I was pleased to see Phil Young’s letter (We know IT, letters.computing.co.uk) in response to my article (Why it is time we made IT history, www.computing.co.uk/2226881).

Far from being outdated, my view that IT is merely a subsidiary component of an information system is sound – and timeless. IT always will be only a facilitator. Consequently, any value IT has can only be realised as a contribution to the broader value of an effective information system.

In response to Phil’s closing question, I say that perpetuating the myth of IT as a worthy equal partner of business is holding back far too many companies. Their focus is too often on hopes of exploiting the so-called business benefits of IT, while not paying enough attention to the other vital components of an effective system – organisation, people and process.

Too many businesses think in terms of IT, instead of effective systems. That is because our non-technical colleagues are often reluctant to think of themselves as part of a living system. We do not have to look far to find examples – many public sector IT initiatives have produced unexpected cost and disappointment. As an experienced troubleshooter, I also know that this problem is just as big, if not bigger, in the private sector – it is just harder to see from the outside.

It is time for us to move on from the IT paradigm. My message may be unpalatable to those who are comfortable with IT, but the progression will do us good and it will serve our stakeholders well.

Colin Beveridge