Fall 2011 issue of Horizons

Features

Technology as a Strategic Business Partner

By Dan Raskas, Audrey Katcher, CPA, CISA & Diana Knapp

Everyone talks about technology, uses technology, but sometimes we all lose sight of what actually defines technology. According to Merriam-Webster, technology is defined as “ the practical application of knowledge .” Interestingly, if you decompose this definition, the two key components to technology, the practical application and the knowledge itself, are the key elements that determines its value. In order for technology to be a strategic business partner in an organization, the organization must first learn to effectively use technology that already exists. Subsequently, they need to enhance it with newly created technology or uses of existing technology that do not yet exist. It is this combination that provides the optimal value to an organization.

Technology as a Commodity In many organizations, technology is viewed as a necessary cost of doing business. Employees need computers to be more efficient and to communicate with customers. Key applications that are utilized include e-mail, office productivity suites that provide word processing capabilities, spreadsheets and presentation tools. Back office systems such as accounting, order management and other corporate systems are all part of the technology commodity umbrella.

Technology as a Strategic Partner

Existing Technology

Created Technology

Raise Your Expectations

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