Information Technology

After thoroughly reading the article, we can conclude that Information Technology is at a point where it has become a necessity for business and no longer offers any strategic advantages. This article takes a closer look at Carr’s reasoning behind for his argument that IT does not matter and analyze the validity.

The main argument which article makes is that IT has become so ubiquitous, universally used, that it’s use no longer offers any strategic advantages in business, being no more than a commodity, similar to electricity or the internal combustion engine (Steam engine). Therefore, IT Does Not Matter, as everybody has access to the same IT resources. During the growth phase of IT, many companies rushed to computerize their business functions. This was done at the cost of large capital investments, but was deemed to be a strategic necessity for survival. IT posed a strategic resource which could be exploited for huge financial gains, if used or used better than competing organizations.

• No business competitive / No strategic advantage: IT is really an "infrastructure" technology like electricity, the steam engine and the internal combustion engine, which is available to everyone so in turn giving no competitive advantage. Which ultimately devolves into commoditized ubiquity, like light bulbs and telephones?

• Infrastructure technologies: As opposed to proprietary technologies inherently preclude opportunity for sustainable competitive advantage.

• Widely Available: IT has become available to all. Their very power and presence have begun to transform them from potentially strategic resources into commodity factors of production. They are becoming costs of doing business that must be paid by all but provide distinction to none."

• Over spending: In the