While it is true that, to some extent, outsourcing reduces the expectation of job security among today's IT practitioners, there is also a bright side. Outsourcing can allow a workforce to reach out from a regional to a national to a global environment and build an extended enterprise that efficiently utilizes people, processes, and technology.

Most companies recognize some flavor of the IT project lifecycle and use processes to manage each stage of the lifecycle. The common stages include project definition (including building the business case); project approval and prioritization; project development and implementation; ongoing operation, support, and maintenance; and finally, retirement.

When senior management decides to acquire another company, all too often it focuses on financial and legal due diligence but neglects the importance of conducting IT due diligence. In most companies, technology plays a vital role in the ability to deliver products and services, improve employee productivity, and increase company profitability.

Everywhere you turn, there is seemingly no end to the number of articles that discuss technology organizations that are out of focus with company needs. Yet while there is much press coverage of the problem, the issue is hardly new.