Winning IT Strategies

This is from a recent article I read.  I this makes a lot of sense. It seems to be a never ending quest for IT professionals to make the case for strategic value for their work.

1/ Make sure Senior Management understands IT's strategic potential and provides full support.

2/ Focus biggest in-house IT investments in areas that are unique to your business and can differentiate you.. Standard functionality you can buy off the shelf or outsource (manage vendor),

3/ Generate competitive advantage from a combination of technology projects, rather than a single "big bang" initiative.

4/ Foster a continuous improvement culture and mind-set when it comes to technology -- your competitors are ahead of you or best case you a only half a step in front.

5/ Tie your technology investments tightly to your business model.  Make sure they have the most impact to the business.

6/ Leverage technology on both the cost and customer-facing sides of your business.

7/ Keep as much control over technology projects that will truly give you an advantage - which may translate to build vs.. buy or outsource.