A comprehensive IT strategy highlights the risk, vendor and technological management aspects in a firm. Within these areas are human resource effects and the impact on operation cost. The plan borrows from the overall vision of the business or organization and explains how technology will help them increase production, efficiency, management cost and reduce turnaround time. There is a progressive approach that illuminates the current situation and expected changes with introduction of information technology.

There is a business and corporate angle that shows how technology will be exploited by organizations and their associates to create value on all ends. There is need to incorporate members of all departments in designing the plan. They are drawn from the business development, legal and information technology sectors. The aim is to ensure that integration is smooth and adds value to the processes and operations.

The sector or business you are involved determines the time covered by implementation. Strategies have an implementation period between three and five years. Flexibility is important considering that information technology changes very fast. What was relevant a month ago may not be relevant any more. This calls for swift changes and adjustments along the way.

A detailed policy includes such sections as benefits to the organization, the scope and objectives of implementing the plan, approach and method of implementation and how it links with the greater organizational vision. Human resource implications are summarized as well including budgetary and staff impact upon rolling out of the plan. Strategists need to paint a picture of the future that is driven by technology.

An evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of the company regarding implementation is required. This includes existing infrastructure and necessary adjustments or reinforcements to facilitate implementation. Some systems require external support which should be explained as well. Integration comes at a cost including training and infrastructure adjustments. Resulting changes upon implementation are necessary to capture.

A comprehensive policy must include the opportunities presented by such changes. This includes reduced human resource expenditure, cost of management or better efficiency. These aspects should be quantified. Information technology has its share of threats and weaknesses. These occurrences are likely to reduce profitability or expose the organization to competition. They are the areas that make a business vulnerable. They should be included in the plan and counter measures necessary.

Technology brings new organization and operation structures that need to be understood. The responsibility and role of every player in the organization are clearly outlined. Timelines and milestones are given to show expected results and implications. Progress is given in terms of months, quarters, half year and full year results. It is important to embody the vision of the organization or business and how it is enhanced by technology.

A comprehensive IT strategy captures the goals of an organization and how technology will help them find a solution. It reflects a need to change the approach in circumstances, understands customer needs and aligns them with the vision of the organization. A progressive approach ensures smooth transition by catering for the needs of employees, the organization and its clients within a balanced atmosphere.