IT professionals need to work harder at translating business requirements into technology projects, according to research.
An IBM Institute for Business Value survey of CIOs has revealed more than 70 per cent of companies believe IT infrastructure plays an important role in providing competitive advantage, yet only 22 per cent have a well-defined enterprise IT infrastructure strategy.
"Today’s IT leaders are responsible for more than overseeing technology breakthroughs, but they are also integral to advising chief executives about the organisation’s business strategy," said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president of IBM Systems and Technology Group.
The report says few IT leaders are working in tandem with line-of-business executives on challenges relating to next-generation technology.
According to the report, IT organisations can increase the value they provide to the business by repositioning the role of IT as a trusted advisor and a valued service provider.
While more than 40 per cent of respondents said business leaders will be involved in making decisions about cloud computing and IT architecture during the next three years, yet only 30 per cent of IT organisations collaborate effectively with the business today.
The IBM report is based on a survey of 750 CTOs, CIOs and other senior technology executives from a variety of industries and company sizes across 18 countries.
