The overall goal of IT governance is to ensure that business value is generated from IT spend and to mitigate the risks associated with IT.

Key principles in IT governance
There are key principles that should be implemented by any organisation when embarking on IT governance. These principles cover

• good procedures
• business cases
• program management
• standards and best practices

IT Governance is a direct derivative of Corporate governance pushing the responsibility of ownership to the correct part of the business. IT governance ownership ranges from Architecture groups through to CIO's and boards. Base2Services has successfully implemented governance within tier 1 financial and media organisations.

Two distinct trends exist in relation to IT governance, a compliance focus, and a performance and value based focus.
The first priority for IT Governance needs to be value based focused with compliance and performance being a lower priority. Questions like

• Are we doing the right things?
• Are we using our resources effecitively on what will provide best value for our business?

must be the core focus of IT Governance groups.

It is important to understand that IT governance does not refer to ITIL or CMMI; both are IT management disciplines.

Is IT Governance difficult to implement?
The answer to this question varies in line with the structure and cutlure of the business unit, however one of the biggest reason for IT governance failing is due to ownership or "buy in" at levels lower than the CIO. Typically, clear and managed direction from the CIO, CFO or the executive team ensures that drive is achieved and the success of the initiative is company wide focussed.

Base2Services can help establish the Governance process within any organisation. Base2Services can also help maintain the process and procedures of governance within a Program of Work that is designed to deliver business value.