Best Practice Report

Applications Strategies: Reducing Vulnerability In Times Of Economic Uncertainty

March 14th, 2008
Paul Hamerman, null
Paul Hamerman
With contributors:
Sharyn Leaver , Andrew Bartels , R "Ray" Wang , Meghan Donnelly

Summary

Amid weakening economic indicators and US government attempts to stimulate growth, businesses need to prepare for a variety of scenarios, from limited growth to spending cuts. If the long-term applications strategy aligns well with the business, it is less vulnerable to across-the-board cost cuts because many business applications are mission-critical and cannot simply be unplugged. But application projects may be vulnerable to cutbacks if the business climate worsens substantially. Some strategies should be in place to limit applications costs and set priorities when times get tough. Business process and applications professionals can prepare for the worst-case scenario by maintaining accurate information on assets, resources, and projects. They must also exercise careful judgment to protect valuable resources so that plans can move forward once the growth cycle resumes.

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