Senior IT managers are struggling toreach the boardbecause they are too
busy dealing with IT maintenance, research has
revealed.
Managers are spending their time on IT maintenance and support
instead of focusing on communicating the
business benefits of IT. Another problem is that many IT
managers lack the skills to communicate business benefits
effectively, the survey by software supplier CA found.
Business are putting increasing pressure on IT infrastructure
without considering the need for additional resources. This is
creating a glass ceiling for IT managers, who have to spend their
time dealing with the resulting technical issues.
Researchers interviewed 250 senior IT managers and found they
often fail to see the bigger picture and communicate the
strategic value of IT.
As a result, 73% of managers making decisions relating to
innovation or helping the business respond to tougher conditions do
not consider the impact of their decisions on IT.
Most IT investment - which is considered "insufficient" in 68%
of companies surveyed - is being spent on maintenance and support.
A similarly high number of IT managers (69%) said it was usually
non-IT professionals who make decisions that place burdens on the
company's network.
Kirsten Cox, EMEA product marketing director at CA, said, "This
increased pressure is leading to reduced opportunity for IT
management, who either do not have the skills to argue the business
case for IT and raise their game, or who are too busy fighting
fires to do so."