Donato says it's not uncommon for potential clients to request to see sample proposals. Using these samples and applying them to individual situations will usually result in a proposal that addresses the particular needs of the client. And we've had companies decide to do some of it, and others decide to do all of it. The thing about it is, I've never seen anybody who has properly evaluated it that didn't get something out of it. If nothing else, they get an education.
Different operators take different approaches to outsourcing such services.
Steve Gines, director of corporate purchasing at Time Warner Cable , says that given TW's structure, it's a matter for each system to decide. I think Time Warner is extremely diverse, and to meet our needs there are several avenues to do that. Some of the divisions are strong enough in management and have enough personnel and can do that effectively themselves. Some of these companies are able to provide a service that some of the divisions don't have the personnel to do. I endorse that which best serves each division's needs and makes them as profitable as possible.