Control over the IT process of Determine Technological Direction that satisfies the business requirement for IT of
- having stable, cost-effective, integrated and standard application systems, resources and capabilities that meet current and future business requirements
- defining and implementing a technology infrastructure plan, architecture and standards that recognize and leverage technology opportunities
- Establishing a forum to guide architecture and verify compliance
- Establishing the technology infrastructure plan balanced against cost, risk and requirements
- Defining the technology infrastructure standards based on information architecture requirements
- Number and type of deviations from the technology infrastructure plan
- Frequency of the technology infrastructure plan review/update
- Number of technology platforms by function across the enterprise
Management of the process of Determine Technological Direction that satisfies the business requirement for IT of having stable, cost-effective, integrated and standard application systems, resources and capabilities that meet current and future business requirements is:
1 Non-existent
2 Initial/Ad Hoc
3 Repeatable but Intuitive
4 Defined
5 Managed and Measurable
6 Optimized
Benchmarks/Guidelines for Scoring
1 Non-existent when
There is no awareness of the importance of technology infrastructure planning for the entity. The knowledge and expertise necessary to develop such a technology infrastructure plan do not exist. There is a lack of understanding that planning for technological change is critical to effectively allocate resources.
2 Initial/Ad Hoc when
Management recognizes the need for technology infrastructure planning. Technology component developments and emerging technology implementations are ad hoc and isolated. There is a reactive and operationally focused approach to infrastructure planning. Technology directions are driven by the often contradictory product evolution plans of hardware, systems software and applications software vendors. Communication of the potential impact of changes in technology is inconsistent.
3 Repeatable but Intuitive when
The need for and importance of technology planning are communicated. Planning is tactical and focused on generating solutions to technical problems, rather than on the use of technology to meet business needs. Evaluation of technological changes is left to different individuals who follow intuitive, but similar, processes. People obtain their skills in technology planning through hands-on learning and repeated application of techniques. Common techniques and standards are emerging for the development of infrastructure components.
4 Defined when
Management is aware of the importance of the technology infrastructure plan. The technology infrastructure plan development process is reasonably sound and aligned with the IT strategic plan. There is a defined, documented and well-communicated technology infrastructure plan, but it is inconsistently applied. The technology infrastructure direction includes an understanding of where the organization wants to lead or lag in the use of technology, based on risks and alignment with the organization strategy. Key vendors are selected based on the understanding of their long-term technology and product development plans, consistent with the organization direction. Formal training and communication of roles and responsibilities exist.
5 Managed and Measurable when
Management ensures the development and maintenance of the technology infrastructure plan. IT staff members have the expertise and skills necessary to develop a technology infrastructure plan. The potential impact of changing and emerging technologies is taken into account. Management can identify deviations from the plan and anticipate problems. Responsibility for the development and maintenance of a technology infrastructure plan has been assigned. The process of developing the technology infrastructure plan is sophisticated and responsive to change. Internal good practices have been introduced into the process. The human resources strategy is aligned with the technology direction, to ensure that IT staff members can manage technology changes. Migration plans for introducing new technologies are defined. Outsourcing and partnering are being leveraged to access necessary expertise and skills. Management has analyzed the acceptance of risk regarding the lead or lag use of technology in developing new business opportunities or operational efficiencies.
6 Optimized when
A research function exists to review emerging and evolving technologies and benchmark the organization against industry norms. The direction of the technology infrastructure plan is guided by industry and international standards and developments, rather than driven by technology vendors. The potential business impact of technological change is reviewed at senior management levels. There is formal executive approval of new and changed technological directions. The entity has a robust technology infrastructure plan that reflects the business requirements, is responsive and can be modified to reflect changes in the business environment. There is a continuous and enforced process in place to improve the technology infrastructure plan. Industry good practices are extensively used in determining the technological direction.