Information Technology Strategic Planning

Understanding an enterprise's IT requirements and providing innovative IT solutions are essential to keeping a business flourishing. An IT strategic plan based on a shared vision with stakeholders is critical to any successful enterprise and requires continual updating. The three building blocks for constructing an IT strategic plan are performing an IT assessment to understand the issues, problems, and needs for delivering outstanding service to customers; aligning the IT strategy with business drivers, management expectations, and customer requirements to ensure that the enterprise receives the right solutions; and formulating initiatives to improve business performance and IT services over time. Key elements common to most enterprises, such as IT assessment approach, business drivers, and management and customer expectations, can serve as a baseline for constructing the IT strategic plan.