Creating an IT Strategy: A Template

This IDC Perspective provides a comprehensive template designed to help organizations create an effective, well-structured IT strategy. Building on previous guidance, this template offers a step-by-step approach for aligning IT initiatives with business goals. By focusing on clarity and organization, the template simplifies the strategy creation process, ensuring a structured, adaptable document that supports both immediate and long-term objectives.Creating an IT strategy can be challenging, especially for technology professionals unfamiliar with strategic planning versus project execution. The template provides a structured framework that differentiates overarching strategy from individual initiatives. This approach encourages IT teams to consider how technology can directly support business goals, fostering better alignment with organizational objectives."Based on best practices for developing an IT strategy, this template is intended to simplify and accelerate the process of developing a business-aligned IT strategy," says Gerald Johnston, adjunct research advisor for IDC's IT Executive Programs (IEP).