Post Merger Integration – Technology Strategy & Planning – Part 2

Once a detailed transition or integration plan is created, efforts at this point should consider:

Efficiency of Architecture: What is needed to bridge a particular gap between the baseline and vision?  Are architectural changes necessary and, if so, how will those changes be executed with little to no disruption to the business?   If integration is necessary, can a tertiary technology be introduced to simplify the effort?

Efficiency of Delivery:  Technology executives are familiar with the standard “buy vs. build” decision.  In today’s technology world, an additional decision point called “Assembly” is introduced.  There are many open-source and traditional closed-source technologies that can greatly speed implementation time and, in the case of open-source, can do so with minimal impact on the cost of implementation.  In the vast majority of environments today, the real decision is “buy vs. assemble” as building complex systems from scratch is usually not aligned with cost constraints.

Efficiency of Maintenance: Once the migration or integration is complete, how costly will it be to maintain?  Who will support the new system?  How will enhancements be prioritized and implemented?   Taking these questions into consideration in the early stages of an acquisition and understanding what can impact long-term maintenance costs is important for the success of any technology in an organization.

Of course, the overall efficiency of a company’s investment in any area is measured by ROI.  This often elusive quotient can be much more accurately calculated when stategies are understood and a detailed gap analysis is used to create a prioritized, solution-focused technology plan.  Optaros is experienced in helping companies navigate the technology pitfalls than can occur before, during and after an acquisition or merger.  Our proven track record and process for guiding these types of efforts helps our clients accomplish the difficult goals often necessary to realize the benefits of an acquisition with minimized contribution to increased technology costs.