The CIO Blog I chose was "Candid CIO", the site where Will Weider (CIO of Ministry Health Care and Affinity Health System) speaks at length - with frequent site updates - about the state of systems integration and the day-to-day activities of a Chief Information Officer.
One of the more interesting posts I read was entitled "How much does email cost?" which looks at how Weider's company reduced internal email costs by eliminating a series of redundancies in the email platforms. He streamlines the process by integrating everything under the Exchange-based email platform (as well as integrating a series of upgrades along with the email platform: servers, OS, system software, network upgrades and Microsoft Client Access Licenses) all at the same time. While the initial costs might be high ($1.5 million) he works it out so that he will have cut costs to $3.14 per user per month when all is said and done.
Arguably the biggest task that a firm of this nature has to undertake is integrating disparate systems and implementing an enterprise system. This is commonly known as enterprise resource planning, or an enterprise system (henceforth referred to as ES). These systems allow for a free-flowing share of information across entire organizations.
I am of the opinion that more organizations today will try to connect existing disparate systems as opposed to going to single ES package installations. Generally speaking, a company's aim should be to strive higher than the status quo. This would often mean pulling together a series of "best of breed systems" or something internally that fits their specific needs, as opposed to going with a packaged ES that is used by competitors. If the goal/objective is to get the right information to the right person as fast as possible, it would seem as though each case should be treated on an individual basis, not with a blanket solution.
This method of thinking will allow systems to become better connected down the road. By thinking outside the box, we can encourage innovation rather than packaged solutions that do not meet the specifications of individual companies. Organizations measure how well they are attaining their overall objectives through the use of a balanced scorecard and a dashboard of measures - therefore, it would seem logical that people would be constantly striving to reach new heights and/or scores. The only way this can happen is through a dedication and desire for steady improvement.
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I totally agree that SDLC maintains the high level of organizational structure of an organization. It ensures the timely work flow of a company. The process also helps the company to be run in a most efficient cost-effective way. But in other cases it creates as sense of repetitive work at times. It is true that the advantage of integrating information technology in project and product development life cycles is to keep up to date with the ever changing market. Integration is a way to cater to greater advancements of the company and to keep a competitive advantage over competitors. Furthermore, to welcome new ideas and concepts for the betterment of the company’s overall operations.
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