To keep your company's IT expenditures under control, know how much you're spending and what you're spending it on. That might seem like simple advice, but it's not: it means having detailed conversations with your business counterparts so that you have a chance of adjusting the inputs when costs are an issue. Secondly, standardize your processes through the use of a standard framework like ITIL. Third, use a project management office staffed by independent analysts and managers whose major goal is business success. Fourth, use virtualization software to save some serious money. Finally, use sound business judgment; not every cost-control tactic results from using a specific technology or adhering to some arcane discipline.

Read more about effective cost containment:
- read the article at Baseline