Gartner researchers report that investment in IT services can be a great opportunity for cost savings and optimization, but are often given insufficient attention.

"During the last five years, spending on external services has accounted for more than hardware and software spending combined," Frances Karamouzis, research vice president at Gartner, told GovTech.com. "However, IT services continue to receive less mind share, management attention, discipline and focus than these lesser areas of spending."

She said enormous IT spending is being overlooked or relegated to lower levels in the organization, and that has resulted in complacency, inefficiency and ineffectiveness.

"Organizations need to take steps now to manage IT services spending as part of wider cost-cutting measures," said Karamouzis. She told GovTech.com that the strategy, selection and management of IT services must become a key strategic imperative for enterprises.

For more on how to save money:
- see this GovTech.com article