Understanding current and future business needs is a challenging part of formulating an IT strategy.

Adapatability
The business environment changes all the time. Organizations are restructured, mergers and acquisitions change IT networks, new locations are opened, locations are consolidated, etc. This constant flux of changes need to be strategized.

Managing Cost
Thinking of IT as a cost center is a destructive way of looking at the value of IT. Metrics regarding the value provided need to be formulated and maintained on a periodic basis. The metrics can be useful in making decisions regarding change in the IT environment.

Aligning to the Business
Aligning to the business goals is an important aspect to a winning IT infrastructure. The executive needs to understand and appreciate business strategy and direction. Understanding scenarios in strategy allows the executive to plan ahead and make appropriate investments or cutbacks to align IT with the business.
The executive is in a unique position to know about the business and understand technological advances. The decision to find the balance in meeting business objectives using the right blend of technologies can be made.

Drive and sustain revenues
Technology can be used as an enabler for change. Technology can also be used as a competitive advantage. By create a manageable IT infrastructure using the Building Blocks of Manageability, the executive can find ways in which revenues of the business can be enhanced.