IT directors across all sectors should shut down redundant legacy
systems, prepare for consolidation among IT suppliers and take
steps to raise IT's credibility within the organisation, according
to Gartner.
"If you sit back and focus merely on cutting costs and beating up
suppliers, you are not helping the business," said Mark Raskino,
research director at Gartner. "A downturn is often a good time to
iron out inefficient practices."
Raskino said IT departments should be aiming to switch off at least
10% of systems that have a low impact on business.
"Most organisations have a portfolio of legacy systems that exist
in parts of the business that have resisted change," he said.
"Shutting these down will save money and time, show that you are
looking more broadly at the business and free up money to invest in
new projects."
Gartner vice-president John Mahoney warned IT directors to be ready
for supplier consolidation during 2003. He said most technology
sectors will experience consolidation and advised IT directors to
ensure their contracts have the agility to cope with the turbulent
times ahead.
"Understand your contract and what happens when suppliers
consolidate or cease trading and make sure you have effective
escrow arrangements," he said.
New year's resolutions for IT directors
- Switch off at least 10% of legacy systems in 2003
- Prepare for some of your IT suppliers to consolidate or
close
- Formulate an IT marketing initiative
- Create a real-time enterprise vision and roadmap, then sell it
to the management team
- Pilot Web services and instant messaging - two key real-time
enterprise technologies.
Source: Gartner, December 2002