Information Technology

Information technology consulting (also called IT consulting, Computer consultancy, Computing consultancy, technology consulting business and technology services or IT advisory) is a field that focuses on advising businesses on how best to use information technology (IT processes, computer software, information systems, computer hardware, programming languages, and data constructs) to meet their business objectives. In addition to providing advice, IT consultancies often estimate, manage, implement, deploy, and administer IT systems on businesses' behalf, known as Outsourcing. There are different reasons why consultants are called in, such as: - To gain external, more objective advice and recommendations - To gain access to the consultants' specialized expertise - Temporary help during a one-time project - To outsource all or part of the IT services Five basic principles of IT consulting are: 1) Focus on the Relationship: Understanding the personality and expectations of client, client organization and all other stakeholders; 2) Clearly Defined Role: Defined roles and responsibilities for both clients, other stakeholders and consulting team; 3) Visualize Success: Helping the client see the end at the beginning; 4) "Consultant Advise, Business Decide" -- the Client is the best person to make their own decisions; 5) Be Oriented Towards Results: Ensuring that the solution addresses end user concerns, user training, implementation and maintenance constraints