[Kalium]

It definitely seems like a different name for the same arrangement at first blush!

Looking at it a bit, Google is using a different structure than Microsoft did. Microsoft had direct contracts with ICs. Google has contracts with vendors or contracting agencies, and TVCs are employees or contractors with those companies. I realize this seems like a distinction without difference, but in legal terms I suspect it's probably very different.

It's certainly a common arrangement for a company to have a series of teams that they contract out to other companies. I know some people in Sofia who make locally-spectacular wages doing this that they would struggle to access other ways.

As for a "conversation", I'd rather Teh Grauniad had no part of it. You can't have a conversation if you're wearing earplugs and using a megaphone, and that's really their MO.

[pesmhey]

Totally agree, that distinction will be important. Personally, I think it’s a distinction in letter and not in spirit.

Had to look up Teh Grauniad, thanks for the laugh!