Introducing the Producers - FreePint Research Focus "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT"
Jinfo Blog

By Catherine Dhanjal

Abstract

As the FreePint Research Focus "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" launches this month we've interviewed the producers to ask them what subjects we can expect to see covered and how the Focus will help organisations to improve innovation and progress by improving relationships between experts in information services and information technology.

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As the FreePint Research Focus "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" launches, we ask the co-producers for their views on how the Research Focus will help information services and the IT department to work together better and to achieve mutual goals around the value of information in their businesses.

Articles, reviews, webinars and Communities of Practice on subjects from company culture to the digital workplace will help ensure information managers are at the heart of their organisation's strategy and helping to drive innovation and progress. 

FreePint: What's your background?

Steve Bynghall: Originally I came from an information science background, completing a post-graduate qualification in the mid-nineties. After that I worked in research, but soon found myself naturally gravitating towards knowledge management, and later the wider world of digital channels. The bulk of my work has been either working for or with professional services firms.  

When I've worked on implementing intranets, collaboration spaces or websites, I've often found myself as the liaison between the IT function and the rest of the business. Working with IT definitely has its rewards and challenges. The relationship with IT is critical, complex and fascinating. I'm really looking forward to bringing some of my observations to this series, as well as having my own perceptions challenged.  

Scott Vine: I've been working in information centres for over 25 years, both in public lending and reference libraries and in corporate information centres. This period has seen me be involved in global projects to refresh company internet and intranet sites; know-how platforms; plan and launch a current awareness platform; and launch and manage several online client services, including two of global law firm Clifford Chance's three Client Alerter services: Alerter: Communications & Media, and Alerter: Energy.

During this time I have had good (and not-so-good) working experiences with IT departments, and I hope to contribute to the Focus with my experience and views on how and what we can do to better communicate and bridge the gap between knowledge and information and IT.

FreePint: What will the Research Focus bring to readers?  

Steve Bynghall: The vast majority of subscribers to FreePint will be working with IT. When the relationship is difficult its often down to misunderstandings on both sides. I hope the "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" Focus will reduce misconceptions and give readers a better idea of what makes IT tick. It will also provide some practical examples and tips on how to work closely with IT. If the Focus results in a smoother project or a more rewarding working relationship then we'll have done our job!  

Scott Vine: I think the "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" Focus will be one that will resonate with knowledge and information workers. Hopefully it will also make us all reconsider our past and current relationships with IT and make us all realise that it's not always quite as simple as saying "It's the IT department's fault". I also think it will sit well with FreePint's own remit to empower and support information services teams to reposition their expertise at the heart of organisational strategy.

The Research Focus "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" runs from January-March 2016. Visit the Research Focus page to find out more and keep updated on the latest content, webinars and Communities of Practice.

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