NeoIT and Managing Offshore have published the 2005 list of top 100 offshore outsourcing vendors in January 2005. The list contains both ITO and BPO service providers. It is interesting to look at the contest's application form. Service providers can and should think about the key questions one would ask (potential customers, may be...) in order to determine their capabilities and commitment. The questions identify corporate achievements in four areas: finance, operations, clients and people.

Even more interesting to look at the list itself. Analyzing the list it is obvious that Indian (41) and US (34) companies, according to the contest, rule the market. Other countries on the list (Belarus, Canada, France, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, China, Philippines, Romania, Russia, UK ) together represent the rest of the 100 companies listed. Looking at market developments in 2004 (and also papers published by key analysts and research institutions) the list might be missing a few key players and offshore outsourcing destinations. One could just think of market developments in China, the Philippines and South Africa, which was voted a more attractive offshore outsourcing destination than India (not a single company from South Africa hit the top 100 list). One thing, however, looks obvious: India is quite ahead of the rest of the pack.