only their Internet connection and VOIP phones.

The move, which is apparently saving tech firms a lot of money, has gained popularity as the economy takes a plunge and unemployment levels soar.

Andrea Ayers, president of outsourcing outfit Convergys, told AP Homeshoring, "gives us access to some high-quality labour that wouldn't work in a call center."

At US$8 to US$10 an hour, or more for more specialised knowledge or big clients, homeshoring is turning into a dream job for those who can’t be bothered to deal with morning traffic, or who hate wearing clothes.

Convergys reckons its homeshorers do work for over half the Fortune 50 biggest businesses in the US and already counts some 1,200 home agents. The firm expects this number to triple by next year.

After an online, virtual training period, recruits use Internet phone services and broadband connections to go about their daily business. Firewalls purportedly keep all company information secure whilst the agents keep in constant touch with managers and colleagues via online chat.

Brings a whole new meaning to the term homework.

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