The current structure and future strategy of a business must be aligned with both IS and business to ensure that information is properly utilised to its maximum potential within a business.

Business and IS alignment are important because:

1. It assures that all IT activities contribute to the goals, objectives and strategies of the business.
2. It encourages executives to become continuously involved in plans and decisions in the use of IT
3. It positions the IT organisation to best address the needs of the business.
4. It creates a customer-focused culture in the IT organisation.
5. It enhances awareness of the value of IT to the business.
6. It is critical to the successful deployment of IT in a business.
7. It improves productivity and the all-around efficiency of the organisation.