IT Governance: What it is, the benefits, and solutions

Most organizations are addressing the need for IT governance as an important matter. In a study conducted by Gartner in April 2015, 71 percent of respondents indicated that IT risk management data has influence at the board level. Alarmingly however, only 30 percent of respondents said business units are actively involved in developing security policies that will impact their businesses.[1]

As technology and business become more and more inseparable, businesses of all sizes are acquiring better IT governance solutions. You have probably heard of how important it is to have IT governance for your business. As essential as it seems to be, what exactly is IT governance and why is it so important?

IT governance is simply the processes needed to ensure the most effective and efficient use of IT in enabling an organization of any industry to achieve their needs and goals. Leading CIOs use IT governance to implement controls designed to avoid “bad” risks, take calculate “good” risks and overall, to deliver a competitive advantage, according to a 2010 Gartner report.[2] IT governance ensures that a business does not lack focus. The report also stated that an exceptional IT governance framework entails a strong IT strategy, IT principles and enterprise architecture.

So again, why is IT governance important – and what does this mean for you?

IT governance:

• Provides clarity between the business strategy and the IT strategy and initiatives
• Allows executive management and staff within your organization to set expectations, participate, communicate, and establish accountability
• Is about the process for informed decision-making to make the best decision for your business
• Increases dependence on information technology and information security
• Tracks approved IT investments to each business goal by having organizations create financial reports

Wilson Consulting Group (WCG) offers viable IT governance services to businesses and government entities. We offer practical framework, processes and toolkits to strengthen existing governance solutions or to implement governance for the first time. We offer IT change management services to help organizations effectively and efficiently manage unexpected or uncertain changes within their environments. We also offer project management and overall information technology governance services to plan and strategize with organizations to fulfill their budgetary requirements, project goals and objectives.

Versatility is a quality we do not only market; we practice it. Our team is composed of IT consultants and business experts with decades of combined experience. We understand technology as well as we do business, and are passionate about seeing through your organization’s continued success.

[1]http://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/security-has-reached-board-level-thinking-gartner-survey-finds

[2] Gartner, Inc., “Practical Governance,” Gartner Executive Programs, November 2010.