Does the Indian business process outsourcing (BPO) experience provide the role model for information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries?

This paper explores the phenomenon of BPO particularly as it relates to India and poses the question as to whether this is the way forward for developing countries in using ICTs for economic development. The paper will consider the link between ICTs and development, the nature of BPO and its rise as one of the fastest growing commerce services, the phenomenon of BPO in India and the political backlash against offshore outsosurcing and whether the Indian success story could provide a model for progress via ICTs in other developing countries. Factors predicting success will be identified. The perspective adopted is that BPO should be seen as part of globalisation and trade and not in isolation. What appears to be evolving is a global delivery model with potential benefits for both developed and developing countries.