Viable Systems Analysis of the Wardley IT Evolution Framework

Abstract

In enterprise technology a perennial challenge is reconciliation of “Slow” IT with “Fast” IT. Slow IT is focused on an organization's reliability, stability, and control. Fast IT is driven by innovation, exploration, and adaptation. Tension between Slow IT and Fast IT is inherent to technology, but accelerating business disruptions increase that tension and its consequences. This paper leverages the Viable Systems Model (VSM) to evaluate an IT delivery approach for integrating Slow IT with Fast IT: the Wardley Pioneer Settler Town Planner (PST) trimodal structure. This paper first reviews challenges in enterprise technology management, and the effects of current and emerging disruptions. It then reviews the Viable Systems Model as a tool for analysis of enterprise IT models. Potential obstacles to VSM use are considered, specifically regarding the practical application to enterprise IT management. Then Wardley PST is decomposed using VSM and analyzed to assess its impact on enterprise IT system viability. The VSM proves effective for analyzing future organizational health, and enables us to conclude that the Wardley PST trimodal framework is a viable system that can integrate Slow IT with Fast IT.