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by Stephanie Neil, MA Editorial Staff   | Abstract: | CEOs don't need to know the ins and outs of integration technology. But to help their companies live long and prosper, they do need to make sure the enterprise's IT architecture is without gaps. |
These words, generally associated with Capt. James T. Kirk and his 23rd century voyage aboard the starship Enterprise on television's Star Trek, hold meaning for CEOs now, in the 21st century. But, unlike Kirk, who explored galaxies in space, today's CEOs must explore and resolve the white spaces, or gaps, among applications, departments, processes, partners, and customers. It may not be obvious why CEOs need to understand the operational underpinnings of the corporate architecture. Their job, after all, is to define the company's strategic vision, generate new revenue, and increase shareholder value. For manufacturers, however, accomplishing the growth mission often calls for innovating products, expanding into new markets, and merging with or acquiring other companies. And for that growth strategy to succeed, execution must be fast, efficient, and cost-effective. And that's where filling in the gaps and creating an integrated, collaborative corporation becomes imperative. [Click to continue] |