CobiT definition:
Create and maintain a technology infrastructure plan that is in accordance with the IT strategic and tactical plans. The plan should be based on the technological direction and include contingency arrangements and direction for acquisition of technology resources. It should consider changes in the competitive environment, economies of scale for information systems staffing and investments, and improved interoperability of platforms and applications.
Bill says,
It is in the Technology Infrastructure Plan where the strategy and the tactical meet. This is where you define things such as the role virtualization will play in addressing your technology strategy, who your primary technology sourcing vendors will be, and how geographical issues will impact your data center and staffing plan.
For example, let’s say that in your Technological Direction Planning you have identified that virtualization provides not only business opportunities for your company but opportunities for server consolidation and improved support within your IT organization. As that as the backdrop for the direction you want to go, it is in the TIP where you will outline how you will accomplish that. It is appropriate that in the TIP you will also outline how such a move will save on staffing expenses should that be an expected outcome.
By now you have seen enough of CobiT to know that much of this really isn’t complicated and it really is kind of obvious. You might be saying, why do I have to be told to create a direction plan and that a plan for how to implement that direction, as that seems so obvious. The problem is as obvious as it may seem it simply doesn’t get done to the degree you would expect. By following a framework like CobiT you can ensure that you are following best practices for running an IT organization. A governance framework is not designed to produce any real “aha” moments – it is simply to ensure that you have control over the basics. It is control of the basics where many companies fall down.
One thing you will note is the CobiT doesn’t give you guidance on much beyond what the basics are. So for example, what is the audience of the Technology Infrastructure Plan? Do you share it with your managers? All IT staff? Everyone in the company? CobiT isn’t going to give you guidance there, that is up to you and your knowledge of the culture of your company.
For me, I actually create two versions of the plan. One for Senior Management and one for general consumption. I believe that it is important to have corporate visibility to these plans.
The second step in Determining the Technological Direction is building the Technology Infrastructure Plan.
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- PO3.4 Technology Standards CobiT definition: To provide consistent, effective and secure technological solutions enterprisewide, establish a technology forum to provide technology guidelines, advice...
