Finally, one must not forget the use of a scenario analysis and the conduct of simulations. Based on the compiled information shown in Figure 4, the CIM system can serve as a scenario analysis for the Change Advisory Board and/or the IT decision-makers. Well-known data warehouse or business intelligence procedures can present a work-up of the relationships in ad hoc queries. A review and online audits must be conducted by the synchronization of SIM and CIM. Development models can be shored up more solidly and evaluated precisely to the day. The planning information is not dependent on random information from the business departments which is long since outdated by the time the decision is made. The decision-makers can formulate the need for a decision and have the data processed according to relevant viewpoints. Business developments can contribute to the support of business decisions using “live” data from the utilized IT infrastructure. Proposals for optimization of business strategies can be based on this information.
An overview of the relationships for the provision of application infrastructure intelligence is shown in Figure 4.AII supports change in the role of the CIO
The application described above and its source systems are, according to the definition in the section Key Operational Systems, strictly support systems. But the application of an infrastructure intelligence has the potential to rise from the support quadrants to a high-potential evaluation.
The data which can be used as a basis for a decision about standardization are scattered among the various organizational units. But it is essential that the data be available and that their linking and the creation of a planning system be possible at a reasonable cost.
The enhanced viewpoint and the stricter, process-controlled management by the CAB can result in sustainable changes in the performance capability of the application infrastructure, even for urgent decisions, and runs less risk of counteracting this capability.
The people in charge of the IT can in the middle term define a new baseline for use as a yardstick in measuring changes. Ultimately, application infrastructure intelligence supports the CIO in assuming the role of a consultant rather than an executive body and in pushing through decisive changes in business strategy.
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Sources:1. John Ward, Joe Peppard, “Strategic Planning for Information Systems”, Chapter 11, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2002
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