IT departments are often regarded as cost-centers, yet some departments manage costs with more creative tactics, propelling IT from a cost-center to a strategic business enabler.
This research note examines common cost management methods used by strategic enablers, including:
- A case-based comparison between cost-centers and strategic enablers.
- IT service areas that strategic enablers prioritize to manage costs.
- Specific tactics within these service areas that strategic enablers use for cost management.
- A discussion on the ability of strategic enablers to deal with the hassle factor associated with difficult cost management tactics.
The key differentiator between cost-centers and strategic enablers is that the latter look beyond low-hanging fruit and tackle comprehensive strategies for more sustained savings.