In CIGRE 2000 Session papers concepts of outsourcing were reviewed including business models, assessing the risk through outsourcing exposure and the development of contractor-owner relationships. These guidelines attempt to review these in a systematic manner. Part I discusses the general issues around the development of a service options strategy, Part 2 focuses on the analysis of outsourcing opportunities, Part 3 considers some more general aspects of outsourcing and Part 4 discusses key performance indicators.