IT as a Service (ITaaS)

 
IT as a Service (ITaaS) is a technology-delivery method that treats IT as a commodity. Providing an enterprise with exactly the amount of hardware, software and support that it needs, the IT organization of an enterprise runs much like a business. With its business-centric focus, it operates as a distinct business entity creating products (including services) for the organizations, Line of Business (LOB), within the enterprise.

ITaaS is a very competitive business model where an enterprise IT organization views the LOBs as having many options for IT services and to become the provider in which the LOB chooses. As the chosen provider, the IT organization places great emphasis on the needs and outcomes required by the LOBs.

The benefits to the enterprise sought by using the ITaaS model include:

• the standardization and simplification of products delivered by IT
• improved financial transparency
• more direct association of costs to consumption
• increased IT operational efficiency
• Continuous monitoring of services
• Expert technical support
• Regular software upgrades and patches
• Guarantee of up-to-date hardware

The transformation of an internal IT organization from operating as a cost-center to an ITaaS model is also believed to produce improved levels of business agility for the enterprise as a whole.