It’s a fight that’s as old as the circuit board itself. Who will control the flow of information, technology and innovation in the enterprise — business or IT?
As we progress down the path of digital transformation, this question and the relationship between business and IT becomes even more complicated. The pace of technological change places greater emphasis on the business to meet changing customer/user demands. But it also makes it more difficult for the business to know the most current technologies or methods to create the applications that make a difference in the bottom line.
We saw this theme reinforced throughout the Gartner Application Strategies & Solutions Summit. From the keynote, to booth interactions and conversations around our luncheon roundtable, attendees recognized the disconnect and wanted ways to improve the relationship
Yes, there is frustration between the two sides. But, both sides are making progress. New organization models that emphasize cross-functional teams are putting IT and business stakeholders in the same boat. If one succeeds, everyone does. If one fails, then they all go down together.
To meet business demands, IT must be ultra-responsive. But, being reactionary isn’t enough. IT must be proactive and consultative to business, helping guide and influence technology decisions.
To help IT, business must participate with good faith and communicate needs clearly. By simplifying and focusing on core needs first, they set themselves and IT up to win.
This process, like digital transformation itself, is a work in progress. There is no defined end state. Rather, just a path that must be traveled in order for an organization to survive, and thrive, in the new digital world.
– Rob Mansell, CTO
