An artefact of the way that IT operations have evolved over the last 20 years is the idea of two-speed IT. Using this, the IT department is seen as not only a key enabler to adopt change but also a hindrance due to the speed at which they are able to execute. This has led to departmental decision makers using their own purchasing power to deliver the solutions required in a timeframe that is acceptable.

This notion of two speeds usually results in the IT department having to accept responsibility for purchasing decisions they did not make, or worse leaving it to departmental workers taking on the responsibility for IT delivery.

This approach does not provide a good outcome for the business as it pushes responsibility away from the IT department and a reliance on potentially unskilled personnel.

The business should be doing what the business does well, and the IT department should be responsible for enabling the business to achieve its outcomes without getting...