外包 : wàibāo - outsourcing

When I first came across the word 外包 I thought it meant "outside wrapper"! Makes sense, but in fact 外包 (wàibāo) is "outsourcing". It's a shortened form of 外包工 (wàibāogōng).


It's a hot topic these days for many reasons. I don't really want to get into the political debates, I can certainly sympathize with the strong feelings of American programmers and other IT workers. But it's a force that seems inevitable, and probably here to stay.

外 (wài) is "outside" or "foreign". Many English speakers are familiar with the Chinese word 外人 (wàirén, "foreigner, outsider") as the Japanese "gaijin".

包 (bāo) is "to wrap" or a package (and it looks like it). You may see it on the menu at your local Chinese restaurant（包子, "steamed bun"). But 包 can also mean to hire or charter, and 包工 (bāogōng) means to contract for a job, specifically for a time limit, within specifications.

• It's Cheaper in China (CIO Magazine)


• Outsourcing to China - Are Your Processes Ready? (IDG Report)
  
• Objectiva (I'll give them a plug since management is from MIT!)
• 外包网 [China Outsourcing Network]
• Rough Guide to Outsourcing in China (humourous, but interesting account of a small company's experience)