Opposite of 'client' in the following context?

[bspkumar]

Suppose HP is a 'client' of Microsoft, then what we call Microsoft?

I am elaborating the context : Suppose HP is outsourcing some services from a BPO company called BRIGADE Inc.. ...we call HP is the client of BRIGADE.Then what we call BRIGADE?

[SUDHKAMP]

Originally Posted by bspkumar

Suppose HP is a 'client' of Microsoft, then what we call Microsoft?

Client word is used when he is seeking advice, then the person providing the advice is called 'advisor' or 'counsellor'.

Also try word consultant.

[LwyrFirat]

Client not only means someone who needs couselling it also means buyer-purchaser-customer etc., in that case MS would be seller,supplier etc.

[jma]

Maybe Vendor?

The Vendor is the seller. - J

[SUDHKAMP]

Originally Posted by jma

Maybe Vendor?

The Vendor is the seller. - J

Vendor may be used, but it is associated with "goods" and not "services". Software companies provide services, while hardware companies supply goods.
Usually software companies have clients or customers.

[thedaffodils]

Originally Posted by bspkumar

Suppose HP is a 'client' of Microsoft, then what we call Microsoft?

Hi! I'm not a teacher.

I'd call it supplier.

[SUDHKAMP]

Originally Posted by thedaffodils

Hi! I'm not a teacher.

I'd call it supplier.

Supplier is for goods, not software services.

You may call 'service provider'.

[thedaffodils]

sup·ply (s-pl)
v. sup·plied, sup·ply·ing, sup·plies
v.tr. 1. To make available for use; provide.
2. To furnish or equip with: supplied sheets for every bed.
3. To fill sufficiently; satisfy: supply a need.
4. To make up for (a deficiency, for example); compensate for.
5. To serve temporarily as a substitute in (a church, for example).

v.intr. To fill a position as a substitute.

n. pl. sup·plies 1. The act of supplying.
2. Something that is or can be supplied.
3. An amount available or sufficient for a given use; stock.
4. Materials or provisions stored and dispensed when needed. Often used in the plural.
5. Economics The amount of a commodity available for meeting a demand or for purchase at a given price.
6. A cleric serving as a substitute or temporary pastor.

supply - definition of supply by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

[SUDHKAMP]

Originally Posted by thedaffodils

sup·ply (s-pl)
v. sup·plied, sup·ply·ing, sup·plies
v.tr. 1. To make available for use; provide.
2. To furnish or equip with: supplied sheets for every bed.
3. To fill sufficiently; satisfy: supply a need.
4. To make up for (a deficiency, for example); compensate for.
5. To serve temporarily as a substitute in (a church, for example).

v.intr. To fill a position as a substitute.

n. pl. sup·plies 1. The act of supplying.
2. Something that is or can be supplied.
3. An amount available or sufficient for a given use; stock.
4. Materials or provisions stored and dispensed when needed. Often used in the plural.
5. Economics The amount of a commodity available for meeting a demand or for purchase at a given price.
6. A cleric serving as a substitute or temporary pastor.

supply - definition of supply by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

Thedaffodils all the above definitions support my view, they talk of supplying "goods" which is material and can be seen with eyes. Services are not cognizable and hence one who provides them is services provider and not supplier.

[thedaffodils]

Hi SUDHKAMP,

I beg to differ. My points are as below:

#1 Please read the parts I highlighted in red as above which are quoted from a dictionary.

eg. supply a need

A need doesn't necessarily refer to goods.



#3

Supply Teacher Service

Supply Teacher Service

From a UK-based organisation

#4 Other search results via Google

supply a service - Google Search=