NC1705

COMMENT
COMMENT
ARE YOU DIGITALLY PREPARED AND READY
TO START?
BY RAY SMYTH, EDITOR
Digital Transformation is a term that until recently was rarely heard but now, as they say, is
'growing legs'. For businesses and organisations it is actually very important and perhaps
more likely to be discussed at the C-level than the de-perimeterisation of networks or the
role of machine learning in cybersecurity.
Digital transformation isn't new of course - in fact it started way before the first IBM PC was
installed on the CFO's desk - but it has now moved into a new and critical phase, and I say with
certainty that those that don't embrace it and work out what it means for their organisation and
career will be left behind. Engagement is not a guarantee of success however, and reports are
now starting to emerge of failed digital transformation projects and even some level of blame in
cases of bankruptcy.
As you would expect if you are a regular reader of this column, I firmly believe that IT professionals
must engage with digital transformation as a minimum and, ideally, lead it. Successfully
creating and delivering the clear objectives that are essential to a carefully crafted and expertly
conceived digital transformation strategy depend on effective collaboration across all of the functional
disciplines: there must be a clear and measurable business benefit at the end though.
EDITOR: Ray Smyth
(ray.smyth@btc.co.uk)
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Ray Smyth
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However, all aspects of creating the right IT and network infrastructure rest in the hands of the IT
and networking professionals, and if they are not leading this aspect no one will be - meaning a
disastrous outcome is assured. At least it will be something substantial to reflect on as you carelessly
while away those post-career moments… NC
Ray Smyth - Editor, Network Computing.
Ray.Smyth@BTC.CO.UK | https://twitter.com/ItsRay
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MAY/JUNE 2017 NETWORKcomputing 3