Description

Preparing the ground

If the ICT function is to take a leading role in changing the organisation’s service processes, there are some non-technical prerequisites requiring attention. We summarise the steps needed to prepare the ground.

Managing the portfolio

Before looking for new technologies and the opportunities that they bring, ICT managers should review the existing applications portfolio, and the systems software and infrastructure required to support it.

Making the best of existing technology

How can the organisation make best use of what it has already? We explain how it can squeeze more performance, reduce cost, or deploy existing systems or infrastructure more imaginatively.

Making new investments

How can public sector organisations invest effectively to make the best of new technologies? We explain how some maturing technologies can help.

Scanning for emerging technologies

What technologies are on the horizon that public sector organisations should factor into their strategic thinking? We highlight some key emerging technologies for ICT managers to track.

Building an action plan

Clearly, exploiting ICT is a project or programme of activities, and as such requires management. However, imagination and innovation are key components of the process, and as abstract concepts are particularly difficult to manage.

Conclusions

Exploiting technology requires a combination of strategic, cultural and technical thinking on an organisation-wide basis. We provide a summary checklist for readers to ensure that they are best placed to capitalise on the opportunities that technology offers.

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