Andersen Consulting, the world`s largest management and technology consulting organisation, has announced the formation of a new South African Information & Technology Strategy Division, to be headed by Tor Mesoy, an associate partner in the South African practice. Mesoy said that the newly created division operates at the intersection of business strategy and information technology and would be an important new service, adding substantial value for clients. "Companies no longer simply rely on IT to support their business strategies. Increasingly, they look to IT as a means of creating business change throughout all levels of their organisations. "Our I&TS practice leads the way in adding innovative IT ideas to our clients` business and operating strategies. By using our critical mass of knowledge and experience, the practice can take on the most complex and far-reaching projects, taking them from the development of the strategic concept all the way through to final implementation. "We help our clients understand and use IT strategically, enabling them to invest in high-value opportunities such as developing new markets or finding new methods of differentiation. "This helps them avoid spending disproportionate amounts on IT relative to their size and type, or failing to obtain full value from IT. We also help them avoid the politics arising from unresolved IT governance issues. "The I&TS Division offers comprehensive strategy consulting in the areas of IT enablement, IT alignment and IT management," added Mr Mesoy. He explained that IT alignment, focusing on what IT should deliver, addresses the traditional problem of aligning an organisation`s IT strategy with an already established business strategy. IT alignment focuses on identifying the strategic business initiatives where IT can deliver the most impact and value to the business, and aligning IT with these initiatives. "IT management and delivery defines how information and technology are delivered across the three critical areas of leadership, solution delivery and infrastructure. It focuses on the processes, governance, structure, capabilities and sourcing of information and technology. "Historically, businesses have based the direction of their technology on their business strategy. Now they must create new business strategies that are enabled by the creative application of technology. IT enablement is the process by which an organisation enables the formulation of business strategy to fully recognise and act upon technology-driven challenges and opportunities." Mr Mesoy concluded that John Rollins, a partner in the strategic services practice of Andersen Consulting operating from London, is in South Africa to help launch the I&TS division.
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