Fall 2011 issue of Horizons

the intended purposes and to the individuals who have authorized access. As technology evolves, the importance of securing the technology becomes more critical to an organization. The more valuable the technology is to the organization, the more valuable it might be to someone outside the organization. There are many reported instances where breaches of security in high-profile organizations have had a tremendous impact on businesses. In most cases, the threat has been the loss of secure information, while in other cases a company’s ability to access its own information has been compromised. Overall, appropriate steps must be taken to secure the technology including the development of contingency plans in the event something does occur. There are many aspects that need to be considered in leveraging technology as a strategic business partner. Organizations need to first determine if

they are content with technology as a commodity or if they can quantify the value of technology as a strategic business partner. Once the organization is able to appreciate technology’s value, the combination of an effective strategy, implementation plan, appropriate controls and procedures, and security will help assure that this value is derived. There are documented cases of businesses that have taken this path and have literally transformed their businesses well beyond what was expected. There’s no doubt that investing time and resources into technology and the practical application of knowledge, can be one of the most powerful strategies that determines the viability of your company for decades to come.

RubinBrown’s Business Advisory Services Group Your company can improve your processes, comply with regulations, embed risk management programs, and strengthen information technology support through RubinBrown’s Business Advisory Services Group.

Michael T. Lewis, CFA – St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Business Advisory Services Group michael.lewis@rubinbrown.com 314.290.3397

Todd Pleimann, CPA – Kansas City

Managing Partner, Kansas City Office todd.pleimann@rubinbrown.com 913.499.4411

Dan Raskas – St. Louis Partner

Greg Osborn, CPA - Denver Managing Partner, Denver Office greg.osborn@rubinbrown.com 303.952.1250

Business Advisory Services Group dan.raskas@rubinbrown.com 314.678.3530

www.rubinbrown.com

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