There shall be a standard for end user support which defines minimum service level. The service desk must be part of an integrated system to continuously improve support quality by linking service desk functions to asset management, actual support functions and training. An applications architecture will define the way applications fit together, for instance identifying which applications, such as financial or electronic mail, are used across the City. This architecture should define which applications fall within the City's standards and which do not. Finally, the City will need to define an Information and Data Architecture .
Diverse development leads to systems which have self contained data structures.
The move to more integrated applications will need data models to achieve. Data is the way of assuring that applications are compatible and that information has value. Any data or application architecture must accommodate the City's stated direction of acquiring vanilla applications. Integrate IT investment with budget decision-making . Many IT decisions involve significant investments which often affect the ability of the organization as a whole to determine overall direction.