Portfolio Rationalization Roadmap

What are we solving and why?
Our client’s environment is a collection of more than 300 applications in their Content and Editorial Systems portfolio that are supported across a wide variety of technology platforms. Because these applications have been built and acquired over the years through organic rather than managed growth, there are multiple environments and redundant systems. These applications and databases have not been completely integrated or eliminated and this has resulted in a very large system footprint with high ongoing costs to continue maintaining the legacy mainframe alongside modern technology platforms. 

Our client has a core set of content-based assets, however, the systems used to collect, process, and manage this data are not well suited to support the business objective. In the highly competitive and dynamic information services market, this client was greatly limited by the current systems environment.

What is the solution?
Alliance is working with our client to create a Technical Architecture and Roadmap to rationalize the application portfolio, consolidate the content repositories and processing systems in order to fully realize the cost saving and agility through a more nimble and simpler overall architecture. This enterprise architecture end state will position our client for continued growth and product innovation.

Alliance’s engagement includes:

• A rapid analysis phase including reviewing current documentation, ongoing projects and architectural plans
• A current and future state architecture definition
• An architecture work stream including services analysis
• A road mapping track that includes estimation, cost analysis and compilation of results

The key features include:

• Data consistency across lines of business and across geographies
• Streamlined content repositories to eliminate isolated data and reduce processing costs
• Nimble data services to enable new product innovations more quickly by sharing services
• Modernized systems and content formats for long-term supportability and flexibility

• Improved time to market enabling rapid delivery of new products and features
• Reduced total costs while continuing to provide first-class data products
• Easier content integration that combines our client’s and third-party content, enabling easier acquisition of content providers
• Adaptability to support the reuse of existing content and services and enable new revenue streams
• Global alignment which leverages products, systems, and process investments across international geographies