InfoTrends has just released its Document Outsourcing Forecast for 2008 – 2013. The document outsourcing market is expected to start to bounce back as the effects of the economy diminish, with revenues beginning to rebound in the outer years of the forecast period. With the economy stabilizing, companies are starting to refocus their attention on core business strategies and engage external assistance for non-core areas, such as document and business communications services.

While the market is expected to recover from recent declines, there have been significant changes in the way businesses engage with document outsourcing service providers. Companies are looking across output environments, whether it is in office/workgroup, in-plant operations, or external spending, to try to lower the costs of their document-related processes. This broader and more integrated view of the business communications value chain and document lifecycle has increased the strategic nature of outsourcing relationships.

Alex Sumarta, a Director at InfoTrends, commented, “Many clients have increasingly begun to approach service providers in the form of a partnership for a total business solution, rather than the more traditional procurement-driven model. Existing and new players are responding to the shifting demands of the market by offering an expanded services portfolio that increasingly addresses the entire document lifecycle, as well as other related business communications services beyond print. More importantly, these service providers are becoming process owners and value chain managers.”

InfoTrends’ research has also shown an increased focus on evidence of the financial benefits of document outsourcing. “Providers who demonstrate business process-oriented focus, solid return on investment (ROI) measurement, and flexibility will be in the best position to succeed,” continued Sumarta.

InfoTrends’ U.S. Document Outsourcing Market Forecast: 2008-2013 provides essential strategic, financial, and statistical information that service providers, customers, and companies considering outsourcing engagements must have to form an effective document outsourcing plan. The valuable insight provided in this document brings to light a number of compelling opportunities for service providers and customers and will help them navigate and capitalize on the market shifts that are occurring.