IT is no different than any other area of human endeavor; there is a need to establish policies, operating procedures, and responsibilities.  Looking at the bigger picture, it would seem that IT governance was established in order to ensure not only functionality, but also security and proper use of assets.

So, why has there been a shift toward compliance issues?  Arguably, we’re seeing increased focus placed on compliancy issues within IT governance because virtually all of the world’s governments are being tested for various forms of compliance.  Whether you’re looking at politics, finance or technology, one of the biggest issues out there right now is observance of regulation(s).

Simply put, the push to examine the inner workings of governing forces either technological, financial or political stems from the fact that quite a lot of corruption (specifically – insider trading) has been uncovered in recent times.  In fact, some IT professionals who tend to specialize in areas like Basel II (which seeks to help establish risks and reinforce certain regulations) are finding themselves with plenty of work.  It could be said that the pressure coming down upon political and governmental forces around the world, along with the problems inherent in the global economy have created a demand for increased compliance in the IT sector.  This is especially true given the fact that IT services play a very important role when it comes to not only making certain types of activities and transactions possible, but also facilitating them on a daily basis.

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Along with being able to meet compliance considerations, IT governance also plays an integral role in protecting both assets and data.  Like the personnel, funds, and infrastructure an organization relies on, IT resources and data are really critical assets that must be protected at all times.  In this way, IT governance seeks to maintain a sound, stable atmosphere both internally (functionality) as well as externally (security + regulatory compliance).

However, it would seem that the main focus seems to be shifting largely to external concerns; specifically, the manner in which any IT group adheres to a laundry list of federal, local and international policies.  As the world becomes more “connected”, increasing attention needs to be placed upon international compliance policies (especially).  Because data is more-or-less fluid and able to traverse the globe in mere seconds, it only makes sense that we need to bring more institutions on board with regulations that are designed to protect the sovereignty of data.  Likewise, international businesses need assurances that their activities and data exchanges are both technically protected as well as legally.  For instance, allowing certain countries to harbor known data thieves or racketeers makes it quite impossible for the international business community to approach them without scrutiny.  In turn, this breaks down the trust between nations and even dissolves certain potentially profitable business ventures.

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Furthermore, the entire field of IT seems to be shifting toward an increased focus on business goals and objectives.  Both business leaders as well as IT staff are awaking to the fact that their ultimate goals (the success of the entire organization) are largely one and the same.  This has forged new connections between these once seemingly separated facets of any modern business.  Nowadays, IT managers will often play a direct role in helping to explain the potential benefits associated with certain technologies as well as putting strategies in place that might make certain business goals possible.  It would seem that this increasing role in business-related decision making has brought the issue of compliance ‘to center stage’.

Creating an IT department that is in line with various types of compliances isn’t an impossible or highly involved task.  In truth, virtually any organization can drastically improve their adherence to and awareness of regulations by electing to hire IT professionals with backgrounds in either IT governance and/or compliancy.  Conversely, simply electing to require mandated certification in these areas is also an option (especially given the relative affordability of various certification packages and so forth).

It’s also worth noting that companies across the world are using compliance and data analysis to formulate better marketing strategies.  For instance, with certain compliance check points in place, and armed with the combined knowledge of business analysts and IT engineers, companies are discovering new ways to determine who their ideal customers are.  Not only does this approach to governance make it infinitely easier for these businesses to reach out to new consumer bases, it also places emphasis on the value of the IT department’s ability to extract additional value from collected information.

The bottom line is that the interests of IT and business are slowly merging.  IT governance, with its increasing focus on compliance, is helping to pave the way toward a new future full of new capabilities and potential.

If you’re in any way connected to the monumental changes that are occurring in the IT world these days you should be well aware of the growing importance of Big Data.  Over the course of the last year we’ve seen an explosion of interest in Big Data, as clearly evidenced by this Google Trends graph:

www.google.com/trends/explore#q=%22big%20data%22&cmpt=q

One simple glance at these statistics clearly indicates that global searches for “big data” are currently running at “peak” levels.  In other words, we’re right in the midst of a ‘big data’ information boom.

Likewise, it’s not just individuals that are interested in this burgeoning area of technology; corporations and other organizations are all eagerly seeking to capitalize on this emerging force in IT.

But what exactly is driving all of this growth you might be wondering?  Well, we can attribute most of this growth to the ongoing “organic” accumulation of data that we experience every single day.  As you are probably already aware, vast amounts of data are routinely uploaded or captured via social media on a daily basis.  In fact, according to a cnet.com piece, “Facebook processes more than 500 TB of data daily”.  The point is, Big Data has become not only a hot topic, but also a major concern.  Simply put, newer methods of breaking down, storing and analyzing this rapidly accumulating “data fire storm” are being developed, just to maintain order.  This exponential growth of data isn’t a mere minor concern; it’s a serious issue that we must collectively address for obvious reasons.  After all, most projections indicate that we’ll have 50 times as much data to deal with by the end of the decade as we currently have!

