IT Is No Longer a Cost Center Are You Ready to Take Advantage?

Here’s a familiar phrase that’s just been given some new life: It’s an exciting time to work in IT. Something we’ve all heard before? Sure, but make no mistake — smart companies are elevating their IT departments to influential levels as they continue to grow into fully realized digital organizations. And as these organizations become more dependent on technology to drive strategic business decisions, the IT department’s expertise is being called on more and more in discussions directing the future of the company.

This can be seen as the result of a larger shift in the way the C-suite sees technologists. Previously, the IT department was relied on to implement business systems that supported workflow; now they are becoming a key driver behind new corporate objectives. And while new technology trends have long played a fundamental role in determining the strategic direction of any organization, this shift sees IT influencers – your customers – taking on more prominent roles in the decision-making process and expanding their responsibilities.

As a result, IT departments and solution providers are redefining their roles to provide technical expertise along with business acumen. According to CompTIA research, we’re seeing this result in a desire for larger skill sets in the IT professionals a company hires, and a diversification of the roles those professionals play within an organization. These larger skill sets are seen as especially valuable in small and midsize organizations, where an expansive team comprised of highly specialized individuals is a luxury few can afford.

It’s clear that there’s room for both internal IT departments and independent firms to increase their relevance in the eyes of any company, strengthening their roles within the organization. Each will have their hurdles, however. Rogue IT efforts that exclude IT professionals during critical decisions can lead to threats to integration and security, leaving a bad taste in upper management’s mouth. CompTIA’s Building Digital Organizations report indicates that, while the majority of companies feel positive about the relationship between the wider organization and the IT department, less than half of larger businesses view the IT department’s function as strategic instead of tactical or supporting.

By improving both technical and business skills, IT pros can move closer to the strategic role that their businesses need.

For solution providers, the list of skills to build can seem overwhelming. Should you focus on technical areas, such as cloud computing, mobility or big data? Or should you focus on business areas, such as the shift to managed services or the restructuring of a sales team?

Typically, it will be a little of both. Most solution providers will not have the resources to become deep experts in everything, but moving into an adjacent space and looking for the right partners can help increase the value you provide to clients. CompTIA’s educational resources can help channel firms build the skills they need to become part of strategic discussions.

As IT professionals shift from providing the tools necessary for driving overall strategy, it’s clear that digital organizations are on the rise. CompTIA’s research reflects this trend, revealing the factors that point to a larger shift in the way businesses utilize their IT professionals. These are the companies that will be best prepared to effectively use technology across the entire operation to meet goals, and many will rely on channel firms to make their technical vision become a reality.

Seth Robinson is senior director, technology analysis for CompTIA.