What is IT?

IT is Information Technology.  IT starts with your computer systems and extends to any system that stores, provides or uses information. Computers, servers, phones, faxes and some manufacturing equipment are all typically considered part of Information Technology.

What is an IT Strategy?

A strategic plan is long range vision of where you are heading. It establishes your ultimate objective and in broad terms how you intend to get there. It provides a point of reference for product or project selection and prioritization. Day to day decisions can be compared with your strategy, and tend to be less reactive.

An IT Strategy starts with your business strategy. It serves as a roadmap of how and where technology can help your business succeed. It highlights opportunities to improve efficiency and / or increase competitive advantage.

Do I really need an IT Strategy?

There is no lack of opportunities to spend money on information technology. But not all of them are good investments. Unless you have unlimited resources you need to place your resources where they will have the biggest return for your business.

At Technology Navigators we help you develop and implement an IT strategy that supports and enhances your business both effectively and efficiently. Many times an IT strategy will actually reduce your total costs. More importantly it will identify opportunities that positively impact your business.

How do we do it?

We get to know your business. We work with you to understand your business strategies and objectives. Then we combine that knowledge with our understanding of available and pending technology to recommend those technology platforms and solutions that support your plans and add value to your business.

We don't implement technology for technology's sake. We implement those solutions that add positive value to your company and your customers.

Technology Navigators does not sell computer hardware or software. We receive no incentives for recommending any particular solution. Because of this we are free to recommend solutions that are best for you.

Where do we go from there?

Technology Navigators can help select and prioritize which projects or purchases will give you the best return. We can assist in vendor selection and contract negotiation. And where it makes sense we can provide additional services such as Network Design and Implementation. See our services page for a more complete listing of available services.

What do models have to do with making decisions?

Models are approximations of reality. They are used to quantify potential results to help make educated decisions. In the world of IT decision-making there are primarily two models being used today: TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) developed by Gartner Group, and TEI (Total Economic Impact) developed by Giga Information Group.

TCO attempts to recognize all of the life cycle costs associated with a computer. Purchase price is only the beginning -- and one of the smallest costs associated with the life cycle of a computer. To that add software, installation, maintenance, training, formal support and shadow support. It is not unusual for the TCO of a typical office PC to exceed $12,000 over its average three-year life. You are paying those costs whether you recognize them or not.

The goal of the TCO model is to minimize the Total Cost of Information Technology. By recognizing that most of the cost of computing comes after the purchase, you can identify and exploit these other areas to reduce your overall cost.

Total Economic Impact (TEI), developed by Giga Information Group, embraces the cost components of TCO and extends it by incorporating both benefits and flexibility while tempering them with concepts of risk. Where TCO measures efficiency, TEI measures effectiveness. Where TCO views IT as a cost center, TEI views IT as a value center.

Both models have their place in creating and implementing a sound IT strategy.