A few years ago, I wrote a series of stories on IT strategy development. It was based on my experience in developing technology strategies across several different businesses. But since then, I think there have been some big changes and thought a quick update would be worthwhile.

A sluggish or unresponsive website might be a "first world problem" -- but it's one that web users take very seriously. If your company relies on online commerce, speed and reliability are absolutely imperative -- a slightly slower load time can result in customers taking their business elsewhere, never to return. This infographic looks at the different ways a slow website can burn a hole in your pocket.

We recently caught up with Australian professional poker player Joe Hachem who famously won the 2005 World Series of Poker to the tune of $7.5 million. Known for exhibiting extreme control during intense hands, Hachem has developed a playing style that works in real-life situations; particularly when it comes to high-stakes business scenarios.

With your high level strategy in place, it’s time to fill in some detail as to how you’re going to deliver. What else does the plan need in order to be accepted?

Knowing and understanding the needs of your business is one thing but delivering them is where the rubber hits the road for IT departments. Translating the requirements of key organizational stakeholders into solutions is a critical element of your IT strategic plan is where your team’s technical skills and delivery capability can shine.

Yesterday, we started looking at the process of developing an IT strategic plan. The first stage was about understanding the needs of the business. Armed with that knowledge, you can now embark on the next step -- planning how you’re going to meet those needs.