Application Rationalization Guide: A Proven 6-Step Framework
This application rationalization guide delivers a proven 6-step framework to assess application value, reduce portfolio sprawl, and improve alignment between IT systems and business strategy. It includes tools for scoring applications, evaluating total cost of ownership, and building future-state migration plans, ultimately driving modernization and long-term IT efficiency.
Application portfolios often grow quietly, leading to a tangled web of overlapping technologies that complicate modernisation efforts. This guide aims to close the gap in managing application assets by introducing a structured, methodical framework that ensures organisations make informed decisions about their IT infrastructure.
Key Points
- A structured six-step framework for application rationalisation, from scoping and governance to migration strategy.
- A comprehensive methodology for evaluating applications based on business value, technical fit, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Practical tools including questionnaires, scoring models, inventory templates, and service catalog guidance.
- Governance models and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure buy-in and informed decision-making.
- Real-world case studies illustrating successful application rationalisation efforts and lessons learned.
Why should I read this?
This article serves as a practical blueprint for CIOs and IT leaders looking to bring strategic clarity to fragmented IT environments. It outlines a methodical process to identify, evaluate, and manage enterprise applications effectively, helping organisations control costs, enhance agility, and support digital transformation efforts.
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