Several clients have recently asked whether a traditional multiyear approach to IT strategy is still relevant in a world where the business landscape is rapidly evolving and the approach to new initiatives tends toward breaking them down into shorter-duration projects. My view is that while long-term strategy may change in nature, it is more vital than ever to have an overall context to guide an organization’s shorter-term plans.
The first point to make is that while agile methodologies and digital strategies may have led to shorter projects and faster cycle times, the lifecycle of IT platforms has not changed as dramatically.
- For on-premise technology in both infrastructure and applications, enterprises are making multiyear investments and commitments to their chosen environment.
- In the cloud, while in theory there is the flexibility to react quickly to changing demands and directions, the reality of cloud service contracts and the need for stability in business-critical environments means that enterprises are typically still making longer-term choices.