Optimization is a structured, systematic process for assessing an organization's IT infrastructure across capabilities in order to provide an optimization roadmap toward a Dynamic IT. The roadmap helps companies to define and implement optimization initiatives that will enable proactive, IT management and deliver cost and risk reductions across the IT organization. These optimization initiatives also enhance user needs and user experience in order to increase productivity and amplify the impact of employees. Infrastructure Optimization enables a business to realize the full value of its IT infrastructure investments and establishes IT as a strategic business asset that can facilitate innovation and help organizations respond quickly to change.

In order to help customers assess the effectiveness and potential of their IT infrastructure, create agility, and reduce costs, Microsoft® has developed Infrastructure Optimization models based on industry and analyst work. Infrastructure Optimization can be viewed in two perspectives:

Microsoft has developed a compelling white paper titled, "Taking the Lead: Gaining a Competitive Advantage Through an Optimized Infrastructure," that explains Optimization in detail and describes the competitive advantages and business value of infrastructure Optimization.