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Creating an IT Strategy: A Template

Publisher IDC
Published Mar 03, 2025
Length 9 Pages
SKU # IDC19749809

Description

This IDC Perspective provides a comprehensive template designed to help organizations create an effective, well-structured IT strategy. Building on previous guidance, this template offers a step-by-step approach for aligning IT initiatives with business goals. By focusing on clarity and organization, the template simplifies the strategy creation process, ensuring a structured, adaptable document that supports both immediate and long-term objectives.Creating an IT strategy can be challenging, especially for technology professionals unfamiliar with strategic planning versus project execution. The template provides a structured framework that differentiates overarching strategy from individual initiatives. This approach encourages IT teams to consider how technology can directly support business goals, fostering better alignment with organizational objectives.“Based on best practices for developing an IT strategy, this template is intended to simplify and accelerate the process of developing a business-aligned IT strategy,” says Gerald Johnston, adjunct research advisor for IDC’s IT Executive Programs (IEP).

Table of Contents

9 Pages

Executive Snapshot

Situation Overview

IDC IT Strategy Template

1.0 Business Relevance

1.1 Business Strategy

Guidance

1.2 Business Goals and Objectives

Guidance

2.0 Understanding Competitors and How Their Strategy Fits the Landscape (Optional)

2.1 Competitive Analysis

Guidance

3.0 Current State Analysis of IT

3.1 Alignment with Business Goals

Guidance

3.2 IT SWOT Analysis

Guidance

4.0 Defining the IT Strategy

4.1 IT Initiatives Aligned to Business Goals

Guidance

5.0 Gap Analysis

5.1 Gap Identification

Guidance

5.2 Prioritization of Initiatives to Close Gaps

Guidance

6.0 IT Strategy Road Map

6.1 Key Strategic Initiatives

Guidance

6.2 Governance Structure

Guidance

7.0 Communication

7.1 Communication Plan

Guidance

Advice for the Technology Buyer

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Related Research

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