In just about every web content management implementation one of the overarching goals is to reduce dependence on corporate I.T. Of course everyone loves I.T.,but we all know they are very busy and sometimes place the web as a lower priority item.

The onus is on marketing (generally the owner of website redesign and content management initiatives) to ensure an on time and on budget WCM implementation. So the key is how much support from IT is needed to ensure success. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Develop the requirements -The I.T. team should help develop or at a minimum vet the requirements of the new website. I.T. at the very least will challenge marketing to become very self sufficient within reason by asking for requirements that lessen the day to day burden on I.T.
2. Assistance writing the RFP-I.T. should write or at least review/approve all language in the RFP dealing with hosting infrastructure, licensing and time lines. The reason time lines are so crucial is that I.T. usually is called upon to integrate or sync applications during a WCM implementation. They will tell you quickly if the time lines established are realistic for them to meet.
3. Interview the vendor- I.T. should not choose the vendor but should be part of the interview process to push technology buttons.
4. Select the vendor -No doubt marketing should solicit feedback from I.T. on vendor selection but the choice should be 100% on marketing to choose. This is marketing’s responsibility and they need to choose the partner they feel they can work and succeed with. To many times I.T. chooses the vendor and then during a botched implementation you will hear “well I.T. picked that vendor.”
5. Engagement - During the engagement an I.T. representative to the project should be kept abreast of the project and perhaps be part of the web team.

Good luck during your next implementation and hopefully these tips will help.

Written by Tony Pietrocola