Application Rationalization:
Reducing IT Costs and Driving Digital Transformation through Application Optimization

Start by creating a complete and transparent inventory of all existing applications across the organization. Go beyond just listing names – capture their key functions, ownership, integration points, and user base. A clear picture of your current landscape is the foundation for every decision that follows.

Assess each application thoroughly in terms of cost, business value, security posture, technical health, and user satisfaction. Identify redundancies, underutilized systems, and tools that no longer align with strategic goals. This stage provides the insight needed to separate high-value assets from those draining resources. 

Use the TIME model to categorize each application based on its performance and relevance. Be decisive and objective. The goal is to ensure that every application either contributes measurable value or is phased out responsibly. 

Put decisions into action through a structured execution plan. This may involve system consolidation, upgrades, or decommissioning. Communicate changes clearly to stakeholders and document results to maintain transparency and accountability. Success here depends on disciplined follow-through. 

Application rationalization isn’t a one-time exercise – it’s a continuous process. Regularly review the portfolio to adapt to new business needs, emerging technologies, and evolving security requirements. Ongoing optimization ensures your application landscape remains lean, secure, and strategically aligned.