The Changing Role of IT in Utilities

摘要

This paper focuses on the intersection of information technology and thernbusiness processes it supports. The key issue addressed is how to capitalize onrnthe use of technology to leverage creative new business models.rnRapid advancements in technical performance are certainly not new. However,rnnew paradigms are created by the emergence of more universal standards (e.g.rnThe Internet) and the packaging of comprehensive, flexible applications thatrnradically reduce the need for custom programming. These shifts change thernskills required to implement technology. For example, demands for programmingrnare often replaced by the requirement to develop enterprise data models and tornintegrate packaged applications into the resulting architecture. These changesrnare creating new models for IT support with corresponding changes in roles of ITrndepartments, their user communities, and the external vendors that assist them.rnUtilities face a second challenge. Concurrent with the emergence of newrntechnology models is the expanding array of utility business models. Driven byrnderegulation, privatization, and increasing pressure on local budgets, newrnbusiness models have exploded the demand for information and the toolsrnneeded to use information effectively. The challenge is to meet expandingrntechnology requirements without a corresponding growth in cost.rnThe paper discusses the impact of changes in business and technology;rnproposes structured methods to evaluate the unique requirements of individualrncompanies; and the development of cost-effective solutions to meet thosernrequirements. It also outlines the impact on organizational models to bernconsidered as part of the business/technology optimization process.