New Data Released At Forrester's Business & Technology Leadership
Forum Illustrates Disconnect Between IT And Business
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2008--At its recently
concluded Business & Technology Leadership Forum 2008, Forrester
Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) told an audience of more than 400 IT and
business executives that their organizations must embrace chaotic
technologies such as the proliferation of consumer devices, social
networking tools, and cloud-based collaboration services. These
technologies are making their way into the enterprise in a wave of IT
adoption that Forrester refers to as Technology Populism. Executives
from Dell, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott International provided
examples of emerging organizational, process, and technology practices
that balance chaos and control, driving new business value without
placing the organization at risk from these emerging consumer-facing
technologies.
"Organizations trying to impose control over these chaotic
technologies from the top down with pages and pages of policies and
guidelines will fail," said Forrester Vice President and Research
Director Sharyn Leaver. "Chaos is the new norm: Chaotic technologies
aren't going anywhere, and the fundamental shift in the balance of
power to individuals and networks of individuals is very real and is
also around to stay. Organizations looking to embrace chaos to deliver
results must empower their people to lead the effort, give careful
consideration to setting new policies and guidelines, and evangelize
the business results delivered through chaotic technologies."
Attendees were able to select from three track sessions designed
for CIOs, Business Process & Applications professionals, and
Information & Knowledge Management professionals. In the CIO track,
Forrester unveiled new data from its forthcoming Q3 2008 North America
Business Technology Online Survey, in which it polled 600 business
executives on their views about IT. The data revealed:
-- Business execs are more aware of technology's importance but
see IT as ineffective. Eight-two percent of those surveyed
agreed that technology is a core component of their products
and services. More than 70 percent agreed that technology is
central to how they differentiate themselves from competitors
and that it is essential for their distribution and sales
model. However, less than 40 percent of the respondents said
IT was very effective in supporting them in those areas.
-- Business execs feel that IT doesn't support critical business
drivers. Eighty-two percent of respondents indicated that
lowering overall operating costs is a key business imperative,
but only 42 percent said IT supported this goal well.
Similarly, 78 percent said that improving workforce
productivity is a key business goal, but only 45 percent said
IT was providing strong support in this area.
Attendees had the opportunity to attend two pre-forum workshops.
They participated in one-on-one sessions with Forrester analysts, peer
networking, and a technology showcase where 14 sponsors -- including
Platinum Sponsor IBM and Gold Sponsors CSC, Fujitsu, and TIBCO --
shared their solutions.
Prior to the event, seven of the Forrester Leadership Boards held
member meetings. These included The CIO Group, Analyst Relations
Council, Applications & Program Management Council, Enterprise
Architecture Council, Information & Knowledge Management Council,
Infrastructure & Operations Council, and Technology Marketing
Executive Council.
About Forrester Research
Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) is an independent research
company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global
leaders in business and technology. Forrester works with professionals
in 19 key roles at major companies providing proprietary research,
consumer insight, consulting, events, and peer-to-peer executive
programs. For more than 25 years, Forrester has been making IT,
marketing, and technology industry leaders successful every day. For
more information, visit www.forrester.com.
(C) 2008, Forrester Research, Inc. All rights reserved. Forrester
is a registered trademark of Forrester Research, Inc.
CONTACT: Forrester Research, Inc.
Phil LeClare, + 1 617-613-6441
Public Relations Manager
press@forrester.com
SOURCE: Forrester Research, Inc.
