Many enterprises indicated access to skills and support for business transformation as the major purpose for outsourcing, but the discussions often lead to the cost savings they can achieve, said Mike Ettling, VP and general manager of Unisys' Asia Pacific outsourcing and infrastructure services.

"You see grand statements made about [business] vision and gaining flexibility," added Ettling. "But at the end of the day, it becomes a pricing-based discussion, often with deals closed based on unclear goals and expectations."

Moving to the next level

Nevertheless, as technology alignment with business becomes CIOs' top priority, Chan said more are exploring opportunities in strategic outsourcing.

For enterprises ready for their outsourcing partners to play a more strategic role, she suggested to first study their balance scorecards-a good tool to indicate the alignment between IT and business.