The Copperwood IT Strategy and Optimization Framework is a comprehensive set of integrated disciplines that exist in highly effective IT functions. The 6 disciplines found in effective IT Functions are:

• Planning: an enterprise IT planning process linking IT and business requirements
• Governance: A strong IT Governance process is operating to ensure that enterprise priorities are met
• Financials: Total cost and quantifiable value of the enterprise IT function is known and managed
• Organization: The IT function is viewed at an enterprise level instead of the department level
• Services: IT services are defined to meet customer requirements
  • Applications: Applications support enterprise-wide requirements
  • Infrastructure: A highly reliable IT infrastructure is in place
  • Performance Measurement and Reporting: performance reporting based on industry best practices have been established and are communicated to customers
  • Sourcing: Determine the optimal approaches for delivering IT services
• Communication: A comprehensive program to brand and market IT and its services throughout the enterprise