Why New Systems Fail

Performance problems, cost overruns and schedule delays occur in 60% of IT implementations, whether new, replacement or maintenance installations. Speaking to both novice and experienced IT consultants and users, IT expert Phil Simon diagnoses the dysfunction that leads to high failure rates. Using detailed case studies and expert explanations of technology management, he offers guidelines telling your organization how to adapt its IT projects to anticipate roadblocks and avoid catastrophe. He includes tables that organize the factors in making IT project decisions, delineate levels of project complexity, offer cost comparisons, summarize sources of failure, and illustrate instructive case studies. In addition to his insightful heuristics for analyzing complex projects, he shows why you might select certain vendors or off-the-shelf software tools. Simon provides rules of thumb – not technical absolutes – and offers an extensive, helpful glossary. This manual should remain useful and current until the next wave of IT infrastructure technology evolves with the advancement of cloud computing. getAbstract recommends Simon’s plain-English guide to avoiding IT implementation derailment to CIOs, technical officers, infrastructure managers, purchasing executives and anyone involved in IT implementation.