Why IT Architectural Plans Often Get Derailed

Dennis McCafferty Avatar

Updated on:

Why IT Architectural Plans Often Get Derailed

Why IT Architectural Plans Often Get DerailedWhy IT Architectural Plans Often Get Derailed

Despite the need for digital transformations, companies are falling short in developing long-term technology architecture planning to successfully modernize IT.

Long and ShortLong and Short

Just 11% of survey respondents said their company conducts long-term IT architecture planning that’s built around business groups, while 64% do this only on a year-to-year or project-to-project basis.

Strategic ShortfallStrategic Shortfall

Another 25% said their company does not conduct any formal IT architecture planning.

Improvement Areas, Part IImprovement Areas, Part I

63% of survey respondents said their organization needs to plan better for IT infrastructure, and 53% said the same about software development.

Improvement Areas, Part IIImprovement Areas, Part II

51% said their company needs to plan better for data needs, and 48% said the same about cyber-security.

Top Benefits of IT Architectural PlanningTop Benefits of IT Architectural Planning

Improved collaboration between the IT and business groups: 36%,
Greater ability to prioritize investments: 36%,
Easier evaluation of existing architecture to support long-term goals: 35%

Top Hurdles to IT Architectural PlanningTop Hurdles to IT Architectural Planning

Lack of budget: 40%,
Lack of knowledge about involved IT models and components: 32%,
Difficulty in combining existing architecture with new components: 31%,
Failure to gain buy-in from different parts of the organization: 28%

Assessment AreasAssessment Areas

38% of the survey respondents said they focus on the usability of solutions when evaluating technology, while 37% said they focus on the various solutions’ impact on productivity.

Elite QualitiesElite Qualities

52% said they need their senior leadership to support and fund tech initiatives in order to reach the cutting edge of IT utilization, while 46% cited the need to identify and quickly implement innovation.

Main App-Supported Functions in the CloudMain App-Supported Functions in the Cloud

Email: 68%,
Business productivity: 57%,
Web presence: 53%,
Financial management: 51%,
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): 49%

Bold New VentureBold New Venture

51% of survey respondents said their organization has launched an internet of things (IoT) initiative, is experimenting with one or plans to start one next year.

Shopping ListShopping List

32% said they will need new data analysis software to pursue the IoT, and 30% said they’ll need additional storage capabilities.

Dennis McCafferty Avatar