Updated Q4 2011: Cover Your Assets; Use IT Asset Life-Cycle Management To Control IT Costs

The infrastructure and operations (I&O) organization is no different from any other business function. It employs a multitude of assets to create corporate value. However, I&O's ability to manage its IT assets has been weak, from both a financial control and an asset life-cycle perspective. Far too often, I&O lacks the necessary controls to avoid IT wastage or remain compliant with software licensing or regulatory requirements. To date, most I&O organizations have been able to get by. But times are changing, as do-more-with-less efficiency mandates are prioritized, vendor software audits increase, and the business places greater focus on what IT costs and the value that internal IT delivers. I&O leaders can step up their game and respond to these internal and external pressures by improving asset management processes to ensure that IT assets are leveraged to maximize the value generated for their business.