Making the Case for Technology Modernization

This IDC Perspective addresses practices that can help in making the case for technology modernization. Making the case for modernization has a number of challenges as the need for modernization is not always obvious and the benefits can be difficult to quantify. Yet the current environment — marked by rapid change, evolving technologies, and a range of disruptions — requires that the technology stack be able and ready to deal with whatever comes the organization’s way. This document provides methods and a model that support modernization decisions.“Making the case for modernization can be a challenge. In parallel, the need for modernization grows as the pace of technology and market change accelerates. With a solid approach, relationships of trust and credibility, and a plan, technology leaders can make the case for modernization more apparent and supported,” says Niel Nickolaisen, adjunct research advisor for IDC’s IT Executive Programs (IEP). “A solid approach might start with an obvious modernization candidate as a first step that builds toward a modernization road map.”