ERP for IT suggested for better visibility

01.06.2006
Does IT need its own customized ERP system?

Citing issues enterprises have in assessing cost effectiveness of IT and in managing IT, panelists at the Dow Jones Enterprise Ventures 2006 (http://enterpriseventures.dowjones.com/) conference on Wednesday debated the merits of developing ERP for IT.

Unlike current ERP systems, which help automate processes associated with manufacturing or services, ERP for IT would provide visibility into IT operations.

In a panel session entitled "Big Governance: Expanding IT Management," representatives from companies such as Computer Associates and AMR Research noted issues with visibility into IT.

"Speaking with a lot of senior IT executives in [Global 1000] businesses, it's amazing to me how little visibility they have," into services being providing, how much they cost and how value can be measured, said AMR Research Director Dennis Gaughan.

Opportunities exist for software companies to develop technology that would uncover information necessary to make better business decisions pertaining to technology, Gaughan said.