plete responsibility for one or more specific tasks. For example, you may out-task the updating and production of your telephone directory. Another example would be to out-task the work order processing and record keeping for changes to your telephone system. 296 * The Telecom Handbook CHAPTER 13 Consultant. Many people refer to all subcontractors as con- sultants, SO this is one view of the term. In the stricter sense, a consultant is an individual who is charged with analyzing a problem or assessing a situation and providing a recommen- dation. A consultant may also execute steps necessary to carry out the recommendations. A consultant may be an individual, may have a small company or may be a member of a small or large consulting firm. Technician. Like "consultant", this is a term that has vary- ing definitions. A technician is typically someone who can do the things a purely administrative person cannot. For ex- ample a telephone system administrator can write up requests for changes to the telephone system such as adding two new extensions to a particular telephone. The administrator, if trained to do so, can also make program changes to the tele- phone system to add the two new extensions. If, however, a new circuit board for the PBX was required for those new extensions, or if any rewiring had to be done, that would be the job of the technician. Subcontractor or Independent Contractor. These term are used interchangeably and typically refer to an individual who is providing work to you for a fee, but is not on your payroll. The fee is usually per hour or per day (also called "per diem"). Depending upon expertise or experience, this person can pro- vide support in any area of your department. Sometimes an entire firm is referred to as a subcontractor. Any of the above categories may be considered to be a subcontractor or inde- pendent contractor. Outsourcing Resources - Who To Call Telecommunications Outsourcers. Some firms identify them- selves as Outsourcers. At present, they seem to be going after the la