Determine Technological Direction

The information services function determines the technology direction to support the business. This requires the creation of a technological infrastructure plan and an architecture board that sets and manages clear and realistic expectations of what technology can offer in terms of products, services and delivery mechanisms. The plan is regularly updated and encompasses aspects such as systems architecture, technological direction, acquisition plans, standards, migration strategies and contingency. This enables timely responses to changes in the competitive environment, economies of scale for information systems staffing and investments, as well as improved interoperability of platforms and applications.

Technological Direction Planning

Analyze existing and emerging technologies, and plan which technological direction is appropriate to realize the IT strategy and the business systems architecture. Also identify in the plan which technologies have the potential to create business opportunities. The plan should address systems architecture, technological direction, migration strategies and contingency aspects of infrastructure components.

There are no PSGs published for this topic; however, the topic is under review for future PSGs.

Technology Infrastructure Plan

Create and maintain a technology infrastructure plan that is in accordance with the IT strategic and tactical plans. The plan should be based on the technological direction and include contingency arrangements and direction for acquisition of technology resources. It should consider changes in the competitive environment, economies of scale for information systems staffing and investments, and improved interoperability of platforms and applications.

There are no PSGs published for this topic; however, the topic is under review for future PSGs.

Monitor Future Trends and Regulations

Establish a process to monitor the business sector, industry, technology, infrastructure, legal and regulatory environment trends. Incorporate the consequences of these trends into the development of the IT technology infrastructure plan.

There are no PSGs published for this topic; however, the topic is under review for future PSGs.

Technology Standards

To provide consistent, effective and secure technological solutions enterprise-wide, establish a technology forum to provide technology guidelines, advice on infrastructure products and guidance on the selection of technology, and measure compliance with these standards and guidelines. This forum should direct technology standards and practices based on their business relevance, risks and compliance with external requirements.

IT Architecture Board

Establish an IT architecture board to provide architecture guidelines and advice on their application, and to verify compliance. This entity should direct IT architecture design, ensuring that it enables the business strategy and considers regulatory compliance and continuity requirements.