B&B: Your press release mentioned that the London offices will be piloting the project. Are there any immediate plans to outsource work from any of your other offices?

MD: This project will be piloted from London but rolled out to other offices where there is a demand. In its early stages, it is likely to be applicable to locations where English is the principal language.

B&B: How long will the pilot project last before commencing full-fledged outsourcing?

MD: One year.

B&B: Many firms have been wary of revealing their outsourcing plans, fearing backlash from the media and from within the firm. Why did Simmons choose to make their outsourcing agreement public?

MD: We have full faith in the capability of Integreon's facility in Mumbai. We will be having a dedicated team of qualified and experienced Indian lawyers working exclusively for us. We are confident our clients will appreciate the fact that we have made an effort to address their concerns in this difficult economic climate.

B&B: How much cost savings do you anticipate from outsourcing to Integreon?

MD: We hope to save anywhere between 30 to 50 percent on equivalent UK rates.

B&B: Does Simmons have any plans to expand into India?

MD: Nothing planned.

Lokendra Tomar, CEO Asia-Pacific, Integreon

B&B: Integreon is one of the market leaders in the knowledge outsourcing industry. What about Integreon, in your opinion, appealed to Simmons?

LT: Integreon offers a wide range of services to a narrow client base. This helps us hire people from the relevant industries, and develop specific products suited to that industry. We are one of the few LPOs to have a product development team. Law firms who work with Integreon consider us a 'Partner' in their efforts, and cost is not the sole factor upon which our services are depended.

B&B: It is very unusual for LPOs to be open about their client base. What made Integreon and Simmons go public with the outsourcing agreement?

LT: Outsourcing outfits and their clients are generally secretive because they fear backlash from the public. But this backlash happens because most LPOs pitch themselves as being cost-effective, this is their main selling point. Integreon, however, transforms a business by absorbing ourselves in the processes of the company and improving efficiency. It is an innovative approach that appeals to large law firms and investment banks, leading them to choose Integreon for their outsourcing needs.

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