Business - IT Strategic Alignment

The purpose of Business – IT Alignment is to optimize the value that IT contributes to the enterprise. As such, in order to successfully outline a strategic IT roadmap, it is important to start here. An organization has successfully aligned IT strategy to business strategy when there is:

• A shared understanding of how IT applications, technologies and services will contribute to business objectives – today and in the future.
• A shared focus on where to expend scarce resources, time and money; the tradeoffs the enterprise is prepared to make.
• A credible working relationship between the IT organization and the rest of the business evidenced by reliable daily operations, responsive problem management and predictable, innovative solution delivery.

Business – IT Alignment is achieved through the completion of four main steps:

1. Set Conditions to Achieve Alignment
2. Scan for Potentially Enabling Technologies
3. Determine IT Value Imperatives
4. Develop IT Vision and Mission

When you have completed the Business – IT Alignment program you will have:

• Support from key executives to participate in developing the IT Strategy.
• An understanding of how emerging technologies, applications and trends can or will impact your enterprise and your IT organization.
• Clear expectations of how IT will contribute to reaching the company’s business goals and objectives.
• A defined articulation of IT’s role in, and value to, the enterprise for the strategic horizon.

Business – IT Alignment should be revisited periodically, at least annually, or when there is a significant course correction in corporate direction.