3.6. Is a standard client–vendor relationship possible for IT?
IT systems represent a complex mix of business functionality and technical constraints. This is as true for in-house systems as for off-the-shelf packages (see bottom of Figure 3.1). Neither party – IT or the business – has the combined expertise necessary to successfully complete each process alone. This is as valid upstream in the design and build phases as it is downstream for implementation and support.
IT in the enterprise falls squarely into the category of activities for which a standard client–vendor relationship is not possible. Note that this doesn't mean that a client–vendor relationship is not possible at all for IT (or indeed for the architect designing your house), only that it is a non-standard one, with a different approach, roles and responsibilities. These differences will be described in the following chapters.
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