Before going too deep, lets start by level-setting on the definition of a technology roadmap. As the name suggests, it is a roadmap that provides the direction one intends to take, both at a macro and detailed level, as it pertains to the use of technology within a company or organization. An additional critical element is the items on the roadmap align to the actual business objectives of the company or organization it is being used for.
A solid technology roadmap is a key strategic tool companies can use to not only ensure they are using the right technologies for their business, but it can also be a differentiator companies use to get ahead of the competition. Likewise, not having a technology roadmap is akin to sailing without a rudder, directionless based on where the wind happens to take you.
Well over 90% of the time, business objectives are not written down. Additionally, when interviewing the senior leadership or c-level of the company, many have what they consider to be the business objectives, but when compared with one another, the objectives dont match at all. The CEOs is different from the CFOs, which is different from the COOs and so on.
How can a company expect to consistently achieve its business objectives when there are five versions of them?
The obvious answer is that they cant. Because of this reality, IT often pushes to create a technology roadmap that is the catalyst to bring the business leadership together to at least agree on the top three to five objectives. At that point, IT now has a foundation they can use to define and map technology initiatives required to meet those objectives.
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