Technical Architecture Structure Planning

The technical architecture is the foundation upon which the application architecture was built. The technical architecture should be further decomposed into layers, such as application systems, database, IT service, network and platform.

Based on an in-depth survey of the current technical infrastructure conducted at the earlier phase, the planners collected detailed data and information in computing infrastruc- ture, network infrastructure, and enterprise IT service.

A workshop was held with IT managers and users to develop a technology specification for Sbells strategic architecture. The topics included: IT principles, platform/operating system(s), network infrastructure, middleware infrastructure, systems/network manage- ment, security infrastructure, and IT services.

After several discussions and changes, the group conducted a review session to finalize the written report detailing the IT mission, business drivers, IT principles, technology standards, and specific technology frameworks that would guide Sbell in the implementation and deployment of enterprise-wide technology and its next generation application systems.

Organizational Strategic Planning

The organizational architecture is the remaining component, which is important but often ignored in practice. The organizational architecture refers to the IT organizational structure, as well as the set of management processes or governance rules.

A series of interviews were conducted to understand the organizational and manage- ment processes in order to align the IT organization and management processes with the business strategy. The group first analyzed the current IT organization and compared it with other advanced IT organizations, and then presented a series of suggestions for IT organizational structure and project management. A workshop, which was primarily attended by management personnel, was held to present and discuss the results. The review was one day in duration and was held at Shanghai Bells headquarters.

Phase IV Delivery of Final Report

Several review sessions were held among the consultants and the employees of Sbell to achieve consensus of the final report. A vote was taken by the top management during an application strategic planning workshop to determine the priority of potential IT applica- tions.

The results of all phases were consolidated into a formal final report that documented the strategic and operational plans for IT development. The report addressed the following areas: business strategy and IT drivers, IT vision and mission, application architecture strategy, technical infrastructure strategy, and IT organization and management strategy. Application architecture strategy included a three-stage operational schedule for the implementation of information systems, including a potential list of applications, the priority of these applications, and recommendations on development alternatives (out-souring or in- house), vendor selection and budget. Technical infrastructure strategy and IT organization strategy provided recommendations for technical framework and construction of IT organi- zation in Sbell.

In the middle of July 2001, after five-month of close cooperation, the project team presented a final report to Shanghai Bells executive management at its headquarters. In summary, the suggestions included:

1. (1) ERP optimization, CPC, and CRM were absolutely necessary for Sbell. Among them, ERP optimization and CPC were of the highest priority and needed immediate attention, while CRM was to be carried out next.
2. (2) Establishing an independent and centralized IT organization (shown in Figure 8) is essential. This organization should be directed by the CIO and should comprise both an IT department and an IS department.
3. (3) Building a distributed technical architecture that utilized advanced network technol- ogy.

Issues related to evaluation. How should one evaluate a strategic IT planning project?