Burton Group recently published two popular reports on IT metrics, measuring IT’s business value, and justifying IT's value. The new reports target Data Management and the Software Development Life cycle perspectives.
I found Kirk Knoernschild's coverage of 'metriculation' a refreshing and healthy departure from the customary 'metrics bashing' or 'metric as a panacea' perspective espoused by others. A few key quotes:
"Many IT organizations are leery of using metrics. In some cases, such caution may be warranted, especially when metrics have been used deconstructively. Metriculation refers to the improper use of metrics. More succinctly, metriculation is when metrics lie."
"Although software teams may already capture specific metrics, it’s imperative that IT evaluates how well those metrics align with business objectives. It must be careful to avoid “metriculation,” where metrics convey misinformation."
"Internal IT metrics are a valuable tool for helping the IT organization improve its internal processes, but they aren’t much help when it comes to justifying investments. For that, the IT group must define metrics that measure its business value (i.e., the value that IT contributes to the business)."
For more information on metriculation and measuring value, read Kirk's blog entry and research report.
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