Organisations need to implement suitable governance to ensure technology platforms are suitably controlled and managed, argues Freelance Consultant, Paul Taylor MBCS.
It goes without saying that technology is now critical for all areas of life and society. It is almost impossible to do anything without relying on technology in some way or another. It is also safe to say that this reliance will only continue to grow, a) as society continues to rely more and more on technology and b) as technology as a discipline expands with the addition of new capabilities such as artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning and the internet-of-things.
However, this growing reliance and dependence does cause several issues:
- Technology infrastructures are complex. They contain many different and interacting parts which need to work together to provide the service required. These individual parts cover wider areas such as the ‘pure’ technology elements (namely hardware and software), the processes to support the technology (such change and service management) and finally, the human individuals to operate and use the technology.
- Technology platforms support critical services. For example, power supplies, airports and shipping. Any issues with the technology could, at best, cause disruption or, at worse, a loss of life.
- Regulators are now very aware of this complexity and the critical nature of technology. They are therefore implementing legislation to ensure that infrastructures are a) sufficiently managed to reduce the likelihood of material problems and b) are used properly for legal and moral purposes, such as not trying to sell products to vulnerable individuals.
