Successful Implementation is Rare

Virtually every American enterprise of any size talks about IT strategy, but how many have successfully integrated it into their IT culture? The evidence suggests only about a third: in 2009, only 32 percent of IT projects started were completed successfully.  Another 44 percent were considered partial failures in 2009, and 24 percent complete failures.* A batting average of .320 might be terrific in Major League Baseball, but no business enterprise should accept such a paltry success rate.

There are many reasons cited for this dismal record of IT failure: lack of user input, lack of technical competence, changing requirements or specifications, lack of C-suite support, the economy, lack of resources, obsolescence, poor communication … the list goes on. In fact, all of these factors and many more would become moot, or nearly so, with a comprehensive IT strategy in place. 

IT Starts with Expert Analysis

A good IT strategy starts with expert analysis of organizational needs, followed by C-suite buy-in, which likes the operational efficiencies and cost savings over time.  A well designed IT strategy also makes the most of available resources, identifies technology and software needs based on business objectives and existing IT portfolios, makes allowances for company growth and evolving technology requirements, and implements an ongoing IT Quality Assurance function that monitors all aspects of IT operations.