Week Nine

Question 0

What are the differences between path of least resistance and leap frog?

Answer 0

The path of least resistance method involves only upgrading technologies the minimal amount necessary to continue operations.

The leapfrog method involves skipping several smaller infrastructure upgrades, and investing periodically in a substantial leap to a new version or technology.

Question 1

What are the three most common reasons for upgrading infrastructure?

Answer 1

1. Unable maintenance costs
2. Unsupported software or hardware
3. Hardware failure or mass incompatibility

Question 2

Describe application management strategies

Answer 2

1. Specialization: groups manage their own systems, leveraging different technologies, standards, and designs, based on elements. Problems often arise due to lack of governance and standards.
2. Tinkerers: applications are generally COTS, with some minor modifications. Works well with non-differentiated organizations who operate largely by margin and volume.
3. Central IT management: all IT managed from central location or horizontal group. Used when the organization is driven to a single goal or purpose.

Question 3

Describe the strategic misalignment of business and IT.

Answer 3

Business systems are usually updated based upon business needs and infrastructure is usually updated on a time driven basis this creates a misalignment between business systems and infrastructure needed to support them.

Question 4

Application portfolio management

Answer 4

Treats applications as financial portfolios that are leveraged to improve business operations. This ensures that high-performing portfolios as well as supporting portfolios (which do not earn as much but are necessary to keep the lights on) receive funding.

Question 5

IT governance

Answer 5

IT governance consists of making decisions about procurement, change, and retirement of systems and infrastructure.