Digital White Papers

I L T A W H I T E P A P E R | K N O W L E D G E M A N A G E M E N T 11 B I M O D A L I T : O P T I M I Z I N G F O R B O T H P R E D I C T A B L E A N D E X P L O R A T O R Y G O A L S What Is Bimodal IT? The concept of bimodal IT was first introduced by Gartner, a top IT research and advisory firm, in 2014. At its core, bimodal IT is a system for managing the two distinct styles of IT needs seen at most organizations. The theory of bimodal IT separates IT tasks into two modes: • Mode 1: IT work that is constantly being updated and improved so users can effectively perform their day-to-day jobs, such as infrastructure, systems, servers, networks and everything else that makes up the core foundation of the IT environment. Mode 1 work is typically predictable and plannable. • Mode 2: IT work that is more dynamic and innovative, aimed at differentiating the organization from its competitors and taking it into the future. In contrast with Mode 1, Mode 2 work is more exploratory and experimental and comes with far less certainty or predictability. The typical law firm has both Mode 1 and Mode 2 IT requirements, and both are essential to the firm's success while requiring drastically different solutions and processes. Bimodal IT is an attempt to formalize the management of, and bridge the gap between, these two competing modes without allowing either to overwhelm the organization. Other theories similarly divide IT into separate types, including DevOps, which incorporates more internal software development, and two-speed deployment, which involves fast-tracking certain technologies and deploying them before others. While each of these approaches may have its own merits and shortfalls, bimodal IT has proven to be a preferred approach for law firms focused on relieving the tension between their competing IT goals rather than venturing into software development and deployment models. Defining and separating the two different types of IT work can be highly beneficial. Mode 1 work is usually the most crucial for the existence of the business. Because it involves things like sensitive data and critical networks, the focus should be on safe, secure systems, rather than innovative new ideas that are not fully tested or may not operate as needed. Mode 2 work, on the other hand, can often afford to take on more risk and try new things. Bimodal IT attempts to manage those competing needs and find a way for the two contrasting environments to coexist in a way that benefits the firm as a whole. The Challenges of Bimodal IT Because bimodal IT can force the IT team to function around two different silos of work, one of the biggest struggles organizations face is finding a way to synchronize the two modes, managing both the foundational and the innovational work at the same time. Mode 1 focuses on shoring up your security and stability, while Mode 2 concentrates on enhancing innovation and speed of deployment. The question, then, is how a law firm can maintain an agile, innovative environment while still keeping the lights on and making sure the firm Bimodal IT attempts to manage those competing needs and find a way for the two contrasting environments to coexist in a way that benefits the firm as a whole.

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