Luckily, solutions for dealing with big data are either “on the table” or have already been implemented; but the question is, how will the world’s major companies react to the promise that it (big data) offers?  Currently, most of the larger corporations are coming to view Big Data as another potential “cash cow”.   In the same way that natural resources might be refined for use in manufacturing or production, many of the world’s leading thinkers and business advocates are coming to view Big Data as something of an “untapped resource”.  For example, given that a very large percentage of big data is garnered from individuals who are largely consumers, it only makes sense to assume that their data could be used to not only provide more accurate trending analysis as to what they’re interested in purchasing, but also what they would like to see developed.  Larger institutions tend to spend significant portions of their annual budgets on advertising, through the use of Big Data analysis they might be able to significantly trim down these expenditures.

However, it must be noted that Big Data is literally everywhere you look.  In a GigaOM interview, Jo Maitland (Research Director for the Infrastructure/Cloud channel at GigaOM Pro) noted that “the CERN project in Switzerland (LHC) processes something like 40 TB’s of data per day”.  Clearly, this indicates that as we continue to progress forward in business, science, technologically and socially, we will continue to accumulate extremely large amounts of data.  In other words, if progress is the cause, Big Data is the effect.  Armed with this realization, it’s pretty obvious that increasing amount of energy and focus will be placed on Big Data.

According to the International Data Corporation, we are likely to see an increase in the market for technologies / services which help to support the Big Data sector, with the next several years being a period of intense growth.  Additionally, their statistics and calculations indicate that by 2016, we will have seen revenues via Big Data increase to around $23.8 billion.  Simply put, there is drive, initiative, purpose and just cause to assume that Big Data is poised for some type of “explosion” in the coming years.  Whether or not 2013 will be the target year is not known at this time, but there is plenty of evidence that indicates that such a development is very possible.

Though we can’t be certain as to whether or not 2013 will be the year that Big Data really “takes off”, one thing is certain, it’s not likely to diminish in importance.  Perhaps this is why many businesses and institutions with dedicated IT services are encouraging their specialists to seek out specific certifications in Big Data.   It makes perfect sense if you think about it; having an IT department that not only understands the problems surrounding Big Data, but also possesses the necessary understanding to capitalize on its intricacies is a solid business move.  Moreover, if we see a major upswing with regards to emerging Big Data storage and analysis technologies, those institutions who have invested in personnel-specific training will be front-runners when it comes time to implement them.

Want to learn all about High-Impact strategies for Big Data?  Perhaps gain additional insight and training?  CLICK HERE.

There’s an old saying, “if you want to know who’s in charge, follow the money”.  This is the case in nearly every institution or business venture you can think of, without exception.  When it comes to IT budgeting, you’d expect IT managers (perhaps working alongside accountants) to be making the decisions pretty much all the time, right?  Well, as it turns out, Enterprise Architects directly influenced around half of all budgetary decisions for their corresponding IT departments in 2012.  Or, to state it in a more simple way, Enterprise Architects were the ones “pulling the strings” in at least 50% of cases worldwide, and if they didn’t have the final say, they at least played an integral role.

According to Gartner research:
“Based on the EA survey results from Gartner events in North America and Europe, analysts estimate that EA practitioners have a “final decision-making” influence on $331 billion in worldwide enterprise IT spend and a “great deal of influence” on $774 billion in worldwide enterprise IT spending. Overall, EA practitioners have an influence that is either “final decision maker” or “great deal of influence” on $1.1 trillion in worldwide enterprise IT spending.”

What does this mean, how does this affect you?   For one thing, this data seems to indicate that businesses all across the world are paying close attention to what enterprise architects have to say.   Given that EA deals directly with both structuring an organization as well as ensuring such things as communication and increased efficiency, it would seem that business-minded decision making processes are significantly influencing the direction of IT.

If you’re a vendor that sells products or services that are being marketed to the IT crowd, this news should tell you that it might be necessary to provide clearer value for those with a business-minded perspective.  In other words, it might be necessary to diversify your language and marketing strategies to appeal to both the “techs” as well as those who are more comfortable in a board room.  If you can present clear value to an enterprise architect, then you’re one step closer toward new sales and/or closing new deals.

It’s actually great to hear that enterprise architecture is assuming such an active role with regards to its influence in terms of both IT and business concerns.  Just a few years ago it seems as if IT departments all across the globe were dealing with problems flooding in from nearly all directions.   However, it could be argued that the greatest problem was the disconnect that existed between IT and the business elements of an organization.  Well, as we’ve clearly witnessed, 2012 seems to indicate that there’s been a turning point with regards to the communication taking place between these two seemingly contrasting elements.  Perhaps it is because business leaders are finally coming to understand the true value of their IT assets, or IT employees are taking a more active role in driving the profits of their parent organization?   Either way, IT and business are meeting head-on and this Gartner report is proof positive that there is some level of integration taking place (in either direction).

Those companies that fail to factor in the influence of enterprise architects (or just outright neglect to market to them at all) are certainly placing themselves in a bad position.  Simply put, this isn’t the kind of statistical information that you want to take lightly; it clearly indicates that we might be witnessing a fundamental shift in the way global IT budgets are calculated from here onwards.  In short, don’t underestimate the power and influence of EA.

For those who are either employed in IT or are considering pursuing enterprise architecture (as a career), realize that this might very well be the best time to ‘get into the game’, so to speak.  The demand for enterprise architects could very well spike at any time and it’s clear that they’re already directly influencing the course of global IT development.

All in all, EA is a solid area to specialize in and one will certainly find many employers who are eager to bring you on board.  Perhaps the hardest part of landing such a position is in proving that you have what it takes; this is why all interested individuals should consider Certification in Enterprise Architecture.  After all, it’s highly affordable and perfectly compliments one’s technical knowledge base.  For IT professionals, having such a certification greatly adds to their overall business value and increases their ability to help virtually any business improve their profit margins.

However, certification in enterprise architecture isn’t just for individuals.  Business leaders and IT managers might also want to consider pushing their IT employees toward group study of the fundamental concepts of EA.  In this way, they might be able to better understand the motivations of enterprise architects as well as make better, more informed decisions when it comes to the direction and nature of their daily duties.

Looking for complete certification in Enterprise Architecture? CLICK HERE!

Whether you’re a startup or firmly established, Business Apps are “where the real action is”

From Dropbox to Google Drive, QR coding to Evernote; there’s an app for everything these days and businesses are starting to take advantage of this fact.   Regardless of what industry your business services, what types of products you deal in, or the size of your customer base, there are specific apps out there which can help to improve your operation.

In all reality, we live in very exciting times.  With the advent of the internet came additional breakthroughs which have completely transformed our civilization into something entirely new.  Decades in, now there are literally hundreds if not thousands of apps / services that exist.  Naturally, most of these apps were constructed over long periods of time; trial and error as well as the innovations of individuals playing a role in their development.  Simply put, you might say that virtually every little technical advantage, no matter how seemingly unimportant, is a gift.  Likewise, there are always a large number of people working behind the scenes to ensure that these apps remain functional and are routinely improved upon.

But just why are businesses looking to business apps for solutions?   First off, it’s all about specialization.  The simple truth is that certain software development companies tend to specialize in specific areas of interest.  For example, some are fixated with storage and databases, while others are focused on other endeavors.  Although we don’t tend to think of it this way, it’s sort of akin to the “division of labor” approach that our early ancestors practiced.  The sheer diversity in the apps / mobile apps market seems to actually demonstrate that you can literally create an app for anything.  In fact, sometimes the users will actually begin finding new things to do with an app (which its designers might have not even considered).

Apps aren’t just used to help businesses run their operations however; they’re also used to reach out to customers.  Just check out these mobile app / marketing statistical factoids for 2012, courtesy of snaphop.com:

• 75% of emails are opened, 60% of Facebook posts and 90% tweets are all conducted from a mobile device! @BillBoorman, ATC 2012
• 64% of mobile phone time is spent on apps (Nielsen 2012)
• QR code scans increased 300% in 2011 over 2010 (ScanLife)

These three stats seem to indicate that more people than ever before are connecting to the internet via hand-held devices (that they keep on their person at virtually all times) and their energy is largely focused toward social media.  Likewise, of the time they spend using their mobile device(s), app usage is fairly high.  The last stat simply shows that the technologies / apps certain businesses use (like QR codes) seems to be having an impact on the average citizen in an exponential manner.  In other words, given that most apps are deployed from businesses, it would seem that apps are playing a significant role both inside and outside of organizations.

The cost(s) associated with apps / services also obviously play a role with regard to whether or not a business will ultimately decide to use them.  As you are probably already aware, there are some great free apps out there for businesses; Google being one of the primary companies known for delivering quality gratis apps.  Arguably, these free apps/services offered by the larger institutions like Google, Microsoft, etc…are directly responsible for ‘jump-starting’ the app market(s).  Not only did the emergence of free services and packages for businesses create a drive on the part of those organizations to explore what was offered, it also stirred up the competition in such a way as to promote innovation.  Now there are startup apps everywhere you turn, each of them targeting a specific problem or business need.

What’s more, this “there’s an app for that” sort of approach to problem solving in the workplace is likely to continue driving business and commerce in general for many years to come.  With a significant portion of the population being more-or-less completely reliant on the apps and abilities of their smartphones its becoming much easier to reach larger numbers of people simultaneously.  In this way, apps are fueling viral trending and social media expansion as well as the capabilities of individual businesses.  By the same token, apps are helping businesses to accomplish more work in a shorter amount of time and with smaller overhead costs.

Furthermore, as technologies like cloud computing become more mainstream, apps will likely become increasingly integrated into the IT infrastructure of most businesses.  Clearly this indicates that most businesses should begin considering special training and/or certification for their IT workers that might allow them to not only work in the domain of cloud computing, but also with integrative approaches to app technology.