Not only must business and IT be aligned to be effective, but the business side must be engaged from beginning to end. Original intent can be lost anywhere along the solution delivery cycle if IT and business aren't working as one. IT and business should forge an actual partnership. That means a CIO should understand both the technology and where the technology aligns with business, as well as what technology is relevant to the business. To ensure IT-business alignment, the IT group must not only enable the technology required to support these initiatives, but must be aware of where the business is going, tactically and strategically and must then develop technology or process capabilities that align with the business. One rule of thumb: If the project is only 20 percent completed in terms of work or investment, give some thought to deploying new technology. Otherwise, especially once you pass 50 or 60 percent, proceed with the original plan.

To learn more about effective IT:
- read the article at Wisconsin Technology Network

Related Article: Aligning IT with business. Report