Information Security Management will be the most important initiative affecting IT strategy, investment and implementation in business organizations over the next 12-18 months, according to the AICPA 19th Annual Top Technology Initiatives survey.

IT Governance moved up the list from sixth to second place this year, reflecting the market’s renewed emphasis on corporate governance and responsibility.

“We believe this year’s list is reflective of our environment, with the top four technology initiatives relating to strategies that safeguard an organization’s assets and ensure its well being,” said Barry Melancon, president and CEO of the AICPA.

“This survey enables CPAs to stay up-to-date on the latest technology initiatives to advise their clients, customers and employers on the strategies they should consider undertaking,” Melancon said.

The AICPA poll was conducted in late 2007 with ISACA, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Information Technology Alliance (ITA). Respondents identified the Top 10 most important technology initiatives for 2008 as follows:

1. Information Security Management
2. IT Governance
3. Business Continuity Management and Disaster Recovery Planning
4. Privacy Management
5. Business Process Improvement, Workflow, and Process Exceptions Alerts
6. Identity and Access Management
7. Conforming to Assurance and Compliance Standards
8. Business Intelligence
9. Mobile and Remote Computing
10. Document, Forms, Content and Knowledge Management

IT Governance moved up the priority ranking to second place from sixth place last year. “Recent studies show that investors are willing to pay a premium of up to 20 percent more for shares of enterprises with reputations for good IT governance practices; properly governed IT is critical to an organization’s success,” said Lynn Lawton, International President of ISACA.

Business process improvement was number five on this year’s list, reflecting the significant focus placed on internal controls to reduce error and fraud by both public and private companies.

“Clearly, business process and workflow documentation has increased in importance within organizations today,” said Heriot Prentice, Director of Standards and Guidance for the IIA.

Mobile and remote computing was also cited as a priority. “Organizations are realizing substantial gains in efficiency and worker productivity through the extended office hours and increased flexibility that mobile and remote computing solutions bring,” said Ron Eagle, ITA President.

For a complete list of definitions and more information on the list, visit www.aicpa.org/toptech.

 

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