Nemertes Issue Paper

Overview: Technology is at a major transition point, similar to the shift from Management Information Systems (MIS) to Information Technology (IT) in the 1990s. In this case, the shift is from IT to Enterprise Technology (ET), driven by the confluence of new technologies and ongoing business imperatives. This transition point means that certain technology functions are commoditizing rapidly, while others are becoming more strategic. The fundamental challenge facing IT professionals is to determine quickly and accurately which functions are which, and react accordingly. This means IT leaders must embrace both strategic and utilitarian roles. Or, to put it another way, today’s IT professionals need a special version of the “serenity prayer”: “God grant me the ability to invest in enterprise technology, the courage to commoditize information technology, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Author(s): Johna Till Johnson, President & Sr. Founding Partner

Keywords: IT, Transformation, ET, MIS

Vendors mentioned: None

Clients: Read this Issue Paper - The Best of Both Worlds: How IT Must Embrace Both Strategic and Utilitarian Roles

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