Information Technology is ubiquitous in organizations, but what distinguishes top-notch IT from merely adequate IT? Ask any two or more companies, or even any two executives at the same company, and you are likely to hear varying definitions of IT excellence. There is little doubt, however, that no matter what company they are part of, IT departments are increasingly being called upon to define and pursue excellence.

This article discussion, written by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), focuses on how leading companies enable IT to perform optimally. Includes interviews with Abbe Mulders, CIO, Dow Corning, and Ron Kifer, chief information officer (CIO) of the global nanotechnology manufacturer Applied Materials.