Topics: Microsoft

Bringing A Business Sensibility To IT

Posted by Amy Larsen DeCarlo, Jul 26, 2006 09:26 AM

It goes without saying that the entire reason a company invests in technology is to support its business goals. But too often there is a disconnect between corporate operations and the IT organization. This is unfortunate because it prevents businesses from getting the maximum value from their technology resources.

I would argue that much of the reason for this divide comes down to a lack of communication between line of business managers and technology teams. Simply put, representatives from the two groups haven't been able to articulate priorities and requirements, and when they do, they typically don't speak the same language.

Companies are spending too much money on technology infrastructure and IT support to let this continue. As a result, more businesses are dedicating more time and other resources to get their technology and business teams on the same page with regard to technology projects. This includes seeking out IT job candidates who possess both strong technology and business backgrounds. Someone with both extensive technical and business experience can better communicate with team members from the business side of the house, including educating line of business managers on their best technology options to achieve their business goals. These staff members can also better interpret business managers requests and articulate these priorities to other IT staff members to get their insight and ideas.

From recent conversations I've had with IT and business managers, I think there is some good progress being in made in this area. This is vital because unless you get IT and business on the same team, the company will never be able to exploit its technology assets to their full advantage.

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