Integration key to cutting costs

Computing reports on events at software firm CA's annual user conference in Las Vegas

Business must simplify and connect IT systems if they are to reduce costs and tackle regulatory compliance, according to the chief executive of CA.

Speaking at the opening of the enterprise IT management firm’s annual CA World user conference in Las Vegas, John Swainson said businesses are struggling with the complexity of IT and need to unify systems.

‘Firms are facing many challenges, including governance and compliance. They need to reduce costs and downtime, improve speed to market and reduce risk,’ Swainson told customers and partners attending the event.

Research from Mori released at the conference shows that two-thirds of businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their IT assets.

CA’s first annual IT management index, which surveyed 130 top businesses in the UK and Ireland, also shows that one-third of firms find it hard to get a single picture of their IT environment.

And while 90 per cent of those questioned believed that better IT asset management is vital for good corporate governance, only half say they have aligned IT performance metrics with their company’s business objectives.

During his keynote speech, Swainson announced that CA is simplifying its unwieldy product line to focus on ‘enterprise information technology management’, to help customers better manage IT.

‘Currently, managing IT is like trying to fly a 747 with a dozen pilots each focused on managing different systems,’ he said. ‘As a passenger, I wouldn’t be comfortable with this approach and I’m sure the airline wouldn’t be that happy with the cost structure.’

After a year of introspection, following its financial reporting scandal that has left former chief executive Sanjay Kumar facing charges of securities fraud, CA also held its largest ever number of launches, announcing 26 new products and services.

The company, which has appointed an entirely new management team since the crisis, says it is planning to regain its previous market stature through product development, international expansion and further acquisitions, building on those of Netegrity, iLumin and Niku.

‘CA is a company in the middle of a transformation, but we are going to set the pace for innovation in the industry and meet the demands of our customers,’ said Swainson.