Setting up a remote outpost in a distributed IT organization

Adding a remote outpost to the central IT organization has proven to be very difficult challenge. When adding a new remote site, issues related to physical boundaries, technology, organization, culture and establishing trust need to be accounted for. Also, the modified organization needs to be put into the existing organizational context expressed through its strategic objectives. Before jumping into implementation, a strategic fit and a general economic analysis should be performed. Also, a communications framework between the central IT and the remote site resources and customers needs to be established. After the remote site needs are analyzed, a budget, scope and schedule need to be established. I f the project is approved, collaboration and knowledge exchange frameworks need to be implemented. This paper proposes the design and the sequence of the implementation process for adding a new remote site to the existing central IT organization.