IT managers must realize that enterprise IT complexity also factors into making the right choice for a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. Objectively measure the enterprise's IT complexity to help with SaaS product selection and avoid making a costly mistake.

Enterprise IT Complexity: The Missing Factor

Selecting SaaS solutions because they have lower acquisition costs and require fewer management and development staff is an unsound strategy. This approach omits a significant factor that affects SaaS acquisition success – enterprise IT complexity. Without a clear picture of the capabilities of IT, managers will make poor buying decisions. This will result in higher unanticipated TCO, slower ROI, and greater dissatisfaction among business stakeholders.

To avoid undesirable outcomes, IT managers should objectively assess the complexity of their IT environment. This will help them determine whether SaaS is an appropriate solution for their environment, and if it is, what type of SaaS solution they...