Comments on: IT transformation is off the table in a recession, CIOs say

By: MikeRollingsBG

MikeRollingsBG — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:44:30 +0000

On a related note, I had a recent conversation about Business Synchronization and whether it was the same as Alignment.

Synchronization is not alignment. The need for alignment flows from the idea that you have two diverging paths that need to be converged. Synchronization is the creation of a common path. It means an end to the business and IT divide by working together and looking for integrated movement and forward momentum. Synchronization and the planning discipline for business optimization are fundamental to transformation.

Michael Rollings
Senior Analyst, Executive Advisory Program
Burton Group

Read more in our Executive Advisory Blog:
[A href="http://eapblog.burtongroup.com/executive_advisory_progra/2009/03/transformation-businessit-alignment-is-not-synchronization-.html"]Transformation – Business/IT Alignment is not Synchronization[/A]

By: Robdscmppm

Robdscmppm — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:14:26 +0000

Linda,
I agree with what Mike is saying.
I just came away from PMI SFO all day conference on the subject of Project Management and PPM value and how it is tied to strategy.
The actual great companies and people who do get it, unlike Mr. Cagigal, is that now is the time for IT transformation.
The business goals have not been turned upside down, business goals are still to make profit, innovate and beat your competition.
The smart and great companies are using this downturn to “change business process” and leverage the “IT architecture of today” through IT transformation tied to a strategy and coming out of the downturn will accelerate at a much faster rate then those who did not.
I suspect Mr. Gopal, as I see in your bio did not clearly convey that “the business strategy” must be translated into a Business Architecture by Business Architects (not IT Infrastructure, not IT apps nor IT Data Architects) and create a roadmap that builds scalability into the leveraging of a IT Transformation. It is “not” IT Strategy of using technology to try and drive business where the “business process” cannot support it or the personnel will act as the barrier. This is why a Program of Strategic Projects tied to a Business Strategy can and will work in a IT Transformation and the winners will be doing it now.

By: MikeRollingsBG

MikeRollingsBG — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:39:13 +0000

A usable link to Burton Group’s Executive Advisory Blog: [A href="http://eapblog.burtongroup.com/executive_advisory_progra/2009/03/transforming-it.html"]

Michael Rollings
Senior Analyst, Executive Advisory Program
Burton Group

By: MikeRollingsBG

MikeRollingsBG — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:52:35 +0000

Linda — Right title for the wrong reasons.

If we define IT Transformation as an IT driven activity then I would agree — IT organizations are not going to get more funding to do something solely on the premise of transforming one cog in a machine that needs to be redesigned. However, if we define transformation as IT transformation directed by business transformation, then IT transformation is as relevant as manufacturing, marketing, sales, and other departmental transformations required to fulfill a business transformation.

When did we give up on real transformation and adopt a definition of incremental improvement masquerading as transformation? We need transformation in a down economy.

Read more at our Executive Advisory Program blog http://eapblog.burtongroup.com/executive_advisory_progra/2009/03/transforming-it.html

Michael Rollings
Senior Analyst, Executive Advisory Program
Burton Group