How can IT deliver business value? Well, if you agree with Mr. Obama, then having the latest blackberry is not just a “nice to have” but your (presidential even) right and simply a requirement to do business, drive innovation and compete in the reality and demands of today's work environment. There have probably been few “rollouts” across the enterprise where customers were as ravenous and appreciative of their IT departments to deliver. This was IT's opportunity, and boy did we shine. A game changer. And of course, instant, undeniable business value. Right?
Well, I'll give you one word ROI. Yes, in the new IT, you don't just deliver it, but you probably have a role to help validate or in some cases “manage” the Return On Investment. I am a big fan of Canadian Blogger Mark Evans who just raises the question “Are We Over Blackberryed?” .
I think it's a great question – when communications cost are on the rise, and bailouts are more common than blackouts, return on investment and more “fundamental” (read: common sense) decisions are being made. For firms that have deployed these devices, I ask you these questions?
How technically savvy is your user base? Do they really understand how to use these devices to “save time”, enable “work/life balance”, and deal with email effectively, beyond the device itself?
Is there an opportunity (or burning need) to educate your user community and/or put guidelines in place so you do create a culture around this technology that will increase engagement, raise organizational agility from an ability to react, inform, make decisions no matter where you might be?
Are some users reluctant to “join the party” for fear of expectations around “reachability” conflicting with their work/life boundaries? Are you being asked to justify the value of the device versus your “old cell phone” given the economic conditions of the day, month, year, etc……?
IT doesn't end with “Deployment”. Is your “crackberry” with you now? Is your ROI real??
