Introduction
Companies and organizations are always changing in terms of infrastructure development, staff and resource development and systems upgrade. This is in tandem with changing customer needs, expectations, and requirements. The main aim of the changes is to add more value to the company. To achieve this, a wide range of projects are first proposed to the management who then consider them for implementation. All the portfolios are then scrutinized and the best of them picked. This helps in setting the strategic plan of organizations. This paper describes the options available for implementation. The portfolios that are availed to the management for consideration include the introduction of new software, installation of wireless communication system, and design of company website for communication.
Model Company
XTEL COMPUTERS is the model company that is picked to aid in discussing the portfolios. Xtel is a software firm that deals with the development of off-shelves and desktop software. In addition to the above services, the company also maintains the software installed for its clients. Xtel has a client base that is composed of small retail outlets, private companies, and individuals. The head office of the company is in Mexico. Xtel has employed field engineers who are mainly outsourced and work on a contract basis.
It Portfolios
As a communication firm, clients are mainly captured and sustained with an efficient communication system. The design of an interactive client website is one of the projects to be considered as a tool for communication. The wireless system is also a robust idea that is excellent for communication in this digital world. Another proposal is a billing system that can facilitate the easy remittance of funds by clients and also aid in the payment of employees.
Strategies for Selection and Implementation
A web-based communication system is the best IT portfolio that is selected for implementation. As a software firm, the company has busy communication traffic and a web system fits best for it because of many reasons. The web-based system can be customized into being so interactive besides very quick responses being obtained from this system due to its interactive nature (Compuware Corporation. 2008). The quick response is aided by some default answers which are posted by the IT personnel and is an advantage above Fax, and mail system of communication. A web-based system also enables the posting of a large amount of information about the company.
This provides an avenue through which the company advertises itself and the services it offers. The company profile can also be made available to the public through the website. All these services cannot be supported by other convectional systems like telephony and paging service. An interactive website by definition offers a wide spectrum of client base from all over the world. This provides a wider chance and opportunity for expansion to the organization because anybody can reach this information through the internet.
More cash can also be obtained through the use of this system. This is practical through advertisements posted by other firms on this company website. The cash obtained at times exceeds the expense incurred by the company t maintain the website. The interactive web also enables remittance of cash through the internet. Services like credit cards and PayPal are supported by this means and it also provides a faster channel of feedback from clients and managers. Some of the expenditure that is incurred by companies on web-based communication is on permission to be hosted on the internet. This money is paid in annual installments. The company will also pay for software maintenance and system upgrade.
Most internet providers are good to work with because of many advantages. Many internet service providers(ISP) have after-sale services whereby they help to service and do repairs on the networks they have installed (Krigsman M. 2008). The implementation of a web-based system has the capability of cutting down on expenses by great margins. For instance: telephone and paging service would require round-the-clock operators and monthly (or year) line leasing fees, which are by far more expensive than internet connectivity fees. They would also require regular maintenance and repair. Internet-based communication on the other hand would only require modest fees to offset server fees charged by the ISP. The choice of a communication system is hence highly skewed in favor of an improved website.
The internet-based money transfer method is legal in Mexico as outlined in the National Development Plan of 1995- 2000. This plan provides an outline of incentives to be offered by the government to computer and software firms and the mechanisms of dealing with computer or cyber frauds (Krigsman M. 2008). Many software firms have crowded the market in this digital world. A website that can run on all platforms and is highly interactive and user-friendly becomes a must-visit site for every user. Xtel computers have therefore introduced Web system so as to be an edge above its competitors.
Conclusion
Strategic portfolio selection is very important for success. The first stage in this move is to receive all proposals from all sections of the firm. The management then picks on the best depending on the importance and urgency. Many IT portfolios are analyzed in the same format. Web-based communication is the best because of its ease of operation both to the management, clients, and employees.
Reference
Compuware Corporation. (2008). IT portfolio management. Web.
Krigsman M. (2008). Project portfolio management and IT governance. Web.