The discussion of IT's role and future has been officially taking place since the infamous Nicholas Carr "IT Doesn't Matter" article in the May 2003 edition of the Harvard Business Review. It seems to be a hotter topic than ever as businesses and their IT organizations emerge reshaped by the global economic downturn. Add the onset of cloud computing and the questions about the CIO and IT organization are greater than ever.
I could spin my broken IT Governance-record here, but if you have read my blog, you already know my answer to the business' ability to realize the most value from their technology investment. Instead, I want to direct you to a great discussion taking place on this topic right now. It will require you to do some surfing and reading, but I am certain you will find it worthwhile. I am also hoping you will return to my blog weighing in with your insights and ideas.
The discussion was initiated by a recent Forbes article called "Rich vs. Poor IT Organizations." Ed Sperling interview's Gartner's Mark McDonald about "Why some IT organizations are progressing while others seem to be stuck in neutral."
http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/23/cloud-computing-gartner-technology-cio-network-mcdonald.html
This article resulted in a great blog post from one of my favorite tweeter/blogger/humans, Peter Kretzman, @PeterKretzman. Peter epitomizes level-headed calmness and this post was easily his most confrontational (if you can even use that word with Peter).
http://www.peterkretzman.com/2010/08/06/countering-a-disturbing-bandwagon-rich-vs-poor-it-organizations/
Peter's blog post instigated a response from another of my favorites, Rob England, better known as @theitspetic. He had some counterpoints to Peter's post.
http://www.itskeptic.org/rich-it-poor-it-or-opposite-day
Notice how I am keeping my comments to myself? It's by design. I left comments on each of the posts, but I didn't tip my hand too much there either. I want to know what you think, so come back and leave your comments or let me know if you left a comment on any of the other posts. I look forward to reading them.
Steve Romero, IT Governance Evangelist