Application Rationalization Playbook Page 3
Introduction to Version 1.1
The Application Rationalization Playbook is designed to be an iterative document that
evolves over time to reflect agency learning and a changing federal information technology
(IT) landscape. Since the Playbook’s original release, many agencies have kicked-off their
own application rationalization efforts, stress-tested the plays at their agencies, and
provided ample feedback and suggestions to improve the Playbook. This updated version
incorporates feedback and input based on agency experience, sharpens and clarifies
concepts, and removes redundant or unnecessary language. Specifically, there is added
focus on the principles of Organizational Change Management (OCM), new agency case
studies and lessons learned, and updates based on new Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) policy and Administration guidance. It also includes information on the Application
Rationalization Data Dictionary, which aims to help agencies strategically and systematically
identify business applications and determine which should be kept, replaced, retired, or
consolidated.
Introduction to the Playbook
This playbook is a practical guide for application rationalization and IT portfolio
management. Application rationalization is the effort to strategically identify business
applications across an organization to determine which should be kept, replaced, retired, or
consolidated. This includes developing a detailed inventory, with attributes and functionality,
determining business value and total cost of ownership (TCO), and then comparing or
rationalizing that inventory of applications as a whole to eliminate redundancies, lower
costs, and maximize efficiency. Application rationalization helps Portfolio Managers improve
their agency’s approach to IT modernization. There is no one-size-fits-all application
rationalization process, rather agencies should tailor their approach to fit mission, business,
technology, human capital, and security needs.
Application rationalization drives improved IT portfolio management capabilities, empowers
leaders to make better decisions, and enhances the delivery of key mission and business
services. Successful application rationalization efforts require buy-in from critical
stakeholders across the enterprise, including senior leaders, IT staff, cybersecurity experts,
mission and program owners, financial practitioners, acquisition and procurement experts,
and end user communities. Rationalization efforts rely on leadership support and continual
engagement with stakeholders to deliver sustainable change. This playbook provides
simplified steps that break application rationalization down into component parts and it
addresses challenges and opportunities for IT leaders approaching application rationalization
for the first time.
This playbook is designed to be iterative, and agencies are encouraged to collaborate and
share best practices and lessons learned from their own application rationalization
experiences. For more information, please join the Cloud and Infrastructure Community of
Practice (C&I CoP). To learn and engage with C&I CoP, please email the Data Center and
Cloud Optimizat
ion Initiative (DCC
OI) Program
Management Offi
ce (PMO) at
[email protected]ov with your request to join.