Companies that practice operational excellence in delivering internal IT services enjoy a distinct advantage over their competitors. Despite all the marketing hype from computer vendors about the latest technology or killer app, the true and lasting competitive edge from IT is achieved by a disciplined commitment to operational excellence in IT management. By applying a strict management discipline and following proven best practices, the IT function can be transformed from a difficult-to-manage cost center into a value-added service to the corporation. This approach has been proven to be a winning strategy throughout the highs and lows of business cycles, and it is an even more important discipline for companies weathering the storms of a recession.