Partner, not Service: Making IT Part of the Business

Download this Corporate IT Forum Output Report.

The concept of Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) is not a new one. Three-fifths of the organisations represented in discussions have a separate role or team to manage the business relationship, and whereas in the past the role of the BRM sometimes struggled to deliver the value it promised, the overwhelming majority of organisations are now seeing the value that an IT Business Partner can add to the bottom line.

The IT Business Partner is the eyes and ears of the organisation; acting as an ambassador, translator, negotiator and peacekeeper between IT and the business. These ‘mini CIOs' promote IT and business engagement, develop strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation and ensure that there is one single interface into IT.

Without this strategic alignment in place it is difficult to see how a large organisation can ever meet their objectives in a world where IT is so sophisticated and business demands change on such a regular basis. However, some organisations find that proving the value of such a role, which tends to be based on perception rather than tangible deliverables, is an uphill struggle.

This report has been compiled from experience shared by thirty corporate IT professionals representing twenty organisations. Represented industries include county council, financial services, healthcare, leisure, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, recruitment, retail, travel and transport and utilities.