A technology roadmap identifies the implementation plans for new technology solutions and plans for how to maintain those that are already in place. It allows stakeholders and functional teams to see the requirements needed in order to reach the organizations technology goal and a clear use-case for it.
Every organization is different and roadmaps are usually customized to suit specific business imperatives and the users for which they are intended. Generally, however, roadmaps consist of the following key components:
• Initiatives and Goals
• New Technology Capabilities
• A Release Plan
• Implementation Milestones
• Required Resources
• Training Plans
• Risk Factors
• Ongoing Status Reports
The most effective roadmaps are those that have been developed with input from each the key stakeholders; this allows an organization to understand the needs and objectives across the entire enterprise for the new technology. Typically an IT manager will be responsible for creating and maintaining the roadmap.
