24.06.2010
IT a thicket of systems
The IT infrastructure with all its components from servers to routers is growing continuously, but its transparency is not so good. This is because quick and complete access to all detailed information, for example when it comes to changes in the technical architecture or determining the susceptibility of systems to maintenance, is often not possible. These are the results of a survey conducted by Actinium Consulting among more than 200 companies. For example, 38 percent of the companies are not able to transparently display their entire infrastructure components, and for another third this can only be done to a limited extent. Also a fast and complete insight into the license and maintenance contracts including the necessary information to the suppliers does not have nearly half at all and a third of the asked Unter- enterprises only limited.
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Even the documentation of infrastructure-relevant information shows major deficits. For example, changes to technical systems, processes and responsibilities are only consistently and systematically documented by 31 percent of the companies. For a similar number, it’s the other way around, with the remaining 38 percent also not consistently dedicating themselves to this task, according to their self-confession. “As organic organizations, companies live in a very dynamic state of change,” judges Actinium CEO Klaus Hüttl. As a result, there are not only permanent changes in the technical infrastructure with its numerous hardware and software systems in their various versions and locations, but there are also frequent changes in responsibilities. “In order to prevent this from creating IT infrastructure conditions that are difficult to control and uneconomical, transparency is the top priority,” emphasizes the consultant. “Keeping a permanent eye on this constant change, managing it and documenting it consistently is a complex task that often fails in practice,” Hüttl sees his practical experience confirmed by the survey results.
In his view, companies cannot avoid implementing systematic change management in the long run. “Otherwise, the IT landscape will become more and more diffuse, performance risks will arise due to the lack of transparency and, in addition, it will not be possible to implement a needs-based investment policy,” the Actinium managing director problematizes. In addition, significant cost savings can usually be achieved very quickly. “Everywhere there are still valid maintenance contracts for legacy systems that have already been decommissioned, or there is overlicensing of applications,” Hüttl cites specific examples.