For IT, deny-by-default is standard operating procedure. Aimed at minimizing risk, this policy has IT’s hand up to prevent end-users from installing any and all nonstandard software. From an IT security perspective, deny-by-default is sound practice. For fostering innovation? Not so much.

Nowhere is this more evident than with the tablet revolution taking place in today’s enterprise. The iPad and Apple’s curated App Store underscore IT’s need to move beyond its deny-by-default history, embrace risk, and evolve its position with respect to the business.

Everything you’ve heard about running IT is wrong. “IT/business alignment” is a frequently used buzzword (FUB) meant to encapsulate effective IT strategy. But for the most part, this FUB, if you’re of the acronym persuasion, is a poor choice of words and an even worse way of running IT. On a fundamental level, the notion of “alignment” separates IT from the rest of the business. And if alignment with the business is the best you can aspire to, you’ll soon be toast in this rapidly evolving IT landscape.

As I pointed out (ahem) more than a year ago (Hey Corporate IT, Get Out Of The Stoneage) today’s IT needs to make a double leap to get to the future. Mere alignment isn’t going to do the job. [Read more...]