Introduction
The increasing complexity of IT systems, combined with a need to respond to changes in business objectives, has prompted many enterprises to explore ways of increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of their IT systems. This brief examines the components and techniques that could help achieve this goal and maintain business-IT alignment.

Scope
Provides a broad overview of the various components of IT flexibility.
Details some of the drivers for IT flexibility as well as specific drivers for SOA and EA.
Analyses the results of a survey on IT flexibility that was completed by IT decision-makers
Highlights
Many organizations have seen their IT systems grow in complexity and repeatedly diverge from business objectives. As the complexity of IT increases, and as pressure is exerted on IT departments to align themselves to ever-changing business objectives, IT flexibility will become progressively more important as a strategic goal for organizations.

Although IT flexibility is achieved through a combination of software, services, SOA, EA, governance and staffing; vendors can still position their products and services as pieces in the IT flexibility puzzle. Systems integrators have a clear opportunity to provide consulting services to assist organizations with their IT flexibility initiatives.

Datamonitor expects SOA to be a pillar of IT flexibility strategy in the majority of organizations, application development practices to change to achieve flexibility and reduce complexity, and managed services and outsourcing to be used effectively to optimize resource usage.

Reasons to Purchase
Discover how to position your products and services as enablers of IT flexibility.
Gain a unique insight into the strategies and views of IT decision makers regarding IT flexibility.
Learn about recent trends in outsourcing, managed services, SOA and utility computing.

Introduction
The increasing complexity of IT systems, combined with a need to respond to changes in business objectives, has prompted many enterprises to explore ways of increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of their IT systems. This brief examines the components and techniques that could help achieve this goal and maintain business-IT alignment.

Scope
Provides a broad overview of the various components of IT flexibility.
Details some of the drivers for IT flexibility as well as specific drivers for SOA and EA.
Analyses the results of a survey on IT flexibility that was completed by IT decision-makers
Highlights
Many organizations have seen their IT systems grow in complexity and repeatedly diverge from business objectives. As the complexity of IT increases, and as pressure is exerted on IT departments to align themselves to ever-changing business objectives, IT flexibility will become progressively more important as a strategic goal for organizations.

Although IT flexibility is achieved through a combination of software, services, SOA, EA, governance and staffing; vendors can still position their products and services as pieces in the IT flexibility puzzle. Systems integrators have a clear opportunity to provide consulting services to assist organizations with their IT flexibility initiatives.

Datamonitor expects SOA to be a pillar of IT flexibility strategy in the majority of organizations, application development practices to change to achieve flexibility and reduce complexity, and managed services and outsourcing to be used effectively to optimize resource usage.

Reasons to Purchase
Discover how to position your products and services as enablers of IT flexibility.
Gain a unique insight into the strategies and views of IT decision makers regarding IT flexibility.
Learn about recent trends in outsourcing, managed services, SOA and utility computing.