Outsourcing is the term used to encompass any situation in which a company--large or small--turns over a function it currently performs for itself to a service provider. For example, many companies outsource their duplicating rooms, cafeteria, security functions, and maintenance. This book focuses exclusively on outsourcing information technology--such as data processing, computer systems, and specialized software programs--which is essentially an intellectual property transaction. It is a complicated transaction that involves licensing and software development agreements, sales of tangible assets, human resources management, and more.