Trend 1: Revenue Growth Is the Goal, but That Could Change Fast

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. In 2005, more and more executives said growth, rather than cost cutting, was the major strategic objective for their companies. That goal will keep alignment at the top of the heap of IT priorities, since IT and business executives alike agree that growth requires good alignment.

But the impulse to cut costs is never far below the surface: Even though it is no longer the top priority, it remains high on the list. With an economy facing so much uncertainty, thanks to high oil prices, inflationary pressure and rising interest rates, CIOs need to be prepared to switch gears fast if the economy slows down.