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At F2A we believe that IT complexity is an existential threat to the modern enterprise. IT Complexity causes challenges to an enterprise's ability to security itself. IT Complexity causes challenges to an enterprise's ability to capitalize on market opportunities. IT Complexity is one manifestation of unmanaged technical debt. The path from a fragile, fear-based technology operating model to an agile, innovation-based operating model is incremental and value-orientated.

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28 January 2023

Tending your Technology Garden

by Mark J Menger

Technology strategy can be compared to landscape planning in that both require a clear vision and planning for the future. Just as a landscape plan outlines the design and arrangement of plants, trees, and other features in a garden, a technology strategy outlines the design and arrangement of technology initiatives and investments within an organization. In both cases, careful consideration must be given to the layout and integration of elements to ensure a harmonious and functional outcome.

a park landscape plan

In technology strategy, it’s essential to consider the current state of technology within an organization and identify areas for improvement and growth. This is similar to assessing the existing vegetation in a garden and deciding what new plants, trees, or features to add. Just as a gardener must consider the soil, climate, and other environmental factors when selecting plants, a technology strategist must consider the organization’s culture, resources, and goals when selecting technology initiatives.

Once a technology strategy has been developed, implementation becomes the equivalent of gardening. In both cases, ongoing effort is required to ensure the desired outcome is achieved. In technology strategy, this may involve the deployment of new systems, the integration of existing systems, and the continuous refinement of processes. Similarly, in gardening, it involves the ongoing maintenance and care of plants, trees, and other features to ensure their continued health and growth.

A successful technology strategy, just like a successful garden, requires constant monitoring and adjustment. New technologies and market trends emerge regularly, and it is essential to stay informed and adapt the strategy accordingly. Similarly, in gardening, the gardener must adjust their approach as the seasons change, plants mature, and new challenges arise. By continuously monitoring and adjusting both technology strategy and gardening, organizations and gardens can thrive and grow to reach their full potential.

In your technology garden, pesticides are the security measures and solutions designed to protect technology systems and data from malicious attacks and threats. Just as pesticides are used in gardening to protect plants from harmful insects and diseases, security measures in technology are used to protect against cyber threats such as viruses, hacking, and data breaches.

The use of pesticides in gardening is carefully managed to ensure the safety of both the plants and the environment, and the same applies to the use of security measures in technology. Organizations must implement appropriate security measures that are effective in protecting their technology systems and data, while also considering the impact on user experience and productivity.

Similarly, as pests can evolve and become resistant to certain pesticides, cyber threats can also evolve and become more sophisticated, requiring organizations to continually assess and update their security measures. In both cases, a holistic approach is necessary, with a combination of preventive, detective, and corrective measures used to ensure the protection of technology systems and data.

The use of pesticides in the technology garden highlights the importance of protecting technology systems and data through the use of effective security measures. Just as a gardener must carefully manage the use of pesticides to ensure the health of their plants, organizations must carefully manage their security measures to ensure the protection of their technology systems and data.

tags: technology - strategy - security