Research Reports

ITPI research reports are designed to give IT decision makers empirical evidence about what is proven to work and about
performance improvement potential of practices identified in the studies. We combine interviews and statistical analysis
of survey data to identify top performers, and find out what drives their higher levels of performance. Research reports
deliver comprehensive data-driven insights that help justify practice and process changes based on potential improvements
of key performance measures.

Server Virtualization Maturity Study

IT organizations are aggressively pursing virtualization as a way to consolidate servers, reduce costs, and improve business service levels. This study identifies production procedures and controls that are commonly implemented at different levels of virtualization maturity.

IT executives can compare their use of virtualization practices that are frequently used by other organizations that have similar virtualization objectives.

Study Highlight
Analysis of outcomes measures reveals that organizations at higher levels of virtualization maturity have higher performance in key areas of reduced sprawl and configuration variance, increased use of automation, and reduced operational risk.

Three tier maturity model of recommended IT Governance practices

IT governance practices promise to help IT manage resources to optimize business value. But this study finds that most organizations focus governance efforts on cost and risk reduction, compliance, and security. However, organizations with highest governance maturity are more focused on agility and supporting business initiatives.

IT executives can use this three-tiered model to assessment their use of governance practices that are tiered in increasing levels of performance impact.

Study Highlight
High maturity groups focus more on agility and supporting business initiatives than lower performing peers, and differentiate themselves with higher performance in four key areas of business value. 9 practices predict more than 25% variation in performance.

Strategic Alignment Performance Study

This study provides evidence that there are a few basic IT value archetypes. The data from 9 attributes indicate that organizations generally share one of three different sets of core purpose. Data on 49 alignment practices and 16 alignment performance measures also reveals a short list of practices that have the biggest impact on performance fore ach archetype group.

IT executives can use the study findings to profile their organization's archetype in order to assess and communicate business alignment in business strategy terms. You can also use the findings to ensure your organization is following proven practices optimize ongoing strategic alignment for your IT value archetype.

Study Highlight
There are three basic IT Value archetypes: 1) Utility Provider 2) Process Optimizer 3) Revenue Enabler. There are building block competencies that organizations should master as they shift from one archetype to another.

Change Configuration and Release Performance Study

We analyzed 57 industry best practices to determine their impact on 15 key performance measures. We identify 7 key performance drivers including 30 individual best practices that best predict performance improvement. Some of our findings confirm widely held beliefs. Other findings may surprise those pursing ITIL implementations.

This study provides hard evidence about specific change, configuration and release practices that best predict top levels of performance across 341 IT organizations studied. It offers detailed analysis of specific practices that should be implemented to achieve higher levels of performance. It links 7 key performance drivers to specific performance measures. It details the performance improvement potential for top, medium and low performers in the study.

Study Highlight
Change management is often identified as a logical starting point for ITIL implementations. However, release management should be the destination for those organizations wanting to achieve higher levels of performance from their efforts.

IT Controls Performance Study

We analyzed 63 COBIT controls to determine their impact on and 25 performance measures. We identified 21 Foundational Controls that improve operating performance. IT audit and operations can use the list of foundational controls to monitor compliance and operating performance improvement.

This study provides insights about which controls can improve performance. It helps build a compelling case for the improve payback on IT control and audit initiatives, by identifying key areas of control activity focus.

Study Highlight
IT audit and control related activities are not just a necessary requirement to meet regulatory requirements, but can actually improve operating performance!