How to Embrace Rogue IT
How to Embrace Rogue IT
Although the prevailing wisdom is to fight rogue IT because of inherent security risks, embracing it can lead to innovation and competitive advantage.
Alter Your Mindset
Rogue IT is the foundation upon which innovation can be built. Rather than being restricted by traditional application and product development processes, non-IT teams can rapidly deploy solutions matching business requirements, thus accelerating new cost savings and resource efficiencies.
Embrace Innovation
CIOs must begin designing IT strategies that embrace capital IT, finding new ways to leverage non-IT team projects for competitive advantage.
Discovery Is Critical
Don’t underestimate the power of information. Get fully educated on both authorized and unauthorized IT projects and usage taking place across the organization.
Use Discovery Analysis Tools
A comprehensive IT discovery analysis tool can help locate unauthorized IT projects by identifying global activity and pinpointing the most useful rogue projects to embrace.
Ease the Burden
Most IT departments are understaffed and overworked. As a result, CIOs become order takers, responding to most requests as they arise. Rogue IT means IT departments can become more proactive, focusing on strategic deliverables.
Focus on Education
Although Rogue IT is not new, much of it has been kept secret and its value to the global enterprise minimized. CIOs must begin leading with education, building open discussions and forums with both executives and employees.
Support Best Practice Applications
Focusing on education also ensures that IT can support the most innovative projects while developing and repurposing best-practice applications for use throughout the organization.
Secure Rather Than RestrictInstead of eliminating rogue projects, CIOs should set boundaries to conform to compliance, regulatory, and security rules. Determine where employees add value and apply the appropriate policies without killing the project.
Rank Security Risks
By grading the security risk against the potential opportunity, IT can implement policies that encourage, rather than restrict, innovation.
Potential Competitive Advantage
Although CIOs may fear losing control because of rogue IT, little freedom can go a long way. Before limiting unauthorized activity, first see what can be gained by embracing it. Rogue IT might just give you a much-needed competitive advantage.