Abstract: A method of outsourcing technology. Metrics are determined to govern services by agreement between a client and an outsourcer. Services required by the client are selected from a fixed list of services and a quality for the selected service is determined, the selection and the quality being dependent on the metrics. The services within the fixed list of services are organised within groups and at least one service corresponds to a predetermined practice. An agreement is generated for the provision of each selected service, and the provision of each selected service is allocated to an appropriate technology service provider. Each technology service provider provides its allocated service according to the quality required and according to the corresponding practice. The services provided in conjunction are monitored and the quality of the services is adjusted or additional services are added from the list in response to the outcome of the monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of developing and monitoring performance of a technology outsourcing agreement. The invention provides a computer-implemented method of outsourcing technology services to a client where a client has a number of environments in which technology services are required. The method includes selecting the services which are required by the client and displaying a table where each intersection in the table is associated with a service and an environment. In each intersection is an indication of a supplier responsible for the associated service in the associated environment. Each intersection may also be associated with free-form textual information relating to the associated service in the associated environment.

Abstract: The prop headboard is used to support an inflatable grout bag on the head of an elongate prop. The headboard has a timber frame which presents a planar support surface suitable for supporting the inflatable grout bag. Bag-retaining flaps made of flexible fabric material extend from opposite edges of the headboard. These flaps are folded over the grout bag and serve to centralise it on the headboard and to restrain it from rolling out sideways during inflation and thereafter. The invention also concerns a prop system in which the headboard is used, and a method of supporting a hanging wall in a mine working.