IT Strategic Plan – What is the recipe? – SAS70

An IT strategic plan is critical to be a success in today’s economy and to grow your CIO career. Don’t be afraid to define some concrete details about your datacenter network and the IT security required. Here are some important characteristics of an IT strategic plan:

Timing/Length – Start NOW! You can’t get there without an IT roadmap. Make it in increments of one year, 3 years, and five years.

Scope – Obtain the business goals and objectives. Understand how information technology will support achievement of these goals. Design your IT plan to not only meet these objectives, but to add additional value and revenue when each of these goals is attained.

Presentation – Keep it simple. From the Boardroom to the staff meeting, keep everyone focused on the high level IT goals. Be specific about how IT and business will work together to meet the requirements. Simple statements to drive your IT department towards success are best.

Monitoring – Put measurements in place which include deadlines. Monitor these like a hawk. The goal is not precision, but to keep moving forward. Revise and update the IT plan as necessary.

Communicate – How does the Boardroom know you are success? You are your own marketer and so is your staff. When you achieve success in completing an IT project, be sure to inform your staff and your management. Identify internal and external meetings to inform. 

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