Sunday 28 July 2013

A Professional IT Strategy Is Quiver Vital

By Emma Mathers


IT strategy, or Information Technology strategy is a term used to describe the complete plan that consists of objectives; tactics and principles related to how a specific organization will make use of its technologies. These strategies focus primarily on the actual technology and at time it also includes the individuals who manage them. These strategies are normally in a documented format and are directed at the organizations decisions concerning technology.

Other aspects that are focused on, are efficient spending on technological aspects, how to use these available technologies so as to make full use of integrating them into the organization. Overall the main area of concern is to ensure that the organization, its customers and employees are gaining the whole benefit of the technology. Strategies of this nature unlike business plans cover 3-5 years.

Most companies put these strategies into a written document so that it can be followed as part of the day to day operations of the business. These documented plans need to have a flexible and understandable base that will easily adjust to anything unforeseen that arises. As businesses start to grow and transform so should strategies and the priorities that are focused on; this is primarily to make certain that top technology is always available to employees.

Budget constraints, new technologies and changing needs all affect how these strategies are adjusted and incorporated into any organization. An ideal plan should be set out in such a way that it is easily understood by staff members. Furthermore there are four areas that should be focused on when drawing up the plan.

Firstly the plans must be suitable for all the IT systems that it should be supporting. Secondly, computer equipment that needs to be bought to effectively be able to support all the computer related activities must be considered. This will then extend through to operating systems or application software that the company will need to use.

Another decision that needs to be made is whether or not the organization will be using standard software or having a system designed. Other considerations that come into play is if the applications have to have support 24/7; if certain services will be outsourced or if skills will be taught to an in- house team. These are all very important decisions that one will be faced with and need careful consideration.

There are several companies that happily operate without any strategies in place and find that it works for their particular industry. But not having a strategic plan means that decisions made are normally based on only one part of the company. It may lead to inconsistency and inefficiency leading to costly mistakes being made and ultimately leaving employees and managers feeling frustrated.

An IT strategy that is very specific in its composition gives organisations the capability of being more cost-effective when making decisions related to these issues. Most will agree that there is not a specific time to start putting these plans in place; but will definitely depend on the uniqueness of each company. But if implemented early on, then the business will probably reach its full potential quicker through simply employing the proper tools and technological planning.




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