OREANDA-NEWS. July 07, 2010. ASTRA, a Russian strategic outsourcing association of which CROC is a member, has become an official partner of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP) – a partnership which aims to develop the Russian outsourcing market.

George Ovanesyan, Chairman of ASTRA's Outsourcing Standards and Methodologies Committee and Head of CROC’s ITIL/ITSM and Outsourcing Consulting Sector remarks: “The partnership with the world’s largest outsourcing association is a clear indicator that both ASTRA and the entire Russian IT community are seeking to adopt outsourcing best practices. I believe such a partnership is going to lay the groundwork for the substantial development of outsourcing in Russia. ASTRA’s Standards and Methodologies Committee will benefit from the experience of IAOP peers and I will certainly use the best practices of international professionals in CROC’s outsourcing projects.”

IAOP is leading the effort to transform the business world via outsourcing, with more than 100,000 members and affiliates worldwide, including the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Singapore infocomm Technology Association. ASTRA’s decision to join the international outsourcingassociation as an affiliated member results in the establishment of the IAOP Russia Chapter which will become a communication platform for outsourcing professionals to share international best practices, adapt them to the Russian legislation and business environment, and promote Russian outsourcing services in the global market.

ASTRA and IAOP will work together to develop outsourcing, insourcing, and shared service standards and models and other management practices, as well as to promote the outsourcing industry in Russia and the CIS via conferences, press coverage, and active networking.

Michael Corbett, Chairman of IAOP, says: “We are happy that ASTRA has joined with us to help promote the industry and its management practices and professionals. Through affiliated professional and industrial associations around the world, IAOP continues to expand its influence on shaping the industry and on strengthening the global outsourcing professional network.”

“I am confident that close cooperation with such a powerful international professional organization as IAOP can bring valuable experience and proven outsourcing methodologies to the Russian market. The partnership fully complies with ASTRA’s mission and strategic goals,” says Sergey Macedonsky, President of ASTRA and Director General of in4media.

As the only Russian strategic outsourcing association, ASTRA brings together industry leaders and outsourcing professionals. ASTRA holds an annual Outsourcing Forum each November in Moscow and publishes an annual Russian outsourcing industry whitepaper and a directory of Russian outsourcing service providers.