Yes, I do some things late, so there!!! ...this should have been posted earlier.
Hello ALL ... Belated Best Wishes for this year, and how badly, sorely do we need it.
Well, let me get to the one momentous moment out of the way, it really is worth writing home about the Presidential election of 2008 ... President-elect (and very, very soon to be President) Obama is the one bright, shining beacon of hope. Enough said!!!
On all other counts that directly affect our well-being, i.e. financial and economic, 2008 was disastrous, and that would be one humongous understatement. Companies, both financial and otherwise capitulated, folded, merged, went bankrupt, or hit the rocks ... few remain unscathed.
Shifting through these weeds, one can quickly discern that by outsourcing of services, whether technology or otherwise, did not necessarily save any company from going over the cliff. The most recent and current example, is Circuit City, who outsourced back in time, all those years ago in 2007. to lower their operating costs and to improve their nimbleness (I guess). And there are numerous such examples within the banking fraternity, and elsewhere.
On the perspective of outsourcing, we know full well that it is not the panacea. And just because we outsource does not mean that we can abdicate our responsibility for the close oversight (of both managing and monitoring) of the vendor.
If anything outsourcing when managed properly is just one arrow in the quiver (of tools), and others being sound strategy, prudent management (of people, fiscal and risks), and having the propensity for change whether it be for competitive, environmental, or political reasons.
We the CIOs, CTOs, VP/Directors of Technology have the means, especially with technology providing a key underpinning across the whole organization, to quickly notice the issues and problems, and are perfectly positioned to draw the attention of senior management using whatever means necessary, by coaxing, cajoling, kicking in the shins (figuratively speaking; I would not advise or suggest that you kick the CEO in the shins unless of course you do not care for the consequences) to quickly and readily address the issues.
In essence we are the Ombudsman by virtue of our function. In 2009 we need to step up and "lead". Adversity offers opportunities to cleanse and streamline our organizations of cumbersome processes and practices, and to improve and strengthen our governance practices.
We can do it !!!!
Warmest regards
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