"The patent application describes a computer-driven approach for
putting values on both the quantitative and qualitative attributes
of a "global resource sourcing strategy." For instance, the
methodology takes into account the language skills and morale of
offshore workers, as well as a list of the hard numbers involved in
setting up an offshore operation, including labor rates and
currency valuations.
"In short, IBM is attempting to reduce offshoring considerations
to a mathematic model — or, in the words of the application,
"a robust and reusable sourcing template" for identifying and
analyzing "global resource pools."
"For IBM itself, the patent filing couldn't be any timelier. The
company submitted the application to the U.S. Patent &
Trademark Office last Thursday, the same day it confirmed that it
is eliminating more jobs in its North American operations."
