IT managers and financial directors have no choice but to establish common ground when it comes to the procurement and use of IT infrastructure, technologies and solutions.
In a recent interview, televised by DSTV`s business channel Summit TV, Robert Sussman, director of national network integration specialist company Integr8 IT, said the current urgency demonstrated by companies in their quest to benefit from technologies is fuelled by past setbacks, disappointment, lack of support, non-aligned views and misunderstanding - and, of course, cost.
However, adds Sussman, the blame for companies who do not enjoy measurable benefit and a return on their investment in technology cannot be laid squarely on one particular party. It has become a war of words between business, integrators, vendors and IT players.
The prediction that IT players will suffer as a result of a cutback in IT spend is related to the failure of some large-scale IT implementations to deliver according to promises made. The onus of proof has shifted towards both IT vendors, who vehemently defend their products and services, as well as integrators who source and apply them.
"At the end of the day, technology should be used to enhance processes. Solutions cannot simply be slapped onto existing systems and be expected to eradicate all complications. There must be a carefully constructed strategy that links IT spend proportionally with business strategy, focus and processes. Companies feel aggrieved at having made a substantial investment in technology only to find that the problems do not disappear.
"The assumption made is that the product or the solution is at fault, however, upon closer inspection, we often discover a huge gap between the vision held by the IT manager or CIO and the financial director. There is little communication in so far as a definitive business strategy is concerned and how the technology should be used to help the company reach its goals," says Sussman.
Sussman reiterated his company`s belief that, in the interests of deriving value, ensuring a solid return on investment and maintaining market share, companies will force a breakaway from the stalemate currently nullifying major investment in technology across the market.
"Integrators, IT pundits and the like can no longer rely on words alone. It doesn`t mean anything, anymore. Now, corporate SA has voiced its scepticism around solutions and their role in the marketplace, there is doubt and uncertainty. At some time or another companies have either been burnt and shy away from genuine opportunity, or they simply prefer to go it alone and cannot justify an investment. It is time to steady the boat, so to speak, and establish common ground between the decision-makers, the experts and the suppliers. We need to integrate the need, the desire and the practical sense of ICT and establish a new code in the market," adds Sussman.
Share
Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned network technology services and solutions company in southern Africa. Based in SA, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled and certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
With offices located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London and Port Elizabeth, Integr8 IT spans nationally across Southern Africa and Africa continent. It has the people and expertise to plan, deploy, manage and maintain an information technology environment.
Whether a client seeks better control of its networked environment or is in need of practical solutions, complex or simple, Integr8 IT provides the answers with enhanced information technology services.
Editorial contacts