CW@60: Technology must move businesses forward, not hold them back - Computer Weekly
The evolving role of technology in business
Technology is no longer a peripheral support function; it is the engine that powers revenue streams. reshapes customer experiences, and trims operational waste. Companies that treat digital tools as strategic assets report faster market entry and higher profit margins. while those that cling to outdated platforms often find themselves battling hidden costs that erode competitiveness. A 2023 survey revealed that 62 % of executives rank legacy system modernization as a top priority for digital growth. underscoring the urgency of this shift. Beyond cost considerations, modern technology unlocks data‑driven decision‑making. Reliable analytics platforms and clean data pipelines turn raw information into actionable insights. enabling leaders to anticipate demand spikes, opt i mise inventory, and personalize offers at scale. When tech is aligned with business goals, the resulting feedback loop fuels continuous improvement rather than creating a silo ed, bureaucratic nightmare. ## Common barriers that impede digital progress
Legacy systems are the most visible obstacle. but the real challenge often lies in cultural inertia and fragmented governance. Organizations that isolate IT initiatives from business objectives generate friction, increase complexity, and waste resources without delivering measurable value. This disconnect is reflected in the fact that many firms still struggle with interoperability issues, inflated maintenance budgets, and low user satisfaction. Another hidden barrier is the lack of cross‑functional collaboration. When IT and business units operate in parallel universes, innovation cycles slow dramatically. Without a unified vision, projects become prone to scope creep, budget overruns, and stakeholder disengagement. Clear governance frameworks, however, can mitigate these risks by setting transparent criteria for project selection, risk assessment, and performance tracking. ## Aligning IT strategy with core business objectives
A successful technology agenda begins with a unified vision that ties every digital initiative to a concrete business outcome. Leaders should involve business heads early in the planning process. ensuring that each proposed solution is evaluated against revenue growth, cost reduction, or customer satisfaction targets. Research indicates that organizations with strong IT‑business alignment achieve 30 % higher project success rates, a margin that can make or break a transformation effort. Equally important is the establishment
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