Simple, complex and difficult

IT system lifecycle management (the discipline to which this blog is dedicated) is simple, complex and difficult.

ITSLM is simple in the sense that its principles can be explained easily.

ITSLM is a collection of techniques for identifying and controlling the development and operation of all the component parts of an IT system. This includes the entire lifecycle from conception through to retirement, and covers all aspects of the system including its documentation, software, hardware, infrastructure and all the processes and procedures necessary to ensure their efficient management.

ISTLM is complex because IT systems are growing larger and more complex in their make-up.

Individual services are made up from multiple systems, provided through multiple channels, to geographically and demographically divers users, through infrastructure that may be controlled by your organisation and others. Not only are systems increasingly complex but the method by which they are developed and operated are increasingly complex. Some services are supported by in-house developed and operated systems, others by systems developed in-house but operated by a service provided, others are supported by remove provisioning ('cloud' computing - a terrible catch-all phrase), and all manner of other combinations. These all result in highly complex systems with both technical interdependencies and contractual entanglements.

ITSLM is difficult in part because of the complexity, but mainly because many different people and organisations are involved.

People, and organisations, have their own motivations and agenda. ITSLM is often a discipline of mediation between differing, and sometimes conflicting, motives and agenda